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BlackBerry OS v4.5 (formerly OS v4.3) Update Details!!

by Kevin Michaluk on 2 Feb 2008 09:10 AM
58
 

Well well well, instead of waiting in a state of continued speculation, it looks like PCMag did the hard work and went straight to RIM and got out of them the details on the soon to be released BlackBerry Operating System version 4.5 update.

As we have seen and published over the past few months, there are a lot of great updates coming your way, including the two exclusives we broke here at CrackBerry.com: Video Recording on your Curve and A2DP Bluetooth Stereo Support on your Pearl 8100 and 8800. Some of the upgrades coming in the newly rebranded 4.5 update are Server side, while others are on the Handheld. For BES customers, you will see the updates when your IT department upgrades. For BIS customers, you'll need to wait until your carrier upgrades their servers before getting the update. If you're reading this and aren't sure what the difference between BIS & BES is, click here.

Verizon, Sprint, AT&T and Alltel have all confirmed that you will be able to upgrade existing BlackBerrys to the new BBOS. While PCMag was still waiting on confirmation from T-Mobile, I don't think there's anything to worry about there - I'm sure T-Mobile, Rogers, Telus, Vodafone and pretty much every carrier in the world will see the updates soon enough once made available.

But from what I have read (please correct me if I'm wrong in the comments), it seems like we will have to keep waiting until the Carriers update their servers before we see any improvements on our handheld. I was hoping (still am) there would be an update available before the BIS upgrades come into effect that would enable just the handheld device updates (i.e. video recording on your Curve), similar to the OS v4.3.1 Beta I had my hands on. The way it looks now, we're STILL going to have to WAIT another few months before we get any updates.

Model by Model Update Details:

In the following, H denotes Handheld update, S denotes Server update:

BlackBerry Curve (all models), BlackBerry 8820 or 8830:

  • BlackBerry Maps with Points of Interest (H)
  • Improved media player with playlist support and automatic playlist generation (H)
  • Voice note recording (H)
  • Video recording on Curve models (H)
  • Streaming support for YouTube and Sling Player (H)
  • Microsoft Office document editing with DocumentsToGo (H)
  • Native format attachment downloading (S)
  • HTML e-mails (S)
  • Over-the-air device upgrades (S)
  • Free/busy calendar lookup (S)
  • Searching the server for old e-mail messages (S)

BlackBerry Pearl 8100 or BlackBerry 8800:

  • Spell check (H)
  • BlackBerry Maps with Points of Interest (H)
  • Improved media player with playlist support and automatic playlist generation (H)
  • Voice note recording (H)
  • Streaming support for YouTube and Sling Player (H)
  • Bluetooth stereo music (H)
  • Microsoft Office document editing with DocumentsToGo (H)
  • Native format attachment downloading (S)
  • HTML e-mails (S)
  • Over-the-air device upgrades (S)
  • Free/busy calendar lookup (S)
  • Searching the server for old e-mail messages (S)

BlackBerry Pearl 8130:

  • Automatic playlist generation in the media player (H)
  • Microsoft Office document editing with DocumentsToGo (H)
  • Native format attachment downloading (S)
  • HTML e-mails (S)
  • Over-the-air device upgrades (S)
  • Free/busy calendar lookup (S)
  • Searching the server for old e-mail messages (S)

BlackBerry 8700 or 8703e:

  • Spell check (H)
  • BlackBerry Maps with Points of Interest (H)
  • New pictures and ringtones applications (H)
  • Voice note recording (H)
  • Microsoft Office document editing with DocumentsToGo (H)
  • Native format attachment downloading (S)
  • HTML e-mails (S)
  • Over-the-air device upgrades (S)
  • Free/busy calendar lookup (S)
  • Searching the server for old e-mail messages (S)

And if you're using an older BlackBerry, you are out of luck...time to upgrade! Important to also note is that this will be the last major update the BlackBerry 8700 Series sees.

The above details gives good reasoning as to why RIM recently decided to rebrand OS v4.3 to OS v4.5. Well, I guess in reality they may have made that decision a long time ago, but it just recently hit the blogosphere as news. With OS v4.3 addressing the majority of the handheld updates above (this is the OS version now shipping on the Pearl 8130), version 4.5 brings even more updates to the handheld and MANY on the server side. The first time I read about the 4.5 rebranding I questioned it, but I think it now makes perfect sense. Sorry I ever doubted you RIM!

The only question now is WHEN CAN WE DOWNLOAD IT?!

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58 Comments

Posted by Megan L Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 1571 days ago

Wait - lets say you already have a blackberry curve (8310)
then would you have to buy a new blakberry entirely to get these updates

And when do you imagine this will come to rogers?

 
 
Posted by Kevin Michaluk Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 1571 days ago

These updates are provided FREE to ALL the Devices Models listed above that are already out on the market. Once the update is released, then new devices sold will ship with it.

So yes, your 8310 will get these updates. As for Rogers - I think they're pretty quick typically (hopefully!). My guess would be around the same time as the carriers in the states (or maybe even sooner).

 
 
Posted by Megan L Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 1571 days ago

Sorry I'm kind of new to this....
so do I have to bring in my BB or does it just magically happen?
Thanks

 
 
Posted by Kevin Michaluk Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 1571 days ago

In the past, you download the updates from RIM/Your Carrier's website and update your Operating System using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager Software on your computer. It's a do it yourself - you don't take it in. But that was then.

BUT NOW...one of the updates in 4.5 is to provide over-the-air device upgrades. But I'm not totally sure how this will apply to installing the 4.5 update itself. I *think* you will manually have to do install 4.5, just like was the case with previous OS upgrades, but once you have 4.5 installed on your phone you'll no longer need to worry about doing device updates - they'll get pushed automatically onto the phone.

 
 
Posted by David B Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 1571 days ago

Only time will tell I guess if all the Maps updating will be any use to VZW customers. Sad that RIM gives us such a great 8130/8830 feature like GPS only to have it disabled by VZW. :(

 
 
Posted by Shooperman Monday, Feb 04, 2008 1569 days ago

Agreed. But I did find this posted in a Google help group I responded to a long time ago...

"I just spoke with a Verizon Data support person and she said that the GPs Nav application is not available on phone software v4.3 but will be available on a future software version. To see what version you have on your key pad type #4357* and hit you send key. You should have a software v4.3.0.60"

Personally, I don't believe it. But I can hope, can't I?

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 1571 days ago

If I have a 8320 unlocked, and using it on AT&T, do I update my operating system through AT&T or T-mobile?

 
 
Posted by barko12 Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 1571 days ago

You beat me to it, only I have an unlocked ATT 8310 on TMO. Thanks in advace of your help with this question.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 04, 2008 1448 days ago

You should be able to use either. I have an ATT 8300 unlocked and use it on T-Mobile with the ATT OS. Typically T-Mobile takes longer to release their software updates because they do a lot of testing. It wouldn't surprise me to see T-Mobile take longer than ATT with the release 4.5.

 
 
Posted by phm3933 Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 1571 days ago

This all sounds awesome, but I would like to clarify one thing. It says that the curve will have YouTube streaming support, does that mean we will be able to watch YouTube videos straight from the main site or is this just support for some third party platform to charge for this?

 
 
Posted by neilwick Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 1571 days ago

Streaming support is what the 8130 has now. No, it does not mean you'll be able to watch videos on the YouTube main site. On the mobile YouTube site however, it is theoretically possible. Videos on the main site are in Flash video format, which is incompatible. Videos that you can watch are translated by the website into 3gp or mp4 format. It means that you can watch those without saving them first.

I say "theoretically" because many 8130 owners have been getting errors when they try to view these videos. It may be that the video encoding is not quite right. I just tried one on tinytube.net and it says, "The media being played is of an unsupported format,"

There is also a downloading size limit. I think it is about 500K. I'm not sure if that applies to streaming.

 
 
Posted by SLVR6 Saturday, Feb 02, 2008 1571 days ago

Finally! Now lets get some dates for when it is available......

 
 
Posted by mattmarenic Sunday, Feb 03, 2008 1570 days ago

So cool features, I hope that we all don't have to wait for another 3-4 month to have it...

 
 
Posted by petersn1 Sunday, Feb 03, 2008 1570 days ago

Thanks for posting the info!

 
 
Posted by anonymous Sunday, Feb 03, 2008 1570 days ago

If you have an unlocked phone, you would need to update using whichever company server you use. For instance, if you unlocked an 8310 to use with T-Mobile at&t would have no support for your phone and you use T-Mobile's servers for your blackberry...
Good luck guys

 
 
Posted by funkyp56 Monday, Feb 04, 2008 1569 days ago

Thats not true at all, my phone is locked and i update with other companies software all the time!

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Monday, Feb 04, 2008 1569 days ago

What will become of the 3rd party applications selling html email?

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Monday, Feb 04, 2008 1569 days ago

Good Question, I was thinking about registering/buying Enpower Html email app, but if this update addresses the problem maybe I will wait.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Monday, Feb 04, 2008 1569 days ago

My guess is those apps will quit being best-sellers and the developers will begin work on the next big thing! Goes to show that their software was solid now that its being included.

I guess time will tell just how good the default html email viewer will be on the new OS. If it's not great/leaves something to be desired, you may still these apps doing very well.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Sunday, May 04, 2008 1479 days ago

... for buying BBSmart's email viewing program last week, given this news ...

 
 
Posted by Linkmeister Saturday, Jul 05, 2008 1417 days ago

I have installed v4.5 to my Curve 8300 and I don't think the native HTML email support is as good as either Empower of BBSmart. I was running Empower standard on my device v4.2.2 and I was pleased. Now Empower standard will not run under v4.5 and I do miss that app over the built-in email reader. Don't get me wrong, this new version is still way better that the plain text only option in v4.2, but not up to replacing one of the commercial apps, IMHO.

 
 
Posted by liltnalover Monday, Jul 28, 2008 1394 days ago

How did you install the new 4.5 if its not out yet??? where can we get it and how do we intsall it?

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Monday, Feb 04, 2008 1569 days ago

Does this mean that Docs to go is out for Blackberry?

 
 
Posted by Kevin Michaluk Monday, Feb 04, 2008 1569 days ago

- Microsoft Office document editing with DocumentsToGo (H)

It's still in according to the details above.

 
 
Posted by Linkmeister Saturday, Jul 05, 2008 1417 days ago

I installed v4.5 today and the Doc's to Go only allows for editing Word and Slideshow (Powerpoint I assume) documents. No support for Excel in this version I have.

 
 
Posted by homedr Wednesday, Feb 06, 2008 1567 days ago

One thing I haven't seen mentioned, according to a support rep at RIM- the new OS will support up to 8 gig micro SD card. That's a real plus for me.

 
 
Posted by Gilbert C Tuesday, Feb 03, 2009 1204 days ago

This confirms the 8GB microSDHC support. I have a BB 8820, which had the 4.2 O/S installed, and loaded it with an 8GB card. The BB only recognized 4GB. I downloaded and installed the 4.5 O/S. When I checked the Media Card option, it still showed 4GB. What I did was off-load my music, pictures, etc onto another drive and re-formatted the drive within the BB Media Card option. This did the trick. It now recognizes the full 8GB. I reloaded my music, pics, etc., and now I have room for much more music. Thanks RIM!

 
 
Posted by Get Cracking Sunday, Feb 17, 2008 1556 days ago

What happens to my contacts and files when you install this new os?

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Monday, Feb 25, 2008 1548 days ago

I have read on the forums that all that should stay in tact.

 
 
Posted by Krulla11 Thursday, Feb 28, 2008 1545 days ago

I am awaiting the new update mainly for the html viewer,
Does anyone know when we can expect it?
I was gonna buy the Getempower for 30 bucks but if BB is coming out with it, why buy it?

 
 
Posted by element_boy Thursday, Feb 28, 2008 1545 days ago

when the video recorder is going to be available foe the BB curve 8320? (please put the DATE!!!)

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008 1532 days ago

The BlackBerry.com site is now saying the BES update will be out on 28 March, expect handset OS to be out shortly after that... unless it gets put back again :)

 
 
Posted by david_the_gom Tuesday, Mar 18, 2008 1526 days ago

does that mean they're gonna add a flash player to new os? or does that refer to the mobile youtube? and i see this upgrade in pearl 8100, well i use pearl 8130. and i don't see this video streaming service update...

 
 
Posted by vdnhmc Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008 1525 days ago

Why I can't DOWNLOAD it??? Help Meeeeeeeeeee

 
 
Posted by jngizzi Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008 1525 days ago

IF I'm running BES on Verizon will I need to manually perform the OS Upgrade? Or, will it be pushed out by my Co.'s IT department?

Regards,

Joe

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 04, 2008 1448 days ago

Most likely you will need to do it yourself. Your company will have to upgrade to BES 4.5 which will cost them (if they don't have software updates included) and will also take them time to test and deploy. Even then, OS updates over the air sound kind of shaky. Being an IT manager that admins a BES server, I would rather do handheld updates one by one for the executives rather than risk something going wrong.

 
 
Posted by BB7290grl74 Friday, Mar 21, 2008 1523 days ago

I'm not comfortable upgrading my software, do carriers provide this service? I "bricked" my last BB doing an upgrade.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Saturday, May 03, 2008 1480 days ago

what is bricking your bb?

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Sunday, Apr 06, 2008 1507 days ago

I typed in Blackberry OS v4.5 download" into google and this came up. It is a bit torrent but suprisingly it really is the OS 4.5.0.10 (Platform 2.7.0.40). You must use the Blackberry desktop manager. It says 8230 but that is a typo I guess.
http://www.mininova.org/rss.xml?sub=232
Blackberry 8320 Curve OS 4.5 (23S/4L)
Saturday, March 29, 2008, 9:27:43 PM
The long awaited v4.5 OS for the Blackberry 8320 Curve

Don't forget to delete the vendor file. After running and installing the downloaded file, go to c: program files, common files, research in motion, app loader, and delete the vendor file located all the way at the bottom. Plug in your phone to pc and open bb desktop manager. It will do the rest. Takes around an hour.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Wednesday, May 07, 2008 1476 days ago

are you sure this file will work for the curve 8310. I really dont wanna take the chance and download it without being 100% sure it wont cause any problems with my bb.

 
 
Posted by MJGEGB Friday, May 16, 2008 1467 days ago

No the file he pointed you to will not work with your phone it is for the 8320 ONLY, Google " Request 4.5 8310 " you should be able to find it for your phone. These are the real deal RIM 's software. It takes a while to load your phone up about 1 hr - 1.5 hrs. no errors so far video record works great you tube the new browser is awesome note you can't view youtube in Opera mini, even your messages look different allot easier to read although I can't wait for the HTML support to kick in. the one thing I'm not seeing as promised is docs to go. Other than that it's awesome.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Monday, May 12, 2008 1471 days ago

yea i'd like to see some more people test it and give their feedback on here. i'll need that video recording feature at the end of the month while i'm at a concert :)

 
 
Posted by MJGEGB Thursday, May 15, 2008 1468 days ago

Well I got it on my 8300 It will record video haven't had much of a chance to test it all out yet but I got mine though a torret file and it does not seem to include docs to go. well it's out there for the 8300 8310 8320 if you do a little reseach but the good news is if all of the versions are out on the web it souldn't be long till SP's start to releace there own copies.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Sunday, Jun 08, 2008 1444 days ago

hey do you think you can send me the link for the new update?

 
 
Posted by MJGEGB Friday, May 16, 2008 1467 days ago

Well you'll now be able to watch YOUTUBE and no need to download to your phone first either, don't expect the best quality video though. the new browser is a great improvement though use your scroll ball like a mouse really, it loads fast and look better. I'm really starting to love this new OS, I say get it get it now.

 
 
Posted by KOgando84 Tuesday, Jun 03, 2008 1449 days ago

HAHA so by the subject line you should be able to tell that I am NEW to this.... I currently am runing v4.2...... so do I need to update to something else before I update to 4.5 when it's out or am I fune the way I am lol I am just wondering if I have already missed a crucial update

 
 
Posted by Blond1e Monday, Jun 16, 2008 1436 days ago

U missed nothing; I mean your system is up to date. Now you have 4.2, and after a month or two u'll have 4.5 (former name: 4.3).
I am just wondering how long it will take for an official update to reach us, cause these emails without html and no flash support in my browser is somehow annoying.

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 07, 2008 1384 days ago

Hi Guys

Upgraded to the new OS today and love it. Be warned it does take a long time to download and around a hour to install. The HTLM emails are much easier on the eye and the new webpage layout is much better.... I downloaded the OS from Blackberry.com then suppost and selected Optus as the carrier for Australia. Good work Rim, i am in love with my curve again

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Friday, Sep 05, 2008 1355 days ago

i just got the 8820 today and was about to go get an sd card for it and then came across this site. im downloading the 4.5 os right now on my comp but after that im not really sure where to go from there. i do have a destop manager program that came with it. can someone help me out or give me a clue?

 
 
Posted by cuebert Monday, Sep 15, 2008 1345 days ago

where do i find the os for this. everything sounds sweet

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Sunday, Oct 05, 2008 1325 days ago

What about the lesser known cell providers like me Cellular South

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Sunday, Oct 05, 2008 1325 days ago

What about Cellular South pretty much unheard of

 
 
Posted by Anonymous Wednesday, Nov 26, 2008 1273 days ago

When are they going to make something like this for the BlackBerry Pearl 8100 ?????????

 
 
Posted by Pat Connor Thursday, Mar 19, 2009 1160 days ago

http://blackberrysync.com/2008/08/download-os-45077-unofficially-for-883...

just wanted to upgrade my 8830 and couldnt get it from the RIM site so i went searching and found out where it was hiding on the net.

 
 
Posted by Lohn Saturday, Mar 28, 2009 1151 days ago

I downloaded the v4.5 version and its great, but how do I change my email setting to receive HTML emails??? My emails have that (http/: link) for everything!!

Please help me out....

Cheers Lohn - ltbdio@gmail.com

 
 
Posted by MikeHonchoElDiablo Saturday, Apr 11, 2009 1137 days ago

Easy. Click on the personal email setup icon. When that loads, click on service books. Click Resend service books.

Go back to your messages on your phone.

1. On your BlackBerry, to go the Messages folder.
2. Click the Menu key (left of trackball)
3. Click Options
4. Click Email Settings
5. *Enable HTML Email = YES.
6. *Download Images Automatically = Yes

That should do it. Go here for more info:
http://www.blackberryforums.com/rim-software/137798-how-enable-html-emai...

 
 
Posted by krab Friday, Apr 17, 2009 1132 days ago

I did the update and now have a brick... I am trying to re-update, but it i telling me that it cannot connect to my device that I may need to enter the password on my BB.. I do not have a password that I have ever used on it. On the screen of the BB, I have a small representation of a computer screen with a circle, square and triangle in it. The image is has a circle with a cross line through it. Anybody have any input? Help please!!!

 
 
Posted by ima_star_nj Friday, Nov 20, 2009 914 days ago

I apologize if there are similar posts, but I wanted to ask a direct question. I have a T-Mobile unlocked blackberry storm with the 4.7.0.148 version. If i update my phone will it no longer be unlocked?