iblipped.com has released an application that aims to provide accurate service provider coverage data with the help of GPS enabled BlackBerry users who install the iblipped app.

If you’ve ever wonder exactly how accurate your service provider coverage maps were and even doubted them at times, by installing the iblipped BlackBerry app you will be able to provide cell coverage in your area to iblipped, which they then use to update their coverage map (like the one seen above).

The app doesn’t actually have a coverage map since it’s just meant to gather data, and because of this may use up your battery more quickly since it uses GPS and data to connect to the iblipped servers. Of course you don’t always have to have the app turned on, and having a car charger may help if you have it on while traveling.

Features:

• Works for both CDMA and UMTS carriers
• Signal Strength mapping using GPS
• Time or Distance based based recording
• Ability to halt/resume gathering
• Displays cell site information
• Upload signal strength to a website for analysis
• Uploading data through email.

iblipped is available as a a free download in the store. If you try it out let me know how it affected your battery and if you benefited from the coverage maps available at iblipped.com.

BlackBerry unlocking company CellfServices.com let me know that they are having a Twitter contest where you can win a free unlock code for your device in exchange for a Tweet.

Until 11:59PM EST tonight you can send a Tweet to @cellfservices in the following format, replacing the proper fields with your device’s info:

@cellfservices FREE BLACKBERRY UNLOCK CODES! IMEI: (15 digit imei no slashes no periods) Model: (ex. 8320) Carrier: (ex. Rogers)

Although this offer is only for BlackBerry users on AT&T, Rogers and T-Mobile networks, CellfServices also has discounted unlock codes for CDMA devices which you can read more about here, along with more info about this giveaway.

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! *

@Salomondrin is definitely off to a great start with his new blog, The Cool Guy Report. Today Sal shares with us some info about a few of the upcoming BlackBerry devices:

1) Blackberry Essex:

It’s a 3G/CDMA/WiFi new version of the already released Blackberry Tour. Aside from the WiFi it comes with a Trackpad and a little “extra surprise” that I bet you’ll love.

2) Blackberry 9100 A.K.A. Striker:

This one is a 3G + Trackpad blackberry pearl. Aside from those two new and nice new features, its slimmer than the upcoming 9700 (Bold 2) which will give the phone that sexier look.

3) Blackberry Curve 8530:

Just like the already released 8520, this one is just a curve, but for CDMA carriers. Expect it to be announced really soon.

In addition to the devices mentioned above, Sal claims that there is a rumor going around about RIM possibly launching a total of 16 BlackBerry devices in 2010! This is almost too much the Onyx and Storm 2 haven’t even launched and already there are rumors of not one or two, but sixteen more BlackBerry devices.

Now for some questions:

• Which BlackBerry will you get?
• Will you wait for more rumors about the 16 devices rumored to be launching in 2010?
• What features/specifications do you think upcoming BlackBerry devices will/should have?

Leave your responses in the comments!

Over the weekend @salomondrin made a video of the BlackBerry Storm 9550 where he goes over the hardware.

Here is what is covered in this video:

• BlackBerry Storm 2 compared to the Storm 1
• Button comparison
• Touchscreen comparison
• Storm 2 coming in 2 versions:
  • CDMA (Verizon)
  • GSM (AT&T)
• The Storm 2 is the 9520 (GSM version)
• Storm 2 will have WiFi
• Biggest improvement is the screen
• Explanation of Storm screen technology compared to iPhone
• Screen becomes solid while off, allowing to movement (Piezo technology)
• Storm 2 screen technology has huge advatage over the iPhone’s screen technology
• Storm 2 has multi-touch
• Explanation of Piezo technology
  • No electricity = solid screen, not usable
  • Electricity = usable screen
• Storm 2 is better than iPhone for texting/typing

Great video and extremely detailed. Let me know what you think in the comments!

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!

BGR found out that the upcoming BlackBerry Storm 2 is going to be the 9550 (CDMA) and that the 9520 version of the Storm 2 does exist.

The Storm 2 (9550) should be out later this year for Verizon and maybe Vodafone, along with the 9520 possibly releasing on AT&T and Rogers “relatively soon.”

Here are some features of the BlackBerry 9550:

• CDMA 1xRTT/EVDO Rev. A
• Quad-band GSM/EDGE
• Single-band UMTS/HSDPA (2100MHz only)
• Wi-Fi b,g
• 3.2 megapixel camera
• 360×480 resolution capacitive screen
• OS 5.0

That’s right! The BlackBerry Storm 2 will come complete with Wi-Fi capabilities, something the first generation Storm failed to ship with.

With the Tour being released, will you wait for the Storm 2 or just get the Tour?

Image via Engadget

Sprint has also launched their BlackBerry Tour 9630 sign up page!

Not only that, but they actually have some pricing information too:

The BlackBerry Tour will be available at Sprint stores, www.sprint.com and 1-800-Sprint1 later this summer for $199.99 with a new line of service or eligible upgrade, two-year service agreement and $50 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate. Additional savings may be available to business customers through their Sprint account manager.

Nice! You can check out the Sprint Tour page at www.sprint.com/tour or RIM’s own at www.blackberry.com/tour.

Full Sprint press release after the jump.

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