Earlier this week I started a contest for a chance to win 25 free copies of the Textender application. Here are the winners of that contest!

• Stephanie
• Kevin Allen
• lelesworld
• markladams
• Michelle Pontrelli Stewart
• nfldberryguy
• thenig
• skyclever
• KCarey
• luis101
• shockaholic
• jaywathorne
• Gordon Morgolese
• beri
• Marie-Claire
• PoppaButch
• Quenfis
• Shades
• jay916
• JoeUser99
• Raz Garcia
• MaryD
• ewanjrc
• mog386
• naillady_1

Congrats to the winners! You can expect an email from me by the end of the weekend with info on how to get your free copy. For those that missed this contest, Textender is currently on sale for $1.49 until October 31st in case you still wanted this application. Be sure to follow me on Twitter or subscribe to the feed so you don’t miss future contests and giveaways!

Just wanted to remind everyone to get their comments in before 12AM tonight for a chance to win a free copy of Textender.

Recap of the features:

• Send messages
  

  beyond 140/160 characters

• Send to up to 6 recipients at any given time
• Can be accessed while composing a text/sms
• Stand alone app which can be assigned to a convenience key
• Displays a message count so the user is aware how many messages they are sending
• Sent messages will be saved as one whole message in native message app on the BlackBerry
• **Please Note: Your carrier will still charge you for the total number of messages sent, not for one message each time Textender is used**

For more info and to leave your comment head to the original contest post. Contest winners will be announced tomorrow afternoon.

@cipriani15 let me know about a new BlackBerry application he just released called Textender.

Textender basically extends the SMS character limit beyond the standard 140/160, allowing you to send longer SMS messages at once. This app will work for BlackBerry devices on CDMA networks including Verizon, Sprint, Alltel, U.S. Cellular, Bell, Telus, Cricket, and MetroPCS.

Features:

• Send messages beyond 140/160 characters
• Send to up to 6 recipients at any given time
• Can be accessed while composing a text/sms
• Stand alone app which can be assigned to a convenience key
• Displays a message count so the user is aware how many messages they are sending
• Sent messages will be saved as one whole message in native message app on the BlackBerry
• **Please Note: Your carrier will still charge you for the total number of messages sent, not for one message each time Textender is used**

Textender is available for $1.49 until October 31st, after that it will go up to $2.99. This app will work on all BlackBerry devices running OS 4.5 and higher.

CONTEST: I have 25 free copies of Textender to give away! Simply leave a comment on this post before Friday October 2nd at 12AM ET for a chance to win a copy. Good luck! *

Software For BlackBerry® Pearl Flip (TM) 8230 smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.6.1.422 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.6.1.422
Consisting of:

• Applications: 4.6.1.284
• Software Platform: 3.3.0.92
• File name: 8230mAMEA_PBr4.6.1_rel422_PL3.3.0.92_A4.6.1.284_Alltel.exe
• File size: 90.57MB

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

• Download: OS 4.6.1.284 for the Pearl Flip 8230 from Alltel
• How To:
  • Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
  • Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

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. *

Software For BlackBerry® Pearl (TM) 8130 smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.5.0.281 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.5.0.281
Consisting of:

* Applications: 4.5.0.169
* Software Platform: 3.4.0.51
* File name: 8130uAMEA_PBr4.5.0_rel281_PL3.4.0.51_A4.5.0.169_Alltel.exe
* File size: 88.02MB

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

• Download: OS 4.5.0.169 for the Pearl 8130 from Alltel
• How To:
  • Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
  • Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

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. *

Today is day 2 of BlackBerry Tour Week! The Deal-of-the-Day today is for Beyond160, an application that allows you to type more than 160 character text messages.

• A must-have application for users on Verizon, Sprint, Alltel, U.S. Cellular, Bell, Telus, and all other CDMA carriers with a 160 (or 140) character limit when composing a text message.
• Field full? Simply hit Menu –> Go Beyond160 and continue typing as much as you want.
• Make your message as long as you want and Beyond160 will automatically send it in multiple parts with the appropriate markers… (1/3), (2/3), (3/3).
• Sent messages will go to your normal Outbox.
• Saved drafts will go to your normal Inbox.
• Send to one recipient, multiple recipients, or even contact groups you’ve created.
• If you’re tired of re-wording your text to try and make it fit… If you’re tired of creating another message just to finish your thoughts… If you’re tired of switching to MMS and not knowing if they’ll receive it… Then get Beyond160 and experience the freedom!
• Beyond160 will also work with QuickText, if installed, so try them both for the ultimate in texting efficiency.
• Fully Operational 14 Day Trial Period
• PLEASE NOTE – Each message part is just like a normal SMS text message sent from your BlackBerry. So, if you don’t have an unlimited text messaging plan, then carrier charges may apply. For example… If you type a message that is 350 characters long, Beyond160 will send it in 3 parts, which is the same as sending 3 individual text messages.

This application will work with any BlackBerry running OS 4.2 and higher.

Beyond160 is normally priced at $6.99, but until 12AM CST tonight you can get it for 50% off at $3.49. A free trial is available for anyone that wants to try it before they buy it.

To make sure you don’t miss any of these deals you can download the BBRocks! Mobile AppStore and get them straight to your BlackBerry!

It’s been a while since the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 got an OS update. Big thanks to @ghozali!

Software For BlackBerry® Pearl (TM) 8130 smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.5.0.253 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.5.0.253
Consisting of:

• Applications: 4.5.0.160
• Software Platform: 3.4.0.41
• File name: 8130uAMEA_PBr4.5.0_rel253_PL3.4.0.41_A4.5.0.160_Alltel.exe
• File size: 88MB

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

• Download: OS 4.5.0.160 for the Pearl 8130 from Alltel
• How To:
  • Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
  • Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

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

Evernote let me know that their free BlackBerry application is now available for the Curve 8300, 8310, 8320, 8330, and 8350i. Evernote was originally only available for the Curve 8900, Bold and Storm.

Features

• Create and edit new notes on the fly
• Snap a photo right into your account
• Record a quick voice memo
• Attach files to notes
• Search and find all of your notes

Evernote is compatible with all models of the BlackBerry Curve, Bold and Storm on Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Nextel, Alltel, British Telecom, Vodafone UK and Rogers.

You can download it now from the BlackBerry App World or visit the Evernote for BlackBerry page for more info and direct OTA or ZIP download links.

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

Some highlights from the press release:

• With wireless customers craving both style and functionality, Alltel Wireless announced today that the BlackBerry® Pearl™ Flip 8230 smartphone from Research In Motion (RIM) will be available in retail stores and online at alltel.com beginning in early May. This stylish and compact smartphone puts customers in control of how, when and where they communicate and joins Alltel’s impressive spring line-up of phones that make perfect gifts for moms, dads and recent grads.
• Featuring a large SureType® QWERTY keyboard, an intuitive user interface with trackball navigation, built-in GPS with BlackBerry® Maps preloaded and support for locations based applications and services, and a 2 MP camera able to record video*, the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 smartphone is packed with powerful features, yet sleek enough to slip easily into a purse or pocket.
• Alltel Wireless is offering the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 smartphone for $79.99, after a $70 mail-in rebate, at Alltel retail stores and online at shopalltel.com. This discounted price is available to new and existing eligible customers who sign-up for a two-year service agreement on a qualifying Smart Choice Pack. Smart Choice Packs start as low as $69.99 per month and include unlimited data, email and Web access. Alltel has also announced that the BlackBerry Curve 8330 smartphone is now available for $49.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate, and the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 smartphone is free after $100 mail-in rebate.

Read the full press release after the jump.

CONTINUE READING »

*UPDATE* Here are some photos of Pongr in action on my BlackBerry Curve 8900. I noticed that using the Barcode search results in more desirable prices, probably because it is more precise. Let me know if you try it out!

Just found out about a cool new BlackBerry application called Pongr. This application basically helps you find the best price available for a certain product, like books, movies, music, and video games, etc. This application is currently in public beta and is FREE!

The way it works is you take a photo of the product, email it to ping@pongr.com or send a text to SHOPP (74677), then Pongr will send back a list of the best prices and websites where you can purchase your item right to your BlackBerry. Nice!

• Download: http://blackberry.pongr.com/
• Info: http://pongr.com/

Read the press release after the jump.

CONTINUE READING »