BlackBerry Unlock Codes

Yesterday Kevin posted a video from the Skype booth and couldn’t get a definite answer as to when exactly a Skype client for BlackBerry was coming. Well just one day later, Verizon has announced that it has partnered with Skype and will be bringing a client to a number of its smartphones in March. It appears that the app will work on Big Red’s 3G smartphones with data plans, and will include the Storm, Storm2, 8330, 8530, 8830 and Tour 9630. Features include:

• Make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user around the globe on America’s most reliable wireless network;
  
• Call international phone numbers at competitive Skype Out calling rates;
  
• Send and receive instant messages to other Skype users; and
  
• Remain always connected with the ability to see friends’ online presence.

The service will be available starting next month, and you can be sure Verizon users will be rejoicing. Do you think it will land on other carriers as well? Drop a comment and let us know. For more, check out verizonwireless.com/skypemobile. Full press release after the jump.

• More information on Skype Mobile >>

Continue reading article >>

Posted: 10 Feb 2010 08:16 PM PST

Loopt has just released their most recent update to the popular location based service. The new update offers the ability to add “Tips” about the locations you share with the Loopt community. Leaving tips for others is a simple process, you just go to the Discover tab and select the place that you want to leave a tip for and enter the information which you can also then share on Twitter.

In addition to tips being added, Loopt has also included addressbook integration. So now you can launch Loopt directly from your contacts list which allows for faster access and easier lookup of all your friends. You will also notice maps now has it’s own tab, a feature which has been requested for a while now.

This latest update of Loopt for BlackBerry is available to U.S. users on the BlackBerry Curve 8520, 8530, 8900, BlackBerry Bold 9000, 9700, BlackBerry Tour 9630 and BlackBerry Storm 9530 & 9550. The previous version of Loopt is still available for legacy devices such as the 8330. To see if your device is supported and get Loopt, visit www.loopt.com using your BlackBerry browser.

If you’ve ever modified your BlackBerry OS a little as a moderate to advanced user of BlackBerry smartphones you might be familiar with BlackBerry Master Control Program. If not, it’s a great app for your computer that can help get at some of the inner workings of your BlackBerry OS to modify some stuff other apps simply cannot get at.

After having used the app myself for a while now, I’ve got to see it go through some growing stages and this time Darren, has released version 0.9.3.0 Beta 4 to the masses. The change log for BlackBerry Master Control is one that is always extensive, so hit up the site for downloads and more information on it’s release. And remember folks, be careful with this app if you have no idea what it does, probably best left alone.

• Click Here For Downloads And More Info On BlackBerry Master Control Program>>

Since the introduction of Wi-Fi on the BlackBerry, and the Bold 9000, RIM’s first 3G BlackBerry, surfing the web on our handsets has been faster than ever. Still, BlackBerry users will be getting an extra kick in speed according to a recent patent application by RIM entitled, “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING NETWORK BROWSING SPEED BY SETTING A PROXY SERVER ON A HANDHELD DEVICE.” Who doesn’t want faster browsing speeds?

The patent sheds a little light on how data is transferred now, and the solution RIM plans to offer to make that process more efficient. RIM states, “One reason is that the data is sent across the air uncompressed. This increases traffic and lowers browsing speed.” Ever the innovative engineers, the folks at RIM have come up with a clever way of enhancing current technologies by creating a proxy server on the handset in order to compress and transcode HTTP requests before it hits the air. A quick glance at the patent summary reveals:

“A system for enhancing network-browsing speed by setting a proxy server on a handheld device comprises a browser for sending a request for requesting a message from a website and receiving a response in response to the request, a proxy server for transcoding and compressing the request, and transcoding and decompressing the response including the requested message in response to the request, a wireless network communicably linked to the proxy server, Mobile Data Service (MDS) gateway for transcoding and decompressing the request, and transcoding and compressing the response including the requested message from the website.”

So, instead of having to send data back and forth several times just to get information to load on your browser, a proxy server should be able to handle compressing, transcoding and decompressing much faster. Now we just need to couple this technology with a brand new WebKit-based browser and then maybe we’ll finally have that kick-butt web surfing experience all of us BlackBerry users have been waiting for.

[ Source ]

First loves. No one ever forgets them. Whether it’s your first girlfriend or boyfriend, first car or first pet, you rarely ever forget that experience and what it taught you along the way. But I’m not here to reminisce about old flames and puppies; this is a BlackBerry site after all. When Kevin gave me the opportunity to contribute to the blogs here, I thought the most appropriate thing to do was to introduce myself by gushing about my first BlackBerry and how I got

The guys over at JMal and Ahaz Designs have done it again with another great theme release, BeNexus. Like their previous release BeDroid, BeNexus is another feature packed theme that really brings that Nexus One look to your BlackBerry Smartphone. BeNexus is totally customized with replica icons, wallpaper, lock screen, and even a Google search widget. They have also included the Android like notification panel that drops down, giving you easy access to your messages and calendar events. Just like BeDroid, you can also download a version that includeds Epic Applcation’s popular Storm app Stop Turning ($1.99 value), which locks the screen orientation of your 95xx device. BeNexus is full of shortcuts, Storm optomized, and one of the best themes i have seen due to its many integrated features. You can download it at the CrackBerry App Store for $3.99 until January 24th. The theme is compatible with Bold, Tour, Storm and 8900 devices. For a video walkthrough of BeNexus on the Storm click here.

Contest: We have 50 copies of BeNexus to give away. Just leave a comment on this post to enter. Contest ends this Sunday at Midnight PST. Please only leave one comment, multiple entries wont count.

• More information and download of BeNexus >>

Verizon has had the 8530 and T-Mobile has had the 8520 for awhile now and Sprint has really started lagging behind in product launches. Will over @IntoMobile got word from one of his sources that Sprint may get the BlackBerry 8530 on January 10th which is later than the previously rumored Dec 18th launch.

I really hope Sprint manages to get these out the door sooner. I know people are dying to get their hands on a 8530 in Royal Purple!

Hands-On Look at the Case-Mate Fuel Case for the BlackBerry Bold

Power user? BlackBerry Bold not making it through the day? You need to pour some FUEL into it! What you’re looking at in the photos above is a new carrying / charging solution from the folks at Case-Mate that will power your BlackBerry Bold for a long, long time without adding any size or bulk to the actual smartphone you hold in your hand.

The Case-Mate Fuel Case for the BlackBerry Bold serves as a protective case, carrying solution and extended battery all in one. The standard BlackBerry Bold battery offers 1550mAh of power, and Fuel adds another 2300mAh of charge, over doubling the OEM capacity.

Case-Mate Features and Specs

• Talk time: up to 7 additional hours beyond standard BlackBerry Bold battery life
• Stand by time: up to 20 additional days beyond standard BlackBerry Bold battery life
• Power on/off button makes more efficient usage of the fuel by only engaging when you decide to
• Fully ratcheting 180-degree belt clip

I’ve been using Fuel for the past few days and can really appreciate the convenience it offers. For hardcore power users, Fuel will be a much-loved everyday solution. For others, it may not be a daily-use accessory but definitely is one to keep in your accessory drawer as it will come in very handy on occassion. For example, back at WES in Orlando this month I was rocking the Bold and to make it through the day had to carry around a (charged) spare battery at all times (heavy 3G usage was draining my battery quick). And while carrying spare batteries can get a heavy user through the day, it also means buying/carrying around a spare battery charger and remembering to always charge the spare battery. Having dead spare batteries doesn’t do one much good (been there, done that). Having Fuel for WES this year simply would have been awesome.

Fuel doesn’t have a sleeper magnet, but because it’s charging contacts make contact with the Bold’s charging contacts it does put the device into standby when in holster. The holster itself really holds onto the Bold securely. All in all, this is a good accessory - one that I’m looking forward to spending a lot more time using (will report back down the road with longer term findings). It’s not exactly cheap to buy, but with a retail price of $79.95 (you can get it for less at ShopCrackBerry.com) you technically are getting a spare battery, spare battery charger and a holster which all summed up would be more expensive than Fuel but without the added level of convenience. It’s definitely a creative option that true BlackBerry power users will want to check out. If you’ve already put Fuel to use, be sure to let us know your thoughts of it in the comments!

• Learn More, See More Photos,  and Purchase @ ShopCrackBerry.com >>

Initial Reactions and Observations

Having used the BlackBerry Bold since its release on Rogers, my first thought when seeing the Javelin unboxed was “dammmmnnnn, this thing is small.” And having used a BlackBerry Curve as my daily smartphone up until purchasing the Bold, my first thought upon picking the Javelin up was “dammmmnnnn, this feels ohhh soo familiar and good.”

The Evolution of Full-QWERTY BlackBerry Smartphones!

I immediately fell in love with the 8900’s overall form factor. The shape and styling of the BlackBerry 8900 is definitely an evolution and tribute to the existing Curve form factor, but in my opinion feels and looks even better than the 83xx series with much improved specs. It’s faster, has a better display, more memory and has WiFi and GPS in one (none of this 8310/8320 compromise stuff). If only it had 3G, the decision between the Bold and the Javelin would be relatively easy. Specs and looks aside, the 8900 is simply the device I’d rather carry with me and hold and use all day based on size and feel. It fits me. That doesn’t mean it’s a better device than the Bold, far from it, but simply that both are pretty awesome and personal preference and requirements (do you need 3G?) are going to dictate which device you immediately gravitate towards. More on that later…

Getting Hands-On With the BlackBerry 8900 for the First Time

There are a ton of photos here (each with descriptive captions), so I’ll try and keep my initial hardware observations limited and you can click a picture to get your thousand words. Once I spend a bit more time using the device I’ll follow up with more in-depth observations.

Display: Frak’n awesome. In terms of physical dimensions, the Javelin’s display is narrower than the Bold’s by a ¼ inch and is the same height. Yet at 480 by 360 pixels, the 8900’s display is actually higher resolution than the Bold’s already-amazing 480 by 320 display. Looking at the homescreen, icons appear smaller and crisper on the Javelin. I can’t wait to load it up with videos and put it to the test.

Keyboard / Navigation: The Javelin’s keyboard is compact, but I’ve been finding it easy to type on (even with the French AZERTY layout, which I have already gotten used to and have concluded may actually be more efficient to use over QWERTY for typing in English!). Just like the BlackBerry 83xx series, the BlackBerry 8900’s keys are spaced out. This key spacing means there are no cool guitar-style frets, like on the Bold and Pearl Flip. If you look at the 8900’s keyboard closely, more than the Curve it most closely resembles the keyboard on the BlackBerry 8700 series, just condensed slightly.

The central navigation buttons for the Javelin are the same as for the Bold, only shrunk down, and as mentioned above it sounds like the commercially available 8900 is going to feature a change up in trackball color, to grey / black. In my BlackBerry 9000 initial review I noted that the trackball looked a little small / lost on the Bold’s body, but on the Javelin it looks perfect once again. I never measured for Phi, but I’m assuming there must be some of that Divine Proportion stuff at work here.

Around the Perimeter: The perimeter buttons/ports/controls on the phone are one of the biggest areas where the Javelin has evolved from the Curve and is very different from the Bold. The left side of the Javelin is almost empty. It features only the left side convenience key and what I *think* is a tiny speaker port at the top. The right side of the Javelin has become extremely BUSY. Not only is there the standard volume up / down and right side convenience key, but the 3.5mm headset jack and syncing/charging port which used to be on the left are now on the right. Like the Pearl 8220, the Javelin features a microUSB port vs. miniUSB. I have to admit, I’ve been finding it extremely weird to plug the microUSB cable into the lower right corner of the 8900. I instinctually keep reaching for the upper left.

The bottom of the 8900 is also very empty. Like the Curve, it features just a tiny hole for microphone pickup. However, the top of the phone is an area where RIM has kicked things up a notch. Instead of just having a mute key, that if held down for two seconds puts the phone into standby, RIM has taken a more intuitive approach and given the Javelin its own dedicated Lock button. The lock / mute buttons are very cool. They’re actually hidden beneath the plastic casing of the device, so that you’re actually pushing in on the device body to active them (will demonstrate in video). This definitely helps in giving the Javelin a sleek look.

The BlackBerry 8900 is a Tight Little Package. Hawt!!

Back Side: Two things really stand out when you flip the BlackBerry 8900 around for a look. One, there’s a much-welcomed 3.2MP camera on the Javelin that’s housed behind a glass cover (THANK YOU), and two, a smartly engineered battery cover latch. The battery door itself looks nice and feels good, though if you’ve grown to love the leather back on your Bold then the 8900’s door may leave you wanting (if you haven’t seen it, check out the video for Hit Me On My BlackBurry and you’ll know where I’m coming from). The sliding mechanism on the Javelin’s latch is actually built into the battery door. Instead of pushing in a button (Curve) or pulling the latch down towards the bottom of the phone (Pearl 8220), you actually push the sliding mechanism up towards the top of the phone, which immediately provides a handy grip for lifting the cover off. This is by far the easiest experience I have had with removing and replacing the battery cover on a BlackBerry. I haven’t done a drop test yet (don’t plan on it either!), but kudos to RIM for finally figuring this one out. And if you ever do run into issues with the latch, a battery door that actually contains the latch mechanism will be much cheaper and easier to replace than a full casing.

Under the Battery Cover: Remove the battery cover on the Javelin and things are nicely laid out. You can tell RIM put a lot of though into this part of the device. The battery is 1400mAh, and unlike other RIM batteries that are always perfect rectangles, the D-X1 battery in the 8900 has a small jog in it near the leads. RIM even left a small space in the casing to the left of the battery, making it easy for you to get your fingernail in there to lift and remove the battery. We’ll see how the battery lasts over the next few days of use.

The SIM card slot has a convenient location and is easy to get your card in and out of. The battery blocks the SIM port a little bit, so you will have to remove the battery in order to remove your SIM card.

The media card slot is convenient and soooo easy to use, although its location confused me at first. I was looking for the typical hinged door mechanism and when I didn’t see that I was second guessing myself altogether as I definitely never saw an externally accessible microSD card slot. The media card slot location is to the right of the SIM card slot, and all you need to is drop your card in and slide it to the right. Removing the card is easy as well (slide it to the left). I’ve griped in the past that every smartphone should have an externally accessible media card slot, but if you think about how often you actually access your media card, and factor in the Javelin’s easy-to-remove battery cover, I think the solution RIM has come up with here is optimal. It keeps the outside lines of the phone cleaner, and is actually an easier mechanism to work than the spring release systems I have experienced on the Bold and Pearls.

Processor: I won’t weigh in too much on the Javelin’s processor just yet, as the version of OS4.6.1 on this unit is a fairly early build (here’s to hoping some newer versions find their way into the wild soon!), but I think it’s fair to say the 8900 is not as fast as the Bold, but is a helluva lot faster than the Curve / 8800 / Pearls. It’s definitely zippy flying through the menus and native programs, and with a device memory increase up to 256MB it should hopefully keep that speed even as you load the device up with apps. Come full release time, I don’t think anyone will be disappointed in this processor.

GPS & WiFi: The Javelin has both, but I haven’t really tested either out yet. Stay tuned for me here.

Camera: I haven’t played too much with the camera yet (and haven’t touched the video camera at all), but the initial snaps I have taken with the 3.2MP camera seem pretty good. Although, I did encounter one glitch that I have yet to rectify… when the option for Picture Size is set to Large, 8900’s 3.2MP camera should take photos at 2048 by 1536 pixels. Yet the photos I have taken are clocking in at only 1856 by 1392 pixels (which is not even an option on the phone). I’m guessing it’s a tweak that has already been address in a newer version of the OS (or user error I’m not aware of?!).

For those interested in a quality comparison between the Bold and Javelin’s camera, I snapped a shot of a couple of cars parked on a street. Taken one after another, here’s a Photo taken with the Javelin and the same Photo taken with the Bold. You be the judge.

Sound: Historically this wasn’t something I immediately looked at in a hardware review, but the BlackBerry Bold’s awesome (for a smartphone) sound has put it on my radar for good. This is one area where the Javelin really seems to be lacking in comparison to the Bold. The Bold features a ton of sound ports around the perimeter of the phone that maximize airflow out of the device and create an almost stereo-like effect. The 8900 has one at the top, one below the camera glass, and I *think* another small one near the top left of the phone (unless that’s something else… I’m an Addict, not an Expert!!). Cranking up the tunes, the Javelin goes twangy quite quick in comparison to the Bold.

OS 4.6.1: My BlackBerry 8900 unit is currently running OS4.6.1.28, and I’m sure there are some newer versions out there for it already. I’ll get more into the OS in a follow up review, but essentially 4.6.1 builds upon the OS found in the Bold. The biggest new feature I’m itching to try out is Safe Mode, which apparently can be entered by holding the back key while booting. Stay tuned for a lot more here….

All in all, the Javelin’s hardware makes for a tight little package stacked with a lot of performance. The lack of 3G definitely hurts, but I’m sure RIM is already working to get that one figured out for a future model based on this (or a similar) form factor.

Attention to Detail in the 8900’s Design, and a Promising 3.2MP Camera!

It was back in early May when the “Javelin” codename for RIM’s next generation, full-QWERTY, 3G-less BlackBerry surfaced online and mid-June when the first in the wild images and brief video emerged. The device was originally tagged as the 9300 but in recent weeks switched to the 8900 model number, just as the 9100 KickStart became known as the 8220 Pearl, leaving the BlackBerry Bold 9000 at the top of the non-touchscreen BlackBerry chain. While the device looked sweet in the early images, it wasn’t until we leaked these images that there was really quasi-official proof of what the new BlackBerry 8900 was going to pack come its eventual release…

BlackBerry 8900 “Javelin” Key Features:

• Quad-band radios: GSM/GPRS/EDGE (no 3G)
• Wi-Fi b/g with UMA + GPS in one
• OS 4.6.1, featuring Safe Mode start up
• 480 by 360 high-res HVGA+ display
• 512 MHz Processor
• 256 MB onboard flash memory (more room for apps)
• Hot-swappable microSD slot - located under the battery door
• 3.2MP camera, includes auto-focus
• Glass cover - one piece glass cover will house the camera and flash, providing a very polished look and feel
• Micro USB charging/syncing port, w/ high speed data
• Dedicated Lock Button - will allow easy access to lock / hold the device when not using a holster
• “Sweet Spot” narrow keypad
• Battery Cover features a new easy to use, latch mechanism

Suffice to say the blogosphere has been pretty clued in to the 8900’s goodness. The big questions remaining are when are we going to see it and what’s it officially going to be called at release? Regarding release date, some people say within 30 to 60 days while other rumors suggest the Javelin may be getting pushed back a bit longer (let’s hope not!). As for the name? Well… at this point I’m not sure. The KickStart unexpectedly kept the name of an existing device model, becoming the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220. Could the same thing happen here with the 8900? Will RIM leverage the strength of the existing Curve name and brand this device the Curve 8900? Or will they get creative and come up with something snazzy and new?! I guess only time will tell…

But there’s a big difference to knowing the specs of a device and holding it in hand. Time to get hands-on with the Javelin!

YES…I AM a Photoshop Mock Up

During the opening keynote session at CTIA Wireless 2008, Sprint’s CEO Dan Hesse slid in a brief comment about the coming of a new iDEN BlackBerry to Sprint/Nextel.

Our pal Jibi posted a few new tid-bits on what to expect:

• Model # is the 8350
  • so you can expect a Curve-like form factor
• Launch late in fiscal 2008, or early in 2009
• Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11 b/g)
• *should* be running OS4.6.1 at launch

Unlike Jibi’s mock-up, we’ve been hearing this will be the first iDEN BlackBerry to NOT feature an attena.

Posted: 12 Jan 2010 12:57 AM PST

There’s no shortage of BlackBerry Bold 9000 skins and cases on the market today. Finding the one that’s best for you is really a matter of personal preference. But if you’re looking for a minimalistic case that offers decent protection without adding any significant bulk to your Research In Motion (RIM) Bold smartphone, you’ll find a friend in the Seidio Innocase Surface.

The Bold Innocase is good looking, adds a much-needed degree of “sturdiness” to the Bold’s less-than-rock-solid build, and fully protects its chrome bezel from scratches and other aesthetic damage. However, it’s high price; hard, non-malleable plastic, which makes accessing depressed convenience keys and other buttons somewhat difficult; and a few unfortunate design flaws mean the case is far from perfect.

Overall, I was pleased with the Seidio Innocase Surface for Bold-it has become my new case of choice and my Bold is wearing it as I write this post-but I’ve got quite a bit of constructive criticism for Seidio, as well. Hit the jump for the specifics.

Read Full Review >>

If you want to maintain your BlackBerry’s sexiness, you have to keep it protected. It brings a tear to my eye to see true BlackBerry abuse. Some scratches and nicks are one thing, but when a BlackBerry looks like it was dragged by horse through town is just awful. As soon as I purchased my Curve almost a year ago, I bought a black skin to protect it. It added some bulk to the device, as far as size went. Since then, my Berry has been looking great for its age, but the skin has become dull and worn looking. Should I opt for another skin? Should I let my Berry run around in the buff like “Curves Gone Wild”?

Enter BodyGuardz from NLU Products!

BodyGuardz are transparent, thin skins that offer all over protection from scuffs, dings and whatever you carry in your pockets. While my Berry slips into something a little more comfortable, click on for more!

Got it Covered

Excellent marketing!

NLU Products offer scratch-proof skins for more than just BlackBerrys. These custom fit skins can be used to protect your PSP, iPod, MacBooks and more. The material used for the skins are also used to protect the front of your vehicles from the elements. This material is tough as nails! When they asked me to try out their product, I leapt at the opportunity. I had been eyeing their product in the CrackBerry store for months. I loved the BlackBerry skin I had sported for so long, but the BodyGuardz skin gave me the chance to bask in my Berrys naked glory.

Read the instructions on the left carefully!

The packaging opened like a book, perhaps a new chapter in the story of protection. Within this package I found:

• 2 complete, Curve customized sets of skins
• A squeegee card, sporting the BodyGuardz logo
• Step by step instructions
• A bottle of the super duper secret application solution (okay, not really a secret. It’s water and baby shampoo)

All you need for complete protection

The solution is crucial during the “fitting” portion, as it will prevent the adhesive skin from sticking to you, and itself, as you position it on the Berry. The customized sets are custom cut to fit your device. Hence you cannot use an 88xx skin for the 83xx series. I cannot stress the following key points enough when dressing your Berry:

1. Read, reread and follow the directions
2. Take your time, a rushed job is a poor job

Seeing as I was going to be a while, I waited until our little CrackBerry Abuser-in-training was in his crib, and my wife was deep into 27 Dresses before I dove in. I started off with the Battery door skin, it went on easy enough. The skin covers most of the area, with a millimeter on each side to allow for easy door removal. A rectangular hole was left for the camera, flash and mirror. The LCD skin came next, followed by the difficult part; the sides, bottom and keyboard perimeter. I’ve never been good at corners, and I was having a hard time getting with either getting them to stick, or preventing bubbles from forming. This is where the squeegee came in. I gently glided it over the applied skin, making sure it would end up nearly invisible. If you have any difficulties with the application, let the problematic section sit for a few minutes and then try working at it again. You may have better luck. Once I was finished I realized the hardest part yet; I couldn’t touch my Berry for 12 hours!! I went to bed to pass some of the time by.

Berry is only skin deep

Once the 12 hours were up, the Berry looked almost perfect. All of the foggy patches were gone, leaving behind my Berry and the BodyGuardz skin. The corners I had trouble with earlier, were not sticking well and bubbles formed. This was purely an aesthetics issue as the corners were still protected. Perhaps I didn’t spend enough time, carefully applying the skin. Now all that remained was a field test. Having babied my Berry for so long, it was difficult to let loose. I need some ideas so I watched their video showcasing the skin. Since applying the skin, I’ve been carrying my Berry in my pocket with coins and keys. I’ve been tossing it in my drink holder in the car, the organizer on my desk, you name it. The skin showed no sign of wear and tear. With these results, it’s hard to see why the send you 2 full sets. Maybe the second is a backup, in case you mess up during the application process, like I did. On top of this, NLU Products offers life time replacements!

The Verdict

Folks, I am sold. I can now revel in my BlackBerry, as it was meant to be. Though the BlackBerry skin added protection, it also added to the Berry’s dimensions. The BodyGuardz skin is more like a transparent membrane, offers protection while displaying the beauty that is the BlackBerry. You can either purchase the full set, or the LCD skin alone. The CrackBerry Store offers the BodyGuardz Skins for various BlackBerrys, all for $24.95.  With this kind of protection, I guess I should stop babying my BlackBerry. Sigh, they grow up so fast…

Pros

• Superior protection
• Minimal bulk added

Cons

• Cannot rush to add on the skins (be very careful!)

Check out the full BodyGuardz lineup at ShopCrackBerry.com >>