This weekend is set for the launch of RIM’s BIS 2.5 update which will give BlackBerry subscribers access to email and their web browser when they don’t have their own in-house servers to route emails. Part of the reason for the update is that it is needed to power any of the BlackBerry handsets that are running the new 4.5 OS which we recommend upgrading to if you have no done so already. The two big features that are included in the BIS 2.5 update are being able to save, edit, upload and transfer attachments in their native file formats and full HTML email message viewing. Ever since we can remember, the email viewing on the BlackBerry has remained unchanged and finally with the pressure applied by Apple’s full HTML email client, RIM has given BlackBerry users the same perk. Read on for the full details of the BlackBerry Internet Service 2.5 Update coming to the US this weekend.
New features in Blackberry Internet Service 2.5
To access these features you must have both:
- Blackberry Device Software 4.5
- Blackberry Internet Service 2.5
Details
This article outlines the main changes to BlackBerry Internet Service 2.5.
Attachment downloading in the native file format
BlackBerry Internet Service subscribers can save, edit, upload, and transfer attachments in their native file formats.
BlackBerry Internet Service 2.5 supports the downloading, viewing, and editing of the following types of attachments in their native file formats:
* .zip
* .txt
* .html
* Adobe® Acrobat® (.pdf)
* WordPerfect® (.wpd)
* Microsoft® Word (.doc)
* Microsoft® Excel® (.xls)
* Microsoft® PowerPoint® (.ppt)
* Audio file formats
* Video file formats
BlackBerry Internet Service 2.5 subscribers can edit native file format attachments using embedded or third-party applications. This feature requires BlackBerry Device Software 4.5.
HTML email message viewing
Subscribers can view HTML email messages on their BlackBerry smartphones, including the following file types:
* Graphics and photos, including the following:
o Embedded images and tables
o External images
o Active hyperlinks
* Paragraph formatting, including the following:
o Numbering
o Bulleted lists
o Justification
o Indentation
* Font formatting, including the following:
o Font type
o Color
o Size
o Effects (italics, bold)
BB 4.5 html email sample.jpg
Remember: HTML email requires BlackBerry Device Software 4.5.
bb 4.5 html email sample 2.jpg
For instructions on configuring HTML email message viewing and automatic downloading of embedded images and tables, see KB15254.
Note: For security reasons, externally linked images must be manually retrieved using the menu key.
Important: HTML content cannot be created when forwarding, replying to, or composing a new email message.
Support for Windows Live™ Hotmail® integration
Integrating a Windows Live Hotmail email account results in the following:
* Real-time delivery of email messages replaces the standard 15 minute polling interval
* No restrictions; all Windows Live Hotmail accounts can be integrated
Note: Some wireless service providers do not support integration with Windows Live Hotmail. Contact your wireless service provider for information on availability.
Windows Live Hotmail email accounts integrated using BlackBerry Internet Service 2.4 or earlier must be deleted and then re-integrated to turn on the enhanced features.
For instructions on removing and integrating email accounts to a BlackBerry Internet Service account, see KB04258 and KB03087, respectively
Integrated Windows Live Hotmail email accounts must be revalidated every 90 days to continue receiving email messages to the BlackBerry smartphone. Revalidation is required by Windows Live Hotmail for security purposes. Prior to the end of the 90-day window, a message is sent to the BlackBerry smartphone advising you to revalidate.