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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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

Thanks to an anonymous tipster we now have a possible launch date for the U.S. Cellular BlackBerry Curve 8530.

According to the tip sent to our tips email (which included the image above), U.S. Cellular customers will be able to purchase the Curve 8530 on December 10th if everything “goes well” internally.

Verizon has already announced their Curve 8530 as launching on November 20th and Sprint has a pre-registration page for theirs so we might be looking at a general availability on various carriers in the U.S. within a month.

Thanks Anonymous!

Software For BlackBerry® Curve (TM) 8900 smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.6.1.462 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.6.1.462
Consisting of:

• Applications: 4.6.1.315
• Software Platform: 4.2.0.108
• File name: 8900M_PBr4.6.1_rel462_PL4.2.0.108_A4.6.1.315_AT_amp_T.exe
• File size: 122.43MB

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

• Download: OS 4.6.1.315 for the Curve 8900 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. *

If you recall I posted about KB17984 a few weeks back and the BlackBerry Curve 8520 was not listed as a device that would be getting OS 5.0 even though a version was leaked before this KB was posted. It looks like the list was incomplete and/or wrong because RIM has deleted that KB article and another OS 5.0 has been leaked for the Curve 8520!

• Download via MegaUpload: OS 5.0.0.348 for the Curve 8520
• 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. *

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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I’ve been waiting for this day since the rumors of the BlackBerry Bold 9700 first started leaking and it’s finally here, but it looks like T-Mobile screwed up the website launch. The T-Mobile website has been updated to allow purchasing of the Bold 9700 but  they accidentally included a sample photo of the Curve 8900.

It doesn’t really matter since we already know what it looks like, but I just thought it was odd that they would screw up the launch of their first Bold and first 3G BlackBerry device. But hey…no one’s perfect.  At least it’s out!

The Bold 9700 will be available from T-Mobile for $199.99 ($250 instant discount) with a  new 2-year agreement on the Even More plan, or $449.99 (retail) without a contract on the Even More Plus plan.

More details for the Even More plan:

As a qualified Even More^SM customer, you have the option to pay for your phone in four interest-free installments. You make the first payment when you purchase your phone, then we charge the remaining payments to your monthly bill. It’s that easy.

More details for the Even More Plus plan:

As a qualified Even More Plus^SM customer, you have the option to pay for your phone in 20 interest-free installments. You make the first payment when you purchase your phone, then we charge the remaining payments to your monthly bill. It’s that easy.

The Bold 9700 should be available for purchase in T-Mobile retail stores tomorrow, November 16th. For more info visit the T-Mobile Bold 9700 page.

Who’s planning on picking one of these up? Let me know in the comments!

Loopt let me know that they have just released a major update for their BlackBerry client that adds a bunch of new features. Loopt mobile updates your location in real-time while it runs in the background so you can meet up with nearby friends, explore new places to grab food, and find local events wherever you are.

Here are some of the features:

• Discover the best places and events, including those rated highly by your friends on Pulse
• See where your friends are on maps – view their latest updates listed in real-time and comment on them
• Check-in to instantly share your updates with friends – easily update Facebook and Twitter with your photos and places in one Loopt check-in
• Browse and rate local places and events – peruse detailed information from Zagat, Citysearch, and the Loopt community
• Save money through special offers from nearby retailers with local coupons

I’m not sure how this application will affect battery life since it constantly updates in the background so if you try it out be sure to let me know how it worked for you in the comments.

Loopt is currently available in the BlackBerry App World as a free download for the BlackBerry Curve 8900 (T-Mobile, AT&T), BlackBerry Tour 9630 (Sprint, Verizon) and BlackBerry Bold 9000 (AT&T). For more info about this update check out the press release after the jump.

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This software version contain a fix for the BlackBerry Browser bug I mentioned in September. For more info about this bug click here.

Software For BlackBerry® 8350i smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.6.1.459 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.6.1.459
Consisting of:

• Applications: 4.6.1.313
• Software Platform: 3.1.0.31
• File name: 8350iAMEA_PBr4.6.1_rel459_PL3.1.0.31_A4.6.1.313_Nextel_Communications_Inc.exe
• File size: 82.99MB

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

• Download: OS 4.6.1.313 for the Curve 8350i from Nextel
• 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. *

@themes4bb let me know that Cellcrypt has expanded their support for BlackBerry smartphones to include the Bold 9700, Pearl and Curve series! For those that aren’t familiar with it, Cellcrypt allows you to make encrypted voice calls to make sure those important phone calls are kept confidential.

“Cellcrypt has seen incredible interest from the global BlackBerry community since we announced its availability on the BlackBerry Bold 9000 smartphone in May,” said Simon Bransfield-Garth, CEO of Cellcrypt. “Now, not only are we supporting the latest devices such as the BlackBerry Bold 9700, but the application is also available on a wide range of BlackBerry smartphones found in the market, allowing more users to secure their sensitive voice calls.”

Cellcrypt uses the latest Internet technology to provide unmatched voice call quality, international calling capability, high reliability across wireless networks and real-time encryption. The Cellcrypt Mobile for Blackberry application uses Government-grade encryption certified to the FIPS 140-2 standard approved by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and is presently undergoing certification with a number of Governments world-wide. The product operates on all major wireless networks including 2G and 3G cellular, Wi-Fi® and satellite networks.

If you’re in a business where phone conversations are about sensitive subjects that you want to protect, then you might want to look into Cellcrypt Mobile for BlackBerry. For more info visit cellcrypt.com, check them out in the BlackBerry Solutions Catalog or view the press release after the jump.

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