Get New BlackBerry Features Without Upgrading Your Phone

Lisa Hoover 0 512 Views

If you've been thinking of ditching your old BlackBerry and getting a new Bold or Storm, but hate the idea of an upgrade or early termination fee, I have some great news for you. The best part of the new devices has been all its new browser has to offer. Now you can have the new browser on your current BlackBerry without the expense and hassle of getting a new phone.

BlackBerry Device Software v4.5 is now available for download. Research In Motion, creators of the ubiquitous smartphone, touts speed as the number one improvement, but there's plenty more to like about this upgrade.

  • HTML in your email. Finally, no more garbled emails with raw links and strange spacing.
  • Edit and view attachments, including Word documents and PowerPoint presentations.
  • Better file management, including the ability to download and save right from the Internet.
  • Voice note capabilities allow you to record a note and then file it or send as an email.

One important installation note: You'll need to download the BlackBerry® Application Loader software to your desktop before you upgrade your phone software. Unfortunately, it only runs on Windows.

I've been using BlackBerry devices a long time and I've been appalled at its Internet and browsing capabilities for equally as long. I'm overjoyed that RIM has elected to make this software upgrade available to everyone instead of forcing people to upgrade their handsets. I think it's an excellent customer service move and I'm thrilled.

Have you tried the new BlackBerry software yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Dani AI

Generated

Nice find from — updating the device software can give older BlackBerrys a lot of value without buying new hardware. Practical preparation and recovery notes follow so the upgrade is low-risk and reversible.

Before you hit Update:

  • Back up everything (full Desktop Manager backup/IPD) so contacts, calendar and settings can be restored if something goes wrong.
  • Verify your exact model is supported by the OS build you plan to install and remember carriers often control when (or whether) an update is published for a given handset.
  • Make sure the PC you’ll use has the BlackBerry Desktop/loader tools installed, enough disk space for the backup and the OS files, and that the phone battery is well charged.
    These basics prevent the majority of upgrade headaches. (blackberry.com)

Common installer problems and quick fixes:

  • If Application Loader or Desktop Manager says it can’t find the device, try a different USB port and cable, avoid USB hubs, reboot the PC, and try running the loader.exe directly as Administrator.
  • If the process hangs at “reconnecting” or the device reboots repeatedly, try the loader method used for a “nuked” device (connect while watching for USB-PIN:UNKNOWN, then proceed) or attempt the operation on another Windows machine. Community troubleshooting threads and step‑by‑step reload guides cover these exact cases. (forums.crackberry.com)

Enterprise / carrier cautions and recovery:

  • Corporate devices (BES/UEM) can have IT policies that force, delay or block updates — check with the admin before you proceed. If an upgrade fails you can reload the OS and then restore your Desktop Manager backup; follow a documented reload procedure rather than guessing. (scribd.com)

If unsure, stop after the backup and ask the carrier or your IT team. The backup + documented reload path is the safety net that makes this worth trying on a well‑used handset.

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