A few days ago I mentioned that the BeejiveIM Beta would be getting updated to support OS 5.0. Jim over at Beejive posted in their forums that beta version 1.9.7 is now available with some new features from the current production version:

• support for 5.0 OS
• file transfers via link, you can now transfer files to buddies on all IM accounts.
• email 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
• facebook IM
• various other bug fixes & enhancements

This beta version is only for BlackBerry devices running OS 4.2.1 and higher. As always, since this is a beta and not guaranteed to be stable, install at your own risk and make sure you backup your data first.

• Over the air (direct download to BB via web browser):
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta5.0storm (5.0 OS Storm & Storm 2 ONLY)
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.7storm (4.7 OS Storm ONLY)
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta5.(5.0 OS Tour, 9700 Bold)
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.6_vga (4.6 OS and higher, VGA screen: 9000 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/beta5.0storm (5.0 OS Storm & Storm 2 ONLY)
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.7storm (4.7 OS Storm ONLY)
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta5.0 (5.0 OS Tour, 9700 Bold)
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.6_vga (4.6 OS and higher, VGA screen: 9000 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)
• How To:
  • Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data
  • Install Applications and Themes via Desktop Manager

Thanks @sgtd!

Daniel Garcia is a web developer/software architect by day, rebellious tech-punk twenty-something by night. He is a contributing writer to BlackBerry Rocks! who reviews applications for BlackBerry devices, as well as shares the occasional tip for fellow Rockers. He has a BlackBerry Storm 9530, soon to be 9550. If you would like to know more about him, you can follow his Twitter account: @buzzedword.

Earlier this month, Verizon pushed out Bing for Mobile to all Storm handsets, as well as preloaded the software onto all new Storm 2 units. If you haven’t already heard, Bing is the new kid on the block to the search market, going toe to toe with the big dog: Google. Why should you be using Bing, instead of Google? Can’t say. I’m here to rock the BlackBerry, not worry about petty search wars.

Read the full review after the break.

CONTINUE READING »

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.

Mobile by Citysearch has been updated to include access to over 15M business listings and trusted Citysearch editorial recommendations which list more than 75,000 US neighborhoods, along with the following key features:

• Instantly submit user reviews from a BlackBerry smartphone
• Search and sort in the following ways:
  • Auto-identify your location through GPS-driven search
  • Search by keyword or category and narrow results within a city or neighborhood
  • Browse nearby destinations to eat, drink, shop, and relax
  • Sort results by key listing attributes including distance, cost and Citysearch rating
• Browse Citysearch editorial picks to help your weekdays and weekends
• View editorial, user reviews and advice from business owners and bookmark your favorite listings
• Calendar Integration: Send immediate Outlook calendar invites to multiple friends and coordinate party planning, meals, or impromptu get-togethers from your BlackBerry Contacts list
• Twitter: Post to your followers by tweeting reviews, tips, and more to friends, directly from any listing page
• Share: Use Text, Email, or BlackBerry PIN-to-PIN messaging to share business listings from anywhere
• Tip Calculator and Split the Bill: Avoid awkward calculations by determining your ideal tip and easily splitting the bill among friends when dining

For those that don’t know, Citysearch is a leading online lifestyle guide with up to date info on businesses, from restaurants and spas, to hotels and retail.

For more info and to download this app visit mobile.iac.com/Citysearch, or check out the full press release after the jump.

CONTINUE READING »

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.

My buddy Al Sacco (aka @ASacco) scored the first official image of the BlackBerry Bold 9700 (aka the Onyx),  which has been confirmed as launching before the end of 2009!

Apparently this image was sent to him by T-Mobile USA PR before he agreed to any embargo, so he decided to share it with all us BlackBerry addicts. Here’s a tidbit from the message sent to Al by T-Mobile:

“The BlackBerry ‘Onyx’ sports a premium experience and design with a high-gloss black finish and leather grain detail on the back. Boasting features such as high-speed 3G Web browsing, Wi-Fi calling, visual voicemail and support for corporate and personal e-mail options, the ‘Onyx’ will satisfy all your on-the-go needs. Also the phone comes preloaded with mobile applications from BlackBerry App World, including Amazon MP3 store for quick and easy music downloads and TeleNav GPS Navigator for turn-by-turn directions.”

In addition, T-Mobile plans on releasing a white Curve 8520 next month. Not sure how many are excited about a white 8520, but I know plenty of people who are excited about the Onyx (including myself). Anyone else hear anything about any upcoming BlackBerry devices?

Kudos Al!

via CIO

Poynt let me know that they have updated their free location-based BlackBerry application with the addition of restaurant search for customers in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom!

Poynt’s restaurant search feature rounds out the already robust business, movie and people search offering, while maintaining its ease of use and outstanding graphical user interface. The section features enhanced restaurant listings and enables users to easily find nearby restaurants, read reviews and book dining reservations. To enhance the user’s experience, icons are displayed when restaurant reviews or dining reservations are available for a restaurant listing.

Poynt is currently available for the BlackBerry Pearl, Pearl Flip, 8800 series, Curve series, Bold, Storm and Tour. To download it visit m.mypoynt.com from your BlackBerry Browser or go to MyPoynt.com for more info.

Full press release after the jump.

CONTINUE READING »

OpenTable has just released a free BlackBerry application available only through the BlackBerry App World.

With OpenTable for BlackBerry you can make free, instantly confirmed restaurant reservations at over 10,000 restaurants. Plus, OpenTable members earn valuable Dining Rewards Points redeemable for Dining Cheques good at any OpenTable restaurant.

Features:

• Search by address or use your GPS to find restaurants closest to your current location (GPS depends on carrier and device capability)
• Refine restaurant list by cuisine, price or availability
• Invite fellow diners via email
• Manage upcoming reservations

OpenTable is available for all BlackBerry devices running OS 4.5 and higher. You can find this application in the BlackBerry App World by searching for “OpenTable.”

By the way, if you’re ever in NYC I highly recommend checking out Rosa Mexicano if you like Mexican food, or if you want to try it for the first time. A little on the pricey side but well worth it.

The BlackBerry Bluetooth Visor Mount Speakerphone (mouthful haha) is now available in the BBRocks! Accessory Store for $84.95 plus shipping!

I’ve been using the VM Speakerphone and I’ve got to say it is one of the best BlackBerry purchases I have made besides for the BlackBerry itself. No more CDs, no more browsing through radio stations. Since I’ve gotten it I’ve barely listened to the radio since I have 7 out of 16GB of music right on my BlackBerry. And that’s not all it does…

The BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone VM-605 is a hands free Bluetooth speakerphone from RIM. Enjoy your calls and your favorite music from your BlackBerry smartphone with the convenience and sound quality of your car’s FM stereo system. It’s easy to use. Just clip it to your car’s visor, turn it on, and you’re ready to start making and taking hands free calls on the go. And because it supports voice activated dialing, caller ID, and verbal notifications to let you know who’s calling, you can stay in touch while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Features:

• Wireless transmission via Bluetooth connection
• Driver-friendly
• Simple operation
• Slim, ultra-light design
• Up to 13hrs talk time
• Noise reduction and echo cancellation technology
• Works with GPS Mapping Applications
• Compatible with other Bluetooth enabled devices

One thing the store doesn’t mention is that it is rechargeable and comes with a car charger that will actually work with BlackBerry devices that have a Micro-USB plug, like the Curve 8900, Storm and Tour.

Also, if you think $84.95 is a bit much, consider that it is $99.99 if you get it directly from RIM .

The Visor Mount Speakerphone will work with any BlackBerry running OS 4.22 and higher (meaning pretty much every BlackBerry). Head on over to the store to grab yourself one while they’re available! If they’re as awesome as I believe they are I’m sure they’ll sell quickly.

Xpressions Inc. that they have launched VQ CarFinder, a premium application for BlackBerry devices with GPS that allows you to automatically locate your car.

“Everyone has a story about forgetting where they parked and being stressed out by it”, says Harris Korn, VP Marketing of Xpressions Inc (creators of VQ CarFinder and a member of the BlackBerry® ISV Alliance Program). “It happens all the time… like when people are talking on their cell phone, when they’re running late for a meeting, or when their kids are screaming in the back seat. VQ CarFinder automatically remembers where you parked and guides you back to your car, so it removes this stress from your life.”

What’s great about this application is that you don’t have to worry about setting any options or GPS location, everything is automatically. Once you need to find your car simply press a button and BlackBerry Maps will launch to help guide you back to your car!

You can try VQ CarFinder free of charge for 31 days. After the trial period you can purchase a VQ CarFinder license for the introductory price of $9.99, regularly $24.99. The only catch is if your car is not already Bluetooth equipped you will need to purchase a VQ Bluetooth Charger for just $19.99 plus shipping & handling, regularly $39.99. You can find an option to purchase the VQ Bluetooth Charger within the application.

Check out VQ CarFinder in the store. There are two versions, one to purchase and one to try.

Full press release after the jump.

CONTINUE READING »