Pandora got their act together and updated their BlackBerry app to v1.1.11 tonight. Tom let us know this version adds BlackBerry OS 7.0 support for that line of devices.
We usually hold our celeb sightings for the weekly roundup, but this one was too good to let wait. Jennifer Garner was spotted out and about in Santa Monica yesterday sporting a fancy new BlackBerry Bold 9900 (or Bold 9930). It’s great to see shes such a BlackBerry lover that she snagged the new device already, but perhaps the best part is that she is using it while shopping in the Apple Store.
We’re not quite sure why she’s there, but hopefully she’ll stay true to BlackBerry and not swap it out for a new iPhone 🙂
Although Verizon has had a non-camera version available since launch, Sprint will now be releasing their non-camera version of the BlackBerry Bold 9930 on September 9th. While many folks can make use of the camera equipped versions, there is still somewhat of a demand in the business sector for devices without cameras. Some employers simply do not allow the use of camera equipped phones. Fewer and fewer device manufacturers are catering to this user base, instead relying on software locks and IT policies to block camera access. RIM could do that as well through the BES infrastructure but it’s still nice to see separate devices being made available.
Personally, if I never used the camera on my device — I think I’d opt for a non-camera version just for the cleaner appearance of it. No price difference is found between the two versions but if you’re in need of a non-camera equipped BlackBerry and Sprint is your carrier; you can get the BlackBerry Bold 9930 for $249 from Sprint starting September 9th.
It’s been something of a long time coming, this emboldened Bold. We got our first glimpse of the thing in February, spent some quality time with it back in June, and since then have sat around eagerly awaiting its release. Now, here it is. From a distance, or at a quick glance, it looks little changed from 2008’s Bold 9000. But get closer, pick it up, and the difference is astonishing.
To go along with OS 7.0.0.353 for the BlackBerry Bold 9900, you CDMA Bold 9930 owners get the same OS. Again, not sure what has changed in this update, especially whether or not NFC is present. As always, make sure you back up your data first and heed the warning below.
*OS Disclaimer – Please Read: Keep in mind this is NOT a.n 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. 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). *
Not really feeling Sprints pricing of $250 for the new BlackBerry Bold 9930? Well, Walmart is always willing to cut you a break. As it stands right now, Walmart is taking pre-orders for the device at $199 for new customers and $219.99 for 2-year contract renewels. So either way, no matter which route you take — you’re saving money.
If you thought you were totally out of luck when it comes to NFC functionality on your Verizon Bold 9930 … think again. It looks like it is indeed just a matter of software and what the carriers choose to release. The stock OS on the Bold 9930 had no signs of NFC, however the latest leaked OS 7.0.0.340 brings back the option to enable it. Since the hardware is already there (in the form of the NFC battery door) you can fire up this OS and have NFC up and running. While we can’t verify 100% that it’s totally working since we don’t have any NFC goodies to test it on, we’re fairly sure you should be good to go. This is great for those of you wanting the NFC down the road or for developers who are looking to explore a bit more. Download the OS from the link below and if you try it out be sure to let us know how it’s working!
While we just had a leak for the BlackBerry Bold 9930 just yesterday, a fresh leaked OS is again ready to go. This time it’s OS 7.0.0.340 and it looks to be a good one as it is sporting some NFC love (not that it’s of all that much use just yet). So if you just picked up that new Bold 9930 or you’re patiently waiting for it to arrive, download this one and be up to date with the latest leak.
*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 – 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). *
Sprint on Monday announced that it will launch Research In Motion’s latest CDMA smartphones — the BlackBerry Bold 9930 and the BlackBerry Torch 9850 — on Sunday, August 21st. In line with BGR’s exclusive report from earlier this month, Sprint will offer the Bold 9930 for $249.99 on contract and the Torch 9850 will cost $149.99 on contract after a $50 mail-in rebate. The Bold 9930 is RIM’s brand new touch-and-type flagship smartphone, which launched on rival carrier Verizon Wireless this morning at the same $250 price point. The Torch 9850 is an affordable full touchscreen smartphone that picks up where RIM’s Storm lineup left off. Both smartphones feature Research In Motion’s latest BlackBerry 7 OS and are part of the largest global launch in RIM’s storied history.
Night Hawk Computers Blackberry Alliance 