Back on the 14th, Canadian carrier, Rogers, updated their BlackBerry Bold 9700 and Curve 3G 9300 smartphones with UMA support. For those of us who use Rogers as their mobile provider, this is a big deal. The updates are OS v5.0.0.846 and v5.0.0.862 respectively. UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) support allows users to make voice calls over a Wi-Fi network. The result is a positive one; users utilize Wi-Fi networks to make calls, saving minutes, and as a result, saving money on their monthly cell phone bill – the one “side-affect” of our pocket companions.

For the updates, click here and follow the detailed instructions provided. If you have UMA enabled already, let us know how you’re loving the Wi-Fi call ability.

via: BlackBerryCool

Yep, despite it not being commercially available as of yet (in the US, that is), OS leaks are already beginning to pop up for the BlackBerry Bold 9700.

• Download 5.0.0.321 here
• Download 5.0.0.344 here

Note: Links to beta OS builds have a tendency to disappear pretty quickly due to their unofficial nature.  That being said, I’ll try to keep the links updated.  As always, installing beta OS builds is done at your own risk.

Via: Crackberry

Though it’s not out just yet, I’ve been working with the BlackBerry Bold 9700 since RIM’s media event in New York City on Monday evening, and it has quickly become my favorite QWERTY BlackBerry.  As a replacement to the aging BlackBerry Bold 9000, the Bold 9700 (also referred to as “the Bold”) ushers in new design cues, and adds notable improvements such as the trackpad, a 3.2-megapixel camera, and OS 5.0.0.330.  As much as I loved the Bold’s design, I love the Bold 9700′s even more, as it fits in my hand with the smoothness of the Curve, but offers the premium features expected from the Bold product line.

Yes, it’s a love or hate characteristic, but RIM is a historically conservative company when it comes to design changes, and the Bold is no exception.  From a distance, it’s challenging to tell the 9700, Tour, Bold 9000, Curve 8900, and Curve 8520 apart, and I don’t think that’s an accident.  What I love about the Bold 9700 is not that it’s a radically new design, but that they’ve improved upon the issues that plagued previous models to make a truly great device.

Threaded text messaging – FINALLY!

User interface, OS, and responsiveness

Though similarities can be found in the design of OS 5.0 and previous builds, OS 5.0.0.330 is a welcome improvement.  Featuring threaded text messaging and a refined ‘home’ page, OS 5.0 boots up faster (a common frustration among BlackBerry users), and offers a list of small improvements over previous builds.  The threaded text messaging was something we saw coming, but it’s nice to have a second retail unit that supports it out of the box (Storm2 was the first).  As with any BlackBerry, the menus are largely customizable, and can be tailored to the user’s specific needs. RIM says that the Bold 9700 sports a 624 MHz processor (same as the original Bold), but in my testing, the 9700 is significantly faster than its predecessor.  Tasks all the way from moving the trackpad around to opening numerous applications performed incredibly well, whereas the original Bold struggled at times.  Without a doubt, it’s the best performing BlackBerry on the market to date.

Keyboard and trackpad

The keyboard on the Bold 9700 is the absolute best keyboard I have ever used, without question.  I loved the Bold 9000′s keyboard, but was frustrated at times by the size of the unit itself, particularly when sexier models such as the Tour 9630 and Curve 8900 were out on the market.  The keyboard is absolutely phenomenal, and I’m pleased to say that most of it carried over to the 9700 (I’m sure there’s some small size difference, but it’s negligible).  With the exception of the bottom row, the keys appear to be almost identical

The 9700 is the second BlackBerry to ship with a trackpad instead of a trackball, and as if it wasn’t obvious, RIM executives tell me that’s where they’re all headed.  If I can be candid, I think it’s a fantastic idea, as the trackball has quite a notorious reputation.  The Tour’s had some issues at launch with the trackball, and most BlackBerry owners will tell you that the trackball becomes harder to use as the years go on.  Though it takes a few hours to adjust to it (and consequently, to go back to the trackball afterwards), I absolutely love the trackpad.  It’s incredibly easy to use, and adds to the sleek profile of the phone.

Camera

Matching the Tour 9630, the Bold 9700 offers a 3.2-megapixel camera, and in my testing, pictures came out well (see above).

Reception

The Bold 9700 has been tested in both New York City and Charlotte using T-Mobile’s 3G network, and I’m impressed with call quality.  In areas where my other T-Mobile review units have 2-4 bars of service, the Bold has been at a consistent 5 bars, with no fluctuation between 3G and EDGE.

Battery

The battery life is impeccable on the Bold.  Enough said.  Of all the BlackBerry devices I’ve owned, the 9700′s battery life is fantastic, and is probably my favorite feature of the device.  To give some background, I tested the device on Tuesday with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off, followed by a span with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on.  Though Wi-Fi and Bluetooth caused a bit more battery drain, it wasn’t to the extent that I’ve seen with other devices.  Most users will be able to make it 1 1/2 – 2 days without a problem.  The only BlackBerry that I’ve seen come close is the 8900, which is impressive, given that the Bold 9700 was operating on T-Mobile’s 3G network during my testing.

Stay tuned for the unboxing and full written review, coming up here and on PhoneDog!

As expected, Verizon will be launching the BlackBerry Storm 2 on Wednesday, October 28th for $179.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate and new two-year agreement.  Complete with a 3.25-inch touchscreen (480 x 360) with RIM’s SurePress technology, 3G connectivity (EVDO Rev. A), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, and a microSD card slot with an included 16 GB card (nice!),  Humorous/corny PR catchphrases aside, the Storm 2 is billed by many as “everything that the original Storm should have been.”

For those of you that are sticking with the original Storm, OS 5.0.0.323 is now officially available via RIM’s website (www.blackberry.com/update) for the original device.  So, while you’re missing Wi-Fi, a new design, and a better touchscreen, at least the OS will be relatively consistent.  If you haven’t used OS 5.0 at some point, it’s well worth it, and it’s nice to see RIM officially offering it.  Storm users, go get your download on, and let me know what you think!

The official press release for the BlackBerry Storm2 can be found below.

A POWERFUL NEW STORM ROLLS ONTO VERIZON WIRELESS’ NETWORK ON OCT. 28

New Operating System for Existing BlackBerry Storm Customers

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and WATERLOO, Ontario – Verizon Wireless and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced that the BlackBerry® Storm2™ smartphone will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications stores, online at www.verizonwireless.com, and through business sales channels beginning Oct. 28.  The BlackBerry Storm2 with BlackBerry® OS 5.0 evolves the BlackBerry® touchscreen platform with hundreds of hardware and software enhancements – including new SurePress™ “clickable” display technology and built-in Wi-Fi® – delivering the exceptional multimedia experience and communications capabilities customers have come to expect from their BlackBerry smartphones.

Key Features:

• Smooth design and premium finish with sloped edges, chrome accents, glass lens and stainless steel backplate
• Large (3.25”), dazzling high-resolution 480 x 360 display at 184 ppi
• Capacitive touchscreen with integrated functions (Send, End, Menu, Escape) and new  SurePress technology that makes clicking the display practically effortless
• 3G and global connectivity support for making phone calls in more than 220 countries and accessing data in more than 185 countries (with more than 80 destinations in 3G)
• Network Connectivity: EV-DO Revision A; UMTS/HSPA (2100 MHz); and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM networks
• Supports Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
• 256 MB of Flash memory
• 2 GB of onboard media storage and a microSD™/SDHD memory card slot with a 16 GB card included

Software Updates on BlackBerry Storm2:

• Features BlackBerry OS 5.0, which includes typing accuracy and selection improvements, as well as usability and visual enhancements such as inertial scrolling, spin boxes that make it easier to set dates and times, gradient shading on buttons, and more use of animation
• BlackBerry® Browser is improved with faster JavaScript and CSS processing as well as support for Gears and BlackBerry Widgets
• Customers running BlackBerry® Enterprise Server 5.0 will gain the ability to set follow-up flags, manage e-mail folders, access remote files (Windows Shares), forward appointments, view calendar attachments, and more

Additional Features and Specifications:

• 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus, Image Stabilization (IS), flash and video recording capabilities
• Premium and easy-to-access phone features, background noise suppression technology, loud distortion-free speakerphone and face detection (proximity sensor) that prevents accidental clicks and blanks the screen while the customer is on the phone
• Media player for videos, pictures and music, plus support for BlackBerry Desktop Manager for both PCs and Macs, and BlackBerry® Media Sync, for easily syncing Windows Media® Player music with the smartphone*
• 3.5 mm stereo headset jack and dedicated volume controls
• Bluetooth® (v2.1) capable with support for Secure Simple Pairing, hands-free headsets, stereo headsets, car kits and other Bluetooth peripherals
• Built-in GPS for maps and other location-based applications, as well as photo geotagging; and Verizon Wireless’ VZ NavigatorSM service is pre-loaded
• V CAST Music with Rhapsody
• Access to BlackBerry App World™, featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones, with categories including games, entertainment, IM and social networking, news, weather, productivity and more
• Support for Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Broadband Connect tethering service
• Removable, rechargeable 1400 mAhr battery that provides up to 5.5 hours of talk time or up to 11.2 days of standby time

Pricing and Availability:

• The BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone is available beginning Oct. 28 for $179.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a voice plan with an Email and Web feature or an Email and Web for BlackBerry plan.  Customers will receive the mail-in rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.  Data plans for the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone begin at $29.99 when added to any Nationwide voice plan.

New Operating System for Existing BlackBerry Storm Customers

• Existing BlackBerry Storm customers will be able to update their handsets to the new BlackBerry OS 5.0 software via Web software load (www.blackberry.com/update), BlackBerry Desktop Manager, or from Verizon Wireless’ download site (www.verizonwireless.com/storm). The software is available today.
• For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.  Business customers can contact their Business Sales Representatives at 1-800-VZW-4BIZ.
  

* Certain music files may not be supported, including files that contain digital rights management technologies.

The day is getting closer and closer, as Research In Motion has officially placed the upcoming BlackBerry Storm2 on its website.  Complete with video, we get the first true (and official) look at the replacement to the original Storm.

As I’ve said before, the BlackBerry Storm2 has a branding scar that it has to get rid of.  Shortly after the launch of the original device, users complained about everything from battery life to software crashes (despite the phone selling quite well).  Their criticism was certainly justified, and though it took RIM some time to respond, the latest software builds have finally placed the original Storm at where it should have been at launch last November.

That being said, RIM needs a smooth and successful launch to counter the challenges from the original Storm.  With the early reviews being largely positive, it looks like RIM may have a winner on its hands.

Source: Crackberry