I’ve noticed this in the most recent beta OS builds and I’ve only seen it in one official OS. I haven’t thought much of it other than it was a forgotten feature by RIM’s account and they decided to dump it. Now, I don’t know if that’s the reason or not, but according to Bla1ze over at CrackBerry who found RIM’s answer to this in the knowledge base, they have scrapped the standby feature. Click the link to keep reading.
In earlier BlackBerry Device Software versions the mute key was used to turn standby mode on. Due to changes in the lock key functionality on the BlackBerry smartphone starting in BlackBerry Device software 5.0, the mute key no longer places the BlackBerry smartphone into Standby mode. The mute key will still function to mute calls in the phone application.
I don’t quite understand why they would discard the feature. I personally use this over the lock key because I still use my password but have it set to a one hour timeout. I check my phone every few minutes, but if it’s left somewhere for a while I don’t want someone going through my stuff. I don’t want to have to enter my password every time I check my phone, and since I carry my phone in my pocket, I have to put it in standby or lock it. Standby is much more convenient. RIM, however, doesn’t think so.
What are your thoughts on this? I know a lot of people use the standby more, and I know a lot of people don’t even know about it.
via: CrackBerry
Why would they get rid of that?!
I think it is crazy and it will make quite a few people mad. I know I will be when I upgrade my phone and it is like that.
I, personally, use the Mute/Standby button all the time. Especially when my Curve is in my pocket.
I don’t think I could live without it!
I’ve got an 8900 with 5.0.0.509, and the standby function is in fact gone. But the lock function is different than before too. I think the new functionality is more in line with other smartphones. It seems like most touchscreen phones have a button on top to turn off the touch screen and turn it back on (lock/standby whatever you want to call it). That’s what the lock button does now. I don’t see any difference between the new lock button/function and the old standby mode in my use. I don’t use a password though. Oh, and the Autostandby app no longer works. I do like that the mute button is dedicated now! I used Autostandby before and sometime music would start playing if I didn’t close the music player because I think the app simulated input. Overall, I’m happy with the change!
I have a 9700 on TELUS running v5.0.0.442 and my mute key still puts my phone in standby. (I dont use standby, i lock my phone with no password).
I am in agreement that the standby button was a great and quick thing. I am hoping the add it back.