While we're all still waiting for RIM to release their own WebKit browser, third party browsers such as Bolt have been more than happy to provide users with a better then the built in experience. The latest update for Bolt puts the browser at v2.11 and while this release is nothing more then that of a maintenence one, it does address the issues and concerns of users based on feedback. Information from the press release states:
Today Bitstream is releasing a new update of the BOLT mobile browser: version 2.11. The 2.11 release includes important updates that address server response times which eliminates the problem on some websites that has caused BOLT to hang at 20 percent on the progress bar, as well as improves Twitter use. Although there are no new features in this release, Bitstream strongly recommends all users update to this new version for an improved mobile browsing experience.
Around here, we all like to see it when issues get addressed and applications work better because of it. That said, be sure to grab the latest release so as to ensure you are up to date and will not have any of the mentioned problems.
Reader comments
Bolt Browser - Updated to v2.11 for bug fixes, be sure to grab it!
Sweet. Thanks Crackberry ill get right on downloading :D
8900 on EDGE T-Mobile.
Bolts really shaping up, for such a small increment number upgrade release, its awesome.
Definitely an improvement
Is there a way to make this a Wifi-only browser? I have wifi checked, but unlike the native BB browser, it does not show wifi at the top when surfing. Id like to have 2 browsers on my phone, one for wifi only, one for mobile only. Is this possible?
There are several things they need to do before I look at Bolt again.
1. Add the ability to change the overall font type.
2. Increase the size of the text in the address line - it's damn near impossible to read what you're typing using a Pearl.
3. Fix the bug that allows the shift key on Pearls to change the case of letters when inputting passwords. Right now, if there is an upper case letter in a password, hitting the shift key immediately inputs the pound symbol (#) instead of setting up the case change for the next letter. On Pearls, the pound symbol is usually only activated after hitting the "Alt" key because the # shares the upper half of the shift key. But for some reason, in Bolt - and only while inputting passwords - the # is input when hitting that key even without hitting the Alt key first, which is what you would normally have to do. The shift works as expected with any other type of input in Bolt.
I just upgraded, Thanks!
@joeldf Good luck trying to get them to change font type or size. I've suggested that many times. They keep insisting problem can be solved by changing magnification in preferences. Wrong.
I really hope it got better!
Any way of changing the font size on that ?
no way can I read it.
yep under options.
This is my first time on Bolt. I'm gonna have to say I'm undecided.
It looks funny. The fonts, the way it zooms, the way the letters are. Also, I don't like how I can't see if I'm on WiFi or EDGE. Can this be done, and I missed it?
I do, however, really like how the mouse snaps to the buttons and fields. I don't like how it's not exactly "free flowing" but I'm willing to give that up. I'm always missing my targets with the trackball. So that'll be a big help.
I'll keep on trying it out. We'll see how it fares in the long run. It doesn't seem all that much faster than the BB Browser over WiFi (I turned off my network, that's how I know it's on WiFi)
I just need a browser that supports good flash. So I can play facebook games (I know, it's sad. Lol) skyfire did it. I wish bolt could. I like bolt much better overall then I did skyfire on my wm phone.
This update has increased the speed I am running almost as fast on cell as on wifi.
I'm one of those people that love bolt, prefer it over opera. I know there has always been a debate over which is better that's for the person to decide. That being said bolt it great for downloading "certain entertainment movies" that the sites can block the native browser and make u pay for a day pass lol like (Tube8) thanks for the minor update and thanks crackberry for letting people know. Finishing words if u do have bolt on ur phone and there is an update u will be flagged upon opening.
Since RIM is so slow in fixing the BB browser, this gives ample room for Bitstream and Opera to step in. Not only have they done so with faster, more capable browsers, they support tabs, bookmarking is better, they do address completion, etc.
Even if BlackBerry 6 is released with the webkit browser, it will only be available on newer BlackBerrys. What about the millions with OS 4 & 5?
Opera appears to render pages faster than the older Bolt browser (v1.5), but Bolt does render much closer to the original than Opera. I haven't tried this new version of Bolt, but I will tonight! The new Bolt 2.1 browser claims to support flash and HTML 5. I think it's time we compare apples to apples and do a proper comparison between these two browsers.
I don't like the fact that neither support SurePress so I'm constantly selecting stuff on my Storm that I didn't mean to while moving about the screen. What would it hurt to support SurePress on the Storm, as an option? PLEASE!
Many thanks to both developers for offering users a better browsing experience. I'm not counting on BlackBerry 6 with webkit browser for the Storm or Storm 2, so there is plenty of space for Bolt & Opera to rule!
Sure bolt is faster and crisper, but what's with the font? not only is it kinda small by default, and changing the magnification setting doesn't make things much better, but why does bolt use an ugly font that isn't very pleasant on the eyes? I think Opera's font is much more appealing and legible.
Has anyone not tried going into Bolt- -prefrences-INSTALL FONT. Never done it but I'm fine with the way mine is. This may be what you guys are overlooking. Please don't bash me if I'm wrong like I said I haven't done it but this feature is there
Must have worked because no one ever commented back