UPDATE: It seems to be still not working for many, but at the same time, a lot are still messaging away on BBM back and forth, as more of my buddies on my list are appearing active now again.

Our buddy Mac Chebli let us know that there is a BlackBerry outage in town today.  Yes we could of figured this out on our own, but I haven’t been using my BlackBerry for the past half hour or so, and none of the other writers seemed to report this! So here we go again, with another outage.  My browser seems to be working on my AT&T Bold 9700 and my Verizon Curve 8530.  It looks like BlackBerry Messenger is well down but working here and there strangely.  If you’re having a problem in your area drop us a line!

-by Mac Jadalhack

Early this morning, RIM has put out an official update for BlackBerry App World bringing it from 1.1.0.24 to 1.1.0.33.  As there is no change log, it is most likely just fixing some bugs.  If you haven’t been prompted to update it, you can easily go into BlackBerry App World to download manually by searching for it via the search bar.  If you don’t have BlackBerry App World (which is highly unlikely), use the link below to download.

• Download BlackBerry App World >>

-by Otoniel Bruno

Browsing via BlackBerry? Click here to view video

Verizon is whipping out Skype for their mobile phones including BlackBerry as we all know.  It’s a bit of a downer because the deal seems very exclusive with the carrier although the AT&T iPhone does have Skype also.  So here’s an introduction video showing what Skype Mobile is all about with Verizon Wireless phones.  As introductory as some of you may think it is, it is useful, and very simply put.

-by Mac Jadalhack

Our friend Eric from ock has decided to put out a little giveaway today for their latest theme called uBBuntu.  Last week we gave you the full scoop on the uBBuntu theme, exemplifying how it is a unique one unlike any other you’ve seen.  One of my favorite parts of the uBBuntu theme is having 22 homescreen icons, without being cluttered whatsoever.  The theme is done out so nicely and clean, that you’ll definitely want this as a primary.  It runs super smooth with no lags or memory leaks either so you won’t have to worry.  Whether or not you use the Ubuntu operating system based off of Linux, uBBuntu is for everybody.  Today we’re giving out 10 free copies of the theme.  Simply drop a line below in a comment mentioning what BlackBerry you currently have, using a valid email address and the winners will be chosen.  The giveaway will run through Friday March 12th until 12AM EST where winners will be announced Saturday March 13th.  Good luck to all!

• Supported Devices: Bold 9700, Curve 8900, Tour 9630
• Check out uBBuntu for BlackBerry >>

There’s a lot of regulations in Saudi Arabia, as the government keeps close guard over its citizens and things they can and can’t do.  Camera phones have been an issue there, and are still as the government has tried putting bans on those as well in the past.  Now the next biggest thing is BlackBerry.  Lots of Saudi citizens are getting hooked on the device just as we are.  The CITC has just asked Research In Motion to allow carriers to regulate and monitor BlackBerry Messenger sent and received messages.  “RIM operates in more than 170 countries around the world and respects the regulatory requirements of governments,” said a company statement. “RIM is investigating the reported matter in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and will provide an update once further information is available to share.”

-by Otoniel Bruno

Source: Arab News

Image Source

We all just know Research In Motion (RIM) for the BlackBerry, but some don’t know much about their pasts, and what their old services consisted of.  These may not seem so much as secrets, I’d like to look at them as information about RIM that no one knows really.  I found some of these to be interesting, especially the ones showing how far RIM goes back with their business and how little of an operation they used to be once upon a time.  Hit the jump to check out the full list of secrets.

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It’s a very far fetched idea if you ask me, but out of curiosity we wanted to know how many would like to see some sort of BlackBerry applications or utilities on the Apple iPad which is expected to roll out sometime this month but is now announced to be April 3rd (boo hoo).  Last night during the Oscars, an Apple iPad commercial aired, showing off all its ins and outs.  I’m sure some (or many) of you did enjoy the commercial and would still consider purchasing one, no matter how die-hard BlackBerry you are.  So what kind of applications could be on the iPad for BlackBerry?  Perhaps another version of BlackBerry Desktop Manager allowing you to sync wirelessly, or even through data cable.  How about an emulator?  Redfly has their Mobile Companion which does that now, but wouldn’t it be interesting to see on a tablet too?  We want to know what YOU think.  If you’re browsing via mobile, get on a computer and cast your vote or even leave a comment letting us know what you want to see happen.

It looks like the Thumbplay Music Store is officially live now as it is out of its private beta stage.  Being out in the open, it is now available over at the BlackBerry App World. Thumbplay allows you to stream music directly from their database, lets you make playlists with them , and even has an optionbuy songs directly from the application.  The service is $9.99 per month, but you can try it out free for 3 days.

• Check out Thumbplay Music Store >>
  

-by Mac Jadalhack

As you all know, it was just opening weekend for Alice In Wonderland in the movie theaters.  A few months back, screenshots from the film were spotted online and Jennifer from Cool BlackBerry Themes had created some really nice ones based off of the hit movie.  If you enjoyed it as I did in IMAX 3D or even just normal, then check out the Alice in Wonderland theme.  The Alice In Wonderland theme is absolutely free to download and keep on your BlackBerry.  Devices compatible include 83xx, 88xx, 8900, 9000, and 95xx. Check out the direct OTA links below and select your appropriate device.

• BlackBerry Curve 83xx OTA >>
  
• BlackBerry 88xx OTA >>
  
• BlackBerry Curve 8900 OTA >>
  
• BlackBerry Bold 9000 OTA >>
  
• BlackBerry Storm 95xx OTA >>

-by Kal Chebli

When I first saw this theme, I immediately assumed it was by Elecite, but it looks like HedoneDesign has stepped it up with their recent releases of a lot of very trendy themes.  So any way here’s the Explicit theme which supports all BlackBerry smartphones from the 8100 and on.  Yes that includes 81xx, 82xx, 83xx, 8350i, 85xx, 8900, 9000, 9700, and 95xx.

Features:

• Super fast navigation
• Great design
• 10 user customizable icons on HomeScreen
• Battery and Signal meters as part of navigation
• Tested by HedoneDesign beta testing group

Explicit for BlackBerry goes for only $6.99 at the PocketBerry Store.

• Check out Explicit for BlackBerry >>
  

-by Otoniel Bruno