The internet is buzzing lately regarding the recent annoucement of a proof of concept spyware presentation that was delivered at ShmooCon2010 by the folks over at Veracode. The concept video and presentation shows how a BlackBerry device could basically be overtaken by simply installing an application, which allows for all sorts of nasty to happen. Emails forwarded, text messages forwarded even remote listening of conversations from a BlackBerry sitting on a close by table.

One thing thing the presentation neglects is the fact these things have been in the BlackBerry OS for quite some time now. The "listeners" are actually built direct into the APIs delivered by Research In Motion. Some trusted companies have even made great use of them, SmrtGuard being one of them by leveraging the remote listen option in their offerings. There really is nothing new here and just like a virus anywhere else, this proof of concept still needs the human element in order to work. You wouldn't go installing some unknown application on your PC these days would you? Not likely. So why would you do so on your BlackBerry? The logic is pretty much the same. If you are unsure of what something does don't install it. Especially if its not coming from a trusted source.

Grooveshark, the premium streaming music application we looked at previously has rolled out an update recently. Sadly, no changelog was issued with the release but users opening up the application were indeed, prompted to download what is now v1.0.7. Seems a lot of T-Mobile users were having issues with getting the application to work previously, so maybe you'll want to give this version a shot to see if it works better. Grooveshark is available for $3/mnth through their VIP program which allows for unlimited streaming and caching of music played for offline usage.

• For More Details And Downloads Check Out The Grooveshark Website>> 

Here we go with another official carrier release of OS 5.0. No folks, it's not from AT&T it's actually from Zain Kuwait. OS 5.0.0.464 as we seen leaked not that long ago has gone all official like, so if you are wanting to grab the download you can do so from their BlackBerry download website. By the time AT&T gets around to releasing 5.0, we'll be wondering where OS 6.0 is at I'd say.

• Download OS 5.0.0.464 From The Zain Kuwait BlackBerry Site>>

It's been a while since we first saw the initial release of HulloMail. In that time the HulloMail has made some advancements in their application with the latest version, v1.1.1 now available for USA and UK BlackBerry users to download. The video demo above shows how the application works overall. For some you may already be using HulloMail but a quick description for those who might not: 

'Hullos' are short, audio messages that enable users to send and receive voice messages without ever having to make a phone call.  They are free* to send, both domestically and overseas. Hullo technology is compatible across different mobile platforms allowing subscribers to easily talk back and forth for hours, never incurring a single voice call charge, even when exchanging Hullos between continents. HulloMail subscribers are also able to quickly play a received Hullo as soon as it appears within their mobile app and will only need to know an intended recipient's email address to send a Hullo. In addition to the Hullo feature, push notifications and automatic message downloads the enhanced application offers support for headsets and Bluetooth®. The service continues to provide subscribers with unique message syncing capabilities with email compliant accounts such as Gmail, MobileMe and Microsoft® Exchange.

The latest version of HulloMail is now available in BlackBerry App World or via the HulloMail website. My only wish is that with the new updates they had included Canada in the list of available countries that can make use of HulloMail. Seems like a great product that I could surely make use of. Supported device include 89xx, 90xx, 96xx and 97xx, No Storm support folks.

• Click Here For More Information And Videos On HulloMail Via Their Website >>

We've seen RIM's little mistake with the Facebook posting. Kevin went hands on with it way back in October of 2009 and finally, just like the BlackBerry Pearl 9100 it's been spotted more times then a leopard. Now, here are rolling into February full on and no release of the BlackBerry Tour 2 / 9650 is to be had as of yet. But, thats not to say there isn't still news and rumors to be posted about it.

The keen eyes of the Twitter world provide us with the latest tidbit. Mike Lawson has spotted, which was reported by Berryscoop the installation files for visual voicemail for the BlackBerry Tour 9650 directly on the Verizon servers. No telling exactly how long it's been there or what might one do with it since you can't exactly go out an pick up a 9650. But lets all just hope it's a new edition to the VZW website and it means the BlackBerry 9650 is closer to getting all official like on us. 

Alright, this is kinda getting out of hand now. Alltel has finally released OS 5.0.0.419 for the BlackBerry Tour and while people are grabbing that up, Verizon users are still waiting to get their official release. I suppose we could all take it as a good sign that the Verizon-acquired company has got the release but really? Why not just roll it out across both carriers?

• Download The Official OS 5.0.0.419 From The Alltel BlackBerry Downloads Page >>

Seems there is no shortage of BlackBerry Internet Service information these days. The BIS 3.0/3.1 documents contain a few long awaited changes. The folks over at BBLeaks were once again tipped off to more BIS 3.0 information. After having looked at the files, some of what we had learned from the last leak was once again confirmed. Check out the run down.

• GMail - The enhanced plugin will get an update which allows for read/unread status of email.
• Open Office- Open Office documents will gain support for presentations, text, speadsheets.
• WMA Support - Long awaited handling of WM Audio will be supported now in attachments.
• Email Setup /Validation - An enhanced email set up application will be added. Increasing security for end user and methods of email validation/revalidation uponPIN changes.
• Carrier Enhancements - Error messages will now be more indicative of who they should be related to. ie: "If you are having a problem please contact <insert carrier>.
• Other -Carrier based tools such as BIS Admin which help with troubleshooting customers.

Nice updates most importantly out of all of it would be the GMail, Open Office and WMA support as I see it. The email validation and settings is something that some users will appreciate especially first time users, those familiar won't even likely notice until it comes time to change a device. Can't say I like having to wait for all these changes to happen but it's good to know they are coming. Now how about a new browser since I didn't really have an issue with the email before?

• Grab The Documents From This Link And Have A Look At The Full Details>>

Having been a Pageonce user since their initial beta releases, I have to say, while this was a long time coming I'm sure as heck happy to see it. Pageonce has released version 2.5 of their Personal Assitant application and with this release they have indeed added push notifications to the mix.

Now as your customized accounts have changes happen, you are instantly notified of what went on. Anything from flight changes, bills that arrive or even credit card transactions. It all is captured for you and delivered to your device so that you can quickly and accurately keep track of the things that are important to you. The basic Personal Assistant is made available for free while premium services with added features are available for only $6.99. Both of which offer the email alert system.

• For More Info On Pageonce Check Out Their Listings In BlackBerry App World >>

Snaptu, the widget-based application got a version bump up to v1.2.8 from the previously available v1.2.7. Sadly, I cannot find any definitive change log but from my use it does seem to have sped up the application a little bit more and you can now add a Google search bar to the main screen, were as before it was just a widget. 

Since Snaptu allows for multiple widgets to be created from within the app, you can add quite a few of your personal favorites: Twitter, Picasa, AccuWeather, RSS News Reader, Live Soccer Scores, MyMovies and the list goes on from there. I personally enjoy the Google reader widget since Google has yet to give us a dedicated solution. But I digress, you all can ask Adam how he feels about the situiation - he'll appreciate your concern, and of course be sure to check out Snaptu. ;)

• For More Information And Downloads Of Snaptu, Check Out There Site >>

Alright folks, this is getting kind of out of hand. Normally before a device is released we see a few hands-on photos and videos of them but with this particular device, the BlackBerry Pearl 9100 has surely seen more then a "few" hands on. The newest one comes to us courtesy of FeedBerry which is an Indonesian site and will be doing a follow up post after some more hardware testing. So, not only is it making its rounds in the US and Canada, it has gone international now.

The BlackBerry Pearl 9100 has so far, been rumored to be arriving in April during WES 2010 according to some analysts out there. But really the device looks complete, the OS with each hands on keeps showing a higher revision then the previous and people are waiting for it. Research In Motion might as well just get it out to whatever carriers are picking it up and revise their WES launch plans to different device if they truly do plan on hanging onto the 9100 until then.

I..really don't know what to say about this. It appears as though the above Nokia 5700 has been frankenstiened to run a port of the BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry 8220 OS more specifically. Maxpda is the source of this unruly behaviour and as much as I am appalled, I find myself unable to stop looking at it. Well, best I can say is if it's a fake, they sure did the video of it in action quite well.

• Check Out More Pics And Video Over At Maxpda >>

[ Engadget / Unwired View ]

Folks have been enjoying their BlackBerry Storm2's for a while now in the UK but due to an exclusive deal with Vodafone, carrier selection has been slim. With T-Mobile UK's recent announcement that will change and consumers will have another choice when picking up the BlackBerry Storm 2. Sometime this month, the device will be released on the T-Mobile UK network.

In addition to the announcement of the Storm 2 launch, Phil Lander, T-Mobile’s account director at RIM,  also confirmed that they’ll have an official Twitter application shortly. We already knew that but to hear it come way of a Research In Motion employee gives us hope we'll see it sooner then later.

[ IntoMobile via Mobile News ]

Fandango recently updated their BlackBerry application. Bug fixes and UI changes round out the latest version but for a short time you can also take advantage of the special offers Fandango has put in place. As the pic indicates, no service fee will be applied to any ticket sales from now until, March 7th. The app is free to download, so give it a run through and while you're at it, grab some tickets to a movie. I personally suggest Avatar if you haven't seen it yet.

• Download Fandango For BlackBerry Via The Fandango Website >>

Its been a few days now since we noticed T-Mobile pulling "older" BlackBerry Curve series devices. First to be noticed was the BlackBerry Curve 8900 and then eventually the BlackBerry Curve 8320 went AWOL as well. While we were waiting to see if it was just an inventory issue, it sure didn't seem that way considering T-Mobile typically just outright says it's out of stock on their site if it truly is. News from engadget today, seems to be a bit more clear as the comments they have gotten from T-Mobile are that the BlackBerry Curve 8900 has "reached the end of its life-cycle".

With the BlackBerry Curve 8910 having been spotted rolling through the FCC with a smile on its face it could quite possibly end up at T-Mobile. It's logical for them to get the device with it's trackpad, larger display and like it or not many customers out there still have needs and wants for a EDGE only device and maybe the BlackBerry Curve 8520 won't fit that bill where as the 8910 could. All about choice. If given the choice between an 8910 or an 8520, I'd take the 8910.

At least one court has sided with Research In Motion in regards to Motorolas patent claims. As reported by The Calgary Herald, the High Court Justice in London, England invalidated Motorolas  patent related to email gateway systems and went so far as to say even if it had been valid it hadn't been infringed by two communications systems used by Research In Motion.

Motorola had requested that the ITC look into the actions of Research In Motion and their use of Motorola patents but with the London court ruling, the chances of the ITC weighing in now have just gotten a little slimmer. Invalidating one of the patents called out in the claims to the ITC Motorola has no choice but to pull that patent from their paperwork and subsequent claim to the ITC.

[ PhonesReview via Calgary Hearald ]