I have my Blackberry Curve 8520 running on OS version 5.0.0.31 , which leaked couple of weeks before.  The first attempt installing leaked unofficial OS was successful and the device works with only few minor issue afterwards.

Always keep in mind that installing unofficial software update may cause the device  to malfunction in worst scenario.  RIM or your telco/carrier will not going to entertain you in case something goes wrong. So before you go for an upgrade, ensure that you have quite  an understanding how the upgrading/downgrading process works, backup/restore data and etc. Look no further as you can find almost everything at crackberry.com.

I didn’t spot many new stuff in OS 5.0 although it might because of my weak observation . I try my best and here are the new thins that I can see on the OS V5.0.

Application Updater -  I was greeted with Application Updater once the device rebooted. (anyone seen this before??)

SMS – Compose SMS menu has new user interface. You’ll’ be asked to select the contact before starting writing the content.

SMS content now shown in threaded conversation, sorted by the time when the messages were received and sent. As your cursor moved from one message to another, the time when message received or sent will be displayed just beside the contact’s avatar.

Replying SMS also become easier now with the new reply text box at the bottom of the threaded message.

As far as I can see, there is no major change on the OS update especially on the user interface GUI. What I notice is  more blue colour on the icon and button when you move the trackpad cursor over it.  Here are some screenshot.

And here is the new(left) VS old front screen. Notice the difference??

The internet browser also received minor face-lift.

Apart from that, there is some issue that you should take note if you decide to upgrade

• Blackberry App World – The app will be deleted. Because I live in the country where App World is still not available, I have to install is using workaround, but in this OS 5.0, the workaround no longer working.
• Seismic – Only work on WIFI connection, although ‘automatic’ connection was choosen. More toward compatibility I suppose.
• Application Center menu – All applications were gone. Not that big issue because you can download it directly or from App World (if you have)
• If you’re in the midst of listening to music, incoming SMS alert halted the music playback permanently.
• Internet browser – When the page is loading, pressing ‘G’ to switch to the search and URL menu does not working.