My buddy Thomas (@aka_thewarrior) and his buddy BES let me know that BlackBerry Bold 9700 dummy units are arriving at T-Mobile USA stores!

As a reminder, RIM announced that the Bold 9700 would be launching worldwide in November and T-Mobile is having a Go Bolder Event tomorrow so I’m sure we’ll be seeing an official announcement real soon. The Bold 9700 has already launched on a few carriers so it looks like the worldwide launch is right on schedule.

While you wait be sure to check out the Bold 9700 features and specifications to become familiar with this device if you haven’t already. Any T-Mobile customers excited about getting this awesome BlackBerry?

A few hours ago my area (Central Jersey) was hit with a network outage affecting voice and messaging services, so I sent a tweet to @Tmobile_USA about it. I soon found out that this outage was a nationwide issue and not just in my area, according to chatter on Twitter.

@Tmobile_USA sent out their own tweet vaguely addressing the issue but a T-Mobile Forums moderator posted a more detailed response:

We’re making good progress restoring voice and messaging service to affected customers.
At this time, approximately 5 percent of T-Mobile customers are experiencing service disruptions.

Issues began at approximately 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.  Our rapid response team is working continuously to fully resolve this disruption.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience that this has caused our customers.

My service seems to be restored but I’m getting reports that users are still being affected in other areas. Were you affected by T-Mobile’s network outage? If so let me know when and where in the comments!

T-Mobile UK has released OS 4.6.1.314 for the BlackBerry Curve 8520. This release contains a fix for the BlackBerry Browser bug I mentioned last month. For more info about this bug click here.

• Direct Download: OS 4.6.1.314 for the Curve 8520 from T-Mobile UK
• 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. *

UPDATE This contest has been extended till tomorrow night, November 1st at 11:59PM. *

The folks over at Carrier Unlock were nice enough to give me 5 BlackBerry unlock codes to give away as part of the BBRocks! birthday celebration.

Carrier Unlock offers BlackBerry unlocking services for the US and Canada with carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Rogers, Fido and a bunch of others. Unlocking your BlackBerry allows you to use it on any compatible network. If you decide you can’t wait to see if you won a free unlock code you can get one for $6.99 by contacting Carrier Unlock at brsdiddy@gmail.com.

CONTEST: For a chance to win 1 of 5 BlackBerry unlock codes leave a comment on this post using a valid email address. Only leave one comment, duplicates will be ignored and will not increase your chances of winning. This contest will end at 12AM EST on Sunday, November 1st. Comments left after this time will not be considered. *

Yesterday RIM officially announced the BlackBerry Bold 9700 along with a bunch of carriers issuing their own press releases, some containing info on pricing and availability. Keep in mind that these press releases are similar with their announcement except for carrier-specific differences.

Check out the roundup after the jump. If you found an announcement from a carrier I haven’t mentioned yet let me know in the comments!

CONTINUE READING »

Yesterday I posted about the BlackBerry Bold 9700 becoming official with press releases from RIM, AT&T, Bell, Rogers and T-Mobile. The official worldwide launch will begin in November so you’ll want to know as much as you can about the 9700 if you don’t already.

Associated with the Bold 9700 press release was a features and specifications PDF which I’ve included as text after the jump, followed by a link to the PDF file in case you’d like to save it. Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments!

CONTINUE READING »

RIM, along with AT&T, Bell, Rogers and T-Mobile, have made the BlackBerry Bold 9700 official with an expected worldwide launch in November!

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone offers top-of-the-line performance, functionality and features with support for 3G HSDPA networks around the world, a next-generation (624 MHz) processor, 256 MB Flash memory, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi®, a 3.2MP camera and a sharp, dazzling display. Cutting edge engineering and premium finishes extend to the exterior of the handset as well, with a smoothly integrated touch-sensitive trackpad and a highly tactile, distinctive, fretted keyboard. The dark chrome frame and leatherette back add to the new smartphone’s sleek and elegant look, while the narrow profile, balanced weight and soft-touch sides allow it to feel incredibly comfortable in one hand.

“The BlackBerry Bold 9700 builds on the success of the original BlackBerry Bold with new, state-of-the-art features and a smaller, lighter and highly optimized design that looks, feels and performs great,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO, Research In Motion.

I don’t know about you but I can’t wait to get my hands on this awesome BlackBerry. For more info head over to blackberry.com/bold9700 or check out RIM’s press release after the jump.

CONTINUE READING »

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 has popped up on the T-Mobile Germany (translated) site and is being shown as coming in November.

So much is happening this week with all the unreleased devices (although the Storm2 is now official). Yesterday BlackBerry Operating Systems were leaked for the Bold 9700 and Storm2, the complete Bold 9700 User Guide was leaked, and now T-Mobile Germany has it up with features and accessories.

T-Mobile USA is already sending out invites for a launch party on November 5th, so maybe the November 11th launch date holds true? We’ll find out soon enough .

Thanks keine!

It looks like the November 11th launch date is more of a possibility now that BGR let us know that T-Mobile is sending out invites for BlackBerry Bold 9700 launch parties!

According to BG and the invitation pictured above, T-Mobile will be throwing a “T-Mobile Go Bolder Event” for corporate customers on November 3rd in Los Angeles and on November 5th in New York.  Those who attend will get complimentary breakfast and exclusive take-homes, the take-homes being free Bold 9700s!

Mmm…free breakfast and a brand new Bold 9700 sounds good to me.

Before I mention these dates I have to stress that they are just rumors until RIM and/or the carriers officially announce them.

That being said, these are the first specific launch dates  for the BlackBerry Bold 9700 on not one, but two carriers! Engadget is reporting that T-Mobile and AT&T will both be announcing the Bold 9700 on October 21st while BGR says T-Mobile will announce it on November 11th. If you recall, Salomondrin said that we can expect a launch in mid November into early December.

While these dates don’t agree with each other, BG says that both the October 21st and November 11th launch dates are possibilities. So I guess it’s safe to say that November 11th is the latest possible launch date for the BlackBerry Bold 9700, which is only a month away!

It won’t be long now before we can all enjoy some new BlackBerry goodness.