Congratulations Dom for winning the October prize! Expect an email from us soon.

We will be continuing our successful tips promotion. You all know the drill. All you need to do is send us a relevant tip and you’re entered to win $50. Every month we will randomly select one reader who has sent a tip. That person can choose to receive $50 through PayPal OR a $50 Amazon gift certificate.

We already receive quite a few tips a day from you (our amazing readers), so we decided to reward something many of you already do! If you submit multiple tips in one month you have that many more chances to win. All tips remain confidential if you wish. As a reminder… Tips can include but are not limited to:

• Your own review of BlackBerry software, accessories, or hardware that you submit for review & publication
• A hot new BlackBerry release or rumor
• New software or a software update (For example a new version of GTalk)
• A new theme release that we have not mentioned
• New or updated BlackBerry accessories
• Relevant news you found on another website
• Relevant leaked/insider information
• An interesting mobile website
• A tip on how we can improve BerryReview
• Anything BlackBerry related that you think we would find interesting
• In short: if we post an article about it you know you have the right idea

Rules:

• Tips must be sent to either tips@berryreview.com or by using our Contact Us Form. That way we can accurately record your tip to be included in the drawing.
• Every tip you send in is counted as another chance to win.
• Tips that have no relevance or are just plain ridiculous (based on our judgment) will not be included in the drawing.
• You must include a valid email address along with the tip or else we won’t be able to contact you if you win.
• If you are selected as the winner we will do our best to get you your prize as long as it is allowed by law. For example, if you live in Nigeria you are probably out of luck.
• We reserve the right to modify, end, or cancel this promotion at any time at our sole discretion.
• The winner can choose that the $50 USD prize be delivered through either PayPal OR an Amazon gift certificate. (Keep in mind that PayPal will probably deduct some fees.)
• Sadly Public Relations representatives and vendors are not eligible for this promotion.

Good luck!!!

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Send Us A Tip & Win $50 – October Winner Announced!
• Send A Tip And You Could Win $50!!! September Winner Announced
• Send A Tip And You Could Win $50!!! May Winner Announced
• Send A Tip And You Could Win $50!!! January Winner Announced
• Send A Tip And You Could Win $50!!! June Winner Announced

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 6, 2009, 4:00 pm. | Send A Tip And You Could Win $50!!! October Winner Announced | 2 comments |

Review: SoundID 200 Bluetooth Headset

Summary: SoundID was founded by an otologist (ear doctor) who sought to create bluetooth headsets that work with the natural sound processing of the ear. With that in mind, they created the SoundID200. The SoundID200 does one thing and does it right–gives you an earphone that safely and intelligibly delivers audio to the ear and a microphone that focuses in on a user’s voice and blocks out other sounds.

Fit: The SoundID200 gives you the option of using an ear loop like most headsets, but by default uses a smaller rubber cover with a nub that presses against the inside cavity of the ear. The default configuration is designed to hold the unit in your ear like a hearing aid–nice and snug without having to reach around the back of your ear. After using the SoundID200 for about a week I have to say, its pretty damn comfortable.

Sound: The rubber cover earpiece has a funnel that goes deep into the ear, delivering the audio straight into the ear. This makes the audio seem loud without having to hurt your eardrums with actual increased volume. Lastly, by funneling the sound deeper into the ear, the effects of background noises are decreased.

Volume: The SoundID200 also utilizes automatic volume control, which detects the how loud your surroundings are and adjust the volume accordingly. Thus, theoretically, you should never have to raise or lower the volume. But if you were to manually adjust the volume there is a single volume button. Hitting it once will raise the volume to max, twice will reduce the volume to low and three times will bring the volume back to midlevels. It might seem  weird at first, but the single button system really isn’t so complicated and makes it easier to simply raise or lower volume automatic volume control. While it used to take almost four clicks to raise the volume to max, now it only takes one.

Microphone Quality: The unit employs “black out” technology, which uses two microphones to filter out background noises. A few bluetooth headsets are employing this tech lately and SoundID employs it well.

Power: Micro usb connection, so no new power cords needed.

Aesthetic: Brushed dark blue faceplate makes it stick out from the normal headsets. The boom holds close to the cheek so no dangling. Overall, looks like a quality build.

Final Verdict: If you are looking for a no-nonsense bluetooth headset that that is sensitive to you hearing health, this is definitely a good buy.

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Ugliest Bluetooth Headset Ever
• Review: BlueAnt V1 Voice Controlled Bluetooth Headset
• Review: Jabra Stone Bluetooth Headset
• Review: Jabra BT800 Bluetooth Caller ID Headset
• Review BlueAnt Z9i Bluetooth Headset

Posted by David for ©BerryReview, November 6, 2009, 3:00 pm. | Review: SoundID 200 Bluetooth Headset | 2 comments |

You can sign up for the BerryReview Websignal Beta at:
www.berryreview.com/berryreview-websignal/

This new Websignal notifies you with a icon when there is a new article to check out on BerryReview. You can preview the title and then easily click on the homescreen icon to launch the article in your browser. While setting up the Websignal I was saddened to learn a few limitations of the system. For example, the Websignal can take up to 5-8 minutes to update on your BlackBerry. You also need to send a link to your device using our signup form and then click on the link from your BlackBerry and accept the RIM legal agreement to register for the Websignal.

The BerryReview Websignal is currently in beta but our private beta testers had no issues with the push updates. We plan on releasing the source code for the Wordpress plugin we wrote to implement Websignals in Wordpress but right now the code is quite raw. I am slowly creating a simple backend management page for Wordpress that I hope to get done before unleashing it on the public. If you know your way around PHP and Wordpress just send us an email using the Contact Us form and we will send over the code. Keep in mind you will need to register for a Websignal from RIM which may take a few weeks to get approved and setup. I am trying to work with RIM to simplify the signup process.

Please let us know about any issues or comments you have by using the Contact Us link at the top of the page! Keep in mind the Websignal will only show up after a new article has published on BerryReview. Also you may find the Websignal originally hides in your downloads folder in some themes.

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• HOT! Wordpress BlackBerry App Public Beta! Upload Pictures & Audio
• Pocket Informant For BlackBerry Public Beta! 40% Off During Beta
• Wicked Wordpress App Public Beta from ScreamingToaster
• BerryReview Mobile Editon Redesigned!!!
• Wordpress for BlackBerry Beta 0.9.0.140 Now Faster – BIS Support Coming Soon!

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 6, 2009, 1:00 pm. | BerryReview Websignal Public Beta – BlackBerry News Pushed to Your BlackBerry! | 22 comments |

In case you didn’t win you still might want to check Elertify out. Elertify alerts you to new emails by reading them out loud to you when your phone is connected to your PC over USB. Essentially when your BlackBerry is connected to your PC the app can display a popup preview of messages for email, SMS, and calls and lets you hear who is calling or emailing/texting you using the built in voice synthesizer. The app is available now for $4.99 on sale until Nov 15th after which it goes up to $5.99.

From the description:

Are you tired of picking up your BlackBerry® every 15 seconds to check messages only to discover it’s ad from Ed’s Furniture Company or another silly joke from Aunt Kathy?
Now you can preview messages while you work on your PC with Elertify!
Elertify can display a popup message on your PC when you receive incoming Email, SMS and Phone calls on your BlackBerry. You can even hear who’s calling, texting, or emailing you by using the built voice synthesizer!
Elertify lets you choose which types of messages you want to receive: Email, SMS or phone calls.
You can set the popup display time and whether you want the voice synthesizer or a ringtone to play when you receive a message. You might even turn off the popups altogether and just listen to the voice synthesizer.
Now you won’t have to look at your BlackBerry unless you really want to.
Elertify works via the USB cable and is for the PC only.
You must install both the BlackBerry and Windows software to use Elertify.
If you use your PC a lot, you need Elertify!

Features:

• Popup Message with Sender & Subject
• Voice Synthesizer or Ringtones
• USB Auto Connect Option
• Auto Run at Startup
• Suspend Option
• Save Time – Stop checking your Berry
• USB cable Charges your BlackBerry

Minimum Requirements:

• BlackBerry OS 4.2.1 or Greater
• Windows 7, Vista, or XP w/ .NET Framework 3.0 or Greater
• BlackBerry desktop software or USB drivers installed
• USB Cable that came with your BlackBerry

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Giveaway: Elertify Uses Your PC to Announce Your Emails – 30 Free Copies!
• Message Peek – Yet Another Email/SMS Popup Utility
• SmartAlerts Giveaway: Custom Alerts for Email, Missed Calls, & More – 50 Copies!
• Pinger – Free Voice SMS Application
• HOT! Google Voice BlackBerry App Download Link!

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 6, 2009, 11:56 am. | Giveaway Winners: Elertify Makes Your PC Announce Emails | 8 comments |

I been testing out drivesafe.ly for the past few days which I find useful since I drive a lot during the day. With two BlackBerry’s on me at all times & on the road I like having a safe and easy way to know whether the message I just receive needs my immediate attention without being distracted from the road. With many states banning texting while driving & the fact that it is dangerous this comes in handy.  I have tested similar technologies that promised good service but they have not met expectations.

Drivesafe.ly is a simple application you install on you Berry you can get it from either App world or directly from their website. Note that there are two different version of the application a free version and the Pro Version, the free only reads up to 25 words and the pro up to 500 words and a few customization options.

Setup: Once you have the application installed just make sure you check the options you like, and Un-check the boxes you don’t need. There are options to select a female voice or a males voice for the transcript. It also includes the option to select Text messages or emails or both, including senders name, subject, and the body of the message. You can set the option to play via Speaker, earpiece, Bluetooth, & headphones, make sure you have the correct one selected.

Important part of setup: TURN OFF THE AUTO TEXT if you don’t want to annoy people, you can do that by going to settings > Advance settings found towards the bottom, and un-check the auto response boxes. The auto response replies to the reader that you have heard their message and that you will get back to them and tells them to download the application as well. The reason I mention this is because some people may get annoyed by this and may Blacklist your email. But there is a good side to this you can edit the Auto response create a custom response.  Drivesafe.ly does not require anyone to use the auto response or any of the options on there but some come set by default so make sure you explore through all the settings.

Text to Speech capabilities: This service really impressed me on how clearly the female voice sounds, (I did not test the male voice).  The service even reads to you words in Spanish, my brother and I even had some fun typing some bad words to see if it would read them, , Yes it does work. There is an option for acronyms to be read as well. The way the application works is by sending your email data over to drivesafe.ly which turns around and streams the voice over to the BlackBerry. For this application to work you must have a data plan for it to work. The transcription is fast on EDGE and faster response in turnaround time.

Security: I asked How safe is the data transfer?  & this is what I was told “Our application uses iSpeech.org. None of the information is stored. All of the audio is streamed”

Usability: The application itself is simple to use to turn on and off just go to the application and click on the ON/Off button. To Exit the application you need to go to the settings & click exit application or else the application runs on the back ground.  I was told that they are working on a convenience key feature for easy On and Off activation.  To stop a from playing simply click the end key on your Berry.  The application also disables when the profile is set to silent if you have that option check on the settings.

Cons: Only one major thing that I have seen is some users are not aware of the auto response message being sent and are in a way spamming their contacts with the auto response & those receiving the message may not like it. Make sure you turn that option off or change it to a personalized message. Second thing I did notice is that sometimes when you get multiple messages it did skip a few.

Overall I really like the service & how useful it can be, for those that don’t need it everyday I recommend trying the free version. This application will probably not stop everyone from texting & driving because if they get a must reply to message people will likely still use it. This service really helps me from having to take my Berry out of the Holster every time I get a message. What it really does help with is keeping users from getting distracted from the road because reading a message requires you to take your eyes off the road. I see some good use for this application, specially if they were to implement speech to text.

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Review: Notes2Self – Record & Email Yourself Voice Memos
• Review: Voice on the Go – Listen to Your Email While You Drive
• Beta Review: Empower HTML Email Viewer Beta for BlackBerry
• SpinVox – Voicemail To Text Gets BlackBerry Client
• Google Voice Lets Your Forward AND Reply to SMS via Email!

Posted by Luis Merlos for ©BerryReview, November 6, 2009, 11:00 am. | Review: Drivesafe.ly Text to Speech for Email & SMS | 11 comments |

I just checked yesterday and it looks like Google has added it! Just fire up Google Maps and go to Menu->Layers->More Layers->Transit Lines. You will then see the NYC subway map overlayed on the regular map like you see in this screenshot.

If you don’t already have Google Maps pick it up at m.google.com/maps

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Google Maps 3.2 Released – Adds Layers to Maps
• JustTheMap BlackBerry Subway Maps For NYC, Washington, & Barcelona
• Subway / Metro Maps For Your BlackBerry – MetroViewer / Tube 2
• Google Maps 3.0.2 Released – No Change Log
• Free New York City Cab Zen Theme For BlackBerry 8100/8300/8800

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 6, 2009, 11:00 am. | Google Maps Adds Overlay Layer for New York City Subway | 2 comments |

They even have screen protectors for the Storm2 and upcoming Bold 9700…

Check them all out at this link and let me know if you spot any gems.

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Deal: BlackBerry Accessories 30% Off @ HandHeldItems.com
• Great Deals on Premium Themes from JC Designs/GadgetBean.Com
• BlackBerry Bold 9700 Now Available on Rogers Website
• Leaked Storm 9500 OS 5.0.0.230 & Bold 9700 OS 5.0.0.321
• 50% Off BlackBerry Accessories & Meritline – Free Shipping

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 6, 2009, 10:00 am. | Great Deals on BlackBerry Accessories @ HandHeldItems.com | Leave a comment |

The free version comes with the following features:

• - Display Caller ID Alert
• - Display Email Alert
• - Bluetooth auto connect

You can pick up the free version in our store at this link.

The pro has quite a few more features:

• - Display Caller ID Alert
• - Display Email Alerts for all email accounts
• - Bluetooth auto connect
• - Display SMS/Text Alert
• - Send SMS/Text from your computer
• - Answer call from your computer
• - Ignore call from your computer
• - Activate Speaker phone from your computer
• - Control call volume from your computer
• - Place/Dial call from your computer
• - Disconnect call from your computer
• - Blurts will auto start on device reset
• - Options to control alerts

The paid version can be bought in our store also for $4.99 at this link.

A bit more information from their PR:

If you are like us, you sit in front of a PC most of the day with a BlackBerry in your pocket. Every time it rings you have to dig it out just to see who is calling, and you think to yourself, wouldn’t it be nice if the caller ID just popped up on my computer screen so I could see who is calling before going through the trouble to dig it out of my pocket?
Well that is exactly what Blurts is designed to do. A desktop app and a BlackBerry app talk via Bluetooth to display caller ID info and email alerts.
With the Bluetooth auto connect feature, don’t worry about missing an alert because you forgot to connect your phone to your PC.
No cables to tether your device! You have the freedom to keep your phone where you want it – your pocket, your purse, your holster.
And Blurts Pro takes it to the next level allowing you to place and answer (or ignore) calls from your PC. Also read and send SMS from your desktop.

Thanks also to rorosz for sending this tip as well.

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Aerize Releases Update to Email Alerts Version 1.1.0
• BeBuzz – Free Version of BerryBuzz Released – Vibrate AND Ring
• TuneWiki Released: Paid Version Available Now – Free Version Coming Soon
• PeeKaWho Beta 1.163 – Now With LED Alerts
• PeeKaWho Beta v1.164 Released – Adds Free Flashlight App

Posted by Luis Merlos for ©BerryReview, November 6, 2009, 9:00 am. | Blurts now out of Beta with both a Free & Paid version | 4 comments |

The new Canada plan will be called AT&T Nation with Canada which adds no long distance charges on calls to Canada along with 1,000 night and weekend minutes that work in both countries with rollover, A-List, and early night and weekends still available. No word on price.

Anybody excited?

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Rogers Announces Voicemail to Text Service Using SpinVox
• Nuance To Enter The Voicemail To Text Field
• SpinVox – Voicemail To Text Gets BlackBerry Client
• YouMail Transcription Beta Over This Week – New Plans
• GotVoice – Another Voicemail To Text Service With A Twist

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 6, 2009, 5:19 am. | AT&T Releasing Voicemail-To-Text & Canada Plans Next Week | 3 comments |

The app runs in the background but since it is using your GPS all the time along with cellular connection to upload data there may be a battery usage constraint for users so keep that in mind. On the other hand a user generated coverage map could go a long way to proving to your carrier that reception sucks for everybody in your location.

You cannot see the map from the application but it is available at www.iblipped.com. Let me know if you join in on the fun by downloading the application at this link.

From the description:

Today’s cellular phone network provider’s carrier maps are often out of date and/or inaccurate. The iBlipped site aims at gathering volunteered cell phone signal strengths to point out strengths and dead zones in cell phone providers coverage.
By taking users GPS and measuring their cell signal at regular intervals we can see just how good the coverage is.

Features:

• Works for both CDMA and UMTS carriers
• Signal Strength mapping using GPS
• Time or Distance based based recording
• Ability to halt/resume gathering
• Displays cell site information
• Upload signal strength to a website for analysis
• Uploading data through email.

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• User Generated Wattpad Returns to App World
• Preparing For The Bold – High Res AT&T 3G Coverage Map
• Create-A-JAD – Free App to Easily Create BlackBerry OTA Installer JAD for COD Files
• FAQ: Translating BlackBerry Signal Bars to Numbers
• Verizon Commercial Really Digs Into AT&T 3G Coverage

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 6, 2009, 4:31 am. | Help iblipped Create a User Generated Coverage Map | 9 comments |

Ringtone Expressions is relatively expensive at $24.95 with all things considered but the app really does simplify the process of creating ringtones from quite a few sources. It can even extract ringtones from flash based music and video players.

Giveaway Details: Gx5 has kindly offered 30 free copies of Ringtone Expressions to readers who comment on this article. Just leave your name and a valid email address in the email field and if you are randomly selected you will win a free copy! Comments must be left before Monday Nov 9th at 11:59PM EST to win and winners should hopefully be notified shortly thereafter. Only one comment per user will be considered!

From the description:

Ringtone Expressions is the fastest and easiest way to create your own custom Ringtones for your BlackBerry, iPhone, Palm Pre or Windows Mobile Phone using the music from your music library. This new found power we are giving you means you can now create an unlimited amount of ringtones and never have to pay for ringtones again. Ringtone Expressions only works on Windows.

Features:

• ******Get Ringtone Shuffler for absolutely free******
• Create ringtones instantly with Drag and Drop from iTunes
• Create ringtones instantly with Drag and Drop from Windows Explorer
• Create ringtones from songs purchased on the iTunes store
• Express your ringtones to friends on Facebook and Twitter
• Create ringtones from YouTube Videos
• Discover cool new ringtones from your Facebook friends
• Create ringtones from website with flash based music or video player
• Create ringtones from your computer’s microphone
• Your own Ringtone Expressions Facebook Widget
• Create different ringtones for special contacts
• Re-use your ringtone on future Phones
• Gorgeous Interface and Experience

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Aukido – Free Ringtone Downloads & Generator – Create Ringtones From YouTube Videos
• Mad Ringtones – Easily Create Ringtones from any MP3 or YouTube Video Free
• RingtoneStudio – Create Ringtones On Your Mac
• Ringtone Shuffler – Random Ringtone For Each Call
• Giveaway: Elertify Uses Your PC to Announce Your Emails – 30 Free Copies!

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 5, 2009, 3:00 pm. | Giveaway: Ringtone Expressions – Easily Create Ringtones – 30 Free Copies | 92 comments |

You can pre-register for more information at:
www.sprint.com/blackberrycurve8530

Pricing and availability will be announced later but the device will come with three color options, Black, Royal Purple, and Red. The rest of the press release below seems to be justifying Sprint’s existence as a major carrier by comparing themselves to the AT&T iPhone plan and claiming that they have twice AT&T’s current 3G network and 14 times the coverage of T-Mobile’s. Pretty interesting read… especially the disclaimers in the footnotes.

BLACKBERRY CURVE 8530 SMARTPHONE COMING TO sprint FEATURING america’s most dependable 3g network and AFFORDABLE PRICE PLANS

Next generation of popular BlackBerry smartphone adds Wi-Fi, external multimedia buttons and BlackBerry App World; visit www.sprint.com/blackberrycurve8530
to pre-register for BlackBerry Curve 8530 from Sprint

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Nov. 5, 2009 – Sprint (NYSE: S) announced today it will add the new BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone to the wireless industry’s best lineup of devices. Beginning today, customers can visit http://www.sprint.com/blackberrycurve8530 to pre-register for this next generation of the popular BlackBerry wireless device on America’s most dependable 3G network¹ with the affordability of Sprint’s Everything Data plans featuring Any Mobile, Anytime^SM. Pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.

BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone makes it even easier to enjoy music on-the-go with dedicated keys to skip to the next song on a playlist, pause or play. It comes preloaded with several multimedia applications including BlackBerry Media Sync, Sprint Music Store™, Sprint TV™ and Pandora™. It also boasts dedicated applications for a smoothly integrated social networking experience with Facebook^®, MySpace™ and Flicker™. BlackBerry Curve 8530 will be available in three color options – Black, Royal Purple and Red.

“BlackBerry Curve 8330 has been a tremendous success for Sprint. BlackBerry Curve 8530 continues that legacy with the addition of several important features that make it a winner for both entertainment and productivity,” said Kevin Packingham, Sprint Senior Vice President of Product Development. “This is one device that can really do it all with the email, calendar and contact synchronization BlackBerry is known for as well as the latest multimedia and social media features. We are anxious to bring it to our customers who also appreciate the strength of our network, the affordability of our rate plans and our Ready Now customer service experience.”

Sprint’s BlackBerry Curve 8530 will offer BlackBerry App World™ for instant access to thousands of applications. Sprint has employed an open Internet approach, and the Sprint Application Developer Program has been providing tools for third-party developers, since Sprint first launched the Wireless Web on its phones in 2001.

Sprint’s affordable Everything Data plans now include Any Mobile, Anytime, a feature that removes restrictive calling-circles and provides unlimited calling on the Sprint network to and from any U.S. wireless phone regardless of carrier, at no additional charge with Everything Data plans starting at $69.99 per month (all price plans exclude surcharges and taxes).

Sprint’s Simply Everything^SM offers nationwide unlimited calling, unlimited text and unlimited data, including email, social networking, Web browsing, Sprint Navigation, Sprint TV, streaming music, NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile, for only $99.99 per month (plus taxes and surcharges). That is a $1,200 savings over two years versus a comparable AT&T iPhone^® plan². Both Everything Data and Simply Everything plans are available to existing customers without extending their service agreement. New lines of service require a two-year service agreement.

The Sprint Mobile Broadband Network (inclusive of data roaming) reaches more than 269 million people, 18,652 cities and 1,838 airports. The Sprint Networks (inclusive of data roaming) have twice the coverage of AT&T’s current 3G network and 14 times the coverage of T-Mobile’s current 3G network, both based on square miles³.

According to Sprint performance data, Sprint Mobile Broadband connections are successfully connected and maintained better than 99 out of 100 times. According to a recent independent network test conducted by PC World, Sprint tested as the most reliable network overall among US carriers in a 13-city performance test⁴.

Sprint is the first national carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology. Separate from its 3G investment, Sprint has announced plans to extend its 4G leadership by launching the next-generation service in numerous markets in 2009, including the recently launched markets of Atlanta, Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Portland, Ore.

Sprint is also the only wireless carrier to offer Ready Now service with trained retail associates to work one-on-one with customers to personalize their BlackBerry Curve 8530, set up features and demonstrate how it works before the customer leaves the store. Customers have the choice of sitting down with a Sprint retail associate at the time of purchase or they can schedule an appointment for a later time at www.sprint.com/storelocator.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving more than 48 million customers at the end of the third quarter of 2009 and the first and only 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The company’s customer-focused strategy has led to improved first call resolution and customer care satisfaction scores. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

¹ Dependable” based on independent, third-party drive tests for 3G data connection success, session reliability and signal strength for the top 50 most populous markets from January 2008 to July 2009. Not all services available on 3G and coverage may default to separate network when 3G unavailable. Coverage may not be available everywhere. Customers should refer to sprint.com/coverage for details.

² Savings based on publicly available information comparing AT&T Nation Unlimited plus required iPhone data plan and optional unlimited text messaging totaling $149.99/month for AT&T as of publication date, excluding taxes, surcharges and fees. iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.

³ Coverage comparison based on publicly available information as of 04/01/09 inclusive of Sprint roaming partners. Based on square miles. Coverage comparison based on publicly available information as of 04/01/09 inclusive of Sprint roaming partners. Based on square miles.

⁴ The PC World tests took place in March and April 2009 in 13 major markets across the country. In each location, testers measured download speed, upload speed and reliability. In all, 5,443 individual tests from 283 testing locations were conducted for each provider’s 3G service. Testing was one minute in duration, and network performance can be highly variable from neighborhood to neighborhood.

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Verizon Wireless Announces BlackBerry Curve 8530 – Coming Nov 20th
• BlackBerry 8530 Curve Arrives in Verizon’s Systems in Black & Lavender
• Verizon BlackBerry Curve 8530 Gets Reviewed
• Sprint Any Mobile Anytime Plus Plan Announced – Includes BIS Email
• Sprint To Get BlackBerry 8330 Curve Sometime This Month

Posted by the BerryReview Team for ©BerryReview, November 5, 2009, 2:06 pm. | Sprint Announces BlackBerry Curve 8530 – Coming With OS 5.0? | 2 comments |

Summary: In my opinion, best BlackBerry yet–hands down.

Although the high end style and functionality of the Bold 9700 makes for a perfect comparison to the original Bold, I find that in the new small and sleek form factor, the new Bold 9700 is more like the newer Curve 8900.

Form: The Bold 8900 shrinks the original big Bold down to the size of the current small Curves and the Tour (Dimensions: 4.29 x 2.36 x 0.56 inches). It is super light in hand (weights only 4.2 ounces with battery, which is also lighter than the Tour). The keys are a little more scrunched together but a completely usable QWERTY nonetheless.

Bold 9700 is on top, Curve 8900 is on bottom

Bold 9700 on the left, Curve 8900 on the right

Specs & Upgrades: The screen size remains the same (480 x 320), despite the diet the Bold was put on. The familiar trackball has been replaced with the new touch sensitive BlackBerry trackpads. The touchpad is a little more sensitive than the touchball and takes a few minutes to get used to. I find it makes it a lot easier to scroll through longer lists and it just feels classier to use. Ronen has been experiencing some ghostly phantom scrolling (the phone randomly scrolls when he isn’t touching the trackpad), but his apartment may just be haunted by his old cat (story for another post).

The processor is the same speed as the previous Bold (624 MHz), which is speedy. The RAM has been bumped up from 128MB to 256MB, which makes things run a bit smoother.  I loved the screen on the previous Bold but for some reason the resolution on the 9700 seems to “pop” more to me.

One of the biggest upgrades to me in the Bold is the move from a 2.0 megapixel camera to a 3.2 megapixel camera. Some test shots from my drive into Manhattan this morning are below.

Side Notes: Ronen notes that when he had the phone on the counter and used the speaker the sound was muffled. I made some speakerphone test calls earlier and didn’t have this problem (I am starting to think Ronen’s specific unit might be damaged). But one thing that both Ronen and I do agree on, the volume buttons on the right side are pretty hard to press compared to all the other buttons. Ronen has also been experiencing some weird issues where the trackpad scrolls down and to the right by itself as if it has a mind of its own. Make of that what you will.

Carriers: The 9700 is pretty big news on T-Mobile. This is the first 3G BlackBerry on T-Mobile’s network and its friggin awesome. For AT&T, this is a nice addition to its already huge lineup of BlackBerries. I have been testing the T-Mobile one so far and have had very few complaints. Also, because the 9700 also has WiFi, if you are using T-Mobile this phone will let you use their UMA WiFi at home service to make calls over WiFi using your T-Mobile number (see previous post here).

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• BlackBerry Bold 9700 Now Available on Rogers Website
• RIM & T-Mobile Make BlackBerry Bold 9700 Official
• Rumor Mill: US Cellular Getting BlackBerry Tour Tomorrow? T-Mobile Bold 9700 Delayed?
• BlackBerry Bold 9700 on T-Mobile Germany Site – Vodafone UK Storm2 Preorders!
• BlackBerry 9700 Bold (AKA Onyx) Gets Reviewed Yet Again

Posted by David for ©BerryReview, November 5, 2009, 2:00 pm. | Hands On: BlackBerry Bold 9700 – T-Mobile | 4 comments |

• Distance travelled
• Elapsed time
• Average speed and pace
• Calories expended

The app will also let you map your run and view it in BlackBerry Maps. It also has audio alerts and the ability to upload your data to their servers so you can review your data and track you progress over time.

All in all it is a pretty nice app for $4.99 and it has a free trial for you to try before you buy. Let me know if you give it a shot and how it compares to other solutions or even apps like GPSLogger.

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• EasyBillOnline – Log Hours, Track Expenses, Send Invoices, & More from Your Browser
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• Baby FollowUp – Track Your Childs Growth & Health
• Gym Technik Adds New Features – Fitness Tracking

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 5, 2009, 12:54 pm. | RoadRunner GPS – Track Your Runs & Analyze Them | 2 comments |

In case you didn’t win you still might want to check bbOSalert out. The app simply alerts you when the latest OS has been leaked for your BlackBerry device. Once a new OS is posted to be download you will be sent an alert to download with the OS version and where it was posted. The app is relatively cheap at $2 and is available for practically all OS 4.2.1+ devices.

From the description:

Is your F5 button about to pop off of your keyboard? Or even worse, already gone? Your solution to staying up all night waiting for a new OS to leak is here. bbOSalert is a new application for BlackBerry devices that alerts you when a new OS has been posted on the internet. Once installed onto your device you can select which devices you wish to be alerted about and choose between leaked OS, official OS or both.
How does it work? Once an OS is posted on a site for download an alert will be sent out to whom ever has subscribed to that device. Along with the alert you will be notified of the version and where OS was posted (site wise) for you to download.
Features:

• Alerts within minutes of OS being posted on the Internet.
• Get alerted for as many and only devices you want.
• Includes alerts for Hybrid releases.

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Giveaway: bbOSalert – BlackBerry OS Update Notifications – 30 Free Copies
• BBOSalert Beta Application for BlackBerry
• Giveaway Winners: Documents To Go 2.0
• Giveaway Winners: BlackBerry Resolution Prizes From Electric Pocket!
• Giveaway Winners – Addonis All-In-One Utility

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 5, 2009, 12:05 pm. | Giveaway Winners: bbOSalert – BlackBerry OS Update Notifications | 20 comments |

Impact: BlackBerry subscribers may be unable to view, update avatars or retrieve backup contact lists using BlackBerry Messenger 5.0. BlackBerry subscribers will still be able to send and receive messages, and add new contacts using BlackBerry Messenger.
"Note:  The Subscribers Affected % is under investigation. An update will be provided in 48 business hours."

Ticket Number: BB143878
Incident Window Start Date and Time: 1 November 2009 15:53:00 (GMT)
Incident Window End Date and Time: 5 November 2009 07:00:00 (GMT)
Duration: 87  hour(s) and  7 minute(s)
This issue has now been resolved. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your continued support.
EST =   GMT – 5 hours
EDT =   GMT – 4 hours
AEST = GMT + 10 hours

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• BlackBerry Messenger Avatar & Contact Backup Outage
• UPDATE: BlackBerry Messenger & PIN Outage or Issues? Let Us Know!
• Critical BlackBerry Outage!!! The RIM FUBAR Story
• Another Americas Outage June 14th & 15th – BIS
• North America BIS 2.4 Server Upgrade/Outage June 7-8th

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 5, 2009, 10:04 am. | BlackBerry Messenger Outage Finally Over – Avatar & Contact Backup | 4 comments |

While the name is deceiving (I expected images of Peter Pan and Tinkerbell) I do understand the concept of theme designer JMerhi’s recent release, Neverland. It’s more about spacious skies and untouched earth. In a way, the graphics do bring a certain sort of calm to the mind upon first glance. That, along with crisp icons and a home page that offers hidden today buttons – and a hidden, pop up dock of customizable icons – IMO this is a pretty interesting theme. I tested the Bold version and I liked the way the theme worked and looked overall. It offers lots of function from the home screen yet stays clean and neat at the same time. My only issue with this theme…yeah, I have an issue…is the price. $7.00 for any theme right now is just too darn high in my book. I realize the work it takes to create some themes, but with this economy most theme designers are coming down with their prices. However, that said…if you like this theme and you have the dough to spend I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. More screen shots, info and purchase links (check out all for your appropriate device before committing) can be found at the Berryreview Store. Neverland is available for a variety of BlackBerry devices.

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Premium ‘Digital’ theme from Hedone Design!
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• Hedone Design’s New DigitalPro Theme – Fast and Smooth

Posted by Vicky for ©BerryReview, November 5, 2009, 10:00 am. | Premium Neverland Theme Offers Smooth Design | Leave a comment |

Jason let me know about this update on his BlackBerry 9700 and I confirmed this on my AT&T Bold 9000 and T-Mobile Bold 9700.

Let us know if you can pick up the update at m.google.com/mail and if you notice anything different!

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Gmail Mobile App Goes From 2.0.5 To 2.0.6
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• Gmail Application Gets Upgraded To Version 2.0.5
• Google Voice BlackBerry App v0.1.6 Released – No Change Log
• Google Calendar Sync Updated To 0.4.7 – No Change Log

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 5, 2009, 9:53 am. | Gmail App Updated to v2.0.7 – No Change Log | 21 comments |

Verizon just made the BlackBerry Curve 8530 we all knew about official. The device will be coming on Nov 20th to Verizon and will add to their BlackBerry device catalog making another splash with Wi-Fi AND GPS. The inclusion of GPS on the 8520 really makes it stand out.

The device will be available on Nov. 20 for $99.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement with a BlackBerry plan. Sadly the device will also come with no memory card.

Anybody else notice that there is no mention of OS 5.0? I have been hearing confirmed reports that the 8520 will NEVER be getting OS 5.0 and this oversight in the 8530 announcement does not bode well with me.

Check out the full press release below or at this link.

Verizon Wireless Introduces the BlackBerry Curve 8530 Smartphone

New Smartphone Features 3G Connectivity, Built-In Wi-Fi and GPS, Touch-Sensitive Trackpad and Dedicated Media Keys

BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY and WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Nov. 5, 2009) – Verizon Wireless and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today introduced the BlackBerry^® Curve^TM 8530 smartphone, an exciting new addition to the BlackBerry Curve series of smartphones. The slim BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone gives customers access to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities, as well as easy access to music, games and other mobile apps for entertainment on the go.
Available colors: Black and Smoky Violet
Key features:
- Easy-to-use, highly tactile, full QWERTY keyboard and touch-sensitive trackpad for reliable, responsive typing and navigation
- 256 MB flash memory and 528 MHz next generation processor for enhanced performance
- Supports voice-activated dialing and Bluetooth^® (version 2.1), with support for hands-free headsets, car kits, stereo headsets and other Bluetooth peripherals
- 3G-enabled (EV-DO)
- Built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
- GPS with support for location-based applications, including geotagging pictures and Verizon Wireless’ VZ Navigator(SM) service
- 2.0 megapixel digital camera with zoom and video recording(i)
- Advanced media player for music, pictures and videos, with dedicated media keys and a 3.5 mm stereo headset jack, plus BlackBerry^® Media Sync, which makes it easy to quickly sync music from your computer to the smartphone(ii)
- Access to BlackBerry App World^TM, featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry^® smartphones. Categories include games, entertainment, social networking and sharing, news and weather, productivity and much more
- Access to e-mail, messaging (IM, SMS, MMS) and popular social networking sites (including Facebook and MySpace)
- Rich multimedia capabilities, including dedicated media keys smoothly integrated along the top of the handset, giving customers an easy, convenient way to control their music and videos
- Support for BlackBerry services with access to up to 10 supported e-mail accounts, including most popular ISP e-mail accounts such as Yahoo!^®, Windows Live^TM Hotmail^®, AOL^® and Gmail, and BlackBerry^® Enterprise Server support, which provides advanced security and IT administration features for corporate deployments
- Expandable memory via hot swappable microSD^TM/SDHC memory card slot, supporting up to 16 GB cards today and expected to support next generation 32 GB cards when available
Pricing and availability:
- The BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone is expected to be available from Verizon Wireless beginning Nov. 20 for $99.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a voice plan with an Email and Web feature or an Email and Web for BlackBerry plan. Customers will receive the mail-in rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. Data plans for the BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone begin at $29.99 when added to any Nationwide voice plan.
- For information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.
(i) Video recording requires microSD card, sold separately
(ii) Certain music files may not be supported, including files that contain digital rights management technologies

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Sprint Announces BlackBerry Curve 8530 – Coming With OS 5.0?
• BlackBerry 8530 Curve Arrives in Verizon’s Systems in Black & Lavender
• Pink BlackBerry 8130 Pearl Coming To Verizon Tomorrow
• Verizon BlackBerry Curve 8530 Gets Reviewed
• Verizon Wireless Announces BlackBerry 8330 Curve… For MAY!!!

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 5, 2009, 9:28 am. | Verizon Wireless Announces BlackBerry Curve 8530 – Coming Nov 20th | 3 comments |

I was talking to a friend about this exact loophole a last week and it truly does not make any sense. You could go and buy a BlackBerry Tour for $150 with a 2 year contract and cancel the day after and pay a total of $325 for the device. Or you could purchase the device at a no-contract price of $449.99… The math just doesn’t add up even with the $35 activation fee.

So it looks like Verizon is smarting up to the fact that people are just flipping phones they purchase. I really hope they would come up with a different solution for the whole ordeal. For example, maybe not charging ridiculous prices for devices without a contract… even 2 years after the device was originally released. The no contract price for the BlackBerry 8703e is still $429.99 compared to $29.99 with a 2 year contract…

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Sprint Raising Text Message Charges to $.20
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• T-Mobile Raising Overage Charges – Cancel Your Contract Without ETF
• Verizon Pearl 2 Release Raising Interest Around The Net
• Verizon Storm Prices Come Out – $219.99 w/2-Year Contract

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 5, 2009, 2:04 am. | Verizon Raising ETF for “Advanced Devices” up to $350? | Leave a comment |

You can download the update at m.google.com/maps

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Google Maps 3.0.2 Released – No Change Log
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• Google Maps 3.2 Released – Adds Layers to Maps

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 5, 2009, 1:16 am. | Google Maps Updated to v3.2.1 – No Change Log | 7 comments |

Giveaway details: PaderSync has kindly offered 30 free copies of PaderSyncSSH to readers who comment on this article. Just leave your name and a valid email address in the email field and if you are randomly selected you will win a free copy! Comments must be left before Sunday Nov 8th at 11:59PM EST to win and winners should hopefully be notified shortly thereafter. Only one comment per user will be accepted!

If you have not already tried PaderSyncSSH and need an SSH client you should. Check it out and let me know what you think!

From the description:

PaderSyncSSH is a powerful SSH client for mobile devices. Use it to access your SSH/SFTP servers at home or at work with your mobile device. Connect multiple terminal windows to work directly on the SSH server, execute commands and manage the remote system. Solve problems while you are traveling and save a lot of time!

The integrated SFTP support allows you to browse the server’s file system and up- or download files and even complete directories. Use one-way folder synchronization to always get the latest files. Open remote files. They will automatically be downloaded and cached on your memory card before they are passed on to other applications.

Features:

• VT100 terminal emulation.
• Macro system for improved productivity.
• SFTP file system access.
• Automated one-way folder synchronization.
• Browse, copy, move, rename, delete, open files and directories.
• Bookmark system for convenient and fast connecting.
• Password-protect access to the application.

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

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• Pader-Sync File Manager – Another FTP/SFTP Application

Posted by Ronen Halevy for ©BerryReview, November 4, 2009, 3:00 pm. | Giveaway: PaderSyncSSH SSH Client – 30 Free Copies | 105 comments |

9500 Storm: www.megaupload.com/?d=0N3M11FB
9700 Bold: www.megaupload.com/?d=SBNF7SLN

Let us know what you find in the comments. From what I understand the Bold 9700 OS will be shipping with the upcoming Rogers 9700 launch.

Note: This is not an official OS and could render your device unusable if you don’t know what you are doing.

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• BlackBerry Bold 9700 Now Available on Rogers Website
• OS 4.7.0.164 for 9500 Storm
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• BlackBerry Storm2 9520 OS 5.0.0.287 & Bold 9700 OS 5.0.0.296
• 9500 Storm OS 4.7.0.131 Found Online

Posted by Luis Merlos for ©BerryReview, November 4, 2009, 2:08 pm. | Leaked Storm 9500 OS 5.0.0.230 & Bold 9700 OS 5.0.0.321 | 5 comments |

The latest theme release to come out of Hedone Design is based on the Windows Vista design and aptly called, VistaLike. Crisp, sharp images and customizable icons (both side and bottom docks) give this theme a clean and functional style. There’s also a heck of a lot going on the home page making it obvious that the folks at Hedone put quite a bit of thought into its creation. Available in basic Zen to Today Plus versions (with variations of messages & calendar) VistaLike supports basically all BlackBerry devices except the Pearl (awww).  There’s also an expansion pack of additional wallpapers which are very cool.

VistaLike generally costs $6.99 but is available for $3.49 until November 6th. Just visit Hedone Design for more info, screen shots and purchase links for your appropriate device and style theme.

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• Premium ‘Digital’ theme from Hedone Design!
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Posted by Vicky for ©BerryReview, November 4, 2009, 2:00 pm. | Hedone Design’s New ‘VistaLike’ Theme | Leave a comment |

RIM is recommending you either upgrade to Desktop Manager 5.0.1 or unregister the Lotus Notes DLL running the BlackBerry Desktop Manager, by going to StartMenu->Run and entering the command: regsvr32 /u "C:\Program Files\Research In Motion\BlackBerry\IS71 Connectors\Lotus Notes5.0\lnresobject.dll"

From RIM’s advisory:

This advisory relates to a vulnerability in a Lotus Notes Intellisync DLL that the BlackBerry Desktop Manager may use. This vulnerability may allow a malicious user to perform an attack that leverages social engineering to achieve remote code execution on the computer running the BlackBerry Desktop Manager. If the legitimate (logged in) user clicks a link to a malicious web site (for example, in an email message, in a browser, or an instant message) on the computer that is running the BlackBerry Desktop Manager, a vulnerability in an Intellisync component could allow the malicious user who sent the link or created the malicious web site to execute code on the computer using the privileges of the legitimate user.

Note: The affected Lotus Notes Intellisync DLL is included by default in all BlackBerry Desktop Manager installations. This vulnerability exists whether or not the DLL is used after installation. Issue Severity: This vulnerability has a Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) score of 9.3. Issue Status: Vulnerability confirmed. For more information, see the Resolution section.

via CIO.com

If you liked this article, you might find these interesting:

• RIM Announcement: Vulnerability in the PDF distiller of the BlackBerry Attachment Service for BlackBerry Unite
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• Desktop Manager for Mac 1.0 Beta Leaked!
• HOT! Screenshots of Mac Desktop Manager – Coming Soon!
• RIM Releases Desktop Manager 4.7

Posted by the BerryReview Team for ©BerryReview, November 4, 2009, 1:28 pm. | Serious Vulnerability in All Versions of Desktop Manager Before v5.0.1 – Workaround Available | 2 comments |