This OS was already released a few weeks back by Bluegrass Cellular but here it is for Verizon customers.

Note: You can still access the download even if you don’t have a Verizon number by entering a random number and then clicking on the “Download Now” button.

• Download: OS 4.7.1.61 for the BlackBerry Tour 9630 from Verizon
• 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 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!

Daniel Garcia is a web developer/software architect by day, rebellious tech-punk twenty-something by night. He is a contributing writer to BlackBerry Rocks! who reviews applications for BlackBerry devices, as well as shares the occasional tip for fellow Rockers. He has a BlackBerry Storm 9530, soon to be 9550. If you would like to know more about him, you can follow his Twitter account: @buzzedword.

Earlier this month, Verizon pushed out Bing for Mobile to all Storm handsets, as well as preloaded the software onto all new Storm 2 units. If you haven’t already heard, Bing is the new kid on the block to the search market, going toe to toe with the big dog: Google. Why should you be using Bing, instead of Google? Can’t say. I’m here to rock the BlackBerry, not worry about petty search wars.

Read the full review after the break.

CONTINUE READING »

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.

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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 »

Verizon has announced the BlackBerry Curve 8530 with an availability date of November 20th.

The BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone is expected to be available from Verizon Wireless beginning Nov. 20 for $99.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a voice plan with an Email and Web feature or an Email and Web for BlackBerry plan. Customers will receive the mail-in rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. Data plans for the BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone begin at $29.99 when added to any Nationwide voice plan.

Among the features, the Curve 8530 will be 3G, WiFi and GPS enabled, will have 256 MB of memory and a 528 MHz processor, 2.0 megapixel camera, and Trackpad navigation. For more info check out the press release after the jump.

CONTINUE READING »

Note: You can still access the download even if you don’t have a Verizon number by entering a random number and then clicking on the “Download Now” button.

• Download: OS 5.0.0.320 for the Storm2 9550 from Verizon
• 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. *

Verizon didn’t promote the BlackBerry Storm2 like they did the Storm, but considering the various issues the Storm had this is understandable. The VerizonWireless YouTube account posted this rocking Storm2 commercial , very brief but straight to the point and it includes a video clip of the rock band Switchfoot. Good band .

In case you missed it, earlier this week Verizon and RIM announced the Storm2 9550 and it went live on the Verizon website this morning.

Don’t forget to play with the interactive user guide or check out the features and specifications if you want to learn more about the Storm2 before buying it.

A few days ago Verizon and RIM announced the BlackBerry Storm2 9550 will be launching today, October 28th. Verizon was right on time with this launch and now has the Storm2 on their website!

To the right of the Storm2 Details box is the Buy One Get One (BOGO) free deal and as you can see in the screenshot below, the Storm2 is part of it like I showed you it would be .

Recap on the pricing and availability from their press release:

The BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone is available beginning Oct. 28 for $179.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a voice plan with an Email and Web feature or an Email and Web for BlackBerry plan.  Customers will receive the mail-in rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.  Data plans for the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone begin at $29.99 when added to any Nationwide voice plan.

For more info and to order your Storm2 9550 from Verizon head over to the Storm2 9550 page or check out the official press release and related links here. My buddy @Ackee_ also let me know that Verizon stores got their Storm2 shipments yesterday and should be ready to go when the stores open later today if you’d like to pick one up in person.

If you pick one up let me know how you like it in the comments, especially if you’re a previous Storm 1 owner!

Thanks @themes4bb!

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. *