So this is pretty awesome for all you hardcore CrackBerry readers + PlayBook owners out there who want your PlayBook to have the absolute latest software on it, even if it's an internal build that will never get pushed out to PlayBook owners via the WiFi update. This means if you Check for Updates on your PlayBook, none will be available (it says your OS is current), but if you follow the steps in this blog post you'll be able to upgrade to a newer version. Props go to Scott at BBSync for figuring this one out.
To upgrade your BlackBerry PlayBook to the latest internal version of the BlackBerry Tablet OS, do the following:
Step 1: Connect your PlayBook to your PC via MicroUSB cable and open Desktop Manager
Step 2: Backup your PlayBook! This install process is a CLEAN WIPE. You'll lose all data.
Step 3: Within Desktop Manager, hit Device > Update on the menu.
Step 4: No Update will be found. Just hit ok and go back to Desktop Manager homescreen.
Step 5. From there, while still plugged in, Restart your PlayBook using the power button app.
Step 6. A new popup window will appear giving you some options. Hit Update.
Step 7: Let that baby update and you'll be on the latest software. Warning: it takes a while!
It's kind of funny to see that this is RIM's way of fixing a bricked PlayBook (see the debrick in the filename above?!). It's also pretty awesome that this process loads up what we think are the latest internal builds of the PlayBook. The day the PlayBook was released, it launched with version .1690 software. Later that day we saw some PlayBooks get updated to .1696 via this method. If you follow this process above right now, you'll get updated to .1705. Yet via the WiFi update method .1690 is still current. As always with this sort of thing, do so at your own risk, but a few of us have tried it now with great success. It's hard to say how long RIM will allow this to continue to happen for, so get in while the getting is good!
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mohawk apple Apr 21, 2011 at 10:29 am
Sweet thanks
Pete6 Apr 21, 2011 at 10:31 am
Interesting that RIM refer to the product as a tablet (is it an Asprin?) rather than by its name as the PlayBook.
SharpieFiend Apr 21, 2011 at 11:49 am
Tablet OS, Phone OS. Makes it kinda obvious...
dasilvetz Apr 21, 2011 at 10:34 am
Would be even better if a change log came with.
noto#cb Apr 21, 2011 at 10:35 am
Awesome !! waiting to get a hold on my pb .. which will be very soon yay !!!
Lemonpancake Apr 21, 2011 at 10:39 am
When will they ever add a change log.
One can wish.
c0rinne Apr 21, 2011 at 10:44 am
I actually checked on my playbook and it says there is an update, but to the same OS number and for only 2mb (as opposed to the customary 300mb). I'm guessing this is why people have been bricking their device.
I'm refusing to do that update.
ifarlow Apr 21, 2011 at 10:50 am
The update you are seeing is a replacement for bundled app(s) that you have uninstalled. In other words, if you apply the update, the bundled app(s) you uninstalled will return.
At least, that's what happened to me after I uninstalled NFB. I uninstalled and then checked for an update. There was a 2MB update available, and when I applied it, NFB was back.
c0rinne Apr 21, 2011 at 11:21 am
Cool. Thanks.
chiefbroski Apr 21, 2011 at 10:45 am
Haha...i did this procedure without knowing i updated, lol. But its nice to know that its something new! :)
Typing this from my bb playbook 1.0.1.1705...so far no noticeable changes. It went from amazing to still amazing.
medic3160 Apr 21, 2011 at 10:59 am
I actually had to use this method because my playbook bricked itself during the initial setup process (endless startup video loop). Running 1705 with no issues at all. Works great!
neoflasher Apr 21, 2011 at 11:09 am
I tried at 4am and about 30 min ago. Doesn't seem to work for me. ***just tried it one last time and it worked. Dwnlding update now
lonestar1135 Apr 21, 2011 at 11:08 am
So for people with MACs we obviously can't do this method,
but are most new OS updates going to do a clean wipe of our device,
or is that only because this method simulates a bricked
PlayBook and that's why the whole OS is wiped and reloaded?
Kevin Michaluk Apr 21, 2011 at 11:11 am
It's only a clean wipe because this method simulates a bricked PlayBook (as far we know). All regular updates via WiFi or Desktop Manager (when it tells you as soon as you check that an update is availalble) will not do a full wipe.
lonestar1135 Apr 21, 2011 at 12:18 pm
Ok cool, just what I was thinking. Thanks.
chaptervstaind83 Apr 21, 2011 at 11:14 am
can anyone confirm if doing this method to the very latest OS on the PB helps fix the bridge content on the torch 9800? im still having issues with my bridge not opening files on the pb and not getting proper message symbol when i receive a new email thanks evryone
chiefbroski Apr 21, 2011 at 11:23 am
I had some problems earlier but bridge seemed to work itself out in 1.0.1.1690 after a few eecinnecting attempts.
I have a storm 1 though.
mkmilan Apr 21, 2011 at 12:48 pm
am running 1690 on playbook and bridge works fine w my torch ... must be hit and miss :-(
chefmorry Apr 21, 2011 at 11:19 am
Not able to get this process to work on my end. Tried twice.
Does the pop up menu Kevin is refering to above show on the playbook, or on Desktop Manager?
After restarting my playbook, the playbook screen shows that it's communicating with the computer, and allows me to "dismiss" the message. Should I keep that screen on, or should I dismiss it?
Thanks Guys!
chiefbroski Apr 21, 2011 at 11:40 am
Shouldn't matter if you say dismiss. The playbook should turn itself off and the pop up menu will show up on the pc side in the desktop manager.
bbert0183 Apr 21, 2011 at 11:21 am
Just tried and didn't give me the option.
mohawk apple Apr 21, 2011 at 11:24 am
It shows up only for a couple seconds. I had to do it twice before I seen it too.
bbert0183 Apr 21, 2011 at 11:32 am
Ahh, i was looking for it on the PB to pop up. My error.
chefmorry Apr 21, 2011 at 11:42 am
Third time is a charm.....finally popped up for me. I dunno if I can be PB-less for 40 minutes while it does it's thing. I'd love some feedback from people who have already installed this OS as to if there are any noticeable changes!
mohawk apple Apr 21, 2011 at 11:22 am
I'm doing this now. But man o man is it ever slow lol.
Kevin how long did it take roughly? Thanks
Kevin Michaluk Apr 21, 2011 at 11:26 am
probably 30 to 40 minutes...
accuberryedwin Apr 21, 2011 at 11:36 am
Doing it right now @work but its taking forever.
accuberryedwin Apr 21, 2011 at 11:41 am
Kevin where can i get the Baseball wallpaper you had in the playbook when you reviewed it
King_Dyno Apr 21, 2011 at 11:44 am
I backed up my Playbook first, and then i wiped it, all while it was still connected to the computer and then Desktop manager told me it was disconnected and then i pressed okay and it started to load the new OS on to my PB and 20mins later, i have the new OS 1.0.1.1705
liquidlink Apr 21, 2011 at 11:51 am
I tried this and I was not able to update my playbook. I wil try again later. Thanks Kevin for the instructions
mikeav Apr 21, 2011 at 12:13 pm
So Kevin ..I back it up ..it says it backed up all 501.00 ..then it goes away then nothing..pls help..
enzo07i Apr 21, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Hi Kevin,
Can you please help RANK the existing tablets base on the list below,
What is the Best Tablet in the market.
• Display
• Audio
• Connectivity
• Web browsing
• Productivity
• multiprocessing
• Portability
• Battery life
• Messaging
• Video playback
• Multi-touch capability
• Performance
• Apps
• Flash support
• Others
Thanks
enzo07i Apr 21, 2011 at 12:26 pm
I know you are not bias writer, you can also use reviews from other website to support how you rank each tablet. So that other readers will know that you are not basing it on your own perspective but also on the other views of tech writers like you
redone13 Apr 21, 2011 at 12:26 pm
Holy smokes is this slooooooooooow. It took me 3 times to get DM to make this happen, and I had to disable the device password as well. In any case, this download is so slow that it seems like it's coming from the moon...
miketko Apr 21, 2011 at 12:38 pm
just installed the update. my battery is finally showing 100%, previously would never show over 98%
mkmilan Apr 21, 2011 at 12:40 pm
tried 5 times: no go
laurah2215 Apr 21, 2011 at 12:44 pm
The popup screen was not what I expected, so I missed it the first time. I am now installing. Hope RIM pushes out OTA updates soon to fix some of the identified issues.
ooreig Apr 21, 2011 at 1:07 pm
Whats the proper way to disconnect from Bridge?
If I simply turn off bluetooth on my phone or go out of range, I have to reinstall Bridge on my 9000 and start from scratch in order to bridge again.
The only way to avoid it is to press "disconnect" under "BlackBerry Bridge" options.
This update didn't fix this problem.
mapsonburt Apr 21, 2011 at 1:44 pm
Just turn the bluetooth on/off and it'll find the BlackBerry again. I guess it gives up after a while to conserve the battery. There should be a reconnect button (or it should wake up on a screen swipe) but I can live with this until they fix it.
kbeard26 Apr 21, 2011 at 1:12 pm
I had to do this method yesterday because my PlayBook was bricked. It updated to .1705. Today I'm trying to update the software again hoping its another build because I'm a crackberry whore lol.
kameleon Apr 21, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Started the process about 40 minutes ago and am only about 15% through the download. This thing is SLOW! But it will be worth it I hope. lol
slablaxer10 Apr 21, 2011 at 1:34 pm
oh great, if only desktop manager worked on a mac
Gamesdmc3 Apr 21, 2011 at 1:48 pm
to bad it wipes the device
pozi240 Apr 21, 2011 at 2:01 pm
Its not really an "update" per se, it is a fix for those that had "bricked" devices and connectivity issue, nothing more. If your PB is working fine and connects thru Bridge and wifi without issue, you don't need it. But, if you really want to just have a slightly higher number on your version and like wiping your device just for fun, by all means! LOL. There is a real update rolling out this weekend, I'll wait for that one. :-)
Xavier666#CB Apr 21, 2011 at 9:21 pm
How do you know there is an update coming this weekend? Did i miss a news update?
Bolderholder Apr 21, 2011 at 9:47 pm
it's tempting but you're right. my playbook is working just fine on the current OTA update, bridge works fine too, with no problems with connectivity. so i'll pass for now.
but still worth reading just in case...
jdaclutch Apr 21, 2011 at 2:40 pm
"Step 1: Connect your PlayBook to your PC via MicroUSB cable and open Desktop Manager
Step 2: Backup your PlayBook! This install process is a CLEAN WIPE. You'll lose all data."
so you are saying I have to do a clean wipe after backup?
vod332 Apr 21, 2011 at 2:45 pm
has anyone seen an issue after using the dm method to update using the ota update? after running the brick download, my pb just says, "There is an error connecting to the update server." it has said this for 3 days now since the firmware was loaded.
TheTechGuy Apr 21, 2011 at 3:07 pm
I've rebooted 5 times and still no update. I'm giving up for now.
padamssm Apr 21, 2011 at 4:48 pm
I'm using the microUSB cable from my phone (was already connected to computer so I just put the tablet on it). The update is at 15% after more than 1/2 hour. Is there a difference between the microUSB cord in the PlayBook box and the one for the phone? Would that be the reason mine is so slow compared to 20-40 mins. for others?
hazenjonas Apr 21, 2011 at 5:56 pm
I'm being punished for having an iMac. Suppose I deserve it.
jmac875 Apr 22, 2011 at 12:37 am
The OS update fixed the problem with the profile keyboard leaving parts of the letters behind after the keys are pressed and the web browser seems faster. But I was a little disappointed in the back-up that was created with desktop manager. I was missing some apps, and I lost my place in need for speed.. Not a big deal.
kbill1984 Apr 22, 2011 at 1:10 am
Downloading .1710 now
salamahoy Apr 22, 2011 at 1:20 am
I'm also installing .1710 too! We get an extra .0005 of OS goodness! :D
www.roflmaocopter.com
NerdBoss Apr 22, 2011 at 1:12 am
I was only able to get the update once i did a HARD RESET(press n hold power button + volume up & volume down until red light appears) vs. the power app + restart button or power button alone which got me no where. just an FYI for anyone having issues updating
Hypnoboy Apr 22, 2011 at 3:28 am
Funny that I'm reading this after 1710 has been downloaded for a few hours.
C4U2NV Apr 22, 2011 at 6:58 am
Yeah i updated to 1710 via wifi :-)
HotJava Apr 22, 2011 at 10:11 am
Has anyone experienced web pages not loading fully on the playbook? Including this site. It is actually pretty annoying. however did I already say that i love my playbook? i haven't put it down yet. oh AppWorld sucks!!! RIM keep the updates coming. All i need now is my kindle reader app and google chat.
PatrickMJS Apr 22, 2011 at 7:17 pm
These steps worked 2 days ago when I used this method to uodate from 1696 to 1705. Then 1710 showed up this morning in DS so I upgraded to it. But now 1746 doesn't show up at all, neither when using the DS upgrade (I understand - they can't roll it out to everyone at once) nor when using Kevin's 7 steps. Oh well, guess I'll just wait till it shows up in DS tomorrow morning.
setuid Apr 25, 2011 at 10:44 am
They've shut it down... now 1.0.1.1710 is the latest you can get via USB or WiFi.. No other newer updates are being sent or offered using either approach. :(
maxi#cb Apr 28, 2011 at 12:32 am
running OS 1.0.1.1710, thanks:)
Ronzdaname May 19, 2011 at 10:31 am
I'm running OS 1.0.3.1868
BBB297 Jul 25, 2011 at 6:57 am
Running 1.0.7.2670 after Wifi update yesterday when I first took it out of the box. Is this newer than the one the desktop manager is installing?
selsipahi Oct 22, 2012 at 10:21 pm
October 2012 and this methos still works!
SEAWARRIOR Mar 12, 2013 at 4:12 pm
has anyone tried this lately???