It’s been a while since the BeejiveIM beta application for BlackBerry has been updated but Jim let me know that they have just released a new version!

New in BeejiveIM v1.9.6:

• file transfers via link, you can now transfer files to buddies on all IM accounts.
• push when app running in background (see preferences in app).
• send voice notes
• send GPS location (if supported by phone)
• new chat styles & background images
• new buddy list layouts
• improved battery life
• overall UI redesign
• various other bug fixes & enhancements

As always with beta applications install at your own risk and make sure you have a recent backup available! Before installing this version you must uninstall your current version and do a battery pull. This beta is not for the Storm or any BlackBerry running an OS below 4.2.1. A new beta version for the Storm will be available soon.

• Over the air (direct download to BB)
  
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.6_vga (4.6 OS and higher, VGA screen: Bold, Tour, 8900 Curve)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.6 (4.6 OS and higher, NON-VGA screen: 8220 Pearl Flip, 8350 Curve)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.3 (4.3 OS and higher)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.2.1 (4.2.1 OS and higher)
• Desktop Install
  
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.6_vga (4.6 OS and higher, VGA screen: Bold, Tour, 8900 Curve)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.6 (4.6 OS and higher, NON-VGA screen: 8220 Pearl Flip, 8350 Curve)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.3 (4.3 OS and higher)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.2.1 (4.2.1 OS and higher)

For more info and to submit feedback be sure to visit the BeejiveIM beta forums. Feel free to also leave some feedback in the comments.

The BeejiveIM Beta for the BlackBerry Storm has been updated to version 1.9.3 with the following fixes and additions:

• Push solution to help save battery life (see below for setup instructions)
• Voice notes (only AMR files are supported at this time, we are looking into conversion to mp3/wav format)
• Ability to send your current GPS location
• Update file transfer UI
• Updated floating chat input UI
• Chat logs added back in
• Group chats added back in
• Chat background wallpapers
• Various bug fixes

The new Beta also brings “Battery Save Mode,” which requires a BIS email account to work. To use Battery Save Mode make sure that the “Battery Save Mode When Idle” option is checked in the preferences screen.

This is not a production release and may have bugs and defects. Install at your own risk! You must fully uninstall and restart your Storm before installing the new Beta. If you’re not sure how to uninstall the previous version click here.

• Download OTA: BeejiveIM Storm Beta
• Info: BeejiveIM Storm Beta v1.9.3 forum
• How To: Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data

I personally haven’t tried to record a Voice Note during a phone call, but apparently it isn’t possible. That is until Berry Record was released, currently available for the BlackBerry Storm.

Berry Record is the first BlackBerry application that allows you to record Voice Notes while you are on a phone call. Sometimes you may need to make a note of something during a conversation but may not have a pen handy. Berry Record allows you to record some Voice Notes while on the go.

Features:

• Allows recording of voice notes while using phone application
• Intergrates Record Note button in phone application
• Allows recording of voice notes from the application menu
• Option to save to the phone or media card

Here’s how it works:

1. Open the Berry Record.
2. Click the menu button and click on “Settings.” You have the option to save voice notes directly to your device memory or the memory card.
3. While on a call simply click the menu button then click “Record Notes.”
4. When finished, just click the menu button and click Stop “Recording Notes.”

Berry Record is available for $2.00 in the store and in the Mobile App Store. Unfortunately there is no free trial available so if you buy it let me (and everyone else) know what you think in the comments!