Rogers Wireless has officially released OS 7.1.0.391 for the BlackBerry Bold 9900. While this is an official release, remember to use caution when updating your device. If you need help along the way, you can head into our help forums or check out some of our BlackBerry 101 articles including How to Install or Upgrade to a new OS. If you do install this OS, hit up the forums thread below for findings, fixes and more discussion.

Download OS 7.1.0.391 for the Bold 9900
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It appears as though the time has finally come for all the patient Porsche Designed P'9981 owners. CrackBerry forums member Abbas was able to get his P'9981 updated at a recent event in Dubai, and took to the internet to show us what the update will bring. Just yesterday Kevin introduced clubp9981.com for all the P'9981 owners (yes, all 3 of you) and odds are that they are probably talking about the update in there. If you're not a P'9981 owner, don't worry because you can all get a peak at the update as well. The update is said to be hitting this week which we hope is true so Kevin can have it before BlackBerry World (or lord help us all). Check out the video above and be sure to hop in the forums for more.

Check our more in the CrackBerry Forums

If you are a fan of official OS's, and are looking for something new to load on your BlackBerry Curve 9360, you will be happy to know that OS 7.1.0.258 has gained the official stamp. Mobilicity has signed off on this OS and it is now available for your downloading pleasure. If you have a device on Mobilicity all you have to do is hook your device up to Desktop Manager and update. Remember if you are not using a Mobilicity device you will have to delete the vendor.xml file, and there may be a second one. As always, be sure to back up your device before loading this, and proceed with caution.

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Download OS 7.1.0.258 for the Curve 9360

If you're on Bell and own either a  BlackBerry Bold 9900 and BlackBerry Torch 9810, you'll want to go ahead and grab your USB cables if you've been waiting for BlackBerry 7.1 to drop. Bell has now posted OS 7.1.0.267 to their BlackBerry download page, though previously leaked and not as far ahead as T-Mobile's version -- it's still nice to see they got around to releasing it.

Download from the Bell BlackBerry page

After a few false starts, T-Mobile has now gone ahead and announced the official availability of BlackBerry 7.1 for both the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and BlackBerry Torch 9810. With them officially supporting it now, they're making use of some of the great features built into BlackBerry 7.1:

The new BlackBerry OS 7.1 has the following features.

• Wi-Fi Calling: Allows you to make calls over a Wi-Fi network. Does not support handoffs to cell network, so calls will drop when you leave the Wi-Fi coverage.
• Mobile HotSpot/USB tethering: Allows you to connect up to five devices to the internet through your BlackBerry device.
• Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS): A personalized emergency alert system designed to alert people of nearby threats or emergencies.
• BBM Music: A new feature that lets you download 50 tracks when you sign up and up to 25 tracks per month.
• Bing search: Device searches also uses Bing to provide additional search results.
• BlackBerry Device Analyzer: Lets you perform diagnostic tests to check for errors or issues, which can help you resolve device problems without having to call Customer Care. Check out the What is the BlackBerry Device Analyzer to learn more.

You can check for updates right now on your devices or fire up desktop manager to grab the update. If you prefer downloadng it later and doing it yourself, you can grab the install files from the links below for OS 7.1.0.284.

Download OS 7.1.0.284 for the BlackBerry Bold 9900
Download OS 7.1.0.284 for the BlackBerry Torch 9810

If you're a straight shooter and only indulge in official releases who happens to be a TELUS customer, you can no go ahead and fire up BlackBerry Desktop manager and get updated to the official OS 7.1.0.267 for either the BlackBerry Bold 9900 or BlackBerry Torch 9810. You can also go ahead and check for system OS updates on device as well if that's how you want to roll, though folks have been having more luck with desktop manager.

The downloads aren't yet available on the TELUS BlackBerry downloads page but that's only a matter of time. If you're already running the leaked version, then no matter -- stay on that release as it's identical anyway. If you need help along the way, you can head into our help forums or check out some of our BlackBerry 101 articles including How to Install or Upgrade to a new OS. If you do install this OS, hit up the forums thread below for findings, fixes and more discussion.

Discuss in the CrackBerry Forums

Checking out the BlackBerry Experience booth at BlackBerry DevCon Europe, we were tipped onto the fact some of the devices in the room were running newer versions of OS 7.1 than we have seen. It turns out that was in fact true, and with OS 7.1.0.258 we're seeing a new feature introduced to help users get more battery life out of their BlackBerry.

Battery Saving Mode is a new feature in device options, which allows you to trigger the device into high efficiency operation at any remaining level of battery life you choose. You can also choose to Always have Battery Saving Mode running. When Battery Saving Mode is triggered, the phone automatically adjusts device settings to optimize them for longer operation. With the devices at the booth all plugged in and charged we really couldn't see just what it does, but my *guess* is you'll see things like the brightness of the screen getting dimmed down and the time out settings get shortened. It's definitely a well-welcomed feature. You can never have too much battery life!

In the meantime while you wait for this feature to hit your BlackBerry, be sure to check out our 10 Ways to Maximize the Battery Life on your BlackBerry article.

Discuss in the CrackBerry Forums

 

OS 7.1.0.247 has leaked for the BlackBerry Bold 9790. This is an unofficial (leaked) OS, so while it's mostly safe to install, remember to use caution when updating your device. If you need help along the way, you can head into our help forums or check out some of our BlackBerry 101 articles including How to Install or Upgrade to a new OS or How to Upgrade Your BlackBerry OS Using App Loader. If you do install this OS, hit up the forums thread below for findings, fixes and more discussion.

*OS Disclaimer - Please Read: Keep in mind this is NOT an official release and as such is not supported by RIM or your Carrier. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk and only if you're comfortable in the process of upgrading and downgrading your device software. It is quite normal during operating system development for certain features to be crippled or disabled while others are tested, and these beta builds often reflect that. They are not always better. Depending on your BlackBerry comfort level, it may be best for you to wait for community feedback on a build before deciding to download and install for yourself or simply wait for the next official release. If you require support, you will find it in our CrackBerry forums via our extremely knowledgeable community base - do not contact your carrier or RIM for Beta OS technical support (their first course of action will be to advise you to downgrade to a supported OS). *

Download the leaked OS 7.1.0.247
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Source: N4BB

Despite the official announcement of BlackBerry OS 7.1 being available to all carriers, there have been a few hold-outs not willing to go ahead and get the OS out to their customers as soon as possible. T-Mobile was among them until not long ago. If you go ahead and check for system updates on your BlackBerry Bold 9900 right now, you should find OS 7.1.0.205 is readily available for download. Get to it and drop by the forums to let us know how the update went. If you're not seeing it yet, sit tight -- it should be along shortly, the interwebs are magical like that.

Discuss in the CrackBerry Forums

Following up on the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and Torch 9810 getting leaks for OS 7.1.0.205, Torch 9860 owners can join in on the upgrade fun. If leaked OS' are your thing, then by all means grab your USB cable, fire up app loader, and get this one installed. Don't forget to back up your data first.

*OS Disclaimer - Please Read: Keep in mind this is NOT an official release and as such is not supported by RIM or your Carrier. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk and only if you're comfortable in the process of upgrading and downgrading your device software. It is quite normal during operating system development for certain features to be crippled or disabled while others are tested, and these beta builds often reflect that. They are not always better. Depending on your BlackBerry comfort level, it may be best for you to wait for community feedback on a build before deciding to download and install for yourself or simply wait for the next official release. If you require support, you will find it in our CrackBerry forums via our extremely knowledgeable community base - do not contact your carrier or RIM for Beta OS technical support (their first course of action will be to advise you to downgrade to a supported OS). *

Download the leaked OS 7.1.0.205 for the BlackBerry Torch 9860
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Source: N4BB

Looks like it's a day for some leaks. Just like the BlackBerry Bold 9900, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 is now seeing a leaked version of OS 7.1.0.205. If you're looking to get you're device upgraded, now is the time to do so. Just keep in mind it's a leaked build, back up your data and such before you load this one up.

*OS Disclaimer - Please Read: Keep in mind this is NOT an official release and as such is not supported by RIM or your Carrier. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk and only if you're comfortable in the process of upgrading and downgrading your device software. It is quite normal during operating system development for certain features to be crippled or disabled while others are tested, and these beta builds often reflect that. They are not always better. Depending on your BlackBerry comfort level, it may be best for you to wait for community feedback on a build before deciding to download and install for yourself or simply wait for the next official release. If you require support, you will find it in our CrackBerry forums via our extremely knowledgeable community base - do not contact your carrier or RIM for Beta OS technical support (their first course of action will be to advise you to downgrade to a supported OS). *

Download the leaked OS 7.1.0.205 for the BlackBerry Torch 9810
Discuss more in the CrackBerry Forums

BlackBerry Tag was announced back in October but we haven't really seen much of it in action since. However with the rollout of BlackBerry OS 7.1 to carriers, more users will be able to take advantage of this cool NFC feature on their devices. BlackBerry Messenger 6.1 includes the ability to add contacts via BlackBerry Tag, and you'll be able to do things like send photos, videos, contacts, browser URLs and more via other BlackBerry Tag enabled apps. Check out the video above for a quick walkthrough and to see BlackBerry Tag in action.

Hey all you BlackBerry Curve 9360 owners, now you too can upgrade to OS 7.1.0.190 that the Bold 9900, Torch 9810, and Torch 9860 previously saw. Of course, as this is a leaked OS and not official, if you choose to download it make sure you do a backup first, and let us know in the comments or forums how it works out for you.

*OS Disclaimer - Please Read: Keep in mind this is NOT an official release and as such is not supported by RIM or your Carrier. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk and only if you're comfortable in the process of upgrading and downgrading your device software. It is quite normal during operating system development for certain features to be crippled or disabled while others are tested, and these beta builds often reflect that. They are not always better. Depending on your BlackBerry comfort level, it may be best for you to wait for community feedback on a build before deciding to download and install for yourself or simply wait for the next official release. If you require support, you will find it in our CrackBerry forums via our extremely knowledgeable community base - do not contact your carrier or RIM for Beta OS technical support (their first course of action will be to advise you to downgrade to a supported OS). *

Download the leaked OS 7.1.0.190 for the BlackBerry Curve 9360
Discuss in the CrackBerry Forums

Source: N4BB

As we knew already, Verizon has been preparing to roll out OS 7.1 to the BlackBerry Bold 9930 and Torch 9850 for quite a while. A staggered roll out was rumored to be starting as of tomorrow but it looks as though at least a few folks are already getting the update on their devices. If you own either a BlackBerry Bold 9930 or Torch 9850 and are on the stock OS -- go ahead and check for updates. You may find OS 7.1.0.163 waiting for you but if not, don't get too bummed out. It's on it's way -- you'll just have to wait just a little bit longer.

Discuss in the CrackBerry BlackBerry Bold 9930 Forums
Discuss in the CrackBerry BlackBerry Torch 9850 Forums

Thanks, @jelounge!

As we learned already, Verizon is planning to roll out BlackBerry 7.1 to both the BlackBerry Bold 9930 and the BlackBerry Torch 9850 but until now, the dates for release were unknown. According to the latest information we're hearing, it won't be that long of a wait for users as the updates will start to roll out on Jan 10th and be staggered out through the 12th and 13th provided you're on an official OS. If you're already running the Sprint version of the same OS, you'll not be alerted to update.