How to Upgrade to BlackBerry OS 7.1

BlackBerry OS 7.1 is a massive update which done by RIM to its previous version BlackBerry OS 7.0. Although the look is not much different from version 7.0, BlackBerry OS 7.1 offers several new features that are pretty good and must to try such as Mobile WiFi Hotspot feature, FM Radio, calls via WiFi, BlackBerry Tag and Auto suggest.

Mobile WiFi Hotspot feature allows BlackBerry device becomes a WiFi router access point so WiFi other devices such as iPod, iPhone and others can connect to the internet via the BlackBerry.
The call feature via WiFi (WiFi Calling) allows you to make calls to other BlackBerry users who have WiFi calling feature via WiFi networks.

Back to the topic. This article is designed to give you an idea how to upgrade BlackBerry devices from OS 7.0 to OS 7.1. BlackBerry devices that can be upgraded to OS 7.1 are :

• BlackBerry Bold 9900 Dakota

• BlackBerry Bold 9930 Montana
• BlackBerry Torch 9810/9850/9860
• BlackBerry Curve 9350 Sedona
• BlackBerry Curve 9360 Apollo 
• BlackBerry Curve 9370
  

UPDATE 1: Official version of OS 7.1.0.219 for Curve 9360 is available and can be downloaded from here (Bell Mobility).

UPDATE 2: Official version of BlackBerry OS 7.1.0.258 for Curve 9360 Apollo already available and can be downloaded from here (Mobilicity).

In this tutorial I use BlackBerry Curve 9360 Apollo as an example.

Here are the steps:

1. Download latest version of BlackBerry Desktop Software. At this article published, the latest version is v6.1.0 B38 and can be downloaded here.

2. Download and install BlackBerry OS 7.1 Device Software which according with your BlackBerry device.
If you use BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930, Torch 9850, or Curve 9350, do not forget for delete vendor.xml file in the folder C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Apploader
Please note that you can use BlackBerry OS from any carrier by deleting the vendor.xml file.

3. Run BlackBerry Desktop Software (BDS) program. Then connect your BlackBerry device to your PC/laptop via USB cable. After your device is detected, a notification window will appear informing that the update version is available and ready to be installed. Click the "Get updates" to install it software update.

4. Next you will be reminded that the update process may take up to one hour and during update process is in progress, DO NOT disconnect your BlackBerry from your PC / laptop. In addition, it is recommended to backup all data, settings and applications before performing the update process. Click 'Install updates' to begin the update process.

5. Please wait update process. Do not ever interrupt and disconnect during update process in progress.

6. After about 30 minutes or more, update process was completed. Now you can unplug BlackBerry from PC/laptop connector. I recommend do 'Eject' process because BlackBerry is read like a flash disk / hard disk storage.

Good luck and feel the new features on the BlackBerry 7.1 OS such as Mobile WiFi Hotspot, FM Radio and others.