The fresher, faster and funkier BlackBerry operating system 5.0 is just around the corner, with new builds leaking at a rate of knots – but it's not for every BlackBerry handset.
With forthcoming handsets such as the BlackBerry Bold 9700 and Storm 2 running the BlackBerry OS 5.0, RIM is also gearing up to release the fresh-baked OS to several earlier models in its smartphone family.
An
advisory on RIM’s official BlackBerry Support page reveals that only recent BlackBerry handsets with at least 64MB of on-board memory will be capable of the upgrade.
These includes the Pearl Flip 8200 (but not earlier ‘candybar’ editions of the Pearl); the Curve 8300 and 8900 series; the Bold 9000, and the touchscreen Storm 9500.
However, due to RIM’s carrier-centric relationship, the job of rolling out the OS 5.0 upgrade – and indeed, the decision whether to offer this at all – rests with the carriers.
“Not all wireless service providers will support BlackBerry Device Software 5.0 on all of the BlackBerry smartphones mentioned”, the company cautions, “and that “some wireless service providers... may choose not to provide BlackBerry Device Software 5.0 for all of their BlackBerry smartphone models, so please check with your wireless service provider to determine the availability of BlackBerry Device Software 5.0”.
Of course, true BlackBerry fans wait not on the whims of a wireless carrier – they seek out, download and install the OS themselves. In some cases this involves grabbing the OS from an overseas carrier and doing a little modification of the unpacked OS upgrade to remove carrier-specific files.
But it’s becoming increasingly common to find leaked copies of RIM’s own master package, such as the OS 5.0.0.314 which
BerryReview latched onto yesterday.
This 142MB download updates the Bold 9000 and Curve 8900 and is said to contain far fewer bugs than earlier releases – although as it’s not the final RIM-sanctioned release it may not run all third-party BlackBerry software and there’s always the risk that you’ll ‘brick’ your Blackberry.
Those who prefer to sit on the leading edge but not the bleeding edge are advised to cool their heels until late next month...