Mid-November greetings to you all. This week I'm mixing things up just a bit. I'm doing away with the 'on sale' portion just for now... and have added another title into the 'new' and 'in case you missed it' sections. Not much of a 'spicing up', but a change is as good as a rest. Covered in this weeks' edition of the roundup are the following apps:

In Case You Missed It: WordPress Mobile Updated... Moving out of Beta Soon, BlackBerry IM Clients Updated, TwitterBerry Becomes OpenBeak, FileScout 1.5.0.0 Released, Berry Wars Renamed and Revamped

New This Week: Revball, Mytopia Texas Holdem Live for the Bold and Storm, e-Mobile GPS FindMe, Android Theme for the Bold 9700, Colorbeat

Cool at BlackBerry App World: Fierce Towers

Freebie of the Week: shaqBerry

 

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

When it rains it pours!! If you didn't see our Photos of the new BlackBerry Pearl 9100 (codenamed stratus/striker), be sure to check them out along with the photos spotted/posted by our buddy salomondrin. He also posted up the sweet video above (though it's not him in the video doing the talking per usual - but we're sure that'll happen soon and we'll post all the good stuff he brings). Be sure to watch the video. The new BlackBerry Pearl is going to be one SWEET device.

• Discuss this video in our new BlackBerry Pearl 8100 forum >>

First Live Photos of the new BlackBerry Pearl 9100!!

OoohHHH BaBy!! Any BlackBerry Pearl fans out there? I know there are. And I know so many of you have been waiting for Research in Motion to release an updated version of the candybar-styled BlackBerry Pearl 81xx Series Smartphone. Good news. The wait is getting shorter, because what you're looking at in these photos is the new BlackBerry Pearl 9100! 

We've actually been sitting on these pictures of the new 3G BlackBerry Pearl 9100 for a while now with this post sitting in the queue ready to go live (for obvious reasons -- source's request -- we can't always post stuff the second we have it), but now that it's out there (good stuff Sal!!) we can post these babies up. Be sure to look below for more photos.

As you can see, the new BlackBerry Pearl (has gone by the codename stratus and/or striker we think.... codenames are so confusing sometimes) gets its styling from the latest generation of the BlackBerry Smartphones. The new Pearl really looks like a narrowed down BlackBerry Bold 9700, but with the full physical qwerty keyboard swapped out in favor of a slick new SureType design. We didn't post any photos of it here, but under the battery door the new Pearl features a newly-designed battery. Lots more specs and info to come soon, but for now enjoy the photos! For those who appreciate a small device, this is going to be the one you want. 

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>>

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