If you are on AT&T and have been dying to get your hands on one of the new BlackBerry 7 devices that just launched, your time is approacing. We have seen the coming soon page go live, and Bla1ze has been hard at work on a full review of the BlackBerry Torch 9810, but has teased us with a nice hands on, along with everything you need to know in under 10 minutes.  AT&T has posted on their Facebook page that the BlackBerry Torch 9810 is set to release on AT&T on August 21, and they are still touting it to be the first 4G BlackBerry Smartphone. Will you be picking one up, or are you waiting for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 to make its way to AT&T?

Update - AT&T has listed a price of $49.99 on a 2 year contract, which is quite a great price for this device. Does that sway your decision at all? 

Source: AT&T

Someone call the plumber, the leaks are flooding in this morning. This time around they come in the form of OS 7.0.0.187 for the unreleased BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900/9930, and the still unannounced BlackBerry Torch 9850/9860 and the BlackBerry Curve 9350/9370. Obviously, these don't do us common folk much good, but if you're one of the minority and happen to have one of these devices, you might be interested in downloading these and giving them a go. Do not go crazy and try to install them on your current device if you don't have the ones listed above! No they will not work on your PlayBook, Bold 9700, or Curve 8320.

Pssst... RIM, if you're reading this, why not just go ahead and announce the new Torch line and those Curves? They aren't really a secret anymore anyway.

*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 7.0.0.187 for the BlackBerry Curve 9350/70
Download OS 7.0.0.187 for the BlackBerry Torch 9850
Download OS 7.0.0.187 for the BlackBerry Torch 9860
Download OS 7.0.0.187 for the BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900
Download OS 7.0.0.187 for the BlackBerry Bold Touch 9930

Thanks again Mr/Ms Anon!  ;)

If you fancy playing around with a BlackBerry Torch 9850 we have bad news -- you can't as of yet. But, you can now grab the device simulator and get as close as possible to the real thing for now. Given that this is a brand new device, meaning it's not from the Bold, Curve or even really the Torch series as we know it -- there is sure to be some surprises within the simulator. Most notably, the new keyboard layout is something to be on the look out for.

Since everyone always asks "What is this for?" when we post this kind of stuff -- it's a device simulator for BlackBerry developers to test their apps on. If you're not a developer or just generally have no interest in playing with a device you can't yet physically touch -- this isn't for you. Cool? Alright then, hit the links below to grab the install file.

• RapidShare
• MegaUpload
• DepositFiles
• HotFile
• zShare
• Uploading
• FileServe , Mirror #2
• MultiUpload

Source: N4BB

State-owned telecommunications operator China Unicom has begun offering BlackBerry smartphones and services in China. Although primarily targeting enterprises, the telecoms operator will offer the BlackBerry Torch and BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphones first in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong, with a nationwide roll out expected by September this year.

China Unicom offers BlackBerry data plans ranging from 60 to 128 Chinese yuan a month (the equivalent of $10 to $20 USD), as well as 3G service plans starting at 96 CNY a month ($15 USD). With this attractive pricing, it is only a matter of time before the Chinese population fully adopts mobile data and eventually, the smartphone lifestyle.

Source: Research in Motion

Ever slip your BlackBerry Torch into your pocket or purse without remembering to lock it, and the next thing you know you have made a phone call, or browsing the web? Well, you are not alone and the folks at Boardwalk Mobile were feeling the same pain and have decided to do something aobut it. QuickSlide is the latest application from Boardwalk Mobile and the concept behind it is to lock your device for you without the need to press any buttons, or launch any applications each time you want to put the device away.

After installing QuickSlide users can customize how long after the screen goes off for it to be locked, and boom, just like that the device will lock. There are also options that allow you to exclude applications from this, so if you were in the browser and the screen times out, you are able to resume activity without unlocking the device. Unlocking is quite simple, all you have to do is slide the device open, or by pressing the back button twice. The best part about the application is that it is as simple as installing it, setting it up, and then it does the rest for itself, and you no longer have to deal with that over sensitive lock button.

More information / purchase of QuickSlide

It wasn't all that long ago now that RIM acquired the social CRM, online contact management service -- Gist. Now, here we are only a few months later and Gist has just announced the release of their BlackBerry application. While limited to just the BlackBerry Torch for now, Gist is available in BlackBerry App World for download. So, what can you do with Gist for BlackBerry?

Use Gist for BlackBerry smartphones to:

• Search and view complete business profiles for contacts across email, mobile, and social network accounts; and add contacts from your BlackBerry smartphone automatically.
• See your important contacts first, including easy access to contact info, photo, and social updates; share a link through email; or take a note to remember later.
• Use the “Get the Gist” context menu instantly to build a profile or get a quick update for any email recipient or person in a calendar invite. 

If you're already a Gist user, then downloading it is a no brainer. If you're new to Gist, then you can jump on past the break for a video explaining the services and to see the app in action. You can also hit the source link for further details or just head on over to App World for the download.

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OR ??

I received the following email from a reader and decided before responding that I wanted to check in with our greater CrackBerry audience to see where they stand...

Kevin, I have read both your reviews for the Torch and the Bold 9780. I am looking into purchasing either the Torch for 3 employees here, or the Bold. From the reviews it looks like the Bold has a better battery life. In your opinion for busy executives, what would you recommend? Presently we have the Palm Pre which does not support voice dialing, nor does it have great talk battery life. Presently they are charging their Palms in the morning to get through the day and charging again in the evening. They are heavy users. Thank you for any advice you can offer!

The question of Bold 9780 vs. Torch 9800 comes up a lot, and the answer I give is usually based on what the person does. I've gone back and forth quite a bit between the 9780 and Torch (I'm currently using the Torch), but stil find the Bold 9780 to be the work horse I prefer most as a pure communication/get stuff done tool. But in this case the users have been rocking Palm Pres, which have that sliding form factor like the Torch. The Bold 9780's battery definitely trumps the Torch, but as soon-to-be former Pre users I can't help but think the Torch would be the better fit? Plus the bigger screen on the Torch is definitely nice. So what advice would you give to this person? Bold 9780? Torch? The other option is to wait until some 2011 BlackBerry Smartphones get announced at BlackBerry World, but in this case it seems the purchase decision is happening asap. Vote on the poll above and give us your reasoning in the comments!

Valentine's Contest: Win a Free Black and Pink or All Pink OtterBox Commuter Case for the BlackBerry Torch 9800!

In honor of Valentine's day being just around the corner I wanted to review a case that has a little bit of PINK in it, so I opted for the Black and Pink OtterBox Commuter Case for the BlackBerry Torch 9800. It's also available in an all-pink Torch Commuter Series Strength edition, with 10% of proceeds going to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. And since this review is in honor of the the 14th of February we're going to show some extra love on it... if you leave a comment to this post letting us know how you'd put this case to use, you'll be entered to win a free one! 

I've been a fan of OtterBox Cases ever since I got my first one for my old BlackBerry 8700, and over the years I've always had really solid experiences with their cases. That said, I have sort of mixed feelings on the Commuter Case for the Torch (note - I really love my Commuter for my Bold 9700/9780). On the pro side, it offers a great amount of protection and doesn't add too much bulk to the phone. Looking at the negatives, I find it makes the Torch a bit slippery to hold, the rubber buttons at times can behave a little awkwardly, and the long-term durability isn't quite to the same level as it is on OtterBox cases for other devices - specifically you may find with time the top piece that covers the slider portion of the Torch will want to come off easier than it should (this problem can affect most Torch cases that have a hard plastic shell - sliders make case design/durability tricky!). With OtterBox cases being on the more expensive end of the hard case spectrum, you may also want to check out the Innocase Surface and Mobi Products Hard Shell for the Torch. You can almost pick up three Mobi Products cases for the retail cost of one OtterBox, so it's something to think about. Check out the video review above for more details. We have a lot of user reviews on all these cases within the ShopCrackBerry store, so if you're in the market I definitely suggest reading through those as you decide what's best for you. Happy Valentine's Day!!      

Well, after seeing other devices get updated to .448, I guess the BlackBerry Torch had to have get it as well. Good thing, considering OS 6.0.0.337 is pretty old as of now. Torch users give 6.0.0.448 a go, be sure to drop a comment and let us know how it is. As always, use caution when installing a leaked OS.

*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 6.0.0.448 for the Torch 9800
Discuss more in the forums

Source: Driphter

Just in case the other two device leaks weren't enough for you, how about some details about the BlackBerry Torch 2? Well, alright then. The BlackBerry Torch which was released not all that long ago now looks to have a successor already in the works. Realistically, the updated specs look more along the lines of what the first BlackBerry Torch should have been considering many folks took issue with how little of an advancement the original BlackBerry Torch was. Have a look at whats been detailed for the BlackBerry Torch 2:

• 1.2GHz processor
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE
• Tri-band HSPA 14.4Mbps
• 3.2-inch VGA 640 x 480 capacitive display
• 8GB built-in memory
• 512MB RAM
• Bluetooth 2.1
• GPS
• NFC
• 5MP camera with flash
• Magnetometer
• 1300 mAh battery
• BlackBerry OS 6.1
• OpenGL ES
• 14.6mm thin

So if you're unhappy with your current Torch maybe the BlackBerry Torch 2 is more fitting for you? These are the specs we have been wanting. Sure, there is no dual core listed there but 1.2GHz is nothing to shake a stick at. While specs and all that are great to look at the real question remains with the OS though. Does OS 6.1 make use of the new specs and hardware? Sticking a 1.2GHz processor in there doesn't really mean much if the OS is not optimized to make use of it. We'll find out soon, as noted in the source link Research In Motion is tracking Q3 for the release of the Blackberry Torch 2.

Discuss more in our new Torch 2 forum 

Source: BGR

Once more the BlackBerry Torch is subject to making headlines, which at this rate may very well take over the world soon - but that's only a good thing. This time it is Malta to enjoy the love and with BlackBerry being so popular there, the BlackBerry Torch will likely be a hit among the socially connected and business oriented individuals. Proud to bring the BlackBerry Torch to Malta is Alexandre Froment Curtil, Head of Marketing at Vodafone Malta; "[RIM and Vodafone Malta] were the first to launch the BlackBerry solution in Malta and we have a rich history of innovation and collaboration with Research in Motion. Our two companies that brought the first BlackBerry smartphones to the local market have teamed up again with the new BlackBerry Torch to provide our users an enormously popular service with the latest technological advances."

As far as pricing goes, Vodafone Malta is very flexible. You can go without contract and pay a cool 599€ or choose from one of the many plans available. You could go all deluxe with the Smartphone 95 plan and get the BlackBerry Torch for free, which at 95€ per month is not that bad as it includes a 2GB quota of mobile Internet use as well as 600 free minutes to all local and EU networks. Should it be anything in between, Vodafone Malta has you covered - go check out the plans for yourself and you will see what I mean; there is a little something for everyone! Be sure to head over to the Vodafone Malta Web site for more details and pricing information. And do not tell me I did not warn you of the many options Vodafone Malta offers, I told you!

• Check out the BlackBerry Torch on Vodafone Malta >>

Source: Malta Media Online

Live in the Philippines or Taiwan? Holding out for a BlackBerry Torch smartphone? If so, great news. RIM has launched the BlackBerry Torch in both the Philippines and Taiwan. Lately, there has been little talk about Taiwan. For example, the Philippines was blessed with the BlackBerry Curve 3G before. Now, however, Asia sure enjoys the love, as the BlackBerry Torch is becoming available literally everywhere

To make the BlackBerry 6 experience more complete for Chinese customers, the BlackBerry Torch employs Chinese handwriting support. Without contract, the BlackBerry Torch will set you back a smooth 19,900 TWD (a bit over 650 USD) from Taiwan Mobile. Contract pricing starts at 968 TWD (~32 USD) a month. In the Philippines, the BlackBerry Torch will be available later this month - make sure to keep your eyes wide open for announcements form local service providers. So, anyone up for acquiring a BlackBerry Torch anytime soon? Be sure to check out the press releases for the Philippines and Taiwan for any details!

If you've been waiting on that shiny white BlackBerry Torch 9800 to arrive at Rogers, the wait is over. The device is now available on their website for purchase. You can snag it now for $229 on a 3-year term, $499 on a 2-year term or $559 on a 1-year term. Still no sign of a white Bold 9780 however, but we can't imagine that being too far off. No word on if the white Torch is available in stores just yet, so be sure to leave a comment if you come across one.

• Check out the white BlackBerry Torch 9800 from Rogers >>

The Body Glove Snap-On case for the BlackBerry Torch offers revolutionary protection in the ultimate custom fit phone case.

This case features a durable hard shell wrapped in a textured glove material that is easy to grip and protects your BlackBerry Torch 9800 from scratches. This case comes with Body Glove's patented all-in-one clip system, which includes a removable knob for a low profile and a rapid release clip with an adjustable built-in kickstand.

This allows your BlackBerry Torch 9800 to be worn on your belt, propped up with the kickstand, or slipped into your pocket effortlessly! This case allows for access to all controls along with the charging port.

The Storm and Torch devices use an on-screen keyboard. Because of this, some of the shortcuts used for others’ BlackBerry smartphones may not always apply when using touchscreen devices. Fear not, for those shortcuts are not gone. They’ve simply been lost in translation.

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