Upgrading your BlackBerry operating system is fairly simple. The good news is even if your carrier doesn’t offer the latest OS updates you can still install them on your device from another carrier. Your first step is to visit RIM’s carrier download page and find the latest OS you want. Just make sure you device model matches.

For example: I currently have a Telus BlackBerry Curve 8330 and I am running US Cellular’s OS 4.5.0.66 on my device. We will explain how to upgrade your OS below.

Step 1: Download the latest OS from RIM (Check here for our latest OS news)
Step 2: Install the .exe file that you downloaded from RIM
Step 3: BACKUP YOUR BLACKBERRY - this is very important (open Desktop Manager software and connect your device).
Step 4: Open this folder (c:\program files\common files\research in motion\apploader) and delete the file vendor.xml
Step 5: Plug in your device into the computer and re-open Desktop Manager select Application loader
Step 6: Select upgrade as prompted

Now the entire process can take about 20-30 minutes. Make sure you do a full backup before doing a software upgrade in case you get an error and have to format you device. Please note that we are not responsible for any problems that you incure while upgrading your device software.

US Cellular is the first carrier in the United States to launch OS 4.5 for the CDMA Curve 8330 and Pearl 8130. They have launched OS 4.5.0.66 for both units and its now available for download on USC’s BlackBerry download page. Keep in mind you don’t have to have a USC BlackBerry you can find details on how to install it here.

Here is some good news for anyone looking to upload a huge music library on their BlackBerry. RIM has posted in their support centre that any OS 4.5.0.81 and higher will support 16GB MicroSD cards, which should be available on the market very soon (if not already?). Here is the breakdown that RIM provides:

So most of you are still rocking RIM’s OS 4.5 and lower (unless you got your hands on a Bold, then you have 4.6). BBCool is reporting that RIM’s next up BlackBerry Javelin, which is the Curve replacement will be running OS 4.7. This new version of RIM’s OS will look a lot like the BlackBerry Bold’s OS, however its expected to give support for 16GB Micro SD cards and an updated version of the full HTML browser. The new browser should fix all errors users are currently having when browsing sites loaded with Javascripts.

OS 4.7 should make its debut on RIM’s first touchscreen smartphone, the BlackBerry Thunder/Storm later this year as well.

Read up more on the BlackBerry Javelin >>

Read up more on the BlackBerry Thunder/Storm >>

New details have arrived on AT&T launching OS 4.5 software for all exisitng BlackBerry smartphones. The new OS has been found online many times and now it will officially get launched for AT&T come later this month. Users should be able to download updated OS verisons for their BlackBerry Curve 8300, 8310, Pearl 8120 and 8820 smartphones at att.com/bbdownloads.

[Source]

That’s right! Get your hands on it before it disappears. Berry Review’s Ninjas seem to have found copies of RIM’s unreleased OS 4.5.0.77 for both the CDMA BlackBerry 8830 and Curve 8330. Apparently this version of the OS fixes the small delay of answering voice calls noticed in 4.5.0.66.

Here are the download links (they may stop working soon):

- BlackBerry 8830 at MediaFire
- BlackBerry Curve 8330 at MediaFire (2nd link)

* Please note while these OS verisons are not officially supported by RIM. We don’t recommend installing them if you have never installed a beta OS before. Neither Us, Berry Review nor RIM take any responsibility to damage caused to your phone while installing this software.

[Via BerryReview]

With the upcoming release of the BlackBerry Bold some may notice a few new theme options in OS 4.6. With the new version for the Bold you are able to adjust the size of your homescreen grid. By default the grid shows 6 columns and 3 rows. This new feature allows you to change it to 4×4, 3×3, 2×2, or 1×1. This will be handy for some people who have difficult seeing the fonts and images.

[Source - BerryReview]

Apparently RIM has confirmed that the official roll out for OS 4.5 will start today. This news comes directly from a RIM spokesperson at a BlackBerry seminar. He says that OS 4.5 will start to release on all carriers World Wide within the next two weeks or so. This is truly great news for anyone who is still using a buggy beta version of 4.5, such as myself.

[Source - BerryReview]

The good news is RIM implemented BIS 2.5 late last night/early this morning for North America. The upgrade brings access to HTML email, OTA (Over the Air) software updates, push email for Hotmail, MSN, Live and AOL email and the ability to now download a ton of attachment formats (doc, .ppt, .xls, .wpd, .txt, .html, .pdf, .zip). You won't be able to get HTML emails until OS 4.5 is installed on your BlackBerry.

The bad news is that most BlackBerry smartphones won't be running OS 4.5 till around September, unless RIM releases any new smartphones before then (which they will run 4.5).

[Source]

Kevin over at CrackBerry has discovered by upgrading the original BlackBerry Pearl 8100 to OS 4.3.1, you get access to stereo Bluetooth (A2DP) on the device. He previously discovered that this upgrade on a Curve would enable video recording. Unfortunately OS 4.3.1 isn't available yet for the Pearl as it's still in beta. 

He ended up pairing the Pearl 8100 with a pair of Motorola S9 stereo Bluetooth headphones and BluAnt Sonic Portable speakers. So hopefully we will see this new software upgrade come sometime soon.