As you know from my article yesterday, BlackBerry OS 5.0.0.190 is (un)officially out for the Bold and Curve 8900, and immediately after discovering the new build, I downloaded and installed it. 24 hours later, and I can say that it's one of the best beta builds I've ever used. Granted, it has its issues, but they're nowhere near other builds I've worked with (particularly the early 5.0 beta builds). To make it easy, I've broken it down into a "things I like" and "things I don't like" list format, with accompanying screenshots.
So sit back, relax, and if you like what you see, download the build(s) here!
Overview
OS 5.0.0.190 is a huge step for BlackBerry users. Admittedly, most of the stuff that .190 introduces into the fold should have been integrated into the device years ago, but I'm not going to touch that argument that in today's post (believe me, that's a topic of its own). Through the update, we see the introduction of threaded text messaging, the option to switch between 2G and 3G, revised BlackBerry Messenger and call log formats, among other things. I've been pleased - I've only had one major issue (where the device suddenly went to "SOS" mode). Considering that I'm used to beta builds failing 3-5 times per day, it's a great build in my eyes. If they can work out some minor kinks, it'll be ready for mainstream release in no time.
What I like
Threaded text messaging: As I said above, the most sought after feature has finally arrived on the BlackBerry platform. Offering the ability to contain text messages in one easy-to-read interface quite similar to BlackBerry Messenger (bubbles and all), it organizes your text messages and lets you know when someone else messages you via a popup at the bottom of the screen. Users can customize the "person" icon in the top left hand corner of the screen to a picture of their choosing.
After using this feature alone, I'm not sure if I can go back to the older (official) OS builds - it's addicting!
The ability to switch between 2G and 3G: Loving it. Granted, it was enabled on the latest AT&T official release (4.6.0.297), but prior to that, Bold users had no ability to switch between 3G and 2G. A great battery saver for those times where you're continuously moving between 3G and 2G areas.
Change in applications management: When going to delete or modify an installed application on your device, the "Applications" option in the settings menu now divides your applications up by their type: Third Party (UberTwitter, App World downloads, etc.), Add-on (BlackBerry Maps, BlackBerry Messenger, BrickBreaker, etc.), and Core (Browser, Phone, E-Mail Setup Application, etc.). It's a nice organizational change, and makes it easier to find the application you want to change/delete.
Revised call log/BlackBerry Messenger interface: 5.0.0.190 takes the Bold/Curve 8900's call log and BlackBerry Messenger interface, and makes it look like OS 4.7 (the Tour). It's a bit more organized, and cleans things up a bit.
New music customizations: The change isn't major here; .190 just moves the cover art to the left hand side of the screen, for a more polished look. Icons have changed as well, with the music icon changing to a blue music note.
E-Mail refinement: One of my favorite new features - 5.0.0.190, much like Outlook, now remembers e-mail addresses you use on a regular basis, but don't store in your address book. For example, when I was e-mailing the screenshots to myself for this article, it remembered my e-mail address instead of forcing me to type it in each time.
What I don't like
- Despite it being more stable than past versions, it's still buggy. Problems have ranged from the occasional freeze, to the device putting my phone in "SOS" mode. Keeping that in mind, I've only had two major issues over the past 24 hours - much less than previous builds.
- For some reason, all of the 5.0 builds drop the BIS browser in favor of the MediaNet browser. It won't go into production like that, but for those of us who can't resist tinkering with the beta builds, it's frustrating having to use a sub-par browser.
- Truthfully, I can't come up with anything else that I dislike. Everything in this OS marks a notable improvement over past versions - when RIM works out the minor kinks and officially releases it, it'll be a fantastic update.
Questions? Comments? Downloaded it, and love/hate it? Sound off in the comments section!
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