The File name is different according to the BlackBerry model you choose, just in case. Not sure how different this is from OS 4.5.0.161, so if you notice any differences let me know in the comments!

BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.5.0.255 (EastAsia)

Package Version: 4.5.0.255
Consisting of:

• Applications: 4.5.0.162
• Software Platform: 2.7.0.103
• File name: 8100EastAsia_PBr4.5.0_rel255_PL2.7.0.103_A4.5.0.162_Vodafone_Essar_Limited.exe
• File size: 89.67MB

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

• Download: OS 4.5.0.162 for the BlackBerry Pearl (8100,8110,8120), Curve (8300,8310,8320) and 8700 from Vodafone Essar Limited
  
• How To: Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

REMEMBER: Install at your own risk. Always make backups before making major changes/upgrades/downgrades to your BlackBerry.

Here’s a nice looking theme called Colorful Berry for the BlackBerry Curve 8300 series by T4BB member nelsongruber, free for all to download.

This theme would go great with a colored BlackBerry case or skin.

• Download Bottom Dock version OTA:
  • OS 4.2
  • OS 4.3
  • OS 4.5
• Download L Shape version OTA:
  • OS 4.2
  • OS 4.3
  • OS 4.5
• Info: Colorful Berry for the Curve 8300 series theme page
• How To: Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data

Just came across another streaming radio application for BlackBerry called Live365, currently in open Beta.

Live 365 allows you to listen to thousands of commercial-free stations on your BlackBerry and includes a free VIP trial.

• Listen to Live365 in your car
• Connects with your cell data plan or wi-fi
• Artist and track info with album artwork
• Unlimited presets synced to the website
• Multiple skins/themes

Live365 Radio should work on the following devices running OS 4.5 and higher with at least 1mb of free memory in either the device or media card:

• Bold 9000
• Pearl 8703, 8700, 8120, 8130, 8100, 7130a
• Curve 8330, 8320, 8310, 8300
• 8800, 8820, 8830
• Does not currently work on the Verizon Storm. Touch screen version in development.

Although the Curve 8900 is not listed I was able to successfully install and use it without a problem (so far).

Download it now OTA by visiting live365.com/mobile from your BlackBerry Browser (must have JavaScript enabled) or visit the Live365 BlackBerry page for more info.

My buddy Hedone Hawker (aka Hedone Design) let me know that he has just released his latest BlackBerry theme called FutureX.

Features:

• Sharp icons
• Great design
• 15 icons in 3 groups without loosing BB’s speed
• wallpaper friendly
• User customizable homescreen icons

All the icons in each group are customizable and you can change the wallpaper to any you would like.

This theme is available for $6.99 in the store and will work with the BlackBerry Curve 8300 series, 8800 series, Curve 8900, Bold and Storm all on OS 4.5 and higher.

Check out a video by Hedone after the jump to see this theme in action.

CONTINUE READING »

The File name is different according to the BlackBerry model you choose, just in case.

BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.5.0.254 (EastAsia)

Package Version: 4.5.0.254
Consisting of:

• Applications: 4.5.0.161
• Software Platform: 2.7.0.105
• File name: 8100EastAsia_PBr4.5.0_rel254_PL2.7.0.105_A4.5.0.161_Hutchison.exe
• File size: 90.04MB

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

• Download: OS 4.5.0.161 for the BlackBerry Pearl (8100,8110,8120), Curve (8300,8310,8320), 8800 and 8820 From Hutchison
• How To: Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

REMEMBER: Install at your own risk. Always make backups before making major changes/upgrades/downgrades to your BlackBerry.

Here are two good-looking free themes for the BlackBerry Curve 8300 series.

• How To:
  • Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data
  • Install Applications and Themes via Desktop Manager

Stoked by Natro

• Download: OTA | ZIP
• Info: Stoked by Natro Theme Page

Heart & Teal Vector (OS 4.5)

• Download: OTA
• Info: Heart & Teal Vector Theme Page

Miguel let me know that RealNetworks has just released a free RealPlayer SP Beta application that converts videos for BlackBerry!

RealPlayer SP automatically converts video for playback on the powerful media player that comes on BlackBerry smartphones, delivering clear and vibrant video with great sound quality. And with microSD cards that currently support up to 16 GB per card, customers can easily expand storage to carry more videos wherever they go.

That’s awesome!

RealPlayer SP Beta is currently available for the BlackBerry 8800 series, Curve series (including 8900), Bold and Storm series. It is available as a free download from RealPlayer.com with support for h.264 video conversion, DVD playback, and DVD burning for those who upgrade to RealPlayer Plus SP at a one-time cost of $39.99.

Let me know how this works for you!

Full press release after the jump.

CONTINUE READING »

QuickLaunch version 2.08 is now available for the BlackBerry Curve 8300 series!

QuickLaunch is an application that I use every day because of its functionality and how it makes it easy to quickly launch things (haha). Here are the new features in version 2.0:

• Backup / Restore to .txt fil
• Built-in Screen Capture function
• Launch Media Explorer
• Integrated Google, Wikipedia and Dictionary dot com search
• Create Custom Submenus
• More apps and functions to Add
• Display Current Temperature
• Add Items Alphabetically
• Easier Setup with Installed Applications List
• Volume Button Scrolling
• 3 Font sizes – Small, medium and large
• System Menu Integration
• Improved Performance

Users who purchased QuickLaunch after April 1st will be eligible for a free upgrade, those who purchased it before that date can upgrade for $1.99.

If you haven’t purchased it yet, you can get it for $4.99 in the store or from the on-device Mobile App Store. The same applies for anyone who would like to upgrade from their previous version.

I highly recommend this application to everyone who owns a BlackBerry. Let me know what you think of it in the comments!

The free Shortcovers eBook application for BlackBerry has been updated to version 1.3.500.

Shortcovers is an application that allows you to discover thousands of bestselling books, chapters, news and magazine articles, short stories, blog posts and more. I’m not sure what was updated in this version but here are the current features:

• Instant access to the newest books, hottest authors and most popular blogs
• Use the web or your Blackberry mobile device, anytime and anyplace
• Sample for Free, then opt to purchase a chapter or full eBooks
• Share your favorite reads with friends, family or create & write your own “shortcover”

Shortcovers is currently available for the BlackBerry Curve, Bold, Storm and 8000 series except for Pearl, Pearl Flip and 8700 which will have versions shortly.

• Download/Info: Shortcovers
• How To:
  • Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data
  • Install Applications and Themes via Desktop Manager

* UPDATE Comments submitted after 12AM EST on June 18th will not count. *

BAK2u let me know that PhoneBAKup has been officially released for BlackBerry and have given me 20 free copies to give away!

PhoneBAKup allows you to backup and restore your BlackBerry entirely Over-The-Air with a daily, weekly or monthly schedule. Easily backup all your device’s Address Book, Task, Calendar and MemoList to any predefined email address, all automatically.

Features:

• Backup: Just schedule the time ONCE to backup and it will run on the background, sending all the important data hassle free, daily, weekly or monthly. Backup to the storage card or Backup and Email directly to selected email address
• Restore: Simply download the backup files from the email to the device’s storage card and with a click, restore back all the vital information easily.
• Information can be restored to other devices as long as there is PhoneBAKup program running.

PhoneBAKup is available in the store for a one-time cost of $19.90 with a free trial available, no subscriptions or annual fees. You can also find it in the Mobile App Store soon.

This application is compatible with the BlackBerry Pearl (8100,8110,8120), Pearl Flip (8200,8220), Curve (8300,8310,8320), 8700 C/G/R, 8707 G/V,  8800, 8820, 8830, Curve 8900, Bold 9000 and the Storm 9500.

* The Giveaway Thanks to BAK2u I have 20 free copies of PhoneBAKup to give away. All you have to do to be considered is leave a comment on this post saying how useful you’d find this application! It doesn’t have to be an elaborate explanation, either.

This will end June 18th at 12AM EST and winners will be selected and announced later that day. Please use a valid email when leaving a comment so I can contact you if you are chosen. Good luck! *