UPDATE @roblaguna let me know that @theiexplorers updated their OTA download links. I’ve included them below. *

@theiexplorers and @bbhybrids were able to extract the files needed for OTA and desktop installations of the official BlackBerry Twitter app and have made a few download links available!

Keep in mind that these are leaked versions of the official app so they still might not work properly on every BlackBerry. Install at your own risk and make sure you back up your data first.

According to @theiexplorers, you can use BBSAK to install the Twitter app through your desktop computer but it might not work on BlackBerry devices running an OS lower than 5.0. I tried installing the app with one of the OTA links and it worked, I see it under the applications menu, but I don’t see a shortcut and when I try to force it on with QuickLaunch it gives me a java error. Maybe one of you will have better luck.

• Download Twitter for BlackBerry v1.0.0.28:
  • OTA for OS 5.0
  • OTA for OS 4.7.1
  • OTA for OS 4.6
  • OTA for OS 4.5
  • Desktop Mirror 1
• How To:
  • Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
  • Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data

If you get this to work or find any more download links let me know in the comments!

With all the hype of the new BlackBerry Storm2 people are forgetting about the original Storm that, while not perfect, was the first touchscreen BlackBerry device and showed RIM’s shift of focus. Here are nine free themes (some available in different versions) for the BlackBerry Storm 9500 and 9530 that really stuck out to me. Only a few of these themes have ZIP files for desktop installation so if you need those or want to leave feedback for the themes you can do so at their respective theme/store page. Otherwise just click the links below to download the themes directly to your BlackBerry Storm.

• How To:
  • Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data
  • Install Applications and Themes via Desktop Manager

Note: The Rezon themes say they are compatible with touchscreen BlackBerry devices running OS 5.0.

REZON (GREEN)

• Features:
  • User defined fonts
  • QuickLaunch integrated – click the right side of the homescreen
  • 4 Hot spots – Manage connections(click signal meter) Calendar(click date) Clock(click time)
  • 6user defined icons on home screen – use icon slot 3-6
  • Weather integrated – use icon slot 1 or 2
  • Hidden Today Area
• Download/Info: Rezon (Green)

Read More»

Lyricidal (aka @theiexplorers) has just released a cool, free desktop app called Create-A-JAD that allows you to create your own OTA (.jad) or desktop (.alx) installer files for BlackBerry apps. In order to make these OTA or desktop installer files you need to have the COD files of the chosen app handy.

Here’s how it works:

• Instructions
  • 1) Enter information requested (All are required except for description)
  • 2) Drag and drop all the files needed for your app install into the white box under Files.
  • 3) If you haven’t already, enter the filename (no extension) and choose what type of install you need: .JAD is for OTA, .ALX is for Desktop Install, and Both does both of them.
  • 4) Click Create It!
  • 5) Enjoy your new OTA/Desktop Install!
• Get Your OTA Up and Running
  • 1) Upload all .cods required, the .jad, and the .htaccess file created to your webspace
  • 2) Go to the link to your .jad file from your phone
  • 3) Install away!
• To Use In Desktop Install
  • 1) Copy and paste the created .alx file in your OS’s folder (ie. 9530-v4.7.0.167_P4.0.0.205)
  • 2) Copy and paste the .cod files into the Java folder (if you checked that box when creating the .alx) or into the same OS folder as step 1 (if you left the checkbox unchecked)
  • 3) Install using AppLoader (Loader.exe) or Desktop Manager

You can download Create-A-JAD directly to your PC by clicking here. Make sure you backup your BlackBerry data before installing apps made by Create-A-JAD just in case something goes wrong. If you try this app be sure to leave some feedback in the comments!

* UPDATE Comments submitted after 12AM EST on June 18th will not count. *

BAK2u let me know that PhoneBAKup has been officially released for BlackBerry and have given me 20 free copies to give away!

PhoneBAKup allows you to backup and restore your BlackBerry entirely Over-The-Air with a daily, weekly or monthly schedule. Easily backup all your device’s Address Book, Task, Calendar and MemoList to any predefined email address, all automatically.

Features:

• Backup: Just schedule the time ONCE to backup and it will run on the background, sending all the important data hassle free, daily, weekly or monthly. Backup to the storage card or Backup and Email directly to selected email address
• Restore: Simply download the backup files from the email to the device’s storage card and with a click, restore back all the vital information easily.
• Information can be restored to other devices as long as there is PhoneBAKup program running.

PhoneBAKup is available in the store for a one-time cost of $19.90 with a free trial available, no subscriptions or annual fees. You can also find it in the Mobile App Store soon.

This application is compatible with the BlackBerry Pearl (8100,8110,8120), Pearl Flip (8200,8220), Curve (8300,8310,8320), 8700 C/G/R, 8707 G/V,  8800, 8820, 8830, Curve 8900, Bold 9000 and the Storm 9500.

* The Giveaway Thanks to BAK2u I have 20 free copies of PhoneBAKup to give away. All you have to do to be considered is leave a comment on this post saying how useful you’d find this application! It doesn’t have to be an elaborate explanation, either.

This will end June 18th at 12AM EST and winners will be selected and announced later that day. Please use a valid email when leaving a comment so I can contact you if you are chosen. Good luck! *

I know it can be frustrating to those who want to download a cool application or theme but can’t because it is only available through an Over-the-Air (OTA) download. You usually need a data plan in order to install applications through an OTA download, but in some cases you don’t.

Here are some examples of when you don’t need a data plan to install an OTA application:

• The application is a theme
• The application does not require a data plan or data connection to work
• You have access to the .jad and .cod file links

Keep in mind, the easiest way to download an application or theme is directly through an OTA link using your BlackBerry Browser. For this tutorial I will be using the application XBerryLive.

Use these links to jump to a particular section of the guide:

• Install applications or themes via OTA using data
• Install applications or themes via OTA without data

WARNING: Do this at your own risk. I am not responsible for any problems that may occur as a result of following this guide. Like I always say…make plenty of backups!

How To: Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data