Golla is a name that stands for natural and ecological, and being Finnish, they have a flair for style and attitude. They have a variety of cases for cameras, laptops, iPods, and cell phones. Their cases are material, and are popular because of the look and because they are “green”. What more could you ask for?

There are several Golla cases available in the BlackBerry Sync Store. The cases Golla presents are varying types from ones you can clip, some you can place through the belt, and styles of all kinds. They appeal to all ages, some sport fun tye dye looks, some plain, and some with flowers, there’s even emo-styled cases. But the one I chose to do this on is called the Tracks. I chose this case because of the look and special features which include by the description:

The case is a foresty green look and has is worn by wearing it on your belt, threading it through the belt loop. The case is great for a few reasons, soft and padded so it protects the phone, and it’s an excellent way to take your money, phone, cards, and not have to lug around a purse or big case. It’s perfect for the student, for the motorcyclist, for the hiker, for anyone who can enjoy the minimum of what is necessary to take.

I tried this case out on my Curve 8330. The case came in, and it’s the appealing forest green with the Golla name and the word “mobile lifestyle” on it. Turning it around, the belt loop in the back is a good size to fit most belts. The outside is composed of 100% cotton. Opening it, I can feel the magnets on the sides of the top of the case, which are strong enough to keep it closed. There are two compartments. The main compartment for the phone is a lining which is a lighter green and is composed of polyester/nylon. The phone fits in there snug, and the other compartment has a zipper opening. This is for your money, cards, Driver’s License, Credit/Debit card, those sort of things you take on the go.

I showed this case to a few people, men and women to see what they thought of it. I had great feedback from both men and women. The only request I had received was why this particular case didn’t come in camo. I have no idea, but it received a lot of attention for the portability and the minimum space. It’s smaller than a fanny pack, less noticeable, and it’s cotton.

For environmentally friendly and being environmentally correct, the case receives 5/5 stars. For the color and appeal, again it’s basic 5/5 stars. For the closing by magnets, I found this to be a really great feature, and the zipper protects your cards and money and keeps them in tact. For that 5/5. The fact that it only attaches by the belt is a slight drawback. For those of us who don’t wear belts, it’s a demerit. For the majority of us that do, it’s actually better because it’s a safety feature. It’s attached to you by your belt, so rating that part is hard. But for safety reasons, I had to give it a 5/5.

Pros: The case is cotton, it’s light, durable, soft, and padded. It attaches by the belt so it holds steadfast, making it a safety and security feature because it’s attached that way. The magnets hold it closed and there’s room for everything, the zippered compartment makes your cards and money double secured. It’s a dark green, so it doesn’t stand out, and it appeals to both male and female.  There’s no girly colors or designs.

Cons: It’s not waterproof, you’d have to keep it in your purse if you’re not wearing a belt since the only way to attach it is by the belt. The only color is dark green.

If any one purchases a Golla, they’re buying a very dependable product that is reflecting attitude and lifestyle, but also reinforces freedom of mobility by keeping things light. They’re not heavy and bulky, they allow you to carry more than your phone, and they are reflecting your choice of being environmentally friendly and correct. You don’t have to sacrifice to enjoy life. Have you ever purchased a Golla or thought about it? How do you like your case if you have one? My girls have theirs, and they love them. I like the portability with the bare minimal essentials.

You can grab your Golla Tracks Pouch for $19.95 from the BlackBerry Sync Store Here >

Compatible with BlackBerry: 81xx Pearl Series, 8220 (Pearl Flip), 83xx Curve Series, 8900 (Curve),  Storm

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Vlingo was introduced less than a year ago, and millions of users are using it and are familiar with it. Vlingo Corporation, maker of Vlingo, has now launched version 3.0. Vlingo is a program that already gives meaning to the power of speech, but now it’s even more. It currently gives users the ability to send and reply to emails and text messages, searching on the mobile web using various search cues, dial a contact, look up contacts, and launch certain applications in the phone by using the voice of the user. The program utilizes the side buttons so the user can press a button and speak. But that was 2.0, and with 3.0, it just got better.

Now with v3.0 users can use the enhanced text-to-speech read-back features so that now you can have confirmation of what was said, the ability to speak action requests giving new enhancement to voice command such as send, and support for wired headsets and many Bluetooth headsets.

It’s now available for many BlackBerry BES users, making it available to more users. The BlackBerry Storm also features a special version, which is optimized for the touch screen interface.

With Vlingo v3.0, the user’s voice now has the ability to:

1. Send and reply to text messages with other users who also have Vlingo
2. Web search
3. Dial the phone
4. Send a “note to self”
5. Facebook and Twitter status updates
6. Tell A Friend
7. Optional read-back of the full text or email message that was spoken.
8. Speak action requests such as “send” or “search”
9. Launch native and third party applications

But that’s not all, there’s a paid version called Vlingo Plus, that also includes the ability to send and reply to text messages and emails to anyone for a one-time charge of $17.99. And rest assured, for those existing users of Vlingo v2.0, you can still continue to use it at no additional charge.

Vlingo is currently available for the BlackBerry: Bold, Storm, Pearl, Curve, and 88xx series.

US, Canadian, and UK users are able to download Vlingo v3.0 rights from BlackBerry App World.

Check out Vlingo at Vlingo.com >

It seems like not too long ago that Pandora released their BlackBerry application for the BlackBerry Bold, Curve, Pearl and 8800 series smartphones. Only issue was they didn’t release one for the Storm! Well it appears that Pandora has been update to new version 1.0.2 and with that brings support for the BlackBerry Storm. It doesn’t appear to be on their site as of yet but its confirmed to be working on Verizon Storms. At this time Pandora ONLY works in the United States and leaves Canada and the rest of the World in the dark…

But if your in the United States upgrade or get Pandora for the Storm at pandora.com/blackberry.

_{[via CrackBerry]}

Have you heard of Coveroo before? They offer laser engraved battery doors for all kinds of devices including BlackBerry smartphones. We had a chance test out Coveroo’s battery doors for the BlackBerry Storm, Curve and Pearl. Unfortunately no one on the team has a Bold at the moment or we would have checked them out too. I decided to get a custom door for my Storm with the BlackBerry Sync logo on it and then they included a couple Valentines Day designs for the Curve and Pearl. Coveroo offers all different stock colored battery doors so you don’t have to mix and match colors, of course unless you want too. Coveroo’s are currently available for the BlackBerry Bold, Curve, Pearl, Storm and 8800 series. The cool part about them is you can choose from hundreds of different designs or send in your own custom design (for an additional charge).

Installing Coveroo is as simple as removing your old battery door and placing the new one in. Very simple. Here’s a demo from their site:

Pricing on Coveroo’s range anywhere from $19.95  to $69.95 it just depends on which model and design your looking at. For example a custom engraved door for the BlackBerry Storm runs your $69.95, but one of their pre-designed doors such as Domo for the Storm is only $49.95. The Pearl and Curve designed ones are $19.95 and custom ones are $39.95.

Overall: Coveroo engraves the battery doors with the greatest detail. If your looking for a present to get someone a custom battery door from Coveroo is a great idea. Pricing around $20+ is great considering a battery door generally costs about $15 for non-engraved one. We highly recommend you check out Coveroo today and get yourself a cool battery door! Visit Coveroo.com to browse their complete lineup.

Pros: OEM battery doors ensure proper fit, laser engraving, available for tons of devices/models

Cons: Custom doors are a little expensive

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Gallery:

Sprint has just launched the OS 4.5 upgrade for the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 and Curve 8330. They launched OS 4.5.0.131 for both models, however they skipped OS 4.5 for the 8830 World Edition. Keep in mind you don’t need to have a Sprint model to install this OS on your 8130 or 8330 just remember to delete the vendor file. For details on how to install it click here.

Also we should add according to BGR, this OS upgrade for Sprint users enables MMS picture and video messaging!

Download from the Sprint BlackBerry Download Site >

Seems like all the rumors we’re true! Fido has officially launched their first BlackBerry smartphone today. Even though its the old school Pearl 8100 it’s start for Fido’s BlackBerry lineup. You can pick up the Pearl 8100 for $25 with three year term. Data plans start at $15 on top of any voice plan. For complete details see fido.ca or your local store.

Also we should note that Fido is rumored to be launching several other BlackBerry models this year :)

Data plan details:

• $15 – Unlimited personal email and IM
• $25 – 500MB
• $30 – 1GB
• $60 – 3GB

Our friends over at Elecite have been extremley busy lately with the introduction of several new themes. This time they have released one just in time for Valentines Day. Meet Elecite’s latest premium theme called “Amour” which tons of red little hearts. It’s available for most BlackBerry Pearl, Curve and 8800 series running OS 4.5 or higher and the BlackBerry Bold. You can purchase this one for the low price of $2.99 over at Elecite.com.

Word over at BGR is that some Fido stores are starting to receive their shipments of BlackBerry Pearl 8100s. This will be Fido’s first BlackBerry smartphone on the network and we wouldn’t be surprised if these we’re just left over Rogers stock. Fido will be selling the Pearl 8100 for $25 on three year term or $400 without term. The best news to come out of this is that Fido will be allowing unlocked BlackBerrys on their network so this means you could use something a little better such as Bold, Curve and even a Pearl Flip.

Stay tuned for Fido to lauch other BlackBerry models later this year…

So what is Verizon making room for?

Good news for those with a SlingBox! Sling Media has announced that they will be holding public beta for BlackBerry users in North America starting December 30, 2008. SlingPlayer allows you to control your TV and DVR (Digital Video Recorder) right from your BlackBerry or computer. In Canada the software will only be available for clients with a Wi-Fi BlackBerry on Rogers such as Curve 8320, Curve 8900, Pearl 8120, Pearl Flip 8220, 8820 or Bold. In the United States you will see it available on T-Mobile for the Pearl Flip 8220 and Curve 8320. You will also be able to find it in the United States on AT&T to support their Curve 8320, Pearl 8120, 8820 and Bold. So go get signed up if your have a Slingbox and check it out!

SlingPlayer BlackBerry Beta for Canada >>

SlingPlayer BlackBerry Beta for USA >>