Software updates coming to a Sidekick 3 near you

Attention T-Mobile Sidekick 3 owners! There are changes coming to your precious little messaging device, and you're not going to know when or how they will happen, but they're coming.

Have we freaked you out a little? Well, don't worry. These changes are a good thing.

Starting today, T-Mobile is sending out over-the-air software updates (Release 3.4) that will bring a number of new features to the device. The four most noteworthy enhancements are as follows:

• MyFaves support: This service gives you unlimited calling to five contacts. You can choose any five U.S. numbers, regardless of carrier, then have them displayed on your Today screen for easy dialing. However, this isn't a free service; you'll have a purchase a MyFaves plan, which starts at $39.99 a month.
• Active address book: Gives you one-click access to call, text, e-mail, or IM a contact directly from your address book.
• Text message character counter: To keep all you long-winded texters in check.
• Ability to save photo attachments: Allows you to save photo e-mail attachments into your photo album.

The updates will be rolled out over the course of the next month, and you'll receive a screen prompt to accept/install the update if you so choose.