A few weeks ago BlackBerry 7.1 became official in the U.K. through two networks. O2 UK were the first to drop it and then Three UK promptly followed suit. While customers have of those networks have been enjoying the updates, there hasn't been any follow up with the other three major networks in the UK. Of course, there are some BlackBerry users who don't mind installing other network udpates but there are some who prefer stock updates and sometimes those users can be left in the lurch when networks don't release them quickly enough.

It looks like RIM has helped to fix that issue and has released BlackBerry 7.1 in the UK for the following BlackBerry 7 smartphones - Bold 9900, Torch 9860 and 9810, Curve 9360 and 9380. For the Curve owners the update brings about and FM Radio app to utilise the built FM Radio on those Curve models. So, if you've been waiting to get your hands on the BlackBerry 7.1 update, get downloading now.

For more information and to download BlackBerry 7.1

Source: Tracy and Matt

OS 7.1.0.402 has leaked for the BlackBerry Curve 9380. This is an unofficial (leaked) OS, so while it's mostly safe to install, 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 or How to Upgrade Your BlackBerry OS Using App Loader. If you do install this OS, hit up the forums thread below for findings, fixes and more discussion.

*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).

* Thanks, Lyricidal & ALKi3

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Trigcom has officially released OS 7.1.0.336 for the BlackBerry Curve 9380. 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 7.1.0.336 for the Curve 9380
Discuss more in the forums

OS 7.1.0.336 has leaked for the BlackBerry Curve 9380. This is an unofficial (leaked) OS, so while it's mostly safe to install, 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 or How to Upgrade Your BlackBerry OS Using App Loader. If you do install this OS, hit up the forums thread below for findings, fixes and more discussion.

*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 7.1.0.336 for the Curve 9380
Discuss more in the forums

Source: N4BB

If you had plans to buy a BlackBerry Torch 9860 or Curve 9380 from TELUS, you may want to do it sooner rather than later. A picture sent in by a CrackBerry reader indicates that these two devices will reach their end-of-life on the Canadian carrier on April 15th and 30th respectively. Both of these devices have been on TELUS less than a year, with the Torch launching last August and the Curve just last November. More than likely TELUS will continue to sell these two devices (as opposed to returning them to RIM), but when stock is depleted it won't be replenished. Bring on the BlackBerry 10 devices! Thanks for sending this in tipster! 

It should come as no surprise that many people out there like to have their favorite BlackBerry device to be available in multiple colors, especially white. We have already seen most of the current BlackBerry 7 devices launch in white (like the Torch 9810 and Kevin's beloved white BlackBerry Bold 9900) and now they are adding two more devices. Set to launch in the second quarter of 2012, RIM is bringing both the BlackBerry Curve 9380 and the BlackBerry Bold 9790 out in all of their white glory as well. Choice is always a good thing, but so many white devices can't be so good for CrackBerry Kevin's pockets :-)

Source: BGR 

So far, the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and the BlackBerry Curve 9360 have been the only BlackBerry 7 smartphone available in the Philippines. In the past few days this has change with RIM launching five new BlackBerry 7 devices. Technically though it is only four as one of them is just the white version of the Bold 9900. So, the new devices to make it to the islands are the BlackBerry Bold 9790, Curve 9380, Torch 9860 and the Torch 9810.

They are available from authorised retailers and carriers already. The white Bold 9900 is available for Php 31,690, which is the same as the black model. Pricing for the other devices are: Bold 9790 - Php 22,890; Curve 9380 - Php 16,990; Torch 9860 - Php 24,690; Torch 9810 - Php 28,590. However, pricing may vary at different retail channels so perhaps it would be wise to shop around first.

For more information / Purchase BlackBerry 7 smartphones in the Philippines

Not long ago, the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and Curve 9360 were approved by MasterCard as the world's first SIM-based smartphones to be PayPass Certified. Today, Visa has joined in and approved not only the Bold 9900 and Curve 9360, but the Bold 9790 and Curve 9380 for use as Visa Mobile Payment devices. This is a great example of how NFC can be put to use in a way that will make life easier and more efficient.

Press Release

Visa Certifies Smartphones for Use as Visa Mobile Payment Devices

NFC-enabled smartphones from Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and Research In Motion approved for use with Visa payWave, Visa’s mobile application for payments at the point-of-sale

SAN FRANCISCO - Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) and Visa Europe today announced that NFC-enabled smartphones from Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Research In Motion (RIM) have been certified for use with Visa’s mobile application for payments at the point-of-sale, Visa payWave. The Samsung Galaxy SII, LG Optimus NET NFC, BlackBerry® Bold™ 9900, BlackBerry Bold 9790, BlackBerry® Curve™ 9360 and BlackBerry Curve 9380 have been added to the list of Visa compliant payment products available for commercial deployment by financial institutions.

All the new devices certified by Visa host the Visa payWave application on a secure SIM card and feature NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, the short range communications standard that enables mobile phones to securely transmit payment information to a contactless payment terminal.

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BlackBerry Curve 9360 and 9380 users will find a nice addition inside the BlackBerry 7.1 OS. In addition to new features like Mobile Hotspot, OS 7.1 will include FM radio. I know, I know ... FM radio?? While it's not the coolest news, it is still pretty neat. The feature will make use of the FM radio circuitry already built in to these two devices. Included in the OS will be an app that will allow users to check out their favorite FM channels and the service will not require a data plan or any data services.

A fresh new OS for BlackBerry Curve 9380 users today - hot off the presses is OS 7.0.0.545. No reports in on this one just yet, so if you do install, be sure to hit the forums and let us know what you find out. As always, use caution when installing any software on your device.

Download OS 7.0.0.545 for the Curve 9380
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Entel PCS has released OS 7.0.0.514 for the BlackBerry Curve 9380. This isn't much of a step up from the last official release we saw for this device, but new is new, right? If you install be sure to swing by the forums and let us know what you find out. Things look to be good thus far, so if you're a Curve 9380 user you may want to give this one a go. As always, use caution when installing new software on your device.

Download OS 7.0.0.514 for the Curve 9380
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The first touchscreen Curve device has made its way to the UK on the O2 UK network. The recent addition to the Curve family, the BlackBerry Curve 9380 sports a full 3.2 touchscreen and can be seen as the baby brother to the Torch 9860. With BlackBerry 7 and NFC it could be a great gift for Christmas.

The Curve 9380 will cost £79.99 on the lowest tariff and free on all other tariffs. You can also get it on Pay as you go for £249.99.

Will you be getting this device? Let us know in the comments.

More information / Purchase BlackBerry Curve 9380 on O2 UK 

While we're still waiting for carriers to launch the BlackBerry Bold 9790 here in North America, if you're on TELUS in Canada you get the other device that recieved it's official unveiling at the same time. Yes, the all new, all touch BlackBerry Curve 9830 has now hit the carrier and you can pick one up just in time for the holidays:

• No term  - $369.99
• 1 year term -  $319.99
• 2 year term - $269.99
• 3 year term - $49.99

We did gave you all a good look at the device already, so if you're looking to know more about it make sure you check out Kevins Curve 9380 full review. If you've already done so and set mind on picking one up, you can hit the link below to head over to the Telus website.

Learn more about the BlackBerry Curve 9380 from Telus

Design: The BlackBerry Curve 9380 is a perfect full touchscreen companion to the full qwerty Curve 9360. They're clearly brother and sister.	Feel: Small but not *too* small, the Curve 9380 feels great in the hand and is an extremely pocketable phone thanks to its slim design.
Performance: With 800MHz compared to the Torch 9860's 1.2GHz, the 9380 still delivers a smooth BlackBerry 7 touch experience.	Quality: For what RIM considers to be their entry level touchscreen phone, the Curve 9380 doesn't feel cheap. A lot of love went into the design.

"The Curve 9380 is considered an entry level BlackBerry and does make some concessions in achieving a price tag that is extremely affordable, but overall delivers solid performance and will be a success in markets where carrier subsidy is not available."

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