We promised a hands on demo video of the BlackBerry PlayBook, and that’s what you’re going to get from us — almost 10 minutes of 1080p joy. As we said previously, we were pretty impressed seeing the PlayBook demo’d in person right in front of us, and well, we could go on for days. Check out the video after the break and let us know what you think in the comments section.

If you use BlackBerry’s App World to download applications, updates, and regularly find new content, you’ll be pleased as punch to know that App World 2.0 has just gone live in beta form. App World 2.0 brings a number of enhancements to the app — some much needed — and even some new payment options. For starters, credit cards are now directly supported instead of having to go through PayPal, and RIM has brought along support for carrier billing. In true RIM fashion, however, this is not available now, and RIM won’t say which carriers will support it. Next up is the ability to drill down different top 25 lists, something much needed. There are now top 25 paid, free, and theme sections. Simplifying the entire user experience is BlackBerry ID, something you can probably guess. It’s a device-independent user ID, something separate from PIN mumbo jumbo, and will streamline your purchasing profile, keep track of your downloaded applications, etc. Not much of a finder/gatherer? Lastly there is QR barcode support in the new version of App World, so look for developers to start using barcodes in promotional materials, emails, really anything. It’s available now on RIM’s beta site below for download.

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Reports are in: BlackBerry Messenger (both legit and leaked versions) seem to be hit hard at the moment and for the last hour or more. Who’s experiencing issues out there? If you are, would you care to comment if you are running a stock version of BlackBerry Messenger one of the leaked 5.0 builds?

You read the headline right, kids — the new and insanely hot BlackBerry Messenger that we exclusively showed off to the World looks to be headed to all BlackBerry devices that will receive the OS 5.0 treatment. How do we know? Because we’ve been playing around with a recent build of OS 5.0 on a Curve 8900, and well, let’s just say that it and some other pretty awesome stuff is in there. But since we’re talking about BlackBerry Messenger, let’s just get right into it. We’ve already told you that the new Messenger has avatar support, GPS integration (including proximity sensing), the ability to set and group conversations by subject and a way to create a homescreen icon for messenger contracts, but it now looks like even more crazy stuff has been crammed in in addition to a little facelift.

So strap yourselves in, hit the jump and prepare to be green with envy as we show you an even newer version of BlackBerry Messenger!

Since we know that most of you are just going to gloss over the text and check out the ensuing screenshots, we’ll keep the list of what’s newer than new really brief:

• SMS support — You wanted threaded SMS? Well you’re finally going to be getting it!
• PIN barcode scanning — Too lazy to add your friend to Messenger by entering in their PIN? Just have them click the Barcode option on their devices and, you guessed it, a barcode will show up letting the other party scan it with their BlackBerry camera and immediately add that contact to your list.
• Backup/Restore Messenger list to microSD card — What else need we say?

So tell us, you BlackBerry freaks; were you able to make it through this entire post without having a heart attack?

Barely any major updates since launching way back on those now sure-be-stuck-in-a-landfill BlackBerry 7290s, RIM’s latest version of BlackBerry Messenger — unreleased to the public — is absolutely awesome. They’re finally getting hip, people. Here’s some of the new features and enhancements we’ve find while quickly playing with it:

• Avatar support — set your own avatar using the Camera or saved photo on your device (this is displayed locally as well as shown next to your Messenger name on your friend’s buddy list)
• GPS location integration — you can now set permissions so friends can always see your location, have to request it each time, or never can see it
• Proximity sensor — we’re guessing this will let you know if you’re within a certain distance of friends (pending, of course, you’re both set to share locations freely with each other)
• Set conversation subjects — this will allow you to organize your convos on the main Messenger screen and label them with subjects to keep track of all your conversations
• Homescreen support — you can pin/sticky actual Messenger contacts directly to the homescreen for easy access!

There’s a bunch more we’re probably skipping over, but hit the jump for some shots of the new version of BlackBerry Messenger!

Since the first OS upgrade for the Storm came out and OS 4.5 was formally announced by AT&T, a lot of people have been asking if there is a chance that they could lose all of their third-party applications in the upgrade process. While the answer is unfortunately yes, there is a simple back up that can be done to save yourself from going through a stress of losing and replacing all of your apps. Being the kind folks that we are, we thought we’d share it with you. Also, this method works if you want to transfer your applications to a new device as well.

Well, what are you waiting for? Hit up the break and get started!

Step One

To start the application back up process you’ll need to open up the BlackBerry Desktop Manager. Plug in your BlackBerry and enter any necessary passwords. Then click on Device Switch Wizard icon which is located on the top-right hand corner of the Desktop Manager home screen.

Step Two

Once in the Device Switch Wizard, click Start for Switch BlackBerry devices

Step Three

On the right-hand side you will see a check box for “Device and Data Options.” Ensure that it is unchecked and that “Third-party applications” is left checked. Now click “Next”.

Step Four

The Device Switch Wizard is will now backing up your third-party applications. Once it is finished do not click “Cancel” or “Next.”

Step Five

On your computer’s desktop go to Start > Search and search your hard-drive for your device’s PIN number. If you don’t know your PIN, it will be listed at the bottom of Desktop Manager as “Device connected (PIN). Alternatively, you can find it by going to Options > Status on your device. Ensure that you search hidden files and folders. You will find a folder with the same name as your PIN as well as a .alx file. Drag both of these files onto your desktop. On your desktop move the .alx file into the folder and store it somewhere safe. Go back into Desktop Manager and cancel the Device Switch Wizard.

That’s it! You’re done backing up your third-party apps. Should disaster strike and you end up losing all of your apps, restoring them is a simple three-step process.

Step One

Open Desktop Manager, plug in your BlackBerry, enter any necessary passwords and select the Application Loader icon on the top-left hand corner of the Desktop Manager home screen.

Step Two

In Application Loader, click “Start” under Add / Remove Applications.

Step Three

After the Application Loader scans your device, click on “Browse” and locate the folder named after your PIN that contains your application back-ups.

Highlight the .alx file and click “Open”. Then click “Next” and all of your applications will start to be loaded onto your BlackBerry.