• blackberry,  rim,  sprint

    On the Trail of BlackBerry OS 4.5

    December 1, 2008 /

    Not wanting to let it go, I’ve continued my search for answers about when Sprint might actually get around to certifying and releasing the BlackBerry Device Software 4.5 for the Sprint BlackBerry Curve 8330.

    During my search, I stumbled across the Sprint discussion forums, BuzzAboutWireless.com. There I found a thread titled, “Update on 4.5 code upgrade“, started by a Sprint forums administrator, SarahKS. In her October 17, 2008 post, the admin writes:

    “Sprint would like to make its customers aware that it is currently in testing with the 4.5 code for a number of our BlackBerry devices. We understand that many of you are anxious to receive this upgrade; please note that it is very important that Sprint has time to adequately test and certify the code to ensure a quality experience for you, our customers. Once this process is complete Sprint will make this upgrade available as soon as possible.

    We understand and appreciate the enthusiasm shown here at Buzz About Wireless and want you to know that we value your feedback and hope you will continue posting and letting us know what is on your mind. Please continue to watch this site about availability of the BlackBerry 4.5 code and other relevant news for Sprint customers.”

    Ok, I get it. Sprint is telling us that they are working on the update, but have not committed to a release date. The admin being only a forums admin, has no specific information except what the software development team reports to her.

    Another Sprint employee chimes in and writes:

    “I just read today on another website that Sprint confirmed the release of OS 4.5 to sometime in November…which would mean we will be the 2nd carrier to release it in the U.S. (following the release at T-Mobile, USA)”

    Checking the calendar on my Curve, it looks like the November date was missed.

    On November 25, 2008, the forums admin posts another OS 4.5 update that reads:

    “First off, yes we are still working to deliver the 4.5 software absolutely as soon as possible. We want to make it absolutely clear that Sprint is not sitting on its laurels here. We are working hard to ensure that the software you get is absolutely tip top and will do what you need (and nothing you don’t!).

    Unfortunately the software is not quite ready. Right now Sprint and RIM are working together to make the necessary modifications to ensure you have the best possible experience. The good news is that we believe we are getting close to final software.”

    The lack of MultiMedia Service (MMS) on Sprint’s BlackBerry devices is another hot topic from the looks of things. While browsing through that thread, I found a post by another Sprint employee dated November 29, 2008. It reads:

    “The PictureMail update for the blackberries should come with the new OS update, that should also coincide with the release of the 8350i within the next few weeks. Interestingly Sprint seems to be skipping the OS 4.5 update alltogether and going straight to OS 4.6

    EDIT: The OS update will be avalable for both the 8330 and the 8130, in addition to shipping with the 8350i.”

    Well, well, well. Ok, so when will the Sprint BlackBerry 8350i for the iDEN network finally arrive? A quick Google search turned up this page over at Engadget Mobile dated November 17, 2008 that suggests that the new BlackBerry will be arriving the the cheers of iDEN users on, oh-ho, December 1, 2008.

    Will Sprint’s BlackBerry customers get some love tomorrow and get a new BlackBerry and some new software updates? I don’t know, but I really hope so.

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  • blackberry,  rim,  sprint

    BlackBerry Device Software 4.5 for Sprint 8330

    November 30, 2008 /

    I recently purchased a BlackBerry Curve 8330 for Sprint. One of the must-have software packages for me is DataViz Documents To Go; which was recently released for the BlackBerry platform. But you need Device Software 4.5 or later. My Curve has 4.3.0.127.

    There seems to be some confusion about the 4.5 software. It has been officially released for many of the current BlackBerry devices. My research shows that it has been released for some of the Curves, including the CDMA Curve for Verizon. I just can’t seem to find the official Sprint edition.

    Threads on some discussion forums indicates that any BlackBerry Curve 8330 can be upgraded with the multilingual release. Reading through these threads though, it seems like some of the carrier specific features, like No Force Roaming, aren’t in the generic release. Go figure.

    So I’ll have to do some more poking around to figure out whether or not BlackBerry Device Software 4.5 is officially supported on Sprint’s devices.

    For the bold and the daring, there is a thread on SprintUsers.com that talks about loading over carriers version of 4.5 on your Sprint BlackBerry Curve 8330. With my BlackBerry kung-fu not as good as my Palm OS kung-fu, I’m not sure I’m ready to pull the trigger on an official unofficial upgrade just yet.

    UPDATE 1:

    I found this article on BlackBerryCool.com and they are reporting that OS 4.5 is official on Sprint, yet when I run the “Windows Update”-like upgrade checker at BlackBerry.com I get the message that my device is running the latest software; 4.3. Ugh!

    UPDATE 2:

    After a few hours of poking around on the Internet with Google and on the BlackBerry.com and Sprint.com websites, I have finally come to the conclusion that BlackBerry Device Software 4.5 is not (officially) available for the Sprint BlackBerry Curve 8330.

    While searching for an answer, I stumbled across the BlackBerry Device Software v4.5 Availability page on the BlackBerry.com website. When I entered my device’s PIN number, I received the following message:

    “BlackBerry® Device Software v4.5 is not supported by your wireless service provider.

    You will be redirected in 10 seconds to our Product Update form to receive notification when the software is available.

    If you are not automatically taken to the form, please click here“

    So, it seems that us BlackBerry Curve owners on Sprint who don’t want to roll the dice with one of the unofficial upgrades still have to wait this out. I do hope that Sprint gets around to releasing the upgrade soon.

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  • att,  centro,  sprint,  verizon,  windows mobile

    Briefly Noted: Palm Smartphone Changes

    November 4, 2008 /

    Kris Keilhack over at PalmInfoCenter.com is reporting two Palm product chances.

    Treo 750 Nearing End of Life?

    The first is that it appears that Palm and AT&T are moving to end-of-life (EOL) the Palm Treo 750. Of the Treo 750, Mr. Keilhack writes:

    “Aside from the evergreen Treo 700wx on Verizon, the 750 remains Palm’s oldest current smartphone. Replacing the 750 with the new Treo Pro would appear to be a logical move but to date nothing more than rumors have indicated that Palm’s flagship device will be appearing in subsidized form on any domestic GSM carrier.

    Originally launched in September 2006 with Windows Mobile 5.2, the Treo 750 is now well over two years old. So despite the presence of the WM6 update released last fall, it is beginning to look a bit long in the tooth relative to not only competing handsets but even its newer Windows Mobile-powered Treo sister devices, the Treo 800w and Treo Pro.”

    Verizon Centro ROM Upgrade

    Palm and Verizon have made a free ROM maintenace upgrade available to customers using Verizon-branded Centro smartphones. Writing for PalmInfoCenter, Mr. Keilhack writes:

    “Palm is being rather vague on the specific improvements in this update, claiming only: “This software update is a minor tune-up that may improve device usability in certain situations.”

    Palm customers who are using Verizon branded Centros can learn more about and download the latest ROM update here. Sprint customers received a similar update back in July.

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  • centro,  sprint

    Palm, Sprint Update the Centro

    October 14, 2008 /

    Looks like the Palm Centro for Sprint is about to get a holiday makeover. In a press release issued earlier today, Palm unveiled the Centro refreshes that were alluded to in the September quarterly conference call.

    The two new additions to the Centro family, currently only available for Sprint, feature:

    • Two new colors; olive green and vibrant rose
    • Soft-touch paint; similar to that used on the Treo 750 and 755p
    • 128MB of user accessible memory; increased from 64MB
    • Facebook for Palm OS preinstalled
    • Google Maps with My Location support

    The new Centro smartphones will begin to roll into select retail outlets on October 19, and will be come available at Sprint retail locations and online at Palm.com and Sprint.com starting on November 2.

    Palm is also relasing a trio (not Treo) of Cento accessories to compliment the new phones in the way of a new leather slide case, leather flip case, and car charger.

    According to Palm’s press release, the new smartphones will also have a new lower price when you agree to a 2-year contract, including a data plan that is $25 a month, and after a $100 mail-in rebate. When all is said and done, you can pick up a new Centro for $79.99; previously retailing at $99.99 at the Centro’s initial launch.

    There is a lot of like about the new Centro smartphones. I’m glad to see that Palm is actively marketing multiple colors for their smartphones. I also like that face that Palm has returned to using the soft-touch paint as it one of my favorite features of my Treo 755p. But the best part about this pair of devices is that Palm is pushed past the 64MB mark. There have been plenty of time where I wished my Treo had 128MB on board.

    For more details on the pair of new Centro smartphones, check out the Palm Centro website.

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  • centro,  sprint

    Rumor: Rose and Green Centros Coming To Sprint

    September 2, 2008 /

    The SprintUsers Sprint customer’s community website is reporting that Palm and Sprint will be rolling out two new colored Centro smartphones on October 19, 2008.

    The leaked Sprint Quick Reference Brief states that a rose and green colored Centro will go on sale in October. No device specs or pricing are listed in the brief, but at this point, we have to assume that the new Centro units will be exactly like the other CDMA Sprint units with new shells.

    Checkout SprintUsers.com for more details and discussion…

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  • centro,  sprint

    Sprint Centro 1.07 Software Update

    July 23, 2008 /


    Palm has released a software update for the Sprint edition of the Palm Centro smartphone. This update is designed only for the Sprint device.

    According to the Palm website, the 1.07 software includes several enhancements:

    • Improved Gmail IMAP compatibility
    • Updated compatibility for Google Mobile Maps My Location feature
    • Improved ongoing delivery of email sent to VersaMail accounts viaExchange ActiveSync
    • Bluetooth usability enhancements and updates
    • Sprint TV performance enhancements
    • Enhanced AOL Instant Messenger performance
    • Improved performance when adding a contact using Mobile Voice Control
    • Improved email attachment handling
    • Changed default camera shutter sound to “ON.” Audible shutter “click” will be heard
    • Allows Preferred Roaming List updates over the air

    Before applying this update, I recommend that you back up your device either by performing a HotSync operation with your computer or by using a backup application, like Alex Pruss’ free NVBackup application.

    This software update can not be undone, even by means of a hard reset. Make sure that you are ready to commit to the update before applying it.

    For more information and the download link, visit the Palm website…

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  • sprint,  treo,  windows mobile

    Palm Officially Launches the Treo 800w

    July 14, 2008 /

    Earlier today, Palm has launched the Treo 800w smartphone for the Sprint wireless network with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, 802.11g Wi-Fi, and GPS capabilities.

    “Palm is adding a unique stamp to the Windows Mobile experience with the Treo 800w,” said Stephane Maes, vice president, product marketing, Palm, Inc. “It’s an easy-to-use feature-packed smartphone that will keep users happy, empowered and productive.”

    The complete list of Treo 800w product specs can be found on the Palm Treo 800w website.
    A downloadable PDF datasheet for the Treo 800w is also available.

    The Treo 800w can be purchased for as little as $249.99 with a qualifying service plan and after instant and mail in rebates. Without a service agreement, the Treo 800w sells for $599.

    You can purchase the Treo 800w from Palm’s online store or Sprint’s retail outlets and online store.

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  • att,  centro,  sprint,  treo,  windows mobile

    Weekend Wrap Up

    July 14, 2008 /

    This weekend, Palm made three important moves, not that anyone noticed with iPhonemania 2.0 in full swing.

    Electric Blue Centro, Temporary Price Cut

    On Friday, Palm introduced a new electric blue Centro on the AT&T wireless network. If you are following along on your scorecards, AT&T now has three colors to choose from: obsidian black, glacier white, and now electric blue. To entice even more people to chose Centro, AT&T has lowered the price to $69.99 when you sign up for a qualifying two-year service agreement. That is great news for anyone looking to jump on the smartphone bandwagon!

    You can purchase an AT&T Centro either online from the Palm or AT&T website, or from any AT&T retail outlet. For more details, visit the Palm Centro website.

    Sprint Begins Selling the Palm Treo 800w

    At long last the new Palm Treo 800w is available! It has a great looking case and offers several new built-in features previously unavailable on any previous Palm smartphone.

    Just some of the new features include Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1; a 320×320 touch screen display, a 2.0MP camera, and built-in Wi-Fi and GPS radios. The new Treo retails for $599, however, when you sign up for a qualifying service plan, after instant and mail-in rebates, the 800w sells for $249.99. A handsome price for what could be a very nice phone.

    On Sunday night, Palm has yet to issue a press release or update their website and online store. Look for more details come Monday morning.

    Oh Palm, sigh…

    Working with AT&T to bring out a new Centro, if only in color, and putting a price cut in place was the right thing to do. And launching the much-anticipated Treo 800w on Sprint was another positive step forward.

    Yet, once again, Palm’s marketing department show how inept they are. Launching two new phones and introducing a price cut during the same weekend that Apple was rolling out their new iPhone 3G and iPhone 2.0 software was just poor planning.

    John Paczkowski from the D: All Things Digital website, has the perfect quote from Charlie Wolf who is an analyst at Needham & Company. The quote reads:

    “They took the wrong day to do it,” said Charlie Wolf, a wireless analyst at Needham & Co. “It’s going to be drowned out by the hoopla around the iPhone.”

    I truly hope that Palm learns from this mistake, and doesn’t start talking publicly about their Palm OS II/Nova plans and/or devices during the same week that Apple is rolling out new products at MacWorld Expo in San Francisco come January 2009. Palm needs to get out in front of Apple, or get behind them. Just don’t go toe-to-toe with them.

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  • sprint,  treo,  windows mobile

    Palm Launches the Treo 800w on Sprint

    July 13, 2008 /

    Starting today, Sprint has begun selling the Palm Treo 800w smartphone. According to the Sprint website, the Treo 800w has the following product specifications:

    • Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1
    • Autonomous and simultaneous GPS using Sprint Navigation for turn by turn directions, and points of interest searches
    • Stereo Bluetooth lets you listen to your music on the go
    • Embedded Wi-Fi
    • 2.0 Megapixel camera/camcorder
    • MicroSD card support
    • 320×320 TFT display capable of displaying 65K colors
    • 256MB of user memory, 128MB of program memory
    • Incoming call alerts when a data session is in progress, avoid sending callers directly to voicemail
    • Phone as a modem support

    The Treo 800w sells for $599 without a service plan and can be had for as little as $249.99 when purchased with a monthly $25 or more data plan (in addition to a voice plan) or the Sprint Simply Everything plan ($250 instant savings, $100 mail-in rebate).

    Palm has yet to issue a press release officially announcing the Treo 800w. Additionally, the Palm website and online store have yet to be updated. I expect Palm’s official launch of the Treo 800w to come on Monday morning.

    Make sure you tune into this week’s 1SRC.com Podcast for more details on the Treo 800w.

    For more details, or to purchase the Treo 800w now, visit the Sprint website.

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  • sprint

    Palm, Sprint Beta Test Project

    April 17, 2008 /

    A Foleo Fanatics reader has tipped me off to a beta test opportunity from Palm and Sprint to test a new device/service of some kind. A TreoCentral form member posted the email they received. The email, in part, reads:

    Palm is seeking people to test an innovative new product. This product is focused on seasoned business professionals. People who commute and spend a ton of time working on email and on the phone. This test is for people looking for cutting edge technology and demand constant communication.

    Qualified candidates should work in an enterprise level business and have a lot of experience with varied technologies. These people should invest a significant amount of money in their technology and use it daily.

    Required Qualifications
    Sprint Subscriber
    Bluetooth headphones or car kits
    WiFi Router access

    Optional Qualifications
    Existing Smartphone Users
    Heavy to Medium e-mail users
    Heavy phone users
    Travel for work with their phone

    This appears to be an invitation only beta test. I do not know what the selection criteria is for the test, nor is there a link the Sprint website for signing up to participate in the test.

    What is interesting to me is what could be under development. We know that Palm and Sprint are working on delivering the much rumored Treo 800w to enterprise customers later this year. We also know that Palm is still working on Palm OS II/Nova. We also know that Sprint is working to implement a Wi-Max solution. And lastly, some of these requirments sound very similar to the beta tester requirements from the Foleo private beta test. Now I’m not saying that Palm is secretly working on a Foleo-like device, so it is important to not read too much into that one.

    [Thanks to the anonymous tipster who sent this in.]

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