Verizon Wireless has officially released OS 6.0.0.719 for the BlackBerry Bold 9650. While this is an official release, remember to use caution when updating your device. If you need help along the way, you can head into our help forums or check out some of our BlackBerry 101 articles including How to Install or Upgrade to a new OS. If you do install this OS, hit up the forums thread below for findings, fixes and more discussion.

Download OS 6.0.0.719 for the Bold 9650
Discuss more in the forums

If you're currently looking to start up a new cell phone contract, check out US Cellular. They are holding a holiday promotion for new customers which allows them to get a BlackBerry Torch 9850 or Bold 9650 for $99.99 or a Curve 9350 for free (both after mail-in-rebate). US Cellular has several plans to choose from, and unique benefits such as free Battery Swap, Overage Protection, and free incoming calls, texts and picture messages. The deal doesn't last forever so if you're interested make sure you take advantage of it before November 28th.

Full press release and more details are after the break.

Read More »

And seemingly out of the blue comes an OS update for Sprint for the BlackBerry Bold 9650. Considering the last official OS released by Sprint for the Bold 9650 was that of OS 6.0.0.415 you'll no doubt wanna fire up BlackBerry desktop manager and get OS 6.0.0.600 loaded up. As always, drop some comments once you get it up and running and let us know how it's working out for ya. Thanks, @BlkScorp33

Download the official OS 6.0.0.600 for the BlackBerry Bold 9650
Discuss in the CrackBerry Forums

Verizon users get another update today as both the Bold 9650 and Curve 3G 9330 have some new software. OS 6.0.0.524 is official from Big Red and ready for the taking. Things look to be good on both of these, so if you are a 9650 or 9330 user then fire up the ol' USB cables and get to installing. If you get up and running, leave a comment here or in the forums with your findings. As always, use caution when installing any OS.

Download OS 6.0.0.524 for the Curve 3G 9330 from Verizon
Discuss more in the forums

Download OS 6.0.0.524 for the Bold 9650 from Verizon
Discuss more in the forums

Here's one for the Bold 9650 users. Altell has released OS 6.0.0.436 today for public consumption. While it isn't really a huge jump (or much of a jump at all) from the last official OS for the 9650, new is new right? It looks to be good from early reports, so get out the USB cables and have at it. Be sure to hit the forums and post your findings. Thanks rroyy

Download OS 6.0.0.436 for the Bold 9650 from Alltel
Discuss more in the forums

It's not often that OS leaks go backwards in numbers but that's seemingly what happened here. If you've not been satisfied with the 6.0.0.446 then 6.0.0.443 might be worth -- downgrading to. Sounds weird right?! Remember to back up your data before you load this up. Also be sure to drop comments letting us know how it all turns out for ya's!

*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). *

Download OS 6.0.0.443 for the BlackBerry Bold 9650
Discuss it in the forums

BlackBerry Bold 9650 owners, if you've not been happy with OS 6.0.0.431 as your daily OS you now have a new leak to test out. OS 6.0.0.466 has now revealed itself and is ready for your testing. Remember to back up your data before you load this up. Also be sure to drop comments letting us know how it all turns out for ya's!

*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). *

Download OS 6.0.0.466 for the BlackBerry Bold 9650
Discuss it in the forums

Read More »

As expected, Verizon has now posted up the Desktop Manager install files for those of you with either a BlackBerry Bold 9650 or a BlackBerry Curve 3G 9330. You can head on over to to the Verizon Wireless website and grab the downloads if you never got the OTA install. Of course, if you're running a previously leaked version then you can simply pass this one over.

Click here to visit the Verizon downloads page

 *UPDATE* -  Check out this post in the forums for the exact details of what this is. It uses official files but no installer was given so one had to be created. You can decide for yourselves if that makes it official or a Hybrid.

*UPDATE 2* - If you weren't happy about having a non-signed RIM installer file you can now grab the official RIM installable file from here. Thanks to Verizon and of course, @theiexplorers

All of you BlackBerry Bold 9650 owners out there will be happy to see that  OS 6.0.0.431 has leaked for your devices tonight! Word has it you're likely looking at bug fixes and minor app updates in this one. If you were waiting for a new OS for your 9650 or if you are a hybrid builder, you can download it from the link below! Let us know in the comments what fixes you see if you choose to install this leak. Take caution however, you must have OS .333 or .415 installed before you can upgrade to .431 as noted by the source.

Read More »

Sure seems that way when looking at a piece of documentation found over at Android Central. We're not sure if it will be a rollout of BlackBerry 6 or not at this point but the BlackBerry Bold 9650 will be moved into a MR3 release while the BlackBerry Curve 3G will be hitting MR1. Also noted is a MR4 for the BlackBerry Curve 8330 but that is left at TBD. Of course, we know that won't be getting BlackBerry 6 but the others really should be at this point. Guess we'll just have to wait it out and see but if all goes as we hope it does, BlackBerry 6 will hit land on Verizon soon. Keep in mind; its been delayed before so it could happen again.

Bold 9650 users rejoice - the time has come. Sprint has officially released OS 6.0.0.415 for the Bold 9650. Last night the software was made available via the wireless update option for Sprint devices, but now the OS is showing on their software downloads page as well. So if you're not on Sprint or if you didn't get a chance to update OTA, hit the link below to get in on the action. This is the first official version of OS 6 for the 9650, so hopefully Big Red won't be far behind.

Download OS 6.0.0.415 for the BlackBerry Bold 9650 from Sprint
Discuss more in the forums

Earlier today there was some information floating around about the expected release of BlackBerry 6 on Sprint for those of you making use of a BlackBerry Bold 9650 and Curve 3G devices. The information noted that starting December 22 users would be able to download BlackBerry 6 via OTA and then via desktop on December 29. Well, it appears that rollout has begun as we've had a few folks send us tips about the rollout. As you can see in the above image, the OS being delivered is 6.0.0.415 so, be sure to check for updates folks if you have a Bold 9650 or Curve 3G and let us know in the comments if you're seeing it. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

We saw the same OS version release for both the Curve 8530 and Tour 9630 in the last few weeks, so it was kind of expected that this one was on the way. OS 5.0.0.1030 is now officially available for the Bold 9650 from Sprint. It's not an official OS 6, but we all love a fresh OS. Be sure to jump into the forums and report back with your findings. Download from the link below.

Download OS 5.0.0.1030 for the BlackBerry Bold 9650
Discuss more in the forums 

While it may not mean much to many folks in terms of usefulness, BlackBerry developers out there can now download the new BlackBerry 6 device simulators for the BlackBerry Bold 9650 and BlackBerry Curve 3G 9330. One could speculate that with their release, a BlackBerry 6 OS release for the same devices cannot be that far off but we don't really want to create any false hope for anyone. Though, deep down we really do hope that's exactly what it means. If you're a developer or just want to poke around in the device simulators you can grab them now from the developers resource page.

Click Here To Head On Over To The BlackBerry Developers Resources Page

Source: BerryReview

Looking for something to do today? Well, if you're a BlackBerry Bold 9650 owner you just found something cool. OS 6.0.0.333 has just popped up for everyone. No idea what is new but you all know the rules. Back your data up, it's not official and then, let us know in the forums and comments how it's working out for ya.

*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). *

Read More »

For all you BlackBerry Bold 9650 users out there that only like to run official goodness on your devices and that are with Sprint. You'll be pleased (or disppointed?) to know that OS 5.0.0.983 is now available for download. You can hit up the Sprint BlackBerry download page or go via OTA, although some folks reported that OTA was acting funny. Thanks to many, many folks who sent this in. Even though, most of you all were just ticked off that it wasn't BlackBerry 6 that was released.

• Click Here To Download The Official OS 5.0.0.983 For The BlackBerry Bold 9650 From Sprint>>

While Verizon recently updated their BlackBerry Bold 9650 to OS 5.0.0.975 CBeyond, a regional carrier has pushed ahead of Verizon and has now released OS 5.0.0.983 for the BlackBerry Bold 9650. Not exactly sure what's better about this release if anything but, I do know it's one step closer to an official BlackBerry 6 version. Give it a shot and let us know in the comments what you think.

• Click Here To Download The Official OS 5.0.0.983 For The BlackBerry Bold 9650>>

*UPDATE - 8530 gets OS 5.0.0.973 while Tour and Bold got 5.0.0.975*

As was mentioned previously, Verizon is set to send out software updates for the BlackBerry Bold, Tour and Curve 8530 starting today. The official word we were sent is:

Verizon Wireless will have software updates available for the BlackBerry Bold 9650, BlackBerry Curve 8530 and BlackBerry Tour 9630 starting today at 6pm EST. These updates include software enhancements to all three devices. For more information about the updates and instructions on how to download please visit www.vzw.com/boldsupport, www.vzw.com/toursupport or www.vzw.com/curve8530support depending on your device.

In case you were wondering it doesn't look to be a BlackBerry 6 rollout for the Bold 9650 but, Verizon hasn't updated the pages yet to say which OS' will be released. They still say 5.0.0.732 for the Bold and Tour and 5.0.0.886.

How are you liking the BlackBerry 6 experience on your Bold 9650?online survey

Back at BlackBerry DevCon we brought you some hands-on videos of BlackBerry 6 running on the Bold 9700, Pearl 3G and Curve 9300. While the GSM BlackBerry owners are still waiting for BlackBerry 6 to be leaked (or officially released!), Bold 9650 and Curve 3G 9330 owners have already seen a couple of operating system leaks for their device.

So this poll is for all of those BlackBerry owners out there who have been able to try out BlackBerry 6 on their Bold 9650 or Curve 3G 9330.  How are you liking it?! Is it a BIG difference from 5.0 on your device? Is it nice, but no big deal? Bugs or glitches aside (since these are unofficial builds), vote on the poll and let us know your BlackBerry 6 feedback!

Been looking for an OS higher then 6.0.0.222 for your BlackBerry Bold 9650? Sure you have. Now, go grab the download and remember this one is not a final release so you're on your own. Be sure to back up your data folks. Report back on any bugs and such in the comments.

*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). *

• Click Here To Download The Leaked OS 6.0.0.280 for the BlackBerry Bold 9650 >>

Source: CB Forums

[ youtube video link for mobile viewing ]

*UPDATE* Social feeds is available, you just have to check it in apploader to ensure installation.

Here is a super quick look at OS 6.0.0.222 running on a Verizon BlackBerry Bold 9650. I just pulled it off of my PC and haven't even played around with it yet. My initial thoughts are that it runs pretty well overall, but its a bit sluggish at times. It has all of the revamped OS 6 goodies in there like the new UI, WebKit browser and Universal Search, but sadly no sign of Social Feeds (unless I'm missing it). So check out the video and if you decide you want to give it a go head over to the original post.

Well ... here it is. From BBLeaks today we finally have a leaked OS 6 for the Bold 9650. In the form of 6.0.0.222 its ready to download. I'm sure loads of you have been waiting on this, so get on the download and fire it up. Keep in mind this is still not an official OS, so use caution when installing.

*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). *

• Click Here To Download The Leaked OS 6.0.0.222 for the BlackBerry Bold 9650 >>
• Discuss more in the CrackBerry forums >>
  

Source: BBLeaks

Nicely timed with their release of the Bold 9650, U.S. Cellular has made available OS 5.0.0.810 for download. This is a later version than what shipped on both Verizon and Sprint devices, so if you are on a different carrier you may want to give it a go. Users picking up a Bold from U.S. Cellular today can grab it as well and get a head start on things. Head over to the link below to download.

• Download OS 5.0.0.810 for the BlackBerry Bold 9650 >>

U.S. Cellular announced today that the BlackBerry Bold 9650 will be available both online and in stores on Wednesday. The BlackBerry 6 ready device features a full QWERTY keyboard, Wifi, Bluetooh and a 3.2mp camera. U.S. cellular is the latest CDMA carrier to get the Bold 9650 (after Sprint and Verizon) but it is noted that it will ship with OS 5 but is BB6 ready pending certification by the carrier. No word of pricing or contract terms were given in the release. Hit the jump for more.

Read More »

[ youtube video link for mobile viewing ]

As we all patiently impatiently wait for BlackBerry 6 to roll out to device other then the BlackBerry Torch, Salomondrin and BBLeaks have decided to give us a video run through of a very early revision of BlackBerry 6 on the BlackBerry Bold 9650. Granted some things are a little choppy in the video but, given the early build nature of the OS it leaves room for improvement. Have a look and let us know what you all think. Personally, I think BlackBerry 6 will run fine on the BlackBerry Bold 9650 but it may have some issues when placed on the BlackBerry Bold 9700. We've yet to see any of those videos appear. Alas, just my thoughts. Feel free to share your own in the comments.

Source: BBLeaks

[ youtube video link for mobile viewing ]

Rebooting a BlackBerry - something we hate doing yet something we (unfortunately) need to do. Battery pulls, "soft reset" or whatever you want to call it, it has to be done. Historically our devices have taken nothing short of an eternity to reboot, pushing toward 10 minutes in some instances just to get up and running. Well with the new BlackBerry Torch 9800 a welcome relief comes as the improved boot time which is roughly 2 minutes. Finally we don't have to fret pulling the battery - which is few and far between on this device as it is.

Read More »

[ youtube video link for mobile viewing ]

Along with the announcement of the BlackBerry Torch 9800 came the announcement of BlackBerry 6. Since the BlackBerry Torch 9800 will be the first device running on BlackBerry 6 a press release for BlackBerry 6 in general has been released on it's own. Hit the jump for the full details from that release. The news we all wanted can be found in this statement:

BlackBerry 6 will debut on the new BlackBerry® Torch™ smartphone (announced today) available from AT&T on August 12 and it is also designed to run on select BlackBerry smartphones already in market. Subject to carrier certifications in the months ahead, the new OS is expected to be available for the BlackBerry® Bold™ 9700, BlackBerry® Bold™ 9650 and BlackBerry® Pearl™ 3G, as well as future BlackBerry smartphones.

Now all we need is a really fast roll out to other devices and even faster carrier adoption.

Read More »

[ youtube video link for mobile viewing ]

What can you say about the BlackBerry skin case? Almost everyone has one, be it for looks or protection, and it is probably the most common case there is. The skin case covers the back and sides of the device protecting it from daily bumps and bruises, while giving you some style in the process. The cases some in a variety of colors, so you can be sure you'll find one that fits you (and your device!). If you like to keep it simple and don't want to go overboard with an insane amount of protection, this might be the case for you. Check out the video about for a quick look, then hit the jump for some images.

• See all available BlackBerry Skin Cases >>

Read More »

Bold 9650 users rejoice! Thanks to BBLeaks here are the first images of the latest CDMA device running none other than BlackBerry 6. We've seen loads of images and video at this point of the 9800, 9780 and even the 9670 all running BlackBerry 6, but here is the 9650 live and in the flesh ... er, plastic. While we're still not sure of an exact release date, we know that the 9650 will be getting an update mostly thanks to its 512MB of memory.

Source: BBLeaks

[ youtube video link for mobile viewing ]

The Barely There case from Case-Mate is one of my favorites. It gives a different look to the device, while providing great protection to the sides and back. While some may prefer a more "all over" case, I like the look and feel of the Barely There on my device. The case is available in both Black and Metallic Silver and leaves you with easy access to all ports and buttons while not getting in the way of daily use. The Barely There cases are also availble for other devices including the 9700, 8900 and 95xx series. Check out some up-close images after the jump.

• More information on the Case-Mate Barely There Case >> 

Read More »