I’ve been a big fan of Seesmic Desktop for quite some time now and have been wondering when and if they planned on releasing a Seesmic application for BlackBerry smartphones. @BRSDiddy just brought it to my attention that they have just released one!

Features:

• All your timelines
  Seesmic for BlackBerry groups all your Twitter timelines into one simple application. Whether you want to scroll through your friends timeline, check on a saved search, view a list or want to find a private conversation with a friend, everything is one click away from the main menu.
• Saved search and list support
  Searches and lists saved on your Twitter account are automatically imported and made available inside the BlackBerry application – a first for a Twitter application the BlackBerry.
• URL Shortening
  We integrated the same URL shortening capability than in our popular Desktop client. Just type a URL, press the shortening button and we’ll transform your long URL into a really small one so you have more space for your tweets.
• Background Notifications
  While it is running in the background, Seesmic for BlackBerry will alert you to received Direct Messages and @Replies that require your attention. This is done using the familiar system-wide icon notification bar that alerts you to new mail, sms messages and voicemails.

According to the Seesmic download page there are two versions available. A beta v1.0 for BlackBerry devices running OS 4.6 and higher, and an alpha v1.0b for the Tour 9630 and Storm 9500/9530/9520/9550. Right now there is no support for devices running OS 4.5 and lower.

To download Seesmic head to seesmic.com from your BlackBerry Browser or check out the product page here for more info. Since these applications are beta and alpha I would recommend first making a backup before installing them.  Also keep in mind that since these are beta and alpha versions they might not be perfect just yet so if you have feedback or need help email Seesmic at support@seesmic.com.

I’ve included some of the demonstration videos after the jump. Let me know how you like the Seesmic Twitter app in the comments!

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If you decided not to upgrade your BlackBerry Storm 9530 to Verizon’s OS 5.0.0.328, here is the latest OS 4.7 for your device.

Software For BlackBerry® Storm (TM) 9530 smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.7.0.244 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.7.0.244
Consisting of:

• Applications: 4.7.0.179
• Software Platform: 4.0.0.181
• File name: 9530AMEA_PBr4.7.0_rel244_PL4.0.0.181_A4.7.0.179_SaskTel.exe
• File size: 104.51MB

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

• Download: OS 4.7.0.179 for the Storm 9530 from SaskTel
• How To:
  • Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
  • Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

Please report any feedback/findings in the comments.

REMEMBER: It is recommended that you make a backup before attempting to upgrade your BlackBerry just in case something goes wrong during the upgrade process. *

Daniel Garcia is a web developer/software architect by day, rebellious tech-punk twenty-something by night. He is a contributing writer to BlackBerry Rocks! who reviews applications for BlackBerry devices, as well as shares the occasional tip for fellow Rockers. He has a BlackBerry Storm 9530, soon to be 9550. If you would like to know more about him, you can follow his Twitter account: @buzzedword.

Earlier this month, Verizon pushed out Bing for Mobile to all Storm handsets, as well as preloaded the software onto all new Storm 2 units. If you haven’t already heard, Bing is the new kid on the block to the search market, going toe to toe with the big dog: Google. Why should you be using Bing, instead of Google? Can’t say. I’m here to rock the BlackBerry, not worry about petty search wars.

Read the full review after the break.

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Elecite let me know that they have released a SICK-looking premium BlackBerry theme called Stasis.

Stasis offers some great animations with a hatch (which can open/close) in the center that shows you either six user-customizable icons or 5 quick access icons depending on which knob you selected. Besides for the hatch door animations this theme also has rotating vents and chambers.

Stasis is available for $6.99 and is compatible with the BlackBerry 8350, 8500, 8900, 9000, 9500 (OS 4.7 or 5.0), 9600 and 9700 series. I’ve included a video which demonstrates this theme’s animations after the jump. Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments!

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Early last week I started a contest where readers could win 1 of 100 free BlackBerry unlock codes from CellUnlock.net. Since then many of you have left comments but it looks like the limit wasn’t hit, so everyone who left a comment before 11:59PM EST on November 7th wins a free unlock code for their BlackBerry!

BlackBerry models this contest applies to: Pearl (8100/8110/8120), Pearl Flip (8220), Curve (8300/8310/8320/8520/8900), 8800, 8810, 8820, Bold (9000/9700), Storm (9500/9530/9550), Tour (9630).

Winners can expect and email from me or CellUnlock.net soon to get their info and process their code.

The guys over at BBOS found out that Pandora for BlackBerry has been updated with support for the recently released OS 5.0.

“Good news – we just put up the new Pandora 1.1.2 update for 5.0 operating systems including Storm 9530 on 5.0 and the new Storm 9550. Other non-5.0 devices will have to wait a few days before it will be available while we finish testing, however most of the changes in 1.1.2 are to support the 5.0 OS.”

As a reminder, Pandora Radio is a free personalized radio app that allows you to stream music right to your BlackBerry. For more info or to download Pandora visit pandora.com from your BlackBerry Browser.

Let me know how the updated version works for you in the comments!

Thanks to CellUnlock.net I have 100 BlackBerry unlock codes to give away!

Benefits of unlocking your BlackBerry include:

• No need to roam with your current sim when you travel. Purchase pre-paid sim cards when traveling. Many operators allow free incoming calls.
• Switch freely between service providers.
• Increase the resale value of your phone.
• 100% safe unlocking that does not interfere with the operation of your phone or warranty
• Absolutely no technical knowledge is required.

BlackBerry models this contest applies to: Pearl (8100/8110/8120), Pearl Flip (8220), Curve (8300/8310/8320/8520/8900), 8800, 8810, 8820, Bold (9000/9700), Storm (9500/9530/9550), Tour (9630). For more info visit CellUnlock.net.

CONTEST: For a chance to win 1 of 100 free BlackBerry unlock codes leave a comment on this post using a valid email address. Only leave one comment, duplicates will be ignored and will not increase your chances of winning. This contest will end at 11:59PM EST on Saturday, November 7th. Comments left after this time will not be considered. *

Yesterday I mentioned talking to a Verizon Assistant Manager who told me that the BlackBerry Storm2 would be launching on October 28th. Today Verizon and RIM have confirmed that launch date with an official announcement!

We pretty much already know everything about the Storm2 from the leaked info pamphlet, the  interactive user guide and the full list of features and specifications. Here is the official pricing and availability info:

The BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone is available beginning Oct. 28 for $179.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a voice plan with an Email and Web feature or an Email and Web for BlackBerry plan.  Customers will receive the mail-in rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.  Data plans for the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone begin at $29.99 when added to any Nationwide voice plan.

Also mentioned in this press release is the release of OS 5.0 for the Storm 9530, which was released late last night. For more info check out the full press release after the jump.

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Not even thirty minutes after I posted the leaked version @MoeStepp let me know that Verizon has made the official version available for download! Better late than never right?

OS 5.0.0.328 for the BlackBerry Storm 9530 is available for download through Desktop Manager or through Verizon’s BlackBerry software download site vzw.smithmicro.com/blackberry. I tested it and you can enter any number to get the download, it doesn’t have to be a Verizon number. Feel free to use the one I entered in the screenshot above.

I’ve included the full changelog after the jump. Let me know how you like this update in the comments!

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UPDATE This leak was officially released by Verizon. Click here for more info. *

I guess someone decided they couldn’t wait for it to go official . I’m not sure if this is the version that was meant to be released but click here to view the changelog of the official version.

• Download via MegaUpload: OS 5.0.0.328 for the Storm 9530
• How To:
  • Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
  • Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

Please report any feedback/findings in the comments.

DISCLAIMER: Install at your own risk. This is Leaked/Beta software that is not guaranteed to be stable, and therefore will not be supported by RIM or your wireless carrier should you run into some problems. As a precaution, if you decide to upgrade, it is highly recommended that you make a backup before using this software. If you are not comfortable using Leaked/Beta software you should probably wait for the next official release. *

Thanks @MoeStepp!