As most of you have heard by now,  the European mobile carrier, Vodafone DE has released an Official OS (operating system) for the @BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphone, which is also available via @RapidBerry [provided below].

I have downloaded the 286MB All Language file to my Windows PC net-book, installed the OS, and plan to custom install (see my @Tumblr blog shrinkos.tumblr.com) for additional information regarding that process.

Please use caution when attempting to add and/or remove certain core applications via your BlackBerry device.

It is highly recommended to always backup your BlackBerry device prior to any OS  upgrade (or downgrade), just in case anything unexpectedly occurs between the time you begin or near the end.

OS7.1.0.825/9900

Software Name:    BlackBerry Handheld Software v7.1.0.2283 (All Languages)
File Name:    9900jAllLang_PBr7.1.0_rel2283_PL5.1.0.593_A7.1.0.825_Vodafone_DE.exe
Download Size:    286 MB
Language:    English
Published Date:    01/17/2013

@RapidBerry has published the article, where you can download the Official OS7.1.0.825

• Vodafone DE have officially released OS 7.1.0.825 for the BlackBerry Bold 9900

*I have updated this blog today (Jan. 18, 2013) to share my own personal experience with other BlackBerry Bold 9900 users, listing all pros and cons (with screen-shots) below.

9900/7.1.0.825 (B2283)

 As you can see above, this screen-shot was taken by clicking Options>Device>About Device Versions

Upon restarting my BlackBerry Bold 9900 device, you will very likely be prompted with a BlackBerry ID Sign In screen, using your BlackBerry ID Username [E-mail], and BlackBerry ID Password credentials (as shown in the picture below).

BBID

For those users who may have forgotten their password (which is why I always remind them to store their PW using the built-in device feature called Password Keeper, so they won’t have to keep on clicking “Forgot password”.

Once you successfully enter your email and password, you may get prompted to update your BlackBerry ID software (which is very important).

*Do not bypass this prompt as I suspect this is why many users are having issues updating their BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) to version 7.0.0.xxx either via the Official (BlackBerry World) update, or a Beta update (available via BlackBerry Beta Zone).

BBID software update

Once the BlackBerry ID software has completed downloading & installing the update, you will be prompted to Restart Later or Restart Now (preferred).

Anyways, from what I’ve seen on the Official OS7.1.0.825 update, so far it’s been great over the 48 hours I’ve been using it, and I can honestly say it’s stable, quick, and everything seems in place.

All features are there, such as;

• Mobile Hotspot
• Battery Saving Mode
• Application Resource Monitor
• Parental Controls [which can be downloaded from BlackBerry World]
• Media Server
• BlackBerry Device Analyzer B.B.D.A.

As a word of suggestion, when upgrading your BlackBerry device’s OS, try to pull your device’s battery out at least 3-4 times within the first day, so the OS can settle in nicely, and in turn give you a positive & enjoyable experience.

If you have anything else to add to my blog, or perhaps a tip, suggestion, please submit your idea via the comment box below, and I will reply back as soon as possible (within 1 hour at best).

Thank you very much!