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. *

Yesterday Rogers updated their website to show the BlackBerry Bold 9700, today Bell has thrown their hat into the ring with their own website update!

The Bold 9700 is available from Bell with the following pricing options:

• 3 year contract – $229.95
• 2 year contract – $449.95
• 1 year contract – $549.95
• No contract – $599.95

On a 3 year term when activating a minimum voice and data plan combination or combo plan of $45 per month or greater.

@cellguru also found out that Bell already has them in stock! For more info visit the Bell website.

Yesterday RIM officially announced the BlackBerry Bold 9700 along with a bunch of carriers issuing their own press releases, some containing info on pricing and availability. Keep in mind that these press releases are similar with their announcement except for carrier-specific differences.

Check out the roundup after the jump. If you found an announcement from a carrier I haven’t mentioned yet let me know in the comments!

CONTINUE READING »

Yesterday I posted about the BlackBerry Bold 9700 becoming official with press releases from RIM, AT&T, Bell, Rogers and T-Mobile. The official worldwide launch will begin in November so you’ll want to know as much as you can about the 9700 if you don’t already.

Associated with the Bold 9700 press release was a features and specifications PDF which I’ve included as text after the jump, followed by a link to the PDF file in case you’d like to save it. Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments!

CONTINUE READING »

RIM, along with AT&T, Bell, Rogers and T-Mobile, have made the BlackBerry Bold 9700 official with an expected worldwide launch in November!

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone offers top-of-the-line performance, functionality and features with support for 3G HSDPA networks around the world, a next-generation (624 MHz) processor, 256 MB Flash memory, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi®, a 3.2MP camera and a sharp, dazzling display. Cutting edge engineering and premium finishes extend to the exterior of the handset as well, with a smoothly integrated touch-sensitive trackpad and a highly tactile, distinctive, fretted keyboard. The dark chrome frame and leatherette back add to the new smartphone’s sleek and elegant look, while the narrow profile, balanced weight and soft-touch sides allow it to feel incredibly comfortable in one hand.

“The BlackBerry Bold 9700 builds on the success of the original BlackBerry Bold with new, state-of-the-art features and a smaller, lighter and highly optimized design that looks, feels and performs great,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO, Research In Motion.

I don’t know about you but I can’t wait to get my hands on this awesome BlackBerry. For more info head over to blackberry.com/bold9700 or check out RIM’s press release after the jump.

CONTINUE READING »

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! *

FeedBerry has posted a video of the BlackBerry Onyx (aka Bold 2) 9700 in action, showing OS 5.0.0.208, the Trackpad, and the “leather” battery cover.

So far all we’ve heard about the Onyx are rumors. Originally the Driftwood/Onyx was said to be releasing on T-Mobile in September, but now TmoNews is reporting that a “trusted” source let them know that the Onyx will be launching during the first week of November. From September to November…this won’t be a fun wait .

The 9700 has already appeared in AT&T and Bell’s internal systems, so we should be seeing a launch for them as well.

If you happen to hear anything about this device feel free to share it in the comments. Or, if you’d like to share it anonymously, send it to tips@blackberryrocks.com.

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!