As we all expected, SD cards are starting to be sold with data stored on them by default.  A few months ago, we talked about Disney selling DVD movies on Micro SD cards, and that it is very likely services like that could hit the BlackBerry.  Today we came across a new service called slotRadio.  Pretty much, slotRadio comes on a Micro SD card (4GB of storage) with 1,000 full songs with artists from the Billboard charts.

To play music off of slotRadio, simply insert the Micro SD card, download the app, then click the icon to start playing your music.  In addition, you can browse other music available to download and purchase.  This new service seems a lot more successful than VCAST which is just a disaster for BlackBerry users if you ask me.  According to Verizon, the only supported BlackBerry devices are the 8830, Curve 8330, and Curve 8530.  I guess Storm, Tour, and Pearl users have been left out on this one.  Head over to the Verizon’s slotRadio page for more information.

-by Otoniel Bruno

Source: CrackBerry

Over the past few years or so, VZ Navigator by Verizon Wireless has been very consistent and boring if you ask me.  This morning I was excited to get the word that Verizon went ahead and updated VZ Navigator to version 5.1.  So I haven’t had a chance to play around with it much but I did notice Points of Interest menu get a whole lot better (also an awesome red icon instead of that ugly green).  Traditionally I’d just use Garmin or Google Maps to locate lunch spots via Bold 9700, but since I downloaded this update on my Storm 2 9550, I said why not use VZ Navigator on it too.  So looking for a local sub shop was easier than ever giving more specific information with store descriptions and map icons that were clearer than before.  This indeed was part of the change log, so it definitely wasn’t in my head for this one. Any way, hit the jump for the full change log for VZ Navigator.

(more…)

Browsing via BlackBerry? Click here to view video

Cosmetically, there are small differences between the BlackBerry Tour 9630 and the Tour 2 9650 and we know you have to try it yourself to get the full effect, but for the time being, check out this video review showing you the general specifics on the BlackBerry Tour 9650.  This one is a Sprint branded one, but even if you’re with Verizon, watch it any way because it’s the same thing (for the most part)!

-by Mac Jadalhack

Great way to start off the week is to put out a giveaway.  So today we’re giving out 4 Smrtcase covers for the BlackBerry Tour 9630.  We hate to be very specific on the device, but that’s the only BlackBerry supported by Smrtcase so far, so hopefully you have a Tour!  We have one in each color (midnight, snow, pomegranate, and flamingo).  Refer to the Smrtcase website to check them out before deciding what you want.  On a side note, sorry for the sloppy picture.  For all you Where’s Waldo fans, I have my car keys, Macbook, two BlackBerry boxes, and a paper plate in this picture.  See if you can find them!  Back to the giveaway..

In order to participate, you must:

• Follow PocketBerry on Twitter
• Using a valid email below, drop us a comment with which color you’d like

This giveaway will run through tomorrow (February 2nd 2010) at midnight.  Four winners will be chosen, one for each color so if you’re open to any color, just say so for a higher chance of winning. Good luck to all.  Special thanks to the folks over at Smrtcase for providing these Glides in the giveaway.

-by Mac Jadalhack

For those who forgot or are unaware, Pinwall is a very clever social networking application for BlackBerry, allowing you to chat with other registered users.  Within the app you can chat with the built in Pinwall Messenger or through BlackBerry Messenger (upon friendship request approval).  Traditionally we see BlackBerry social networking hit in regular websites which almost emulate a MySpace or Facebook experience, but Pinwall takes it to the next level in providing this state of the art application to do so.  One problem in the past was the slow server issues faced.  Any time users tried logging in, it would just take a long time or not connect at all.

So what’s new in this new version? As we mention before about the slow loading servers, Pinwall has taken care of that by providing faster loading ones now.  Also, a new advertising system is in play, which doesn’t affect you in any way.  Actually, we really don’t know why that is in the change log yet, but have no worries as you won’t be gettin any pop ups or anything along those lines.

• Download Pinwall v1.5 >>

-by Mac Jadalhack

It’s quite funny that just earlier Mac wrote about the BlackBerry being the most popular smartphone in the Middle East, that we now are presenting a MideastBerry.  MideastBerry is a Middle Eastern social networking application for BlackBerry.  Before you get the wrong idea, this isn’t like Pinwall or Facebook here.  Basically MideastBerry gathers all sorts of info and social feeds via the Middle East.  This app is in no way just a BlackBerry launcher, but actually a full-out application with organized categories within.

Features:

• Up to date feeds with latest news from the Middle East
• Feeds of featured blogs from various parts of the region
• Latest tweets from the Middle East by country or regionally
• Featured list of interesting Twitter users in the Middle East
• Ability to retweet, follow, and respond to interesting tweets
• FriendFeed updates from the Middle East by country or regionally
• Ability to comment, favorite, and read full stories via FriendFeed
• Featured list of human rights Facebook groups in the Middle East
• Set up your own RSS feeds (delete existing ones or replace with your own)
• Stay up to date with the latest of what’s happening in the Middle East!

MideastBerry is absolutely free to download and is currently available for the Storm, Bold, Curve, and Tour.

• Click here to download MideastBerry >>

-by Collin Sorp

Today’s a lucky day for Curve 85xx users as two OS updates have hit the streets.  This one’s an unofficial leaked OS for the BlackBerry Curve 8530.  Ranking at 5.0.0.463, you should see some bug fixes in this one, but I wouldn’t count on 100% satisfaction only because it is a leaked version.  I have this running on my 8530 now and haven’t noticed any drastic changes just yet.  If you decide to download and install at your own risk, let us know of any changes you see.  Also keep in mind that since it is a leaked OS and it is being hosted on MegaUpload, download while you can as the link may expire at any time.

• Click here to download OS >>

-by Kal Chebli

Source: BBLeaks

No need to explain what Tetris is.  If you’ve been on Earth anytime lately in the past few decades, then Tetris is very common to you.  Here’s Tetris Blockout for BlackBerry, which has a little twist to the original game. Rotate and place falling blocks into a three-dimensional playing field, clearing planes as fast as you can. Challenge your strategic skills as you work the dynamic Tetris BLOCKOUT grid, score big points for clearing multiple planes at once. Enjoy Marathon, 20 Planes, and Ultra play modes in this simple, yet addictive game that will entertain you for hours. Great fun for all!

Compatibility: 8100 Pearl, 8110 Pearl, 8120 Pearl, 8130 Pearl, 8220 Pearl Flip, 8230 Pearl Flip, 8300 Curve, 8310 Curve, 8320 Curve, 8330 Curve, 8330m, 8350i, 8520 Curve, 8530 Curve, 8800, 8820, 8830, 8900 Curve, 9000 Bold, 9500 Storm, 9520 Storm 2, 9530 Storm, 9550 Storm 2, 9630 Tour, 9700 Bold

Click here for more info on Tetris Blockout >>

-by Otoniel Bruno

Software For BlackBerry® Curve(TM) 8520 Smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.6.1.473 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.6.1.473
Consisting of:

• Applications: 4.6.1.320
• Software Platform: 4.2.0.137
• File name: 8520wifiM_PBr4.6.1_rel473_PL4.2.0.137_A4.6.1.320_Fido.exe
• File size: 117.8MB

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

• Click here to download OS >>
  

-by Otoniel Bruno

There’s no doubt about it that the BlackBerry has itself featured all over the world, getting all sorts of coverage and favoritism.  A California-based mobile analytics firm by the name of Motally did a study which ended up finding that most people across the Middle East browse the web using the BlackBerry Curve 8520.  Next came the iPhone of course as it also has its popularity across the world, but directly after that comes the BlackBerry Curve 8900, then Bold 9000.  And yes, Nokia does come after that, as most of you know that the company holds high respect in Europe in the Middle East (but still got last place).

-by Mac Jadalhack

Source: Arabian Business