The people over at BerryScoop have posted up some pictures show that Verizon will be launching the Backup Assistant on BlackBerry devices on March 9th 2010.  This is a free feature that Verizon offers to keep your contacts backed up.  Once this is released it will be as simple as just downloading the app and signing in with your pin code that you created.  Check out more pictures over at BerryScoop.

Via BerryScoop.com

We posted yesterday about a rumor that Verizon was dropping the Storm 9530, this just confirms the rumor.  Along with the Storm, the Pearl Flip 8230, both colors of the Curve 8330 and the 8830 are all being dropped.  The Storm I can understand, seeing as it had the very high return rate and the recent addition of the Storm2.  Although it was reported a the other week that the Curve 8330 was being dropped, I still don’t understand why.  The 83XX series phone is one of the best selling smartphones around the world, why cut it from your inventory?  The big question that everyone has, is Verizon making room for new BlackBerry devices?

Via CrackBerry

Is Verizon going to stop selling the BlackBerry Storm?  According to TheStreet.com there is speculation about a report that indicated orders for the Storm were cut or canceled.  Verizon is the largest seller of the Storm and they are likely the ones reducing their supply.  Neither RIM nor Verizon have made comments on the situation.  Could Verizon be making room for a new BlackBerry device?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Via TheStreet, BlackBerryCool

Interesting developments this morning in regards to the BlackBerry Tour 9650…or should I say Bold 9650.  According to the guys over at Mobilitysite, a friend at RIM confirmed that the device will be added to the Bold family as the “Bold 9650.”  The full e-mail is below:

“Some Verizon stores did get the 9650. They were sent back for “updates”. Verizon won’t release the 9650 until the official OS 5.0 arrives for the Tour 9630. The Sprint 9650’s are having WiFi issues and Sprint is working that out. It won’t be called the Tour 2. It’s the Bold 9650.”

My take?  I don’t think that the Tour/Bold 9650 (or 9630, for that matter) fit into the design category of the Bold series. I think that characterizing this device as a “Bold” diminishes the reputation of the existing series.  What say you? Tour, Bold, or another name altogether?

Via BlackBerryCool

Although there has not been any official announcements about the new BlackBerry 9650, there have been several leaks hinting that it could be released in the near future.  First we had the slight slip-up on RIMs Facebook page, now we have a link to download the Visual Voicemail app for the 9650 from Verizon.  If you follow the link it will let you download the .jad file.  This could tell us one of two things, either the people behind this device are slipping up real bad or the 9650 is getting real close to its official launch.  I am hoping for the second one, what about everyone else?

Via BerryScoop

According to BerryScoop, Verizon is planning on expanding its prepaid phones and options by including BlackBerry.  This could happen as early as three months.  Rumor is that the plan adds $35 on top of the voice package, and the phone prices would be somewhere in between the subsidized price and the full retail cost.  I’m not sure if this will include unlimited data or not.  If this is true this could be the way for people who would love to get a BlackBerry, but is turned away by the high cost of owning one.

Via BerryScoop

Were you one of the BlackBerry users waiting patiently for a next generation CDMA BlackBerry? I was and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a new BlackBerry Tour. While the 9630 is a great phone and definitely one of my favorite BlackBerry models, I did have to return three Tours to get my hands on one that actually had a properly functioning trackball.

Read the full story

Much like the Curve 8520, the BlackBerry Curve 8530 is the “BudgetBerry” of the group. Sporting a few design changes, 3G connectivity and OS 5.0, it represents a continued push by RIM to appeal to first-time smartphone buyers. There’s a marked difference in build quality versus other BlackBerry models like the Storm2 and the Bold 9700. Other features include a full QWERTY keyboard, Wi-Fi, a 2-megapixel camera, and RIM’s new trackpad. It’s relatively inexpensive and more durable than the other models on the market (thanks to the plastic build).  Will the 8530 deliver and provide the ever-so-popular BlackBerry experience?

Read the full story

If you’re the proud owner of a BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230, you’ve probably felt a bit left out as of late.  After all, the launch of the BlackBerry Storm2, Motorola DROID, HTC Droid Eris, and BlackBerry Curve 8530 have taken most (if not all) of the limelight away from RIM’s first clamshell BlackBerry device.  Not to worry though, as Verizon hasn’t completely forgotten about you: effective today, OS 4.6.1.309 is available for the device.

Granted, it’s not OS 5.0 just yet, but it’s an improvement over previous versions.  If you notice any changes, be sure to let us know in the forums!  As always, download at your own risk.

Via: CrackBerry

The update can be found here.  Check it out and report your findings in the forums!

Via: PhoneDog