Telus recently announced the BlackBerry Bold 9700 and today have added the Storm2 9550 to their inventory as well. Pricing info for the Telus Storm2 9550:

• $599.99 – No contract
• $549.99 – 1 year contract
• $499.99 – 2 year contract
• $199.99 – 3 year contract

That’s quite a jump in price between getting the Storm2 with a 3 year contract or a 2 year contract. They obviously want you to commit 3 years of your cellular life to them .

Learn more about the Storm2:

• BlackBerry 101 Interactive User Guide
• Features & Specifications (PDF Included)

For more info and to order the BlackBerry Storm2 9550 from Telus click here.

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!

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Software For BlackBerry® 8350i smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.6.1.435 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.6.1.435
Consisting of:

• Applications: 4.6.1.294
• Software Platform: 3.1.0.28
• File name: 8350iAMEA_PBr4.6.1_rel435_PL3.1.0.28_A4.6.1.294_Telus_Mobility.exe
• File size: 82.97MB

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

• Download: OS 4.6.1.294 for the Curve 8350i from Telus
• 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! *

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!

It looks like RIM might be getting ready to release a white BlackBerry Bold soon, according to some images sent to BGR.

The advanced wireless testing facilities at Canadian school York University is apparently now being used by Telus and WIND to test new RIM devices. A professor involved with these tests was able to snag one of the white Bolds and took a few pics.

What do you think? Would you get the white version of the BlackBerry Bold?

I think it looks sharp, but I’ve always liked black more.

This OS was already released by Bell, Verizon and Telus, but here it is for those Sprint customers that will only use their own carrier’s OS.

BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.7.1.77 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.7.1.77
Consisting of:

• Applications: 4.7.1.40
• Software Platform: 4.1.0.40
• File name: 9630AMEA_PBr4.7.1_rel77_PL4.1.0.40_A4.7.1.40_Sprint_L.P.exe
• File size: 103.57MB

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

• Download: OS 4.7.1.40 for the Tour 9630 from Sprint
• How To:
  • Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
  • Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

REMEMBER: Install at your own risk. Always make backups before making major changes/upgrades/downgrades to your BlackBerry.

* UPDATE @0mie let me know that Telus and Verizon have also released this Operating System. Although not listed yet, I’m sure they will be shortly. *

Software For BlackBerry® Tour (TM) 9630 smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.7.1.77 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.7.1.77
Consisting of:

• Applications: 4.7.1.40
• Software Platform: 4.1.0.40
• File name: 9630AMEA_PBr4.7.1_rel77_PL4.1.0.40_A4.7.1.40_Bell_Mobility_Inc.exe
• File size: 103.57MB

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

• Download: OS 4.7.1.40 for the Tour 9630 from Bell
• How To: Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS)

REMEMBER: Install at your own risk. Always make backups before making major changes/upgrades/downgrades to your BlackBerry.