Just a few contests this week, but still some great apps. We have offerings of Stop Turning!, MeterBerry and Leave It On, as well as some unlock codes from CellUnlock. If you haven't entered yet, you still have a few hours to get in on the fun. Just head over to the original contest posts and leave a comment. Thanks as always to the generous developers and retailers who make our contests possible week after week. If you'd like to run a contest of your own, shoot and email to editorial(at)crackberry.com for more info.

• Leave It On Updated to v.1.5 - 100 Free Copies >>
• MeterBerry System Information Utility - 100 Free Copies >> 
• Stop Turning! Locks Your Storm Screen Orientation - 50 Free Copies >>
  
• Contest: Demo Video Of Telenav GPS Navigator Running On BlackBerry Bold 9700 And Giveaway >>
  
• Contest: Win 1 of 100 Free Unlock Codes For Your BlackBerry Bold 9700! >>

I just checked out SmartSig and I have to say it is very cool. One of my long running gripes with BIS email signatures is that they show up at the very bottom of an email, after all the text in the email - even reply or quoted text. With SmartSig you can change that and have your signatures show up right where they belong. The app lets you choose custom signatures for email and SMS, and you can create and edit them right on your device. You'll need to delete your BIS signature for SmartSig to work properly, but from there you're all set. SmartSig runs on all devices with OS 4.3 and higher and is available for $1.50 in the CrackBerry App Store.

• More information and download of SmartSig>>

 

It looks like the AT&T branded Curve 8520 dummy units have started to arrive in some stores. The new device is ready for AT&T and was stated to be arriving "in the coming weeks", but no exact date just yet. We've seen this in the past over and over with dummy units and accessories popping up just a few days before the actual device is released. So if you've been waiting on this one, you may not have much longer to go.

Beejive has released a new beta of their all-in-one IM client. Beta 1.9.7 is geared toward OS 5.0 users, and has a bunch of updated features. Beejive was kind of shaky on some 5.0 builds, so the new beta hopes to get closer to a fully working version. Features include:

• file transfers via link, you can now transfer files to buddies on all IM accounts.
  
• email push when app running in background (see preferences in app).
  
• send voice notes
  
• send GPS location (if supported by phone)
  
• new chat styles & background images
  
• new buddy list layouts
  
• improved battery life
  
• overall UI redesign
  
• facebook IM
  
• various other bug fixes & enhancements

You can give it a go if you've been having issues with the application on 5.0. Download links and support are available from the Beejive forums.

• Download Beejive IM Beta 1.9.7 for OS 5.0>>

Our I Love My BlackBerry Contest was a HUGE success. Thanks to all those who entered. You should have received an email about your prizes (if not contact sitesupport(at)crackberry.com). We just have to give a shout to all of our sponsors for providing awesome prizes for the contest - we couldn't have done it without them. Big thanks to Schlage, Slacker, ShaoSoft, Dreamtheme, Coveroo, SmrtGuard and ShopCrackBerry for the goods. Hit the jump to check out all the generous donations from our sponsors.

 

The BlackBerry Curve 8530 Smartphone is now available from Verizon Wireless. The device is available in both Black and Smoky Violet, and will run you $99.99 with a new 2-year contract (and online discount). The latest CDMA device supports Wifi, has a 2.0 MP camera, music player, bluetooth capability and more. You an also grab the Curve 8530 as part of Verizon's BOGO promo and pick up another 8530 (or select other devices) free. Head over to verizonwireless.com to check it out, or swing by your local Verizon retailer.

• More information on the BlackBerry Curve 8530>> 
• Check out our 8530 features: 8530 Review | 8530 Image Gallery | 8530 Unboxing | 8530 features and Specifications

Ever since I had a chance to play with the Curve 8520, I have held a special place in my BlackBerry heart for the revamped 85xx series devices. It flashes me back to the days of my 8830 and being a new BlackBerry user. I think the Curve 8530 would have been a much better starting point, and is definitely a great choice for those entering the BlackBerry world for the first time. The smooth design and lightweight build make the device one that just feels good. Its easy to hold, has great trackpad navigation and sports the familiar Curve keyboard. The addition of the dedicated media buttons along the top of the device are an added bonus as well. So lets jump in and find out why the Curve 8530 is not a step back like some may think, and rather a great "starter" device for new BlackBerry users and "dumbphone" converts.

While trying to crank out the Curve 8530 review, it was kind enough to take a few minutes and pose solo and with some friends. Not much new to show off, but I tried to catch the best angles so you get the idea of how sleek the device really is. Hit the jump for some shots from all sides, as well as a few side-by-side with some Verizon buddies both old and new.

Here is a quick look at the new BlackBerry Curve 8530 from Verizon Wireless. In the box you'll find the device, wall charger, USB cable and headset. This is a reveiw unit so it most likely isn't what the retail box will look like (they will have a sleeve with artwork etc) so don't worry about the looks too much. Take a look at the video for a quick unboxing, and then jump into the Curve 8530 Features and Specifications, Curve 8530 Image Gallery or the Curve 8530 Review.

Full Features and Specs List for the BlackBerry Curve 8530

 

We just got word that Facebook has been updated to version 1.7.0.22. No notes on what is new, but most likely nothing major. The last release was a pretty decent overhaul, so I would think nothing more than a few tweaks and bug fixes this time. You can upgrade by heading over to blackberry.com/facebook from your device.

On a side note, check out the image after the jump. I tried to upgrade the app from the Facebook mobile site on my Bold 9700 and saw "Download a Facebook bookmark for your Onyx". The link took me to a download page for a launcher of some sort. On every other device I have I've been able to download the app from the same page. Just found it interesting to say the least.

• Download Facebook 1.7.0.22 for BlackBerry>>

One of the most useful apps I have found for my BlackBerry has to be RailBandit. I frequently take the train from New Jersey into New York City, so having the live schedules right on my device have made life so much easier. I got word today that RailBandit has added an NYC Subway app to their lineup. The new application allows you to find the fastest route between any two subway stations taking into account the current schedules. It will show you departure and arrival times as well as any wait time. There is also a map to help you locate the nearest station and it stores your trips as favorites. The best part is that the app works offline so you don't have to worry about having data coverage when you're underground. NYC Subway sells for $5.95 in the CrackBerry App Store and has a 5 day free trial.

• More information and download of NYC Subway>>

Here is a new OS leak for all of the new Bold 9700 owners. You've got it all setup, so why not jump in and get a new OS installed? No reports of what is new/different with this one, so install at your own risk. The stock 5.0 seems to be running well across most devices, so its up to you to decide if you want to jump on this one or not.

*OS Disclaimer - Please Read: Keep in mind this is NOT an official release and as such is not supported by RIM or your Carrier. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk and only if you're comfortable in the process of upgrading and downgrading your device software. It is quite normal during operating system development for certain features to be crippled or disabled while others are tested, and these beta builds often reflect that. They are not always better. Depending on your BlackBerry comfort level, it may be best for you to wait for community feedback on a build before deciding to download and install for yourself or simply wait for the next official release. If you require support, you will find it in our CrackBerry forums via our extremely knowledgeable community base - do not contact your carrier or RIM for Beta OS technical support (their first course of action will be to advise you to downgrade to a supported OS). Follow the links below for more information and instructions. *

• Download leaked OS 5.0.0.351 for the Bold 9700>>
• Instructions: How to Upgrade your BlackBerry's Operating System >>
• Instructions: How to Downgrade your BlackBerry's Operating System >>
• Instructions: Mess things up? Fix a Bricked BlackBerry Here >>

[ The BlackBerry Zone ]

Word on the street is that US Cellular may be the next carrier in line for the Curve 8530. The device is soon to be available on both Verizon and Sprint, and US Cellular may be the next in line on December 10th. US Cellular customers just recently had a chance to grab the Tour 9630, so having another new device in such a short time is a great addition to their lineup. Verizon customers only have a few hours to wait until the release, while Sprint customers can sign up to be notified of the release.

[BlackBerry Rocks]

*UPDATE: Looks like we were right - no 5.0 this time. Verizon has posted OS 4.7.1.61 on their update page, so go ahead and grab it from this link if you're still rocking the stock OS.*

Rumor has it that the Verizon Tour 9630 will be receiving and official OS update from Verizon tonight. Before you get too excited, it may not be that 5.0 that everyone is looking for. If the rumors are true, it may only be OS 4.7.1.61 that is being made official. The update will be available through Desktop Manager and the Smith Micro update site. We only have a few hours to go since the update should show up around 5pm EST. Check out this thread in the forums for more info, and we'll update this post later when/if the update pops up.

• Discuss more in the CrackBerry forums>>