RIM readies big updates for its BlackBerry platform

Zut alors, big things are underway at RIM for BlackBerry users as Waterloo's finest prepare to roll out the big guns by way of an update during the first half of the year. We've got your features here friends, mail is set to see significant changes with both HTML and Rich Text support, which will enable mail formatting that supports the original fonts, format and even graphics. Mail search functionality is also being thrown in to peruse old mail, a contact availability feature for meeting requests, and presence features for IM that will add "click to call" and "convert to call" as well as advanced emoticons -- *wink*. Follow the read link to see the complete list.

[Via PhoneScoop]

[Itchy Pajamas @ Jan 23rd 2008 11:53AM]

Great news!

The new features will probably arrive around the same time as 3rd party apps for the iPhone that render my BlackBerry 8830 obsolete (well, to _me_ anyway. It's still an excellent device.)

[Michael @ Jan 23rd 2008 1:58PM]

Totally off topic but how did you get your avatar on here? Or for that matter a profile at all? I can't seem to find any sort of register or login feature anywhere.

[Itchy Pajamas @ Jan 23rd 2008 2:05PM]

It's pretty bleepin' confusing, but start here...

http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/21/did-you-make-an-engadget-comment-avatar-yet/

Ryan made a big "thing" about it at the time. Now it's kinda become what I call "folk-knowledge".

The process almost seems recursive.

Good luck. :-)

[Ben Kessler @ Jan 23rd 2008 12:00PM]

Now what devices will actually be getting these updates? Will we see it for the Verizon 8830?

[TJ Johnson @ Jan 23rd 2008 12:36PM]

Wrong question to ask...

What you need to know first is when Verizon is going to allow the new updates to be installed altogether. OEMs provide the upgrades to the carriers who then provide them to the end users. Unfortunately, Verizon customers including myself will probably have to wait since Big Red is notorious for dragging their feet on any sort of update.

[gotsmart @ Jan 23rd 2008 12:22PM]

One big problem with RIM's software offerings is that there's no way to automatically check for updates, download them and install them. Users are generally under the control of their carriers for updates, since just about every carrier is running their own unique flavour of the device OS that's provided to them by RIM.

That's one big change i would love to see on the BlackBerry platform: More consistent and unified OS releases across all carriers and all devices. Their support costs must be just ridiculous!

[RS @ Jan 23rd 2008 12:34PM]

gotsmart, you are right. It is exactly why owning an iPhone is so amazing. FINALLY, someone has the method right, if not one of the best phones out there. The OS updates from Apple have been forthcoming right from the beginning and have improved issues and features with the phone very quickly. I use to wait forever with both ATT and T-Mobile to get a software update for my Blackberry and the installtion process is not as easy as it is on iTunes for the common user.

[hellomms @ Jan 23rd 2008 12:27PM]

Just ordered BB Curve yesterday - glad that I did!

[tamoghno @ Jan 23rd 2008 2:06PM]

glad that i use N95-8GB

[Denver_80203 @ Jan 23rd 2008 12:55PM]

Over-the-Air Device Software Upgrades -been there, done that. This seems to be on the 'new' items list every major release (at least he last 3). Maybe it will work well this time? naahh some carrier will jack their flavor of handheld software and that will be that.

Document Downloading and Editing – " users will be able to edit Microsoft® Office Word, PowerPoint® and Excel® files" Oh god no. Come on RIM.. you're strength is your simplicity. What's next? Mobile Photoshop?

And along with everyone else.. stop letting carriers create their own flavor of the OS. Allow them optional add-ins that I can refuse to install. Managing BBs across 6 carriers in the US and Canada this design plan is a disaster.

[Geaux Tigers @ Jan 23rd 2008 12:59PM]

Hopefully this update will support Office 2007. For all the IPhone people
out there they are cool, but until they support ActiveSYNC they are a
no go for most businesses. They are cool though.

[randomgyan @ Jan 23rd 2008 1:56PM]

Err... i think that is already supported. u need a patch for ur exchange server. my IT department did this recently and now my BB Curve supports office 2007 extensions just fine

[Geaux Tigers @ Jan 23rd 2008 4:53PM]

Thanks random guy. I called myself looking for that. But I guess I didn't look deep enough.

[FrenchDude @ Jan 23rd 2008 2:13PM]

Does anyone really know what "Zut alors" actually means?
Eh, just kiddin'... I actually like when you guys pull off the French phrases. Keep it coming!

[Spiff @ Jan 23rd 2008 2:28PM]

Hmm.. I wonder how long till T-Mobile does get the update ready for download after it gets released to them. Not sure why the couldn't do a update notification to the BB for over the air update, even if it is carrier specific. That would be a nice feature.

[Fred @ Jan 23rd 2008 2:51PM]

And yet STILL no streaming? Or am I missing something?

[Jonyah @ Jan 23rd 2008 4:28PM]

I'm more interested in their new phones. We need more leaks as to what the 9000 series will be like and any other updates they may have so I can plan out my future phone upgrade properly.

[Herbie555 @ Jan 24th 2008 5:04PM]

Looking forward to this, assuming it applies to the 8100