BlackBerry Protect moves to wider beta, ready to secure your stuff

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BlackBerry Torch now available in red and white at an AT&T store near you

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You’ve read our Torch review and you’ve decided to take the plunge, huh? Well, you might be happy to know that AT&T is now finally offering the Blackberry Torch in two additional colors: Sunset Red and Pure White. The phones are live on AT&T’s website and can be picked up for $499 without a contract and $99 when you sign up to a two-year agreement. If a color other than black is your cup of tea, jump on over to AT&T’s website to get your order on. Just remember the white after Labor Day rule, ok?

Via wireless

AT&T now shipping BlackBerry Curve 3G

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The way AT&T announced the Curve 3G a few weeks back, they made it sound like prospective buyers could be in for a wait following the October 17 release of the Pearl 3G, but not so much -- it's already available. You'll pay $99.99 on contract after rebates and discounts for the privilege of putting the latest Curve model in your pocket, featuring a 2 megapixel camera, 3G support, and compatibility with BlackBerry 6 -- whenever RIM and AT&T decide that the update is ready for prime time. Of course, with a QVGA display, we think we might be tempted to go for a Bold 9700 instead or wait for the 9780 -- but seeing how AT&T is still charging $200 on contract for the Bold line, this bad boy will save you a Benjamin. Tough call!

Via AT&T

Will the real BlackBerry Storm 3 please stand up?

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If you are keeping up to date on your BlackBerry rumors for the day, you might have seen this photo floating around that was originally sent in to BerryReview of the BlackBerry “Storm 3″. If you got really excited at the possibility of that phone being the Storm 3, we have to let you know that the device in that photo, is not the BlackBerry Storm 3. Here is what you can expect in the Storm 3 — we have seen the device and multiple sources have informed us of the below specifications:

* Almost physically identical to the BlackBerry Storm 2. Literally. On first glance, we thought our guy was just showing us the current model.
* The device is a tiny bit slimmer, feels about the same weight, but also seems to be a bit lighter.
* The camera looks to be the same as the Storm 2, but we have to believe it is a 5 megapixel shooter. One source said 5 megapixels, the other didn’t know.
* 512MB of RAM
* OS 6
* The SurePress screen lives!
* Nothing we saw said anything about a Mobile Hotspot feature, but as that leaked slide indicated, it might be a feature coming after the device ships…

We weren’t able to snap a photo of the handset, but all in all, we have to say, we’re pretty disappointed. The fact that RIM continues to beat around the bush and offer up almost irrelevant product refreshes while the entire mobile smartphone market continues to push the envelope of user experience, specifications, design, and features worries us. So, we have to ask, is there anyone interested in a BlackBerry Storm 3 on Verizon that’s basically more or less the same phone you bought last year?

BlackBerry Storm3 caught on camera?

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Theoretically, we think this could just be a really well-executed Photoshop mashup, but considering how good RIM is at keeping industrial design elements consistent from device to device, we tend to believe this alleged shot of a BlackBerry Storm3 in the wild. Specs are said to include a 3.7-inch display -- up significantly from the Storm2's 3.2-inch example and better suited to take on 2010's top-tier touchphones -- along with 8GB of onboard storage. We'd also heard in the past that the Storm3 would be slated for BlackBerry 6, a 5 megapixel cam, and a late-2010 launch on Verizon, and the new rumor of integrated mobile hotspot functionality would corroborate that a bit since Big Red's really pushing that feature as a plan add-on these days. Torch owners, feeling any tinge of envy, or are you at peace with your decision?

Via IntoMobile

What’s inside the mystery AT&T displays?

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What is inside the mysterious displays that have been showing up at AT&T retail locations around the country? Well, we don’t know exactly… but we’ve been given a little more information that we thought we would share. According to one of our sources, inside the clandestine display is a small TV and rack where an unknown piece of hardware will sit. Today, managers began receiving metal display boxes with three-digit pad locks on them, the outside of the box reads: “Hero Fixture Launch Kit.” It also reads, “Top Secret: Store Manager Only.” All our source knows about the contents of the mysterious box (pictured above) is that, “it is something brand new that has never been released before.” What do you think it is? Perhaps a BlackBerry Torch 9800? Maybe something else? Drop your hypothesis in the comments.

Via BGR

BlackBerry Curve 9300 for T-Mobile hands on

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Man, news on RIM has been quiet as of late. And why wouldn’t it? RIM has some interesting products coming up, but let’s not beat around the bush — they can not really compare to the mind-blowing devices that have just been released. From the simply amazing iPhone 4, to the incredible Incredible, to the super-large super-capable Droid X, it’s hard being a mid-range player with a mildly dated operating system. With that said, we’d like to officially welcome the BlackBerry Curve 9300 into the BGR offices. Here are some first hand impressions of the unreleased device:

It’s, uh, just like the BlackBerry 8520. Literally. Same camera, same size (we believe off hand), same feel, same screen, same keyboard, same buttons. So what’s changed? Besides a glossy metallic plastic finish on the case, and the inclusion of a UMTS radio…not much. As we just mentioned, the BlackBerry 9300 we have features T-Mobile’s AWS 3G bands, so if that’s something to push you over the edge to upgrade from your existing 8520, you’ll be pleased as punch.

We also wanted to get your feedback before we do a full hands on gallery/review. Anything you want to see featured? Maybe size comparison photos to a specific handset, or possibly some network speed tests on the BlackBerry 9300 over 3G? Let us know and we’ll include as many of your requests as possible!

Via BGR

Verizon intros music-filled slotRadio+ microSD card for BlackBerry

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Verizon has just announced a new accessory for music lovers who own BlackBerry smartphones – it’s a new microSD card from SanDisk, called slotRadio+.

The slotRadio+ microSD card includes 1,000 songs, as well as an additional 4GB of flash memory, where users can store their own music, videos and photos.

There will be two versions of the slotRadio+ card for BlackBerry: Billboard Hits (with the latest rock, dance, hip hop, Latin and country hits) and Billboard Decades (featuring songs from the ’80s and the ’90s, plus classic rock and oldies).

There’s also a slotRadio+ application which features playlists and direct access to Verizon’s V CAST Music service.

The slotRadio+ microSD card is compatible with various BlackBerry smartphones, including: BlackBerry 8830 World Edition, BlackBerry Pearl 8130, BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230, BlackBerry Curve 8530, BlackBerry Storm 9530, BlackBerry Storm2 9550 and BlackBerry Tour 9630 (pictured above).


Via Press release

BlackBerry Magnum prototype spotted, canned in favor of something better?

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Okay, before we get too far here, keep your excitement in check: you'll apparently never be able to buy this. The good news, though, is that CrackBerry seems to have it on authority that the phone you're looking at here -- an early Magnum prototype -- has been scrapped in favor of something better, the "Dakota," possibly a stealthy tribute to diehard BlackBerry user Dakota Fanning. In all seriousness, though, both devices are centered around the concept that you'd have a touchscreen up top, a traditional Bold-style keyboard down below, and scrap the trackball / optical pad altogether -- a new concept for RIM. Differences between the Magnum and Dakota are a little hazier, but one notable change is apparently a move to liquid lens tech for the camera; considering how much these guys innovated (or over-innovated) with SurePress, we wouldn't be surprised. Prototype BlackBerrys have a tendency to leak like an old faucet, so we sure it won't be long until we get some more intel on these bad boys.

Via FoneFrenzy

Telus launches BlackBerry Curve 8530

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Canada's Telus gets a "me too" with its launch of the BlackBerry Curve 8530 on the heels of Sprint and Verizon. As a refresher, Telus' Curve features that cute little optical trackpad, a slimmer profile, a microSD slot to boost the devices memory up to 16GB, and will ship in red or silver. Pricing on the longest term basically matches both Sprint and Verizon at CAD $49 -- though the term is a year longer -- while a commitment-free purchase runs you $349, one-year at $299, and two years goes for a full $200 more than its US neighbors. Nice to have options, we suppose, even if they are a bit on the steep side.

Via IntoMobile

BlackBerry 8910 should be about time for a successor

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It’s been more than a year since RIM launched the BlackBerry Curve 8900 (in Europe first), so it should be about time for a successor, right?

This might be the BlackBerry 8910, which has recently received a Bluetooth SIG certification.

Unfortunately, there’s little info about the BlackBerry 8910, and there’s not even a photo of it available. Sure, you’ll find some results if you search the model name on Google, bit it’s nothing relevant – just misspelled older Curve versions (like the 8310).

Seeing how all the latest non-touch BlackBerries have optical trackpads (Bold 9700, Pearl 9100, Curve 8520), the new BlackBerry 8910 will most probably have one, too. Other than that, a 480 x 360 pixels display should be included, plus Wi-Fi, GPS, and maybe 3G (the old Curve 8900 doesn’t have 3G, as you probably already know).

At the moment, the Curve 8900 (pictured above) is available in the US via AT&T and T-Mobile, so the new 8910 might also be released by both carriers. We’ll bring more details as soon as new info is available.

Via UV

RIM's BlackBerry Tour2 9650 gets the hands-on treatment

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There's practically zero doubt remaining that RIM has a next-generation Tour in the works, but if you're one of those tin foil hat wearers, you'll be glad to know that at least one of these things really, truly exists. Boy Genius just got his paws around the Tour2 9650 (shown left), and aside from the optical trackpad replacing the trackball (and the addition of a WiFi module), there's not much new here. Oh, except that presumably quicker CPU -- we're guessing to-be owners will dig that. We're told that the physical size is practically identical to the original Tour, and the keyboard is still phenomenal. Care to take a look? Sure you do -- hit the source link for a full hands-on gallery.

Via Electronista

BlackBerry Tour2 9650 Hands On

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What could be better than the original BlackBerry Tour? Well, the BlackBerry Tour2 obviously. We’ve just got a hold of one and will be putting it through our normal thorough review processes, but in the meantime, here are some first impressions:

* Physical size is nearly, if not identical to the original BlackBerry Tour * The trackpad works great, just as you’d expect * We guessed the original Tour was slightly underpowered, and we were right. Fortunately the Tour2 seems to use the processor found in the Storm2, and that’s a welcome improvement. In the short time we’ve been using it, there aren’t many slowdowns that we’d normally get on the Tour, and the device feels much more snappy * The keyboard remains at greatness status * Wi-Fi works like any other BlackBerry


All in all a much-needed upgrade to keep Verizon and Sprint’s BlackBerry lineup current, and it might even be the device that sways me from my BlackBerry 9700… Photos in the gallery!

Via BGR

BlackBerry services down in North America yet again?

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1Look, BlackBerrys are always supposed to do a few things well: 1) grab your email in real time off an Exchange server; 2) make you look important; and 3) work. It seems, though, that we're working on our third major North American outage here in less than a month, with reports flowing in that users connected to BIS are having trouble with Messenger, web browsing, and apps that consume data (though email is inexplicably unaffected). Anyone out there seeing problems?

Via CrackBerry

Verizon’s BlackBerry Essex 9650 caught in the wild

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Remember the unannounced BlackBerry Essex, first appeared in September? A Verizon-branded version of it has just been spotted in the wild, confirming the fact that the largest North America carrier will launch it sometime in the near future.

According to Salomondrin, the Essex 9650 might be released by Verizon in a month or so – perhaps at about the same time with the Palm Pre Plus, Motorola Devour and LG VS750.

The Essex is also known as BlackBerry Tour 2, since it should come as a successor of the Tour 9630, launched by both Verizon and Sprint this summer.

Unlike the Tour 9630, the Essex / Tour2 9650 has an optical trackpad. Other than that, its features include Wi-Fi and likely all the other things the original Tour has. The Essex 9650 will probably be launched by Sprint too, but there’s no word yet on when this may happen.

Via unwiredview

BlackBerry Curve 8530 now available on Sprint

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What's this we see here? Looks like the Curve 8530 has made it to Sprint after all. When all is said and done, she'll cost you $50 with a new contract (after mail in rebate). Featuring a 2.5-inch display, OS 5.0, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and glorious, glorious WiFi, this is a solid, sensible device. Besides, if you wanted pizazz, you'd be looking at a Pureness right now. That, or you could always do a number on this guy with some Swarovski crystals and a hot glue gun -- but please, don't.

Via Netbook Reports

BlackBerry shipments break record in Q3, RIM profits jump 59 percent

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RIM being a thriving and profitable company is hardly a new story -- as confirmed by third quarter earnings of $628 million off the back of a record-breaking 10 million units sold -- but the way it's making its money seems to be changing. More than 80 percent of new BlackBerry subscribers in the quarter were private customers, marking a distinct shift -- maybe not away from the corporate arena, but definitely toward embracing the consumer market. In an effort to further consolidate its global empire, RIM has also announced a partnership with China Telecom to go along with its earlier China Mobile deal. Oh, and there's the small matter of the 75 millionth BlackBerry being sold, but we're sure the cool cats up in BB HQ aren't counting handsets, they're probably too busy rolling around in piles of money.

Via AP

FlightView for BlackBerry provides real-time flight tracking

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FlightView announced that its first mobile application for BlackBerry is now available.

The app provides real-time flight information (for North America), as well as weather conditions, helping travelers to plan their flights and stay informed.

The FlightView BlackBerry app has some interesting features, including flight status updates integrated with BlackBerry alerts (you’ll get informed when a plane is more than 15 minutes late), easy-to-read notes, and scheduled flights integrated with BlackBerry’s calendar.

“Travelers can now stay informed, organized and prepared for changing plans without calling, queuing, or trying to reach customer service. The number of BlackBerry users traveling grows each day, and we’re excited to help transform their travel experience,” declared Mike Benjamin, CEO of FlightView.

FlightView for BlackBerry is available for download through BlackBerry App World and costs $4.99.

Via FlightView

BlackBerry Essex sighted with Sprint branding

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Well, we've been seeing the BlackBerry Essex out in the wild for quite a while now, but this is the first time we've seen it with some Sprint branding, which we're sure is enough to get at least some folks plenty excited (or regretful as the case may be). As most BlackBerry fans are no doubt well aware, the Essex is a Tour refresh that, among other things, adds some much needed WiFi capabilities to the phone, and ditches the Tour's trackball in favor of a trackpad. Of course, this still isn't a done deal just yet, especially considering that the branding seen is only in the OS and not on the device itself -- not to mention the fact that the phone seems to have a curiously crooked trackpad. Hit up the link for a closer look.

Via Crackberry

BlackBerry Messenger gets an OTA update

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It’s nowhere near as exciting as, oh, let’s say the release of OS 5.0 for all current generation devices on the market prior to the Storm2, but BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 has received its first update. Coming in at 2.5MB, BBM 5.0.0.55 doesn’t appear to offer anything new in terms of feature, but does include some much needed refinements to the otherwise solid app. What do we mean by that? You’re finally able to get visible previews of incoming pictures and the menu options been reorganized, now presented in a logical fashion. Want in on the action? Of course you do. Just hit up blackberry.com/messenger on device and upgrade away.

Via BGR