Last we heard the AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8520 was hitting stores ‘in the coming weeks‘ for $99.99 after rebates (and of course, with that shiny new contract). Well, to add some more fuel to the fire it looks like 8520 dummy units are showing up at AT&T (NYSE: T) stores. Set the countdown timer, because we could see the 8520 go live on AT&T this week or next.

While the Curve 8520 is no flagship device, it is a huge improvement from the original Curve, and features a 2MP camera, 320×240 display, trackpad, and rubber-covered side keys for a touch of awesome.

Stay tuned for more news on the AT&T Curve 8520 as it becomes available.

[Via: CB]

BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) theme lovers, I’ve been meaning to post on this for a few days now… Not sure how I overlooked it, but here it is for ya, finally.

Elecite has launched yet another new Premium BlackBerry Theme. Called ‘Sentient’, the theme is for OS 4.6 and up devices only… which means it will be compatible with the Curve 89xx series, Bold 9000 series, Storm 95xx series, Tour 96xx series and Bold 97xx series. Groovy.

The theme features a very custom looking home screen, with smooth animations and more. You’ll notice in the preview video above that no screen has gone untouched, Elecite has worked in custom graphics into all parts of the OS. Well done, indeed.

If you like what you see, you can pick up a copy for $6.99.

Howdy amigos, hope everyone out there is having a pleasant and relaxing Sunday…I know I am! A little bit of AT&T (NYSE: T) news for ya this morning… Looks like the BlackBerry Bold 9700 is now available on AT&T (as Simon so correctly pointed out). Pricing is as follows:

• $199.99 on a 2-year contract (after $100 mail-in rebate)
• $449.99 ‘No Commitment Pricing’

If you’re a loyal AT&T customer that has been patiently twiddling your thumbs waiting for the 9700, while everyone over at T-Mo got all the glory… Now’s your chance. I was (and still am) a huge fan of the original Bold 9000, and big brother here has numerous updates and extra features… So go ahead and check it out at AT&T.

Heavy-duty social networkers will be familiar with the name “Seesmic“, a desktop and web Twitter client. It has officially gone mobile for Android and BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM), with the expected features such as home screen notifications, picture sharing, timeline viewing, saved searches, and basic tweeting. The one thing I haven’t seen elsewhere on a BlackBerry twitter client yet is lists support; more specifics can be found on the BlackBerry page. The Android version has a few cool tricks, like saving tweets as drafts and video sharing, but to get a closer look, check out Seesmic’s Android page. To get downloading, point your mobile browser to seesmic.com or find it in the Android Market.

[via Seesmic]

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]

There have been rumblings for the last couple of months about a next generation BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Pearl code-named Striker, but in the way of details, we only knew it would have 3G. Well, today the veil has been lifted, and there’s a batch of pictures and a short clip giving us a full hardware tour. In terms of styling, there’s a lot borrowed from the latest BlackBerrys, like the Storm2-style battery door and chrome-finished siding, and the optical trackpad and sharp beveled edge of the Bold 9700, but anyone who used the original 8100 series phones will recognize the similarities immediately. The SureType keys have changed little, except for maybe a little extra rounding, but notably absent is any influence from the Pearl Flip, which featured a completely flush keypad with frets between the rows. Maybe RIM would just like to forget that one, and go with what works, eh? Hardware aside, OS 5.0 is purring like a kitten on there, and Wi-Fi and 3G are both confirmed. Since the home screen is asking for a SIM card, we can only say it’ll be coming to GSM carriers for now. I’m curious what kind of screen resolution it’s packing, but it’s expected to be in the same ballpark as the Bold (HVGA). More specifics are likely on the way, so stick around!

Hit the jump for a quick hands-on video!

Read the full article »

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]

If you’re looking for a new BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) smartphone with no strings attached, you might want to look in T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) USA’s direction. The carrier has announced their T-Mobile Complete program, which gives customers a choice of four no-contract BlackBerry smartphones to be used with T-Mobile’s pre-paid plans. The kicker? T-Mobile is including the first month of service for free with purchase of a T-Mobile Complete BlackBerry handset!

Of the four options, the BlackBerry Curve 8520 will run $299.99, while the BlackBerry Pearl goes for $149.99. T-Mobile is offering several unlimited pre-paid plans that start at $50 per month. At those prices, T-Mobile Complete BlackBerry handsets would work really well as holiday gifts. Think about it, just buy the pre-paid BlackBerry kit (which, again, includes first month of service for free), wrap it up, and you’re good to go.

You’ll find T-Mobile Complete at Walmart and Best Buy locations.