Looks like Bell is getting ready to crank up the Holiday Promo Machine. According to a report over at MobileSyrup, on December 1st Bell will unveil a new ‘Skullcandy Mash Up Package’. The package will be available anyone willing to sign a new 3-year sentence, er, contract with Bell.

So what do you get? Well, for $69.95 you’ll get to choose one of the following packages:

• Red and white Samsung Vice with matching red/white Skullcandy Lowrider headset
• Black Samsung Vice with matching chrome/black Skullcandy Lowrider headset

I should also note that each package will come with 10 free Sony music downloads, to help you workout those new Skullcandy headsets.

Side Note: Check out the new Skullcandy NBA Player Series headsets, coming soon… Neat-o.

Regular users of the Facebook app for BlackBerry will want to take note that the app has been updated to 1.7.0.22. Of course, no changelog is available, but if you’re addicted to the thing it’s probably a good idea to update to the latest version (if you haven’t already). To get started, simply head on over to blackberry.com/facebook from your Berry’s browser, and you’re off to the races.

Be sure to let us know if you spot any updates worth noting… Me thinks this update is just chalked-full of minor tweaks and bug fixes.

[Via: CB]

Hey all of you Canadian Android-lovers, looking for a good price on a first-gen Android device? How about the Rogers HTC Dream? Sound good? The folks at Canada’s ‘Big Red’ have dropped the price on the HTC Dream (about time) to $49.99 on a 3-year contract. If you don’t mind being locked-in to a device that is already passé, then throw down your Mackenzie King and pick one up.

The Rogers (NYSE: RCI) HTC Dream features a 3.2″ touchscreen (320×480), built-in accelerometer, full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, WiFi, GPS, 3.2MP camera with auto focus and video… and much more.

Check it out at Rogers.

Are you the proud owner of a new BlackBerry Storm2, and are looking for a way to protect your investment? OtterBox to the rescue! The good folks at OtterBox have just released 3 new cases for the Storm2, and each provides the level of protection you’ve come to expect from the ruggedized case company.

The first option is the BlackBerry Storm2 Impact Case. Available for $19.95, consider this the ‘entry level’ OtterBox case for the Storm2, although…. there’s nothing really entry level about it! Official description:

The OtterBox Impact Series for BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Storm2 is a skin that truly protects. Two separate thicknesses of silicone and inner coring on the corners provide a skin that is thin, yet protective in the spots your need it. All buttons, ports and functions are accessible right through the case, and the inner coring on the corners are designed to dissipate impact AWAY from your device. This case also has an ergonomic design that your hands will love to be wrapped around!

Next we move on to the BlackBerry Storm2 Commuter Case. This one combines the best of the Impact case, with the best of the Defender case (which I’ll tell you about shortly). Running a little more expensive at $34.95, here are the details:

The OtterBox Commuter Series case for the BlackBerry Storm2 offers the best of both worlds; incorporating elements from the rugged Defender Series line with the silicone, skin-like Impact Series line to create a slick case designed with your style in mind. It’s protection without the bulk. The exposed silicone corners dissipate impact away from the device for additional bump and shock protection and the smooth outer layer allows the case to easily slide into your pocket or purse. All buttons are fully functional through the case and the audio jack and USB port are accessible through silicone plugs.

Finally, the BlackBerry Storm2 Defender Case is the ultimate in protection. If you’re looking for the ‘biggest and baddest’, this is the case for you. It’ll set you back $49.95, but if you’re prone to dropping, kicking, or button-hook passing your Storm2 throughout the day, this could be your saviour. The sweet low-down:

The OtterBox Defender Series case for the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone provides the ideal solution for those looking for just the right amount of protection. With three layers of protection you can rest assured that your smartphone will be safe. All features, keys and ports are accessible through the case, providing you with a unique, interactive safeguard. Included with this case is a holster style ratcheting belt clip.

Kudos to OtterBox on their new Storm2 lineup. True, they ARE a little bulky… But if you need that extra level of protection, there’s no other place to turn than OtterBox.

Verizon (NYSE: VZ) customers, the BlackBerry Curve 8530 is now available for your consumption. Available in both Black and ‘Smoky Violet‘ (ooooh, sounds so sultry), the Curve 8530 will set you back $99.99 on a 2-year contract after a $100 online discount. This CDMA Curve packs WiFi, Bluetooth, OpenGL ES support (3D gaming here we come..), VZ Navigator, a 2MP camera, music player and more… If your previous gen Berry has had enough, this one could be worth a look.

For more information hit up VerizonWireless.com, or head on over to your local store for the skinny.

Bold 9700 users, a new OS has leaked that may peak your interest. Keep in mind, this is a very UNOFFICIAL release, so do install at your own risk. The leak brings us up to 5.0.0.351, and is available right here.

As always, please backup your device and take all necessary precautions before you proceed with this, or any other OS update. If you install, be sure to let us know if you notice any major enhancements or improvements in this build. Happy OS updating!

[Via: TheBlackBerryZone]

It’s been a little while since I’ve covered any T-Mobile 3G network expansion news, hasn’t it!? This morning I happened to come across a list of cities recently upgraded to 3G on T-Mo… In fact, below is the list of cities upgraded to 3G in November:

• Albany, GA
• Amarillo, TX
• Abilene, TX
• Salinas, CA
• Norwalk,CT
• Bellingham, WA
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Gainesville, FL
• Fresno, CA
• Albuquerque, NM

If you’re in one of the upgraded areas, congrats! If not, or heck, if you’re just not sure, hit up T-Mobile’s Personal Coverage Check Map. Very handy.
For more information on the 3G expansion as it happens, hit up the T-Mobile Forums. Everything is there, trust me!

The very handy (or should I say hands free?) Drivesafe.ly app for BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) has apparently reached the 1 million user threshold. Wowza! Congrats to the folks at Drivesafe.ly. If you’ve never heard of the app before, Drivesafe.ly enables you to put your phone DOWN while driving your car. It reads emails and SMS messages to you, allowing you to focus on the road (which is what you should be doing in the first place). Other key features of the app:

• Hands Free – No need to touch the phone while driving
• One-touch activation – no complicated setup
• Bluetooth and radio transmitter compatible
• Reads text message shorthand (lol, brb)
• Optional customizable auto-responder

Ideally you’d turn your device OFF, or throw it in the glove box out-of-reach, but Drivesafe.ly is the best compromise I’ve seen yet.

Versions for both BlackBerry and Android are available, and new editions for the iPhone and Windows Mobile are coming soon. For more information hit up Drivesafe.ly.

[Via: BerryReview]

Today Virgin Mobile Canada released an official statement regarding iPhone availability:

Virgin Mobile Canada will launch iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS in Virgin Mobile Retail Stores and online in Canada in the coming months.

I’m not sure if they could have been any more vague… But at least this is an official ‘it’s coming’ statement. My buds over at MobileSyrup believe ‘coming soon’ means February 2010. I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case, but would be pleased if it does arrive sooner… I mean, the holidays are fast approaching, you think they’d want to cash in on that?

Pricing on the 3G is expected to come in around $100 for the 8GB and $150 for the 16GB. The 3GS should run you $200 for the 16GB and $300 for the 32GB model. Of course, you’ll need to sign the standard Canadian 3-year agreement too. Ugh.

OK Virgin Mobile Canada… Sounds great. But I’ll believe it when I see it. Bring the iPhone… Bring it!

[Via: Newswire]

It was, gosh, way back in August when Simon reported on this one. He spotted the BlackBerry 8530 in Verizon (NYSE: VZ)’s internal systems, and noted that it looked like a Lavender color option was in the works.

Today, while doing my usual morning rounds, I noticed a pic of said device, and I’ve included it for you above. Nothing game changing here, but it is at the very least good to see the Verizon branding at the bottom… Rumor has it the 8530 (in black and lavender, aka ‘violet’) is going live on Verizon November 20th… Wait… that’s tomorrow! Hold on tight and let’s see what we get!

[Via: PhoneArena]