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® Pearl (TM) 8130 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: 8130uAMEA_PBr4.5.0_rel295_PL3.4.0.55_A4.5.0.175_Sprint_L.P.exe
• File size: 88.01MB

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 Pearl 8130 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. *

Thanks @ghozali!

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.

CONTINUE READING »

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.