After a short delay from the initially scheduled release, Research In Motion has just sent off emails with links for BlackBerry Messenger 5.0.1.5 to some in the BlackBerry world. The changes overall seem to be back end work that has no impact for users visually. A few things have been added that users might notice however. Keep in mind not all beta testers were sent the release today and more will be sent out later. We got some screenshots and explanations of what's new after the jump
First up, we no have the option to adjust how contacts and groups are displayed. Not stylistically but rather 1 line or 2 line. Two line now shows bigger expanded sections for BB Groups while leaving it at 1 line now hides contact avatars or reduces their size if any are set, assumingly to speed up how BlackBerry Messenger works.
Previously the option was available to auto accept voice notes. The new addition here is that now, when you decide to send a voice note to a user, if the above box is chosen the voice notes recorder launches within BBM in a better styled interface which allows you to send your voicenote.
SMS Contact integration in BlackBerry Messenger has been worked on as well. While it's a little to early to say how well it's working over previous versions, it does show that RIM is aware that it's not the best at the moment and does indeed need to be fixed up.
There you have it -- we're sure there are a few other things we're not quite seeing yet so, if you've spotted something feel free to let us know in the comments. If you're among those still waiting to get in on the beta, don't feel so bad. It's not as if it's a huge overall to BlackBerry Merssenger that everyone will want. Quite frankly, it just looks like BlackBerry Messenger of past.
Reader comments
New BlackBerry Messenger 5.0.1.5 Now Available In Beta Zone For Some Users
WHERE CAN I DOWNLOAD THE NEW BLACKBERRY MESSENGER 5.0.1.5?
I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING EVERYWHERE....!!!!
Where's the leak downlaod!? ;)
For everyone complaining that CrackBerry is going to "ruin the beta testing for everyone"...
How many times have you seen something "Confidential" posted on CB (from RIM or otherwise), and how many times have you seen CB get in trouble for any of those posts? In the 2 years I have been a member of CB, I've seen only a couple of posts be removed for whatever reason. Typically, if they have overstepped their bounds, a picture or video gets pulled, and the post remains.
As with things such as leaks, be it OS, screenshots, etc... how many of you have ever stopped to think: is a leak really an accident? Or is it an efficient way to beta test or get opinions on things without having any liability?
Stop worrying so much about the beta program being ruined. The guys at CB are smart. You don't get to be the #1 BlackBerry site without learning a thing or two along the way. ;)
won't be long before the beta version will be available for others... you know how it goes with leaks... they will appear as OTA's or Zip files somewhere online. And that's the way the cookie crumbles...
Sounds like a counter-intelligence tactic to me.
1) release a unique version to a limited distribution list.
2) keep releasing different limited distributions until a leak shows up
3) identify the list that must have leaked the version, because only that group got the version that was leaked.
4) split the group in 2 or 3 or more.
5) send each new group a different limited version
6) repeat until the group is only 1 person deep or keep mixing the groups until a single individual is singled out and BINGO!
the first rule about fight club is you do not talk about fight club the second rule of fight club is you DO NOT talk about fight club third rule is DO NOT TALK ABOUT BETA ZONE!
This post violates the beta zone aggreement. geez do you guys just not care and always want to be the first to report on something regardless?
.. they're reporters... that's their job :\
understandable but the poster signed into an aggreement/contract stating he/she would not share beta info. its one thing for the info to be leaked to the reporter but for the reporter to intentially leak information from a testing area he/she is part of ...
Hi continental european here. I'm in the beta zone, should I get a nomination will post details. I think it's childish enough anyway that they're excluding Europe, so anything to spite them/anyone on here being so stuck up.
A disgruntled crackberrian.
It would be great to try this. Sadly my BlackBerry decided not to turn on today...
the beta test for bbm is full. it has been for maybe a week? I got this info from the rim person who is running the beta site.
I tried to register for the beta zone, and it kept saying that I didn't follow the password rules, does anybody know the format for the password?
It tells you when you don't follow the rules. I can't remember the specifics of the requirement because I registered a while ago, but I remember it tells you what you did wrong when you use a password it doesn't like.
definitely took you way longer to come here and say you couldn't get your password working than to just read the password rules that are stated simply on their site.... jeez man
the password needs
1)symbol
2)upper case letter
3)lowercase letter
4)number(s)
you need one Cap letter, one small, sign like underscore and a numeric in password.
Someone obviously violated the ToS for the beta site by leaking this info as well as the screenshots. I am a beta tester and haven't received the email yet. It is common courtesy (as well as a legal obligation) to honor the NDA when beta testing software I suggest removing this post before you ruin it for everyone.
I don't think RIM will close down the beta site because crackberry posted a story on it. To the people bashing the poster, try it for yourself before bashing someone else. Just because it is supposed to be overhaul and not overall. He is new cut him some slack.
agreed, remove this post and keep it for beta forums, go signup there its free. then you can test it yourself
seems alot of bb sites are showing screen shots of the app just before downloads (version #'s and app size)
That is an ugly blog post. Yikes! I disagree with this blog message being posted.
Oh, and by the way, DON'T RUIN THIS FOR EVERYONE!
I have an email invite but my 9700 is with Vodafone being repaired. How gutted am I?!
since the activation codes are generated by pin. Make sure to edit your beta account reflecting your new pin.
Beta testers shouldn't be discuss this BBM outside of RIM's site. If you're not a tester do what you want. I'm a tester, I got selected this morning. Totally surprised RIM is actually doing this and don't want to lose the chance to do it again. To testers our there... Keep it real and inside RIM's site...
I downloaded the new Verizon software for the Tour but now Iheartradio is not working. I deleted the app and reinstalled it and it still does not play. Please help I love Iheartradio
I downloaded the new Verizon software for the Tour but now Iheartradio is not working. I deleted the app and reinstalled it and it still does not play. Please help I love Iheartradio
I think that with this new BBM and the integration of SMS for contacts, it (BBM) will be a lot more useful.
They are staging the release of the beta to a certain number of users at a time.
Not sure how I feel either about this being posted here as it obviously means someone violated the agreement they signed. Quick way to get the beta shut down (anyone remember the skyfire beta that was trashed because of leaks?)
I cnt find it with in the beta zone I've been a member once it started some help please pin:30668AC5
Not everyone will be able to get it. Its only a select few that were able to get it.
Well then what's the point of being part of beta zone if I cnt get the program it should be available to everyone who signed up that's why we signed up to beta test products
just signing up for the beta zone doesn't get you into the bbm test group. You had to sign up for the bbm test once you got onto the beta group. Middle of the home beta zone home page on the right side shows the programs that are available for testing.
Ive been a member of the beta zone since the day RIM announced it, and i have never had any option to join the BBM group. I have been interested in how they offer these things to people. The only thing I can sign up for is a curve beta for Canada users only. And i use a bold in the us. oh well.
hahaha. Robert Loblaw. Good stuff. Subtle and hilarious!
Hope it comes soon:)
I thought Bla1ze had the most typos per blog entry...guess not anymore.
Posts like yours make me cry a little bit for people like you.
And then I start fantasizing about powerful lasers guided by IP addresses.
People like you make me think that the movie "Idiocracy" is really coming true.
I stand by and reiterate my original reply.
In my opinion, it's fine if there are typos and grammar problems if the readers are still able to comprehend the article...however, as is the case with some of the blogs on here, (not naming names anymore, because people are getting too serious and mad about this), one can't always understand the article. General typos such as "i liek" instead of "I like" - who cares? But when there are tons of comma problems and other grammar issues like that, things start to become a problem, because sentences can be read two, sometimes three different ways, etc etc.
But, you can make it into a game, too: "Okay, so I'm THINKING _____(so&so) meant THIS, but, the way this is written, he could also have meant THAT...hmm!!"
i must say, Bob Loblaw is a pretty terrible writer.
The word "i" in your sentence should be capitalized. Get over other peoples' writing.
I'm sure you meant to say "I guess not." Do you really care that much?
from blackberry.com/beta
An Important Reminder about Confidentiality
It's come to our attention that content from a beta program on BlackBerry Beta Zone has been quoted verbatim on another website. This action is unacceptable and violates the Terms and Conditions that all members of BlackBerry Beta Zone agree to upon joining the site. Specifically,
"You acknowledge and agree that: (a) the successful market launch of commercial versions of RIM products and/or services requires You to keep all content discussed on or contained in the Site (the "Content") strictly confidential; (b) the premature release of any of the Content would damage RIM's competitive edge and intellectual property rights; (c) the Content shall not be shared with anyone other than other authorized users of the Site; and (d) only Content that has been publicly released by RIM may be discussed or shown to the public."
Here's a link to the full Terms and Conditions https://www.blackberry.com/beta/legal/termsAndConditions/.
All members are reminded of these obligations of confidentiality. By adhering to this legal agreement, BlackBerry Beta Zone will continue to serve as the official channel to test and provide feedback on BlackBerry products. Members who violate these terms may be banned from the site. Thank you for your cooperation.
Let's try to keep from getting things pulled and closed down.
of receiving my email to download, RIM posted this on the beta homepage.
I know we like to share everything, but all that's gonna happen is they're gonna pull the links and close down the Beta section.
Patience...
I have mixed feelings about this story being on the Crackberry site. I know we like to have all the BB info as it becomes available, but sharing this stuff is going to make RIM close the door they opened for us via the Beta Zone. Anybody can join the Beta Zone, so just go do it if you want to know these things. I think we would all hate to lose this opportunity.
anybody who lives in the US, Canada or UK, is that anybody ?
Downloading now.
Dedicated to the grammar nazi epidemic CrackBerry has been subjected to lately.
Below is a small pot-kettle analysis to show Raptor464 that he's not perfect.
Please, for the sake of the 99% of the blog readers who couldn't care less, STOP CORRECTING GRAMMAR HERE!!!
.
.
.
http://forums.crackberry.com/f95/made-hybrid-9000-464-483-9100-a-422888-...
both instances of "its" should be "it's."
http://forums.crackberry.com/f95/5-0-1-205-atlas-420335-post4665105/#pos...
"wont" should be "won't."
http://forums.crackberry.com/f95/leak-harpoon-8910-few-days-bbnews-pl-41...
"apps" should not be capped. Polite request should end in a period, not a question mark.
http://forums.crackberry.com/f95/5-0-0-411-a-380529-post4252092/#post425...
"come" should be "comes" or "came."
http://forums.crackberry.com/f95/waiting-lounge-9000-8900-8520-os5-0-0-3...
there should be two spaces after sentence-ending punctuation
http://forums.crackberry.com/f95/findings-discussion-bold-5-0-0-348-leak...
should have a comma after "well."
http://forums.crackberry.com/f153/bold-9000-desktop-manager-download-ple...
"its" should be "it's."
http://forums.crackberry.com/f95/bold-5-0-0-314-a-342894-post3873906/#po...
You need a helping verb. Perhaps you could have used "you'd" or "you had."
http://forums.crackberry.com/f132/bbm-5-0-os-5-0-0-230-a-331663-post3762...
"cannot" is one word!
http://forums.crackberry.com/f146/onyx-field-t-289407-post3333511/#post3...
Your comma between "trackpad" and "and" is not even close to correct.
http://forums.crackberry.com/f146/touchpad-concerns-291104-post3333498/#...
Parentheses are not a substitution for a comma. You should also put a comma after "also," but it's not completely necessary.
http://forums.crackberry.com/f146/before-we-get-our-hopes-up-perhaps-spo...
"in" should be "it"
http://forums.crackberry.com/f146/2nd-onyx-contest-free-giveaway-292571-...
there should have a comma after "oh."
http://forums.crackberry.com/f134/any-moving-weather-radar-app-279058-po...
"have" should be "has"
This is very sad. You cared enough to research his grammatical history. Wow.
bwahaha, I disagree, this is awesome! He made his point and backed it up well!
Seriously. Wow
Bobaloo...... this is FANTASTIC.... Correcting grammar in a blog is like correcting grammar in a chat room or BBM or whatever else.... who cares? I love that you did that.... truly made me smile :D
I wouldnt waste my time doing this, but its true people need to stop correcting grammar. Hopefully this shuts the guy up
Great Job!! Like someone else said you made a point and backed it up, I can't stand it when people want to correct someone else's mistake and they don't even notice when they're wrong. But if you try to correct them they blow up and act as if you're the idiot.
If you really wanted to correct his grammatical mistakes you would just tell him that in written language do not use contractions. Its should not be it's, but rather it is. Also you do not have to have two spaces after ending punctuation, it is accepted with one or two spaces. Just saying.
http://forums.crackberry.com/f95/made-hybrid-9000-464-483-9100-a-422888-...
both instances of "its" should be "it's."
http://forums.crackberry.com/f95/5-0-1-205-atlas-420335-post4665105/#pos...
"wont" should be "won't."
http://forums.crackberry.com/f95/leak-harpoon-8910-few-days-bbnews-pl-41...
"apps" should not be capped. Polite request should end in a period, not a question mark.
http://forums.crackberry.com/f95/5-0-0-411-a-380529-post4252092/#post425...
"come" should be "comes" or "came."
http://forums.crackberry.com/f95/waiting-lounge-9000-8900-8520-os5-0-0-3...
there should be two spaces after sentence-ending punctuation
http://forums.crackberry.com/f95/findings-discussion-bold-5-0-0-348-leak...
should have a comma after "well."
http://forums.crackberry.com/f153/bold-9000-desktop-manager-download-ple...
"its" should be "it's."
http://forums.crackberry.com/f95/bold-5-0-0-314-a-342894-post3873906/#po...
You need a helping verb. Perhaps you could have used "you'd" or "you had."
http://forums.crackberry.com/f132/bbm-5-0-os-5-0-0-230-a-331663-post3762...
"cannot" is one word!
http://forums.crackberry.com/f146/onyx-field-t-289407-post3333511/#post3...
Your comma between "trackpad" and "and" is not even close to correct.
http://forums.crackberry.com/f146/touchpad-concerns-291104-post3333498/#...
Parentheses are not a substitution for a comma. You should also put a comma after "also," but it's not completely necessary.
http://forums.crackberry.com/f146/before-we-get-our-hopes-up-perhaps-spo...
"in" should be "it"
http://forums.crackberry.com/f146/2nd-onyx-contest-free-giveaway-292571-...
there should have a comma after "oh."
http://forums.crackberry.com/f134/any-moving-weather-radar-app-279058-po...
"have" should be "has"
insanely thorough!