Official OS 5.0 Upgrade for Blackberry Curve 8520

The copy of Blackberry OS 5.0 for Blackberry Curve 8520 has leaked out since last year, but only officially available beginning this month. It appears that the leaked version (v5.0.0.4111) and the official version (5.0.0.509) has different version number, which may point to specific carriers.

Apart from that, the most obvious different between the two is the key lock button, which is now using the mute button located on top of the device. Some also experience poor phot0 quality after upgrade.

The official upgrade is originally meant for Wind Hellas, but works with Curve 8520 running on other carriers as well. And for those looking for versions that support East Asian Language, you may try this one, an upgrade for Axis Indonesia.

p/s : If you fear of loosing your Blackberry App World (for countries that are not yet supported), please be advised not to upgrade.

Software For BlackBerry® Curve(TM) 8520 Smartphone
BlackBerry Handheld Software v5.0.0.860 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 5.0.0.860
Consisting of:

  • Applications: 5.0.0.509
  • Software Platform: 5.2.0.47
  • File name: 8520wifiM_PBr5.0.0_rel860_PL5.2.0.47_A5.0.0.509_Wind_Hellas.exe
  • File size: 117.78MB

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

Via

Maxis’s CNY Sale : RM188 for Blackberry Curve 8520

BB_corve_maxis_188

There is no better time to get yourself a Blackberry Curve 8520 other than now, as Maxis is ‘letting go’ this device for RM188 only. But before you get too excited, please be reminded that you have to pay the 12 months service upfront which equals to RM1176.

That’s RM1364 in total together with the device price. But, it still a super good deal, compared to early buyers who have to fork out RM800-RM1000 for the device only. And then live with RM58 - RM98 monthly fee to stay with ‘unlimited’ data service.

Check out this page for this incredible offer.

Inside the Blackberry Curve 8520’s OS version 5.0

BB8520_V5

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??)
BB8520_V5_App_Updater

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

BB8520_V5_composeSMS1

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.

BB8520_V5_ComposeSMS2

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.

BB8520_V5_Home_Menu

Capture14_57_39

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

Capture11_44_18Capture16_40_54

The internet browser also received minor face-lift.

BB8520_V5_browser

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.

Celcom BIS68 package with Blackberry Curve 8520

I spot ‘probably’ new BIS package from Celcom,  BIS68 priced at RM68 at Bluecube website when I was looking for affordable postpaid BIS. Before this, Celcom has 2 BIS packages for consumer (not biz), priced at RM38 (limited at 1MB) and RM98 (unlimited) per month respectively. It’s either too low or too high for certain users to subscribe.

Having BIS68 is simply filling up that vacuum.  With 5GB data limit, it is pretty much cheaper and better alternative to users who subscribe to BIS Advance for Xpax prepaid which priced at RM2.50 per-day. Full month usage will cost you RM75, but with BIS68, you have saved RM7 per month.

One thing that holding me off is , in order to subscribe BIS68 package, you’re required to subscribe to voice/sms package with minimum RM50 per month commitment. Seriously, I don’t talk/sms that much.

Good news for the new comer, you’re also eligible to buy subsidized Blackberry Curve 8520 depend on the package you choose . Table below should be able to answer most of your question.

bb 8520 package Celcom BIS68 package with Blackberry Curve 8520

[More Product Info]

Digi Unveil DG Smart Plan for Blackberry

If you still wondering what is Digi’s BIS plan for Blackberry, worry no more as it’s just been unveiled at Facebook. Branded as DG Smart Plan (although initially stated as DG BerrySmart Plan)  it is possibly the lowest full ‘unlimited’ data usage BIS plan in Malaysia at RM58 per month (Maxis BIS RM55 per month capped at 10MB).

But the biggest let down is that, this plan is not for prepaid users. Here is Digi’s DG Smart Plan overview.

  • Not for prepaid users as prepaid users have to convert their prepaid to postpaid.
  • Monthly BIS plan cost RM58 - Unlimited data usage, but unsure if’s include WAP.
  • Device RRP is RM1,199 without any voice and SMS plan.
  • You can subscribe to Digi BIS without voice plan and purchase device price at RRP with voice and SMS rate at RM0.15 per min voice call, RM0.10 per SMS, RM0.20 per MMS to any domestic numbers.
  • Device price is subsidized (see below) if you subscribe to DG50 or DG150 voice plan plus Digi BIS @ RM58. (Voice and SMS/MMS rate follows the voice plan). Bonus awaiting bis spender.
  • Data usage limit is unknown at the moment.

In case your office network is blocking Facebook, here is what is posted there. This info will available at Digi website later of the day. So do you think this is better than what Maxis and Celcom has offered?

Don’t say we didn’t tell you. Do you feel Berry? Do yah? Introducing the BlackBerry Curve 8520 (Gemini) for Postpaid customers.

Who is eligible you might ask. Our existing customers (raise your hands in joy), new customers and also port-in customers.

Existing customers just need to opt for the new DG Smart Plan for BlackBerry. You can do this by visiting any of our selected 50 DiGi Specialised Stores (we’ll publish the list in our website later today) and DiGi 360 @ SoHo KL. See, we told you we hear you. If you’re on prepaid, you’re eligible too. Just convert your prepaid to postpaid.

11259 178673723817 115798033817 2781227 7808898 n Digi Unveil DG Smart Plan for Blackberry

Low cost entry
RM58 per month (12 months contract) for BlackBerry unlimited email, unlimited data which means unlimited Internet browsing, chatting on messenger, Facebook, friendster, Flickr, etc.

Zero commitment on voice calls & SMS
You just pay as you use. RM0.15 per min voice call, RM0.10 per SMS, RM0.20 per MMS to any domestic numbers.

Great SAVINGS
If your monthly total usage exceeds RM100, you will be given 25% discount off your monthly RM58. If your monthly total usage exceeds RM200, it’s 100% discount. A HUNDRED PERCENT.

Recommended Retail Price for BlackBerry Curve 8520 (Gemini) is RM1,199. For users of BlackBerry with other service providers, just SWITCH to DiGi with your BlackBerry and keep your existing number.

OR

You could also sign up for DG50 or DG150 and add the DG Smart Plan for BlackBerry @ RM 58. Your voice calls will follow DG 50 or DG150’s rate.

If you sign up for DG 50 @ 12 months contract, you only pay RM899 for the BlackBerry Curve 8520 (Gemini).

If you sign up for DG 50 @ 24 months contract, you only pay RM799 for the BlackBerry Curve 8520 (Gemini).

If you sign up for DG150 @ 12 months contract, you only pay RM799 for the BlackBerry Curve 8520 (Gemini).

If you sign up for DG150 @ 24 months contract, you only pay RM599 for the BlackBerry Curve 8520 (Gemini).

Terms & Conditions apply. They will be made available in our website later today.