BlackBerry Handheld Software v5.0.0.661 (EastAsia)
Package Version: 5.0.0.661
Consisting of:

• Applications: 5.0.0.411
• Software Platform: 5.2.0.33
• File name: 9000jEastAsia_PBr5.0.0_rel661_PL5.2.0.33_A5.0.0.411_Bell_Mobility_Inc.exe
• File size: 118.43MB

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

• Click here to download OS>>

-Posted by Collin Sorp

Rich just tipped us off via email that a new OS for the Tour is in town. We’ve been getting endless emails and tweets the past few months on a solid BlackBerry Tour 9630 5.0 OS.  It looks like one just popped up now, but we don’t know how solid it is as it’s just a leak.  So download and install at your own risk and let us know about your experiences.  This is OS 5.0.0.419 for the BlackBerry Tour 9630.  The link comes from MegaUpload, so it will be terminated soon enough.  Enjoy.

• Click here to download OS>>

-by Mac Jadalhack

As you all know, Ping.fm allows you to update all you social networks in one place all at once.  We were just going through our RSS reader and came across the Seesmic blog where it looks like they have just acquired Ping.fm.  Of course there is no actual statements in regards to the BlackBerry app, but Seesmic adding Ping.fm features to its services will enable you to update from over 50 different social networks out there.

Seesmic for BlackBerry launched not too long ago with some bugs and missing links which didn’t encourage many to keep permanently.  Seeing them go along with Ping.fm, it will push and strive users to start using Seesmic for BlackBerry. What we were really excited to see was when BlackBerry app mentions were made in this blog post:

Seesmic applications on Blackberry, Android, Web, Windows and OSX via Air will all have advanced Ping.fm integration very shortly and therefore will instantly support 50 social networks. Seesmic users will also be able to update not only with the apps they are used to, but also with Ping.fm’s email, sms and chat gateways.

So how does this affect you?  We don’t want to get into birds and bees of social networks, but know that you’ll be able to update all your social networks from one single applcation. As you can see we’re not completely being left in the dark here and have been promised that the services will come to the BlackBerry platform.  A few days ago, we asked you all on Twitter if you used Seesmic for BlackBerry and if you would ever consider using it.  For those who said no, have you changed your mind?  Click here to read the official Seesmic blog post on acquiring Ping.fm.

-by Mac Jadalhack

Earlier in BlackBerry, we had to conserve memory by choosing the important applications to keep and toss unused ones.  Today we have the flexibility of keeping all sorts of applications with the huge memory increases and improvements in developing the apps to begin with preventing memory leaks and things of that nature.  But in the end, they all add up somehow.  Some apps will be 100K, others will be 800K to even megabytes. Do you continue keeping only applications you use or do you go app-crazy like an iPhone user and just download everything?  Drop us a comment below (via PC or Mac) and include which Berry you’re rockin’ as well as how many apps you have installed.

-by Mac Jadalhack

So how could they make an American Idol game for BlackBerry?  It baffled me too when I saw it.  This is how the game goes.  You’ll first begin at auditions and beat the competition week after week in America’s favorite singing contest. Your decisions affect the status of your Fame, Talent & Style, so choose carefully! Select the right song, clothes and friends and open up exciting new story opportunities as you balance rehearsals with your social life. Make the right choices and you could become — the next American Idol!  Just so you all don’t get too excited, this is more like an RPG game, and you will NOT be singing through your actual BlackBerry microphone. For only $6.99, you can have this game on your BlackBerry.

• Click here for more info or to purchase American Idol>>

-by Mac Jadalhack

Are you a consistent chatter on BlackBerry?  You might be emailing and BBMing quite often and AutoText may just help you.  Just as a quick recap, AutoText is used as typing shortcuts.  As seen above for example, I typed in “hru” into the first box that reads Replace. Next it says With where I typed in “how are you.”  Now everytime i type “hru,” the phrase “how are you” will appear.  Get it?  So head over to Options, then select AutoText to start adding your customized word replacements today.

-by Mac Jadalhack

Compatibility: BlackBerry Bold 9700

Price: Free

Source: Cool BlackBerry Themes

OTA: 9700 |

-Posted by Collin Sorp

If you’re following us on Twitter, then you already know about the BlackBerry Theme Builder Webinar going on January 12th.  So as a quickie, we wanted to remind you that it’s not too late to register as you still can today.  The note from RIM is:

Join us in an online discussion to learn how to create compelling BlackBerry Themes and how to distribute them on BlackBerry App World.
In this webcast, we will discuss how to use the new BlackBerry Theme Studio product to create compelling themes for BlackBerry smartphones. Learn how to customize the home screen, add custom ring tones, change menus, icons and much more.
Additionally, we will discuss how you can profit from your themes by bringing them to market through BlackBerry App World. After the presentation, there will be a question and answer period with our panelists providing real-time responses to your questions.

Mark your calendars as the event will be at 2PM on January 12th.

• Click here to register for the BlackBerry Theme Webinar>>

-by Otoniel Bruno

We had to try this for ourselves before reviewing it and telling you how incredible or mediocre the application is. Now, using the BlackBerry Bold 9700 with BerryJoose is very much hard to see differences in speed and performance.  Where would we see these enhancements?  In my opinion, older BlackBerry devices such as the Curve 83xx and Pearl 81xx would see this help a lot more.  The app itself has no control on your end.  It basically works in the background and you can always open up BerryJoose to see what your memory statuses are (memory free, allocated, etc). as seen above in the picture. Don’t worry, when using the task switcher, you won’t see BerryJoose come up.  It literally works in the background as promised. If you’re not confident about the app, know that there is a 100% money back guarantee.

Features:

• memory leaks are minimized.
• no more BlackBerry freeze.
• super-charged for speed; fewer hourglass waits.
• fewer starts and stops, fewer dropped calls and missed connections. Turn on your BlackBerry in the morning and enjoy optimized performance all day. BerryJoose just does it.
• battery pulls? BerryJoose keeps them under control.
• warnings before you lose your work or that new client. You always look good with BerryJoose no matter what’s on the line. Or who.
• deploy more apps simultaneously, increasing productivity.

BerryJoose is currently on sale for $2.99 til January 10th where it will then get bumped back up to $9.95, so why not save 70% today.

• Click here to purchase BerryJoose>>
  

-by Collin Sorp

Browsing via BlackBerry? Click here to view video

We spent the past weekend playing around with this really cool theme by Elecite.  Plasma is currently the latest from Elecite giving you an animated background with some cool widgets.  What I personally liked about this theme is that all the icons are based on the actual apps just zoomed in.  It sounds confusing, but you’ll have to check it out yourself to know what I mean.  The theme goes for only $6.99 so head over to Elecite today and grab yours.

• Click here to shop at Elecite>>

-by Mac Jadalhack