Though it's not shipping on retail devices yet, BlackBerry OS 5.0 is out there for the Bold and the Curve 8900 - you just have to know where to look. That being said, it's still in beta mode (and I mean really in beta mode), so downloading isn't recommended unless you're okay with the potential of losing your data, messing up your device, and the like. I'm testing it as we speak and plan to dive a bit deeper into the differences between 5.0 and past versions, but in the meantime, ZDNet's Zack Whittaker has worked with the new OS, and discovered a few new features in the process.
A few of his noted improvements and changes in OS 5.0.0.130 include (list truncated at request of editor):
Several of you have spoken to me via the PhoneDog Forums, comments section, and my Twitter feed, expressing disappointment with the overall functionality of the BlackBerry OS. Most of you believe that it's old, outdated, and in need of a major overhaul to compete with webOS, Apple, and the like. This all brings an important question to light: if OS 5.0.X.X is the next major revision from the company, are you happy with what you see so far?
In the hopes that RIM reads this article, let's have a conversation. In the comments section, let me (them/us/whoever) know what you think of the BlackBerry OS. Next, let me know about the changes you'd like to see in future versions. I'm confident that if we can drum up enough constructive criticism and positive suggestions to make their product better, and more importantly, highlight what their customers want to see from them, they'll listen. Together, I'm sure we can make some great suggestions!
