Just as we saw Saudi Arabia’s ban on BlackBerry Messenger get denied, Pakistan Telecom Authority has went ahead and banned BlackBerry services as a whole across the whole country.  They have done so to make sure that they can block all the ways that leads to banned sites such as Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, and Twitter.  Their mission is to block all websites which hosted anit-Islamic content, so blocking out BlackBerry services is their way of making it official.  All these bans rooted from the Everybody Draw Muhammad Day page on Facebook which offended many, especially Pakistan.  So where does it stand now? Telecom companies in Pakistan can’t turn on BlackBerry services again until the PTA decides it’s ok.

-by Mac Jadalhack

Source: Infocera

Image via: CrunchGear

I haven’t used Bolt Browser in quite awhile and fired it up this morning for some close to real web browsing only to find that there was an update available to v2.1.  So what’s new in this version? We have the webkit updated and widgets seem to be working a lot smoother now.  Facebook integration is a lot better than before as you can chat right in the website.  That’s right, Facebook Chat now works.  I didn’t try a full out conversation but did see that the list was visible and i could see the conversations open.

• Download Bolt Browser v2.1 >>
  

-by Otoniel Bruno

Earlier yesterday, we put out some leaked photos of the BlackBerry Bold 9800, showing you a clearer picture of what to expect as well as the on screen virtual keyboard.  Another cool aspect we didn’t notice up until now is the AT&T welcome screen the device has.  We’re happy to know that it is confirmed for AT&T as we were told it would be so before, but never a confirmation.  This seems to be some solid proof for us as this one seems to be in the final stage before the official launch.  Should we still expect a June launch date or not?

-by Mac Jadalhack

Source: BerryFix

These are by far the clearest shots we’ve had yet.  What I like about these is that a picture has been taken of each and every part of the device.  For those who live in a cave, this is the BlackBerry Bold 9800 expected to come out next month based on rumors floating around.  Sure we’ve seen a lot of the Bold 9800 now, but we did not see the virtual keyboard up until now.  It looks like the throwback on screen keyboard from the Storm 1 & 2 has been delivered here.  It’s strange to me as the BlackBerry 6 teaser we saw at WES 2010 showed a different style keyboard, more iPhoney.  Any way, here are the full photos below.  Click here to view the rest of the photos.

-by Otoniel Bruno

Back in March, we let you know about Saudi Arabia’s attempt in controlling BlackBerry services which included monitoring BBM convos.  We later learned that the government attempted to put a ban on BlackBerry Messenger for the whole country.  Today find out that the ban has officially been ruled out.

“We look at the needs of society as well as the regulatory aspects of the BlackBerry service in a balanced manner. The organizational framework does not permit anyone to exploit the service. Therefore, there is no need for stopping the service,” said deputy governor of CTIC for legal matters Daifallah Al-Zahrani.

So for all those who were following up on the case to see if it was a green light or not, that’s the whole bit.  No more ban.

-by Mac Jadalhack

Source: Zawya

We just got another heads up from out buddies over at Sprint letting us know that the BlackBerry Bold 9650 is getting an OS update soon.  Yes, already.  This tends to happen every time a new device launches for the most part, unless you have AT&T where they’ll leave you hanging for years at a time.  So an email is circulating all around Sprint reps and managers saying that an OS 5.0.0.699 is coming May 25th.  Is this the last OS update before OS 6.0 rolls out?  Doubt it.  In any case, mark your calendar folks as the date’s coming soon.

-by Mac Jadalhack

Don’t get too excited folks, but this one is only available through BlackBerry Deskop Manager for now.  We received an email saying that the desktop download file is available as well, but we don’t see anything yet.  This is OS 5.0.0.654 for the BlackBerry Curve 8530 via Sprint.  If anyone spots the new OS on BlackBerry.com, drop us a line!

• Check out Sprint BlackBerry Curve 8530 OS >>
  

-by Mac Jadalhack

BlackBerry Handheld Software v5.0.0.1137 (EastAsia)
Package Version: 5.0.0.1137
Consisting of:

• Applications: 5.0.0.681
• Software Platform: 5.2.0.64
• File name: 9000EastAsia_PBr5.0.0_rel1137_PL5.2.0.64_A5.0.0.681_Optus_Mobile_Pty_Limited.exe
• File size: 115.42MB

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

• Download OS 5.0.0.681 for the BlackBerry Bold 9000 >>
  

-by Mac Jadalhack

We’re happy to see carriers put these unlock freedoms out there for us.  Sprint has catered well this time with the BlackBerry Bold 9650 unlocked right out of the box.  This means you can purchase one right from the Sprint store and pop your AT&T or T-Mobile sim card in with all working features.  Keep in mind you’ll be on EDGE and not 3G as Sprint works on different bandwidths.

-by Otoniel Bruno

Source: CrackBerry

We’re hoping for the June launch date to remain steady for this recently claimed to be Bold BlackBerry slider.  For those unaware, it is now the BlackBerry Bold 9800.  The Cellular Guru just leaked out some images showing off the webkit browser and just giving you a clearer picture of what the device looks like.

-by Mac Jadalhack