News and Rumors

CrunchSMS, the greatest SMS app for BlackBerry, has been updated again. they have now released v3.10 for public download. We do not have a complete change log, however we do know a few bugs have been fixed.

If you have CrunchSMS, get your update asap!

If you do not have CrunchSMS here is some Crunch info:

• Update your CrunchSMS on App World
• If you use CrunchSMS, hook them up with a review
• Let us know what you think about CrunchSMS

With RIM's new lineup of OS7 devices, none of them seem to be a refresh to a previous OS6 device. None, except for the BlackBerry Torch 9810. This device has an updated VGA display, more fluid UI & overall quicker response to keystrokes. When compared to the Torch 9800, the screen resolution is the first thing that you'll notice, followed by the crisp, vibrant colors.

Nobex Radio, has just updated there application to v3.0.6 and added some new features. The big new adjustment is the BBM connect.

Nobex Radio, has just joined the small list of BBM Connected applications. They are now moving in the new BBM Social direction. Nobex Radio does come in a free version, however, if you can spend the bucks, the premium version is pretty cool!

• Check out Free Nobex Radio on App World
• Check out Nobex Radio Premium on App World
• Learn more about Nobex Radio

ZonaSnap has now just become the newest application to join the BBM Connected world. With BBM's new Social Platform we will be seeing more and more applications updating with BBM Connections. ZonaSnap is just the latest of an ever growing list.

• Do you use ZonaSnap?

AT&T has jumped on the pre-announcement banwagon & have posted a "Coming Soon" page for the BlackBerry Torch II (9810). This device will be running BlackBerry 7 OS, have a full QWERTY keyboard, sliding display, 1.2GHz processor, 8GB of onboard memory, up to 32GB of expandable storage, 720p video capture, inbuilt WiFi and support for the AT&T's HSPA+ network.

It also claims to be the first 4G BlackBerry on AT&T, which means the Bold 9900 will be launched later than the Torch refresh.

Today was a day filled with Canadian carriers leaking their BlackBerry 7 roadmaps. Bell is rounding out today's leaks. They've leaks slides showing the Torch 9810, Torch 9860, Bold 9900 & Curve 9360.

We've also heard that both the Torch 9810 & Bold 9900 will be launching on August 16th.

Will you be the first in line at your local Bell store on August 16th?

Research In Motion is holding a press event on Wednesday in Central London. The assumption among many who are planning to attend is that they'll either officially announce the BlackBerry Bold 9900's European release date or that they will use the press event to announce the remaining OS7 devices.

Will you be in attendance?

OS updates are always welcomed. According to chip.de, we should be seeing OS 1.0.8 for the BlackBerry PlayBook before the end of September. Could this be the update that'll bring native email? Official Android Player?

RIM has updated their Avatar Builder apps to v1.0.2. The only difference noted in the upgraded is availability to more countries. This app is still lacking BBM integration, but I'm sure RIM will add that in their next update.

If you're a faithful user of T-Mobile's network, you'll be happy to know that slides have leaked today showing a release date of August 31th for Blackberry Bold 9900.

The price is unknown, but we do know that there will be a $50 mail in rebate that will a $20 data plan attachment.

It's great to see any smartphone manufacturer taking time to shed light on the world of app development for their platform. Damian Keeghan was recently interviewed & explains how easy it is to develop an app for the Playbook with BlackBerry's Webworks app development platform.

The BlackBerry PlayBook is on a roll. First the PlayBook conquered the US, then it crossed the Bering Sea and took on the might of Russia. Now we have learned that the PlayBook has headed south and took the large island of Australia.This makes the PlayBook the first tablet approved for Austrian government use.

With 3 countries under its belt, where will the PlayBook conquer next? How many countries will the PlayBook conquer before the iPad conquers one?

• Let us know what you think, in the forums.

If you happen to live in the UK and are interested in the BlackBerry Bold 9900, you'll be ecstatic to know that O2 UK has posted a "Coming Soon" page with a August timeline.

We've previously other UK carriers announce that they'll carry this device, with Three UK giving us a specific date(September 15th), and Vodafone providing only a "coming soon" page without any additional details.


Although this means there is a 3.2% chance of it launching today, I'm sure that we will see this device released within the next 2-3 weeks.