Since I posted the BlackBerry Bold 9700 unboxing video many of you sent me some emails about problems with the battery door. I’ll admit at first it was a bit weird to deal with but once you know how to do it, it couldn’t be easier.

I’ve put together a quick video showing how to easily remove and replace the Bold 9700 battery door in a few ways. Check it out above and let me know if it helped you in the comments.

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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This leaked OS just came to my attention but it looks like whoever uploaded it ran out of download slots for free users. It says you can try again later so keep on eye on the RapidShare page for when a download slot opens up. I’ll see if I can find alternative download links.

• Download via RapidShare: OS 5.0.0.351 for the BlackBerry Bold 9700
• 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. *

Here’s a great looking theme by CB member VinceThePrice called ONYXia v1.4, available for the BlackBerry Curve 8900, Tour 9630, Bold 9000 and 9700.

Features:

• simple, yet professional-looking design
• 12 main icons + 6 side icons for folders / option-related apps (look at the screenshot example to get an idea)
• theme studio 5.0 transitions
• hidden today
• dedicated weather icon (place weather app in the first column of row four in the app screen aka. 19th slot)
• launch QuickLaunch with the space key, and launch SMS And MMS with the dollar sign key
• homescreen is wallpaper-friendly

While these theme may not be fully skinned it definitely offers some great features and will give your compatible BlackBerry a good look. Download ONYXia v1.4:

• Bold 9700/Tour 9630/Curve 8900:
  • OS 5.0 OTA: Click here
  • OS 4.7 OTA: Click here
    
• Bold 9000:
  • OS 5.0 OTA: Click here
  • OS 4.6 OTA: Click here
• Info: ONYXia v1.4 Theme Page
• How To: Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data

As soon as I received my BlackBerry Bold 9700 from T-Mobile I whipped out my camera and did a quick unboxing video. In this video you’ll see what you can expect to find in the box if you decide to get the 9700.

This is my second unboxing video and, unlike the last one, I actually talk as I go through the box’s contents. If you have any feedback or would like to see more in these kinds of videos feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments.

By the way, in case you missed it earlier, the T-Mobile Bold 9700 is now available in the BBRocks! Smartphone Store.

The T-Mobile BlackBerry Bold 9700 is now available for purchase in the BBRocks! Smartphone Store!

If you haven’t gotten one yet here’s your chance to save an extra $50 when purchasing the Bold 9700 with a new 2 year contract from our store for $149.99, compared to $199.99 if you get it from T-Mobile. If you’re already a T-Mobile customer you can get it for the same price as a new activation if you extend your contract by 2 years. The retail price is the same so without a contract it will still be $449.99.

Visit the  BBRocks! Smartphone Store for more details and to purchase the T-Mobile Bold 9700.

Telus recently announced the BlackBerry Bold 9700 and today have added the Storm2 9550 to their inventory as well. Pricing info for the Telus Storm2 9550:

• $599.99 – No contract
• $549.99 – 1 year contract
• $499.99 – 2 year contract
• $199.99 – 3 year contract

That’s quite a jump in price between getting the Storm2 with a 3 year contract or a 2 year contract. They obviously want you to commit 3 years of your cellular life to them .

Learn more about the Storm2:

• BlackBerry 101 Interactive User Guide
• Features & Specifications (PDF Included)

For more info and to order the BlackBerry Storm2 9550 from Telus click here.

I’m a big fan of BeejiveIM so I was happy to find out that they would be pushing out a beta update that will support OS 5.0, especially since my BlackBerry Bold 9700 should be coming in today .

Here’s the forum post from Jim over at Beejive (keep in mind that this was posted last week):

Quick update, we’re planning on getting a new beta for BlackBerry out next week including support for the 5.0 OS. Sorry all for the delay on this!

An earlier forum post by Jim says that they are working on version 1.9.7 which will be the version that supports OS 5.0. This update will be available for all BlackBerry devices running OS 4.2.1 to 5.0 including the Storm! Storm users should definitely be excited since their last beta update was back in July.

Big thanks to sgt-d from mcpfx for letting me know!

This is not the latest official OS for the Bold 9700, but here it is for those who prefer using their own carriers software.  The latest is 5.0.0.344 from Bell. A few things that are odd to me: US carriers don’t usually have the latest official OS, AT&T has released this software but their Bold 9700 is not (generally) available, T-Mobile already launched theirs but they have yet to update their site with their own Bold 9700 software. Fails all around!

Software For BlackBerry® Bold (TM) 9700 smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v5.0.0.463 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 5.0.0.463
Consisting of:

• Applications: 5.0.0.296
• Software Platform: 5.1.0.83
• File name: 9700M_PBr5.0.0_rel463_PL5.1.0.83_A5.0.0.296_AT_amp_T.exe
• File size: 136.51MB

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

• Download: OS 5.0.0.296 for the Bold 9700 from AT&T
• 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. *

AT&T has announced the BlackBerry Curve 8520 as being “available in the coming weeks.” Earlier today I let you know that AT&T would be launching the BlackBerry Bold 9700 on November 22nd but CrackBerry Bla1ze found out that customers with a business account can buy it as of today in addition to it being available through the AT&T Premier site.

Since the Bold 9700 is (generally) launching before the Curve 8520, I’m wondering if it will affect the Curve 8520’s sales especially with all the 9700 hype. Of course, the two devices are different in various ways so personal preference (or even the price tag) will be some deciding factors, even though the Bold 9700 is supposed to be the best BlackBerry yet. Decisions, decisions…

Curve 8520 pricing info:

The BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone will be available in the coming weeks for $99.99 after mail-in rebate. (Pay $199.99 and receive $100 AT&T Promotion Card. 2-year agreement on a min. $69.99 plan required.) AT&T smartphones require the purchase of a monthly data plan. Other monthly charges apply.

For more info about the Curve 8520 check out the AT&T press release after the jump.

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