Firstly, I’d like to say I was a former user of a T-Mobile G1.  When I did see the trackball on it, I immediately thought BlackBerry.  Over at Engadget, I saw new images of the next G2 which now has a trackpad just like the BlackBerry!  Don’t get me wrong, it completely differentiates itself from the BlackBerry but I found it way too funny that they went through the trackball in the first device and now trackpad as well.

-by Collin Sorp

Call blocking on BlackBerry seems to be popular, and would be even more if the apps which did just that for you were free.  Ronen from BerryReview spotted Mr. Call Block in BlackBerry App World.  So there you have it – a free call blocking application.  Here are some highlighted features:

• Automatically block tens of thousands of known telemarketers – list
• updated daily
• Block individual phone numbers, a contact, an entire area code, or the world
• Block private and restricted numbers
• Customizable whitelist: make sure the right people always get through
• History of every call blocked and why
• Notifications of blocked calls in your inbox (optional)
• Big easy on/off button in case you change your mind

Head over to the BlackBerry App World to download Mr. Call Blocker for BlackBerry free today!

-by Mac Jadalhack

It looks like it’s pretty confirmed here as hurlo let me know that Vodafone UK has put up a “Coming Soon” page for the BlackBerry Torch 9800 right on their site.  What fascinates me is how specs are written out on devices for each carrier.  Here are the Vodafone highlights for the Torch 9800:

A large touchscreen – and a QWERTY keypad

• The new BlackBerry Torch has a touchscreen that works like those on other smartphones. Simply tap it with your finger and it responds fast. And when you want to type texts and emails quickly and easily, just slide out the Torch’s full QWERTY keypad. There’s also a touch-sensitive trackpad like the ones you find on laptops.

A BlackBerry that’s more customisable with the new OS 6.

• This new operating system makes using a BlackBerry so much faster and simpler and integrates all your favourite social networking apps all in one place. With customisable homescreens you can switch between all your apps or just your favourites in a second. It also allows for easier multi-tasking so using multiple apps at once is a cinch. Be the first to experience OS 6 on the BlackBerry Torch.

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So Handango’s Free App Friday offer is a theme for a change.  Usually we get applications as promotions, but this will come good for many of you since it’s a very popular theme in our app store.  The iBerry Blocks theme for BlackBerry can be pretty much explained as a replicated iPhone theme.  All the icons look the same, even the “main apps” bar at the bottom or whatever you Apple fanboys call it these days.  At the checkout screen, use promo code “FAF820” to get it absolutely free. Enjoy!

Compatible with: Pearl, Curve 83xx/89xx, 88xx, Bold 9000, Storm 1 & 2, Tour 9630, Bold 9700/9650

• Download iBerry Blocks Theme >>

-by Mac Jadalhack

Today’s App Deal of the Day goes out to FileScout for BlackBerry.  Most of you have heard about it by now and even tried the free trial even.  FileScout is an all in one file manager for BlackBerry letting you manage all sorts of files – text files, zip files, and images. Continue reading to check out all the features in FileScout including the purchase link.

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After just announcing the all new HS-700, RIM has also taken BlackBerry App World 2.0 out of beta and made it official for everyone to download.  The biggest keys in this version now is the new user interface along with minimum application price dropping from $2.99 to 99 cents!

Credit Card Payment Option

• With the new BlackBerry App World, customers are able to purchase applications using major credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard. Carrier billing may also be supported by certain carriers.

Easier Application Discovery

• BlackBerry App World adds new tabbed sections for various applications lists. Users can horizontally swipe or scroll to quickly view the Top 25 Free Apps, Top 25 Paid Apps and Top 25 Themes, as well as the Newest Apps and Recently Updated Apps.

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Of all the BlackBerry branded Bluetooth headsets, this one cosmetically looks the best.  I feel like it’ll go great with my BlackBerry Bold 9700 with the same leather pattern on it.  So this is the BlackBerry HS-700 Bluetooth headset expected to launch August 22nd officially.  It will be available for purchase at Best Buy retail locations for a price of $129.99.

Features:

• Voice commands – allows users to effortlessly dial, mute, swap and answer calls; “redial” numbers; and call back the last incoming caller
• Voice prompts – notifies users when the battery is low and supports turn-by-turn directions with compatible third-party GPS mapping applications
• Advanced noise-cancellation technology
• Automatic volume control (i.e. adjusts automatically)
• Approximately 4.5 hours of talk time
• Bluetooth® 2.1 with support for HFP and A2DP profiles
• Range up to 33 feet/10 meters
• Industry standard micro-USB connection

Read more on the BlackBerry HS-700 >

-by Mac Jadalhack

We got some more leaked internal slide for you once again from BGR.  This one is for the clamshell BlackBerry Oxford 9670 expected to launch for Sprint in the next couple months.  There isn’t really much of any crazy features we’re just finding out now that will make your jaw drop.

Something interesting I see is the 5MP camera rockin’ face detection capability.  Other than that, everything is pretty much the same.  BlackBerry 6 is mentioned in one of the slides and highlights some of its good features but we have that on other devices including the new BlackBerry Bold 9780 and the BlackBerry Torch 9800.

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This is a feature I had on my white Bold 9700 running OS 5.0.0.586 and also in BlackBerry 6 on my Torch 9800.  RIM has changed up the physical lock button this time and made it by time.  This means you can keep locking and unlocking back to back and it will work without a password prompt.  Now, after a security time limit has been reached, it will then lock again and prompt you for it.  This reminds me of the password locking option on the Apple iPad which is very convenient.  Here’s RIM’s official note on the matter:

When the Lock key is pressed on BlackBerry® smartphones that have earlier versions of BlackBerry Device Software, the BlackBerry smartphone is security locked. When the Lock key is pressed again, a prompt appears for the password, regardless of how long the BlackBerry smartphone was locked.

When the Lock key is pressed on BlackBerry smartphones that have newer versions of BlackBerry Device Software 5.0.x, only the key pad of the BlackBerry smartphone is locked. When the Lock key is pressed again, the BlackBerry smartphone is unlocked. However, if the security time out was reached, the BlackBerry smartphone user is prompted to enter the password.

Some people I’m sure aren’t happy with the changes but I like it a lot.  There are times I am using my BlackBerry a lot back and forth in and out of my pocket where it’s too frustrating entering passwords frequently.  Then there may be times I want to keep my BlackBerry password protected especially after not using for some time.  That’s where this new feature comes in handy.

-by Otoniel Bruno

Source: BlackBerry

So far, the idea of a BlackBerry tablet has been far too blurry and very unclear.  We’ve had mixed contradicting specs leak out.  For example we did hear of it coming being a 7 inch and 9 inch, which RIM could very well make both but is just too doubtful to have from launch date.  Today we read on Bloomberg that the BlackPad (the rumored name for the device) will be running an operating system by QNX which they recently had acquired.  All along we thought a “revamped” version of BlackBerry 6 OS would take its toll on the device, but the latest leaked inside information suggests it will not.

The idea here for the BlackPad is to have a production tablet, rather than a consuming device like the iPad.  I’m really curious to see what will be done here, how my BlackBerry will sync with this tablet if possible, and what applications do they have in store to compete with the iPad and even Android tablets out there.

-by Mac Jadalhack