Earth to Cingular... hello... ? ? ?

7 months + since release of 8700c --> several bugs reported first week (speakerphone/ringer volume; sms delivery notification; agenda view) and others here and there --> NOT ONE new OS release - ZERO bug fixes

Is anyone at Cingular listening? I don't know what else you're doing, but it doesn't appear to be supporting your top-of-the-line Blackberry customers.

I'd be interested in hearing any informed response from Cingular.

You won't, but why not just use one of the other carrier updates from Bharti or Telstra? They are all written by RIM anyway....

Sorry to ask, but some elementary questions:
1. I have a carrier (T-Mo) for the 8700. If I download Telstra, does that supercede T-Mo or is it an adjunct?
2. In that vein, what does it do to make it worth downloading?
3. Is there a cost?
4. And is there an OTA URL to download Telstra?

1. RIM writes all the software. Each carrier tests it and decides what they want to issue to their customers. Telstra (a newer version) overwrites/supercedes T-Mobile (an older version)

2. Bug fixes, new themes, wanting to have the latest and greatest firmware.

3. No

4. No; the handheld OS must be downloaded to a PC, installed on a PC and then loaded to the BB through the Application loader.

See BlackBerryOS 4.x Download FAQ - UPGRADE DOWNLOADS for details.

I love t-mobile

Verify that the Package and in particular, the Applications and Software Platform versions are higher than that of Cingular's offering. Else you may very well introduce bugs which that were fixed in higher numbered versions.

Uhh, that's been verified and re-verified here, for months now, that both Telstra and Bharti are later versions than Cingular's release.

I believe cingular's os was .194 and we are at I believe .326 (telstra). Speaks for itself, cingulars version is beat....

Roger, Earth. We read you loud and clear!

We indeed hear you.

Begin informed response now:

RIM writes the o/s, not Cingular. Or any other carrier for that matter. If the version has bugs or missing options, as they all do, this cant really be "hotfixed" apparently.

There are new o/s coming out all the time from different carriers. Read up on the different reviews and options and choose the one that best fits you!

In my opinion thats one of the greatest things about our beloved BB's, liberal customization!

.326 is the latest? i just upgraded via seattle18's sticky and i got telstras
V4.1.0.309. where did you get that version?

jdjleo: Nice try, but no dice. (although I DO appreciate the inside info you so often are able to provide - keep up the good work)

It's not good enough that RIM writes the software and Cingular occasionally tests and approves a version, IMO (am I alone in this?) Cingular is RESPONSIBLE for testing and approving new versions periodically so that bug fixes and such get properly filtered to their customers. Cingular (supposedly) supports this device and warrants (warrantees?) it, but I wouldn't expect they'd like to support/cover a device with an unapproved OS - I wouldn't if I were running the show. This appears to be borne out by the format through which OS upgrades are made available: by direct link from the carrier to a specific RIM download site, plus the whole vendorID usage.

[slight rant] Cingular had an exclusive on these things (90 days, or 120 or somethng) during which several to many issues were identified and _not_one_ of them has been addressed by Cingular -- lucky us [/slight rant]

This thread has been somewhat highjacked by confusion over other vendor's software and versions but that may be helpful if that's the only way to get bug fixes.

SO HERE'S THE BIG (I guess) QUESTION: Is anyone out there tracking the latest version of the OS available from any vendor so that a useful pointer (possible with modification instructions thanks to vendorID) may be available to everyone?

So I can upgrade my phone a Cingular 8700c to Telestra's version with no ill effects, or is there a specific way to go about doing this, and if there is, please post those instructions. Thanks.

Serch out seattle's instructiosn, they are VERY specific and you MUST follow them to the letter. Follow his instructions for loading the zen theme, which comes in the bharti OS, then you can load telstra but the bharti instructions are the most specific....

I have a Cingular 8700c, but the Telstra upgrade seems to be for 8700g. Will it work with 8700c? Thanks.

Yah its good for the 8700c and 8700g

Excuse me if this is might seem repetitive, but I am interested in the upgrade that you are talking about. I just purchased my 8700c moving away from the 7250 and I love it. If I did upgrade the software as you all seem to suggest, what will that do to the settings that I currently have on my phone, such as the APN settings, TCP settings, and anything or any programs that I have downloaded, such as BBweather, BBtoday, AppExchange, etc etc? I'm hesitant in "upgrading" anything that might cause me to have to go back and redownload anything I have put in. I'm particularly worried about losing all the themes and ringtones that I have downloaded to this point.

And you said "better programming" or something of that nature as to what the advantages are, but what are the REAL big advantages of newer software. Am I going to notice a difference being on my phone or using my phone 12 hours/day? Thanks

So, just curious. Have you (jdjleo) done this?

I upgraded and all my settings and phone numbes were still there. I did have to re install my companies e mail software and re register the phone but it was painless

yah you bet, brother!

I have updraded my 8700c to Bharti and then Telstra O/S.

Before you do anything, you back up your 'Berry. This will keep all your contacts,ringtones, wallpapers etc.

I cant remember if i had to reinstall BBLight, BBmesenger and those, but i am thinking that i didnt? They were still there!

I highly recommend upgrading your o/s to Telstra. i think you will benefit from it, more than the hassle of the time spent. AND its fun! =)

I guess my only comment is that I haven't found the time to try the Bharti or Zen upgrade - after casually trying to follow the instructions I was like, holy crap, who in the world has time to do this stuff for a fricking phone? I may be misinformed but if RIM wants to get into the consumer market they need to make upgrades, adding MP3's as ringtones etc...easy and simple.

Meanwhile, I live with crappy voice quality on a 8700c because I don't want to do the Charlie Fox Trot to upgrade a phone. Its my only complaint against RIM - I actually manage the department that deploys our Blackberries and believe it is otherwise a fine product.