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T-Mobile Releases Software Update for BlackBerry Curve 8320

Barely a month after it came out the BlackBerry 8320 from T-Mobile has a software upgrade available. It's not BlackBerry OS 4.3, unfortunately, but it is supposed to help improve the performance of the new BlackBerry's Wi-Fi and audio components. Specifically, the following:

  •  Improved quality and reliability of the audio experience during phone calls.

  •  Improved retention of UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) parameters after performing a restore using Desktop Manager.

    (UMA, a fixed-mobile convergence technology, allows the 8320 to seamlessly switch voice calls and data connections between a wireless carrier's cellular network and a Wi-Fi network, depending on which is cheapest to use or available at a given moment. T-Mobile has the largest Wi-Fi footprint among mobile operators in the U.S. and how offers a service called UMA service called Hotspot @Home.)

    T-Mobile is advising all customers to upgrade their Curve to the new software, which is labeled version 4.2.2.180.

    To get the software update log into My T-Mobile and click on your phone's picture in the top right hand corner and then click system upgrade under downloads. You can also go to www.t-mobile.com/bbupgrade/ to download the upgrade.

    A few pointers to make upgrading go smoothly:

  •  Make sure you back up your Curve, either during the upgrade or beforehand, so you don't lose anything you have saved on the BlackBerry, such as e-mails and your address book.

  •  Allow plenty of time, at least an hour so you don't feel rushed. If it takes a long time, don't panic.

  •  Do not remove your BlackBerry from the computer until Desktop Manager tells you the upgrade is complete.

  •  You have to download the upgrade to a computer, install it to the computer, and run Desktop Manager to complete the upgrade. It cannot be done over the air.

  •  Reset your TCP/APN settings as soon as you are done. They will not carry over in the restore process.

  •  Have the keys to your applications handy after the upgrade is complete. Some applications will require you to enter them in again.

    Good luck and happy upgrading.

    T-Mobile Releases Software Update for BlackBerry Curve 8320