I have always wondered how come RIM doesn't have us test out more OSes through the Beta Zone. It's probably because that's what carrier testing is for but some reason, every once in a while a T-Mobile USA OS shows up in the Beta Zone. We've seen this as far back as the Curve 8900 and as a recent as the Bold 9900. This time though T-Mobile USA is launching a whole In-Market Beta Program for the new 7.1 OS through the Beta Zone. If you are a T-Mobile subscriber and are rocking an OS 7 device, head on over to the Beta Zone and sign up! Then come back here and share with us what you thought of the upgrade.

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Official OS version 7.0.0.579 has been released for the Curve 9350 from TATA INDICOM - CDMA. If you have a Curve 9350 its time once again to get out that USB cord and give your device a fresh OS. And as always, please remember to let us know about any findings/fixes.

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

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Official OS 7.0.0.598 has been released for the BlackBerry Torch 9860 from Claro Brasil. If you have a Torch 9860 get out that USB cord and give your device a fresh new OS. And as always, be sure to let us know about your findings and fixings in the comments below.

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

• Download official OS 7.0.0.598 for Torch 9860 from Claro Brasil
• How to upgrade you BlackBerry's operating system (with pictures and videos)
• Discuss any findings/fixes in the forums

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Official OS 7.0.0.598 has reached the BlackBerry Torch 9810 on Claro Honduras. If you have a Torch 9810, get out that USB cord and give your a device a fresh OS. Don't forget to drop a comment below and let us know how it's working out for you!

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

• Download Official 7.0.0.598 for BlackBerry Torch 2 9810 from Claro Honduras
• How to upgrade your BlackBerry's operating system (with pictures and video)
• Discuss any findings/fixes in the forums

Official OS 7.0.0.579 from Brightpoint has reached the BlackBerry Porsche Design P’9981 today. If you are lucky enough to have a Porsche Design P’9981 in your hands, get out that USB cord and give your a device a fresh OS. Be sure to let us know how it works for you!

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

• Download Official OS 7.0.0.579 for BlackBerry Porsche Design P’9981 From Brightpoint
• How to Upgrade your BlackBerry's Operating System (pictures and video)
• Discuss Findings/Fixes in our Forums

Official OS 7.1.0.163 has been released for the Torch 9850 from Verizon. If you have a Torch 9850 its time once again to get out that USB cord and give your device a fresh OS. And as always, please remember to let us know about any findings/fixes.

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

• Download Official OS 7.1.0.163 for Torch 9850 from Verizon
• How to upgrade your device (pictures and video)
• Discuss any findings/fixes in the forums

Official OS 7.0.0.585 from Telus Mobility has reached the BlackBerry Bold 9900 today. If you have a Bold 9900, get out that USB cord and give your a device a fresh OS. Be sure to let us know how it works for you!

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

• Download Official OS 7.0.0.585 for BlackBerry Bold 9900 from Telus Mobility
• How to Upgrade your BlackBerry's Operating System (pictures and video)
• Discuss Findings/Fixes in our Forums

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Official OS 7.0.0.592 has been released for the Bold 9790 from StarHub LTD. If you have a Bold 9790 its time once again to get out that USB cord and give your device a fresh new OS! And as always, please remember to let us know about any findings/fixes in the comments.

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

• Download official OS 7.0.0.592 for the Bold 9790 from StarHub LTD
• Discuss any findings/fixes in the forums
• How to upgrade your BlackBerry's operating system (with pictures and video)

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Official OS 7.0.0.594 is now available for the BlackBerry Curve 9360 on KPN. If you have a Curve 9360, get out that USB cord and give your a device a fresh OS. Don't forget to drop us a comment below to let us know how this update is working out for you!

Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

• Download Official OS 7.0.0.594 for BlackBerry Curve 9360 from KPN
• Discuss any findings/fixes in the forums
• How to upgrade your BlackBerry's operating system (with pictures and video)

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Looks like RIM has given us a nice little surprise today by formally announcing the availability of BlackBerry OS 7.1. We have seen it in the wild already and many users already have it loaded on their devices, but we never heard anything official from RIM about it. Today RIM has released some information over at their inside BlackBerry Blog, that lets us know about the new features included OS 7.1.

Here is a summary of some of the new features you can expect in OS 7.1:

• Mobile Hotspot: Turn your BlackBerry 7.1 OS device into a Wi-Fi® router anywhere, anytime! The new OS seamlessly provides Internet access for up to five Wi-Fi devices, including laptops and tablets.

• Universal Search: For this new release, we wanted to focus on the intelligence of our system and our apps – in other words, we wanted to create an intuitive experience that does the thinking for you. For example, Universal Search now has a new auto-suggest feature that that intelligently filters Bing® search results to offer you a variety of relevant Web sites based on your search terms.

• BlackBerry® Tag: Share contacts, media and files, and even invite friends to BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM) through a simple touch. BlackBerry Tag unlocks near field communication (NFC) capabilities for everyday use and makes sharing a lot faster and much more personal.

• Wi-Fi® Calling (where available): With BlackBerry 7.1 OS, you’ll be able to make Wi-Fi calls using your carrier’s Wi-Fi calling service (aka UMA-lite or GAN-lite). Wi-Fi calling allows you to save your talk time minutes and make phone calls over any Wi-Fi network. Not all carriers offer such a service so check with your carrier for availability.

• FM Radio: The BlackBerry 7.1 OS update will let BlackBerry® Curve™ 9360 and 9380 smartphone customers enjoy FM radio. The Curve models include a built-in FM radio so you can tune in to local FM radio stations. Simply plug in your headset to boost the reception (it acts as the antenna). Plus, no data usage or data plan required!

So as you can see there are some really hot new features that bring a little spice to your OS 7 device. I am glad to see RIM starting of the new year right with fresh new updates.

• read the full blog here
• Discuss this in the forum