Earlier this morning Verizon announced the BlackBerry Curve 8530 and now Sprint has also announced it. While Verizon had pricing and date info but no web page, Sprint has a web page but no pricing or date info.

“BlackBerry Curve 8330 has been a tremendous success for Sprint. BlackBerry Curve 8530 continues that legacy with the addition of several important features that make it a winner for both entertainment and productivity,” said Kevin Packingham, Sprint Senior Vice President of Product Development. “This is one device that can really do it all with the email, calendar and contact synchronization BlackBerry is known for as well as the latest multimedia and social media features. We are anxious to bring it to our customers who also appreciate the strength of our network, the affordability of our rate plans and our Ready Now customer service experience.”

To pre-register for the BlackBerry Curve 8530 from Sprint visit sprint.com/blackberrycurve8530. More info in the press release after the jump.

CONTINUE READING »

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

Software For BlackBerry® 8830 World Edition smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.5.0.295 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.5.0.295
Consisting of:

• Applications: 4.5.0.175
• Software Platform: 3.4.0.55
• File name: 8830mAMEA_PBr4.5.0_rel295_PL3.4.0.55_A4.5.0.175_Sprint_L.P.exe
• File size: 82.6MB

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

• Download: OS 4.5.0.175 for the 8830 WE from Sprint
• 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. *

These software versions contain a fix for the BlackBerry Browser bug I mentioned a few weeks ago. For more info about this bug click here.

Software For BlackBerry® Curve (TM) 8330, 8330m smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.5.0.295 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.5.0.295
Consisting of:

• Applications: 4.5.0.175
• Software Platform: 3.4.0.55

8330

• File name: 8330AMEA_PBr4.5.0_rel295_PL3.4.0.55_A4.5.0.175_Sprint_L.P.exe
• File size: 83.17MB

8330m

• File name: 8330mAMEA_PBr4.5.0_rel295_PL3.4.0.55_A4.5.0.175_Sprint_L.P.exe
• File size: 83.19MB

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

• Download: OS 4.5.0.175 for the Curve 8330 or 8330m from Sprint
• How To:
  • Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
  • Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

Please report any feedback/findings in the comments. View the changelog after the jump.

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. *

CONTINUE READING »

These software versions contain a fix for the BlackBerry Browser bug I mentioned a few weeks ago. For more info about this bug click here.

Software For BlackBerry® Tour (TM) 9630 smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.7.1.110 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.7.1.110
Consisting of:

• Applications: 4.7.1.57
• Software Platform: 4.1.0.70
• File name: 9630AMEA_PBr4.7.1_rel110_PL4.1.0.70_A4.7.1.57_Sprint_L.P.exe
• File size: 102.16MB

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

• Download: OS 4.7.1.57 for the Tour 9630 from Sprint
• How To:
  • Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
  • Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

Please report any feedback/findings in the comments. See a changelog after the jump.

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. *

CONTINUE READING »

@ghozali let me know that Sprint is pushing out OS 4.7.1.57 for the BlackBerry Tour 9630 through the online BlackBerry Update Service.

Since this update is available through the online BlackBerry update service only current Sprint customers can update their Tour by visiting blackberry.com/update through Internet Explorer. Once this update is available on the Sprint software download site I’ll update this post so everyone else can download the update too.

• 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. *

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! *

I’m sure some of you have already heard plenty of rumors that a new BlackBerry OS will be released for the AT&T Bold 9000 and the Tour 9630. My buddy Al Sacco is reporting that this is indeed the case, along with BGR also mentioning the new Tour 9630 OS.

The new AT&T Bold 9000 OS is supposed to be version 4.6.0.508, probably the package version and not the application version, which is supposed to be made available at the AT&T BlackBerry downloads site August 25th. Here is what this release will include:

• AT&T Visual Voicemail (optional feature)
• General handset software optimization and improvements
• Capability to set the device to “2G only” for better battery life and coverage in some international roaming situations
• Additional VPLs including My-Cast Weather, Wiki Mobile, Mobile Banking, a few games and more.

The latest available OS for the Bold 9000 is v4.6.0.291 (package version 4.6.0.499) from T-Mobile UK, so the new AT&T OS might be a slightly higher application version.

As for the new Tour OS, BGR is claiming that v4.7.1.42 will be getting released by Verizon, followed by a possible release from Sprint. Right now the Tour OS release is just a rumor.

Anyone else hear anything you’d like to share? Let me know 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!