by Sascha Segan

BlackBerry owners rejoice! The upcoming BlackBerry 4.5 software will vault your Pearls and Curves into the top ranks of multimedia devices. We got RIM to explain, model by model and server by server, what the new software will give existing BlackBerry owners. (Version 4.5 used to be called 4.3.1, if you're really plumbed into the BlackBerry landscape.)

There's a lot of awesome stuff here, with multimedia streaming support, Microsoft Office document editing and HTML e-mail support at the fore. We're still waiting for RIM to tune up its Web browser, though—it's falling behind the options available on Windows Mobile, Symbian, and the iPhone.

Some of the new features are handheld-only; some require server upgrades. If you're on BlackBerry Enterprise Server, your IT department will need to upgrade; if you're on BlackBerry Internet Service, you'll need to wait a few months for your carrier to upgrade. I've marked server features with an (S), and handheld features with an (H) to show what you'll be able to do immediately.

Verizon, AT&T, and Alltel all confirmed that you'll be able to upgrade existing BlackBerries to the new software. We're still waiting for word from T-Mobile and Sprint. The software will arrive within a few months, but the carriers and RIM aren't being any more specific than that.

Here's the scoop by model number.

If you have a BlackBerry Pearl 8100 or BlackBerry 8800, you'll get:

• Spell check (H)
• BlackBerry Maps with Points of Interest (H)
• Improved media player with playlist support and automatic playlist generation (H)
• Voice note recording (H)
• Streaming support for YouTube and Sling Player (H)
• Bluetooth stereo music (H)
• Microsoft Office document editing with DocumentsToGo (H)
• Native format attachment downloading (S)
• HTML e-mails (S)
• Over-the-air device upgrades (S)
• Free/busy calendar lookup (S)
• Searching the server for old e-mail messages (S)

If you have a BlackBerry Pearl 8130, you'll get:

• Automatic playlist generation in the media player (H)
• Microsoft Office document editing with DocumentsToGo (H)
• Native format attachment downloading (S)
• HTML e-mails (S)
• Over-the-air device upgrades (S)
• Free/busy calendar lookup (S)
• Searching the server for old e-mail messages (S)

If you have any BlackBerry Curve or the BlackBerry 8820 or 8830, you'll get:

• BlackBerry Maps with Points of Interest (H)
• Improved media player with playlist support and automatic playlist generation (H)
• Voice note recording (H)
• Video recording on Curve models (H)
• Streaming support for YouTube and Sling Player (H)
• Microsoft Office document editing with DocumentsToGo (H)
• Native format attachment downloading (S)
• HTML e-mails (S)
• Over-the-air device upgrades (S)
• Free/busy calendar lookup (S)
• Searching the server for old e-mail messages (S)

If you have a BlackBerry 8700 or 8703e, you'll get:

• Spell check (H)
• BlackBerry Maps with Points of Interest (H)
• New pictures and ringtones applications (H)
• Voice note recording (H)
• Microsoft Office document editing with DocumentsToGo (H)
• Native format attachment downloading (S)
• HTML e-mails (S)
• Over-the-air device upgrades (S)
• Free/busy calendar lookup (S)
• Searching the server for old e-mail messages (S)

If you have an older BlackBerry, maybe it's time to upgrade!

What the BlackBerry Update Means for You - Reviews by PC Magazine

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Thnaks for posting this, Jeremy-looks like a pretty comprehensive list of upgrades. Can't wait!

So, this is a free upgrade to existing devices or just for new devices?

Does the upgrade include Docs2Go or will it just enable you to use this software?

Anyone notice down where they talk about upgrading the devices that the picture for the 8700 is a RAZR?!?!?

Jeremy, nice work!! Good info.

Also, can you fix the typo here?

I think one is supposed to be AT&T...but which!!??

Looks like they updated the article:

The one thing that stinks is you won't get html email with BIS is this true. Or does it mean we have to wait for the carrier to upgrade there server.

I saw that in the original article, actually. I thought it was a typo by them. But it was there when I originally copied it. I checked the article again and updated it. Thanks!

Actually, the most recent update to the article confirms that Sprint is on board as well. The only company to not yet respond is T-Mobile.

Nice

I just wish it would get here already...I understand all the testing and so forth, but come on...enough is enough, how much testing is really needed per platform...lets go

When?

Only the great RIM pumpkin knows that for sure!

Patience is a virtue!!!!!

I am over all the when when when!

It will get here when RIM releases it and a carrier picks it up then it will spread like wild fire, then carrier who has it for download will see a huge influx to its servers for the OS download. then be forced to take it down due to the overload

Probably, but that is because they wait so long, build up the hype about it and hold off...of course there is going to be a stampede to get it...it is expected

i was i could get html emails on my bb with out a server that kinda stinks

Wirelessly posted (BB 8860: BlackBerry8320/4.3.1.22 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

You will get html email with 4.5 1:2, BIS is updated this spring.

I'm highly impressed with Jiveslide. Anyone know if the default media player will do like Jiveslide?

OK Rim, you got the hype like the iphone...now produce