The public beta for BeeJive’s popular instant messaging application tailored specifically for the BlackBerry Storm is slated to be available today. A final release is planned for late July for either $19.95 (single device) or $29.95 (transferable device license). BeeJiveIM for BlackBerry Storm now includes push background notifications just like the iPhone version. Instead of leaving your messaging client running in the background draining battery life you’ll receive notifications via push, instantly alerting you to incoming messages.

Battery Save Mode: to use this feature you will need to have a BIS email set up on your Storm (ex: xxx@xxx.blackberry.net, visit your provider’s website for more information). On the preferences screen, be sure that the “Battery Save Mode When Idle” option is checked. Please let us know if you experience any issues or if this solution is not working for you.

This is beta software and not a production release. Bugs and defects are to be expected! This beta is for the BlackBerry Storm 9500, 9530+ series only, all other models should NOT use this version. Thank you for your help!

BeeJiveIM for BlackBerry Storm (beta download) (read more in the BeeJive forums)

http://www.vimeo.com/5228675

AG Findings has just released Precision HSD Cases for the popular BlackBerry Storm and Javelin (Curve 8900) smartphone series.  The case is uniquely designed to safeguard both the front and back of your BlackBerry without attaching directly to your phone ensuring that it will never cause a scratch.

HSD Precision Case Features:

* New patented innovative carry solution for additional safety and security

* Engineered hinge to enhance use and durability

* Does not latch directly to the phone

* Protects both sides of phone, extra durability and style

* Easy to open door to view calls or phone status

* Patented AGF long-life 180 degree swivel belt clip

MSRP:  $29.99  retail.

FlyCast delivers music, talk, weather, and traffic to your PC, Mac, and your portable devices — including the iPhone/iPod Touch, BlackBerry Curve, Bold, Storm, and G1.  In nine months, the service has grown from a mere 80 channels to now offering over 1000 options.

FlyCast differentiates itself from other free offerings such as  Pandora and Slacker internet radio by also supporting terrestrial radio channels, as well as promoting a time-shift feature they call StreamSlip.  They have just released a public beta of FlyCast 2.0 for the BlackBerry Curve, Bold and Storm (Sorry, no Pearl 81XX or Pearl Flip support on this particular version as the screen needs to be at least 320 pixels wide) .

Continue reading for a summary of the new and improved features — and link to the beta application.

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The BlackBerry Storm 9530 is down to only $49 on Amazon. The phone had been selling for $199 then $99. The new price reduction is most likely to clear inventory in advance of the Storm 2 which Verizon has acknowledged will launch sometime really really soon now.

BlackBerry Storm – Amazon $49 w/2yr

Otterbox recently asked if we’d be interested in testing their BlackBerry Storm Defender Case.

Since I don’t have the Storm, I had to assign to the task to my sister Lynn who is a proud (and happy) owner as well as an active marathoner and horse show enthusiast. If there ever was a candidate for testing a protective case for a phone – it’s Lynn. After using it for about three weeks here’s what she said.

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Proporta just released a leather case for the BlackBerry Storm. The case includes an inner aluminum screen saver to protect against crushing and impacts. Instead of crowding the front of the case with a leather sleeve – the Storm clips into the front of the case. Since my sister Lynn has a BlackBerry Storm – I’ve asked her to give us a look. Continue Reading

Thinking about buying a BlackBerry Storm? My sister Lynn recently traded in her BlackBerry Pearl for a Storm. I asked if she’d give her un-filtered feedback for those of our readers who might be in a similar situation:

Well, after much deliberation, I decided to give the Storm a try. I have had the Pearl for almost a year and the keyboard was driving me crazy. Although I was getting used to it, I was envious of how quickly my kids could text and be onto their 3rd message before I’m done with my 1st. Don’t get me wrong—I liked the Pearl a lot—it just took some getting used to. Also, I found my Pearl freezing up frequently the last month or two.So, against Wayne’s better advice, I tried the Storm. Continue Reading

Judging from the quantity of Twitter questions asking for purchasing advice on the “BlackBerry Storm vs iPhone” – it looks like plenty of people still are undecided between both these devices. While I typically have a one sentence response of “If you want email buy a BlackBerry otherwise buy an iPhone” – I realize that the analysis isn’t always so cut and dry. There’s the touchy issue of AT&T’s signal quality, the ability to capture video, ease of on-screen keyboard use, integration with iTunes. James at JKOnTheRun has done an excellent job with comparing and contrasting the iPhone and Storm. Rather than reach any ultimate conclusion, I like that he gives an explanation of how he uses each, including which he prefers in different situations, and lets you decide.

JKOnTheRun

I just noticed that the touch screen BlackBerry Storm has dropped to $99 on Amazon with no rebate required. Previously the price had been $249.99 with a $100 rebate bringing the net to $149.99. This beats the $199 price that I saw displayed today in Best Buy and is likely a result of Amazon competing against Verizon’s own buy one get one free sale going on through March 31, 2009. If you don’t need two BlackBerry Storms (and you despise filing rebate forms) – then march over to Amazon and snag one for $99 (after 2 year new subscriber agreement).

BlackBerry Storm on Amazon – $99 (after 2 year new subscriber contract)

The latest 1.20 release of Slacker for BlackBerry is available for free download. This version adds better support for the BlackBerry Storm and fixes some reported issues with songs skipping the last 10 seconds. The BlackBerry version of Slacker is unique because you can save (cache) songs from any of the stations that are playing (sadly this requires you to tether via USB cable). Why is this any better than similar offerings from Pandora? Simple – more clients (BlackBerry, G1 & G2 music players), offline caching, more tailoring of channels.

Slacker via BlackBerry Cool

Have you been contemplating the new Otterbox Defender for your BlackBerry Storm? Watch this 5 minute overview to see the case unboxed, fitted to the Storm and then some closing comments about fit and call quality. We’ve got a higher resolution picture on the next page. Continue Reading