Before I get to the guide I just want to clarify that yes, I do realize the latest beta for BeejiveIM is v1.9.6 and v1.1.2 is an old beta. This guide is for those  BlackBerry users who prefer using BeejiveIM, don’t want to downgrade from OS 5.0 and don’t mind using an older beta version of BeejiveIM. Consider that you are already using leaked software (OS 5.0) so if you can’t IM with any apps other than BeejiveIM then this guide is for you.

@BRSDiddy sent me a some screenshots and details for how to get BeejiveIM Beta v1.1.2 to work with all OS 5.0 versions. He tried this method with the newer BeejiveIM betas, but it only worked with v1.1.2. If you’ve tried to open BeejiveIM with OS 5.0 you probably got a java language error and weren’t able to run it. This guide will help you get BeejiveIM beta to work on your BlackBerry running OS 5.0.

Since this guide is based on a beta BlackBerry application and leaked OS versions do this at your own risk and only if you’re comfortable with software that isn’t guaranteed to work. This is a temporary solution until RIM officially releases OS 5.0, followed by a compatible version of BeejiveIM from the guys over at Beejive.com.

CONTINUE READING »

Morrison (aka @moestepp) let me know that he has put together a video guide with instructions on how to install hybrid or beta OS versions using BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac.

I’ve transcribed the steps (below) for those that prefer text, but the video is better since it offers visual aide. The BlackBerry used for this tutorial is a Curve 8310 on AT&T. Do this at your own risk and only if you are comfortable with using beta/leaked software.

Morrison has also provided links to beta OS files in DMG format for use with a Mac computer. This method is mainly used for a hybrid OS upgrade. If you are using a beta “you would typically include the radio file in the same folder” (according to Morrison).

• 8330 5.0.0.230 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=G4VGQBM9
  
• 8900 5.0.0.238 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=V0IQRULX
  
• 9000 5.0.0.238 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=S3CMOBM2
  
• 9530 5.0.0.230 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PL31VO1W
  
• 9630 5.0.0.230 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=G1PURKUJ

Here are the steps for use with a hybrid:

1. Plug your BlackBerry into your MacBook with BlackBerry Desktop Manager running
2. Install the carrier recommended OS (in this case AT&T OS 4.5.0.110)
3. Reload the OS that the carrier recommended for the phone. This will download all the appropriate files that are required.
4. Have the hybrid OS handy (in this case 8330 OS 5.0.0.238)
5. Go to Hard Drive > Username > Library > Application Support > BlackBerry Desktop Manager > Device Applications > Folder with numbers and letters
6. Open the Java file containing the hybrid OS files
7. Select all the files in the hybrid OS folder
8. Drag and drop these files into the folder with numbers and letters found in step 5
9. When prompted to replace files, click on apply to all and then replace
10. Go to BlackBerry Desktop Manager (should be running in background) and click on Applications and click Check for Updates
11. It will say there are no new updates in the next screen. Click on Show Other Versions in this screen.
12. You will now find the carrier recommended OS that was installed in steps 2 and 3. Click on the radio button to the left so it is “selected” and then click on Select.
13. Click on Reload
14. You’re done!

The Desktop Manager for Mac will think it’s just reloading the current OS to the BlackBerry but since you copied over the files from the hybrid OS it will actually be loading a different OS. As always please make backups before attempting to install or upgrade anything.

If you decide to try this out let me know how it works for you in the comments!

It’s been a while since the WordPress Beta app for BlackBerry has been updated but a new version is now available. Version 0.9.0.157 includes the following changes:

• They’ve updated the comments UI and also added:
  • Gravatar support
  • Ability to open the URL of the author into the BB browser
  • A reply to comment feature, so you can moderate and respond all from the mobile device.
• On the Post and Page screens they’ve also updated the UI and added:
  • The ability to open the comment list for a specific post
  • Support for the post excerpt field
  • Support for custom fields

Support for Italian and French is also included along with SD card support to help out with memory usage.

To get the latest version go to blackberry.wordpress.org/install from your BlackBerry Browser or visit the main site for more info. If you already have this application installed it should automatically prompt you to upgrade to the latest version. Feel free to share your thoughts about the new version in the comments!

MLH Software let me know about a new beta BlackBerry application and desktop software they are working on called Blurts.

If you are like us, you sit in front of a PC most of the day with a BlackBerry in your pocket. Every time it rings you have to dig it out just to see who is calling, and you think to yourself, wouldn’t it be nice if the caller ID just popped up on my computer screen so I could see who is calling before going through the trouble to dig it out of my pocket?

Well that is exactly what Blurts is designed to do. A desktop app and a BlackBerry app talk via Bluetooth to display caller ID info and more.

I’m being told that this software might be available in two versions: a free version that will allow you to view alerts and a pro version with more features that will allow you to interact with those alerts (and more).

Here is a list of devices this software is available for (OS 4.2 and higher):

• BlackBerry Tour 9630
• BlackBerry Bold 9000 smartphone
• BlackBerry Storm smartphone
• BlackBerry Pearl Flip Series
• BlackBerry Curve 8300 Series
• BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone
• BlackBerry 8800 Series
• BlackBerry Pearl Series

In order to use the desktop software your PC must be Bluetooth enabled whether it’s internal or through a Bluetooth dongle/adapter. If you’re interested in becoming a beta tester send an email to beta@mlhsoftware.com and check out the product page for more info.

Are you a developer looking to get your application tested? Send an email to info@blackberryrocks.com with details!

My buddy @FabianMH has just opened up a public beta for the upcoming version of LaterDude Pro for BlackBerry!

LaterDude Pro v2.2.49 includes the following changes:

• English, Dutch, German, Spanish, Romanian and French Translation
• Application has an icon (found in the Downloads folder) for easier access to the Options
• Option if the Menu should be displayed in the whole system or only in the specific apps
• Select if you want to save the new event as Calendar, Task or be prompted
• Option to set as what you want to preselect the new entry (Call, Contact, Meet, SMS or eMail)
• Time and Date can be set from the pre-set buttons and also manually
• Free upgrade for previous users
• Many bugs fixed

As with all betas make sure you backup your data before installing. Install at your own risk and only if you’re comfortable with beta software.

Here’s how to join the beta:

• Purchase LaterDude Pro and remember the registration code. (If you already have it use your current registration code)
• Head to www.mobileutil.com/login and log in with username LDP and password munich.
• Download the beta v2.2.49 directly to your BlackBerry via OTA
• Once you have the app enter your registration code to unlock it
• Refer to the user manual at this link (PDF) for help with the app

Note: If you left a comment on the contest post you don’t need to purchase this app. You’ll find out why very soon .

If you decide you’d like to help with the development of LaterDude Pro and install the beta be sure to leave your findings (as detailed as possible) in the comments below so Fabian can know what needs fixing.

Are you a developer looking to get your application tested? Send an email to info@blackberryrocks.com with details!

Those of you that are running the leaked versions of OS 5.0 know that instant messaging applications aren’t working properly yet (or at all). My buddy @0mie was able to get his hands on leaked versions of BlackBerry instant messaging applications that should work with devices running OS 5.0.

A note from 0mie:

Sidenote: I was asked to make these OTA files, thus the vendor being 0mieTech; if you don’t like that…Plain and simple, don’t dL.

Also keep in mind that since these are leaked versions, you should make a backup and install these apps at your own risk and only if you are comfortable with using beta software.

• Download OTA:
  • AIM 5.0
  • Yahoo 5.0
  • GTalk 5.0
  • MSN 5.0
• How To:
  • Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
  • Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data

If not being able to use instant messaging apps was holding you back from trying OS 5.0 and now you want to, check out the BlackBerry OS page to see if OS 5.0 is available for your device.

via 0mieTech

It’s been a while since the BeejiveIM beta application for BlackBerry has been updated but Jim let me know that they have just released a new version!

New in BeejiveIM v1.9.6:

• file transfers via link, you can now transfer files to buddies on all IM accounts.
• push when app running in background (see preferences in app).
• send voice notes
• send GPS location (if supported by phone)
• new chat styles & background images
• new buddy list layouts
• improved battery life
• overall UI redesign
• various other bug fixes & enhancements

As always with beta applications install at your own risk and make sure you have a recent backup available! Before installing this version you must uninstall your current version and do a battery pull. This beta is not for the Storm or any BlackBerry running an OS below 4.2.1. A new beta version for the Storm will be available soon.

• Over the air (direct download to BB)
  
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.6_vga (4.6 OS and higher, VGA screen: Bold, Tour, 8900 Curve)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.6 (4.6 OS and higher, NON-VGA screen: 8220 Pearl Flip, 8350 Curve)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.3 (4.3 OS and higher)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.2.1 (4.2.1 OS and higher)
• Desktop Install
  
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.6_vga (4.6 OS and higher, VGA screen: Bold, Tour, 8900 Curve)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.6 (4.6 OS and higher, NON-VGA screen: 8220 Pearl Flip, 8350 Curve)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.3 (4.3 OS and higher)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.2.1 (4.2.1 OS and higher)

For more info and to submit feedback be sure to visit the BeejiveIM beta forums. Feel free to also leave some feedback in the comments.

UPDATE Thanks to benezblog, there is now a leaked version for other languages. Post updated below. *

Mac loving BlackBerry users, today’s your lucky day. CrackBerry Kevin has pointed out that a version of BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac has been leaked!

I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting the Mac version of BBDM. This BBDM for Mac is beta version 1.0.0 and because it’s leaked/beta software you should understand (before installing) that it isn’t guaranteed to be stable and might have bugs.

Install at your own risk. For more info about BBDM for Mac check out this sneak peak posted back in July or head on over to blackberry.com/mac.

• Download English version via
  • MegaUpload: BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac
  • RapidShare: BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac
• Download French, Italian, German, Spanish and Dutch version via
  • RapidShare: BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac

It’s been a few weeks since the last WordPress for BlackBerry update but version 0.9.0.149 has just been released with support for BIS and a few other changes/fixes:

• Added support for the “more” tag in both pages and posts
• Tweaks to the UI based on user feedback
• Most error messages are now localized
• App now work even when the device memory is set to “encryption mode on”

To download the WordPress Beta app for BlackBerry go to blackberry.wordpress.org/install from your BlackBerry Browser or visit the WordPress for BlackBerry page for more info.

Be sure to submit feedback at the WordPress for BlackBerry Forums to help with the development.

I first posted about the BBSAK desktop application back in early June, at which time it was pretty basic like JL_Cmdr. This update brings some great new features that I’m sure many of you will appreciate!

New to v1.3:

• New way to detect device implemented MUCH MORE efficient and accurate
• Radio is now temporarily disabled while backing up devices (turns back on when backup completed)
• Backup now creates .alx file (allows you to install from loader.exe/desktop manager) and wont give you trouble when using desktop manager
• Restore 3rd Party apps removed – with alx install in 1 step with loader.exe
• Ability to Read all Apps on the Blackberry (3rd party and stock)
• Ability to Save individual COD files (C:\Program Files\BBSAK\CODs\(App name)\cod file)
• Ability to Remove individual COD files (THEY WILL BE LOST FOR GOOD!)
• Ability to Load individual COD files (some require phone restarting others do not depends if app is running in background)
• Donate button! please donate if you appreciate our hard work!

Main Features:

• Wipe Blackberry leaving a 507 error
• Reset Blackberry to factory state removing any IT Policy
• Take Screenshots of your Blackberry (Screenshots stored in My Pictures\BBScreenies now)
• Auto-Detects if phone is plugged in first.
• Displays PIN so you know your connected.
• Will not let you do any actions until phone detected.
• Load OS will auto delete Vendor.xml and start Loader.exe. (BBDM is needed for this)
• Backup 3rd Party Apps*
• Restore 3rd Party Apps**
• *Save to Program Files\BBSAK\Backup (only 1 backup at a time) Will prompt to make rename if backup already exits (click ok to see folder for name change)
• **Restore within Loader.exe

This is a desktop computer application, not an on-device BlackBerry application. You can find more info and download links at the BBSAK RIMGeeks page.

Let me know what you think about BBSAK in the comments!