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Yet another Storm firmware leaks out of the Waterloo sieve
Okay, so now we're up to 4.7.0.90 for both the Storm 9500 (Vodafone's model) and the 9530 found on CDMA carriers. At this point, there certainly doesn't seem to be any desire on RIM's part to keep these things under lock and key, so it makes you wonder: how long does the carrier validation process go on for these things? We have to believe Verizon, Vodafone, and others are all going through each and every Storm firmware with a fine-tooth comb trying to decide which to release to their customers -- but when you look at the sorry leaked-to-official firmware update ratio, it's a pretty depressing state of affairs for your average Storm user who isn't tracking forums. At any rate, there's no solid word on everything that's new in 90, but early reports have it being generally faster and more stable than anything before it -- a placebo effect, perhaps, so we'll have to keep watching the sitch for a while.[Via BlackBerryNews]
Sneak peek at RIM's BlackBerry Application Center
At this point, you're probably wondering what section of the Storm's UI you haven't seen. Enter a few new sneak peeks, this time showcasing the purported BlackBerry Application Center. Granted, these shots are from the Vodafone edition, but we don't suspect the Verizon version will look much different. Reportedly, the Application Center will be available on v4.7 Storm devices, and carriers themselves will be responsible for hosting the data and sending updates; additionally, the download / installation will be handled by the browser in the first release, meaning that the software cannot restart the app or download intelligently. Give the read link a look for a few more tidbits / pictures.
Blackberry OS 4.6 for 9000 / 9500 gets detailed
We had heard that the introduction of the BlackBerry Bold (9000) / Thunder (9500) could usher in the long-awaited BlackBerry OS 4.6, and now we're just about ready to believe it. A new listing over at Horizon Wireless Online details the forthcoming operating system, and notes that it will bring along richer browsing (which entails a whole host of improvements), click zooming with the trackball, Music Sync, an option to select Home screen grid size and support for continuous spell checking (among other things). Hey RIM, can we get that "richer browsing experience" on say, the Curve / Pearl?[Thanks, Peter]
BlackBerry OS 4.5.0.37 finds its way onto the web
Numerically, it's just a smidgen of an update, but for OS 4.5 users everywhere, we know you're craving the very latest point release. Apparently RIM wasn't too happy about the download links finding their way out onto the world wide intarnetz, but if you've got an 8100, 8300, 8700 or 8800 handset, we'd highly recommend firing up Google and doing a bit of sleuthing.
RIM's BlackBerry Desktop Media Manager released
As RIM moves ever more into the consumer spectrum of wireless handsets, it's gotta have media software for the desktop to help manage all that content. BlackBerry Desktop Media Manager (BBDMM) is supposed to solve that problem, seeing as songs, videos and pictures can be managed in a single place. So, if you're not happy with all the other media management software packages out there, RIM may have your ticket. Well, at least the ticket that allows content drag-and-drop to your BlackBerry, that is. The newest version of BlackBerry Desktop Media Manager requires BlackBerry Desktop software v4.2, Service Pack 2. In short, better get that desktop in order (version-wise) before you start managing all that content destined to make its way to your BlackBerry soon. Since the new BBDMM is based on Roxio Easy Media Creator, it should feel like home to prior or existing Roxio customers.[Thanks, Eddie]
BlackBerry OS 4.2 ready for 8700 and 7310
We're game for salacious BlackBerry insider info just as much as anyone, so it was with great delight that a "high-level exec at RIM" leaked some info about an upcoming BlackBerry OS 4.2 upgrade (not pictured right) for that older 8700 or 7310. Here's a quick breakdown: BlackBerry Enterprise Server SP4 should be released in June, while BlackBerry OS 4.2 is apparently ready to roll from RIM's end for the 8700 and 7310 handsets -- it's just a question of when carriers will release it. And, oh yeah, BlackBerry OS version 5 is being touted for public release in 2007 or in early 2008 (we hope we can all wait that long) in harmony with its next-gen devices.
