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BlackBerry Safe Mode: No More "Nuked" or "Bricked" BlackBerrys?!! And Other OS Developments...

by Kevin Michaluk on 30 Jun 2008 09:46 AM
8
 

Say No to Nuked BlackBerrysJibi dropped some interesting news this weekend about some new features RIM is working on incorporating into the BlackBerry operating system. Let's start with my favorite (assuming it functions the way I hope it will):

BlackBerry Safe Mode: Jibi is saying the BlackBerry Javelin will ship with OS 4.6.1 and that 4.6.1 will be the first device to include Safe Mode, which can be invoked by hitting the escape key during start up. From RIM:

Your device is currently in Safe Mode. Your device starts in Safe Mode if you hold the Escape key during startup. To remain in Safe Mode, click OK. To exit Safe Mode, click Reset.

One of my BIGGEST pet peaves in the BlackBerry world is just how easy it can be to "brick" or "NUKE" (my preferred term) a BlackBerry smartphone. Install the wrong theme onto your device, or test out some alpha or beta or in some cases full-released software and you can find yourself with a BlackBerry that is stuck in a constant reboot pattern. The only fix? Reload your OS and it's a pain in the butt because your USB keeps getting detected/undetected when you connect it to the computer. [ Instructions to Fix your device if this happens are located here ]

While I hate the Microsoft-ish sound of "Safe Mode", just imagine - let's say I install a 3rd party app and it Nukes my BlackBerry, but I could then boot-up in Safe Mode (I assume Safe Mode wouldn't load any 3rd party apps) and could then uninstall the theme or app that just caused the problem. How Frak'n Sweet would that be!??! I'm not sure this ability would be part of BlackBerry Safe Mode, but I sure hope it is and I sure hope this functionality would make it's way onto all devices, including the 8xxx series. 

CellData: It seems RIM is working on their own version of Google's My Location service that allows smartphones without GPS to approximately pinpoint their location on a map from cell tower information. From RIM:

Enables a BlackBerry handheld to find its location without a GPS. It works by identifying and locating nearby cell towers, so it will not work out of coverage or where the system does not yet know about a cell.

BlackBerry Game Service: All devices running OS4.6 will include a multiplayer gaming platform called the BlackBerry Gaming Service. From RIM:

Enables multiplayer games on BlackBerry.

 You have received an invitation to play <insert game title here> on your BlackBerry. Click the <insert game title here> icon on your BlackBerry to play. If you do not have this game installed on your device, you must install it before you can accept this invitation.

Jibi is not sure if this will be an open platform, closed platform (only for Plazmic games), or just be open to the bigger players in the industry (Magmic).

[ Source ]

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8 Comments

Posted by Hairbear1954 Monday, Jun 30, 2008 1318 days ago

Kevin,

If what you say comes true, it would be a dream come true. I know it may be asking too much from a company to give their users this capability, but the thought is wonderful. How often has this happened to us? I think it would be a win-win situation, obviously for the consumer, for 3rd party app developers who will sell more to us, and to RIM who will be that much more valuable of a company to us greatful folks!

Let's keep our collective fingers crossed in hopes that this does come true. We will just have to wait and see.

 
 
Posted by ej25sti Monday, Jun 30, 2008 1318 days ago

in a way i like it. but i'm a little confused. somebody please explain to me some more about the safe mode. i mean, are we actually getting viruses on BB's??? why the safe mode. somebody please email me. would like to know alot more. ej25sti@att.blackberry.net. thx

 
 
Posted by ice2236 Monday, Jun 30, 2008 1318 days ago

Just like on a desktop, sometimes problems arise and a program goes "buggy" and you have to put the computer into a safe mode to remove the program or fix the problem. When they are talking about here, in my opinion, is that if you install the wrong theme on your phone, or a buggy program onto your blackberry, instead of wiping your bb clean and having to reinstall the os all over, this would allow you to run your bb in a safe mode to get into your program list and remove the program or theme that caused your bb to lock up. All in all, it would save alot of frustration and stress from the bb community :).

 
 
Posted by ice2236 Monday, Jun 30, 2008 1318 days ago

I have run into problems in the past with my blackberry, but nothing extreme as to reloading the os, but if they were to incorporate that into a os release for everyone, I could see how useful that really would be if someone did run into problems and needed a "safe mode". I hope it comes true!

 
 
Posted by BlckBrryMD Monday, Jun 30, 2008 1318 days ago

The BB Bold is the new flagship BB to launch and the lower end Javelin is getting 4.6.1 and this new safe mode or non brick mode. That to me does not make sense and how long before we see 4.6.1 for the BB Bold give the "delays" AT&T claims we should see it now.

 
 
Posted by llasso Monday, Jun 30, 2008 1318 days ago

I think this will be gret if it of course works as it should. Why is it only for OS 4.6.1? Can´t this be done as an update for older OS (i.e. 4.2.2.181)??

Thanks and rgds,

 
 
Posted by Boarriake Monday, Jul 07, 2008 1311 days ago

tests time mashine

 
 
Posted by coffee-turtle Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 771 days ago

I have 4.7 and 5.0 and not sure when to hold down the escape key? No safe-mode messages appear. Help?