If the evidence we’re seeing now is correct, the upcoming BlackBerry 9000 will launch with OS 4.6.0. This was previously hinted to be launching with OS 4.3.2, however that version will suffer the similar fate of rebranding like its predecessor, which was recently changed to version 4.5.0.

OS 4.6.0 has un-officially graduated from internal development at RIM and has been moved on into the official builds and carrier certification process. This same process started for OS 4.3.1 in the September / October 2007 time frame and we’ve yet to see an announcement of availability from RIM or any carrier. It has been widely reported in forums that the successor BlackBerry - model number 9000 for those who are still spreading rumors otherwise - was plagued with battery drain issues due to the inclusion of Wi-Fi, GPS and 3G, much to the shared chagrin of every other vendor who can’t seem to perfect this flaw with 3G devices. The good news is that the introduction of the carrier certification process may indicate the remote possibility that a workaround and/or resolution has been implemented for the new does-it-all device.

Only time can tell, but here’s hoping that carrier certification of the BlackBerry 9000 does not take as long as it has for the long-delayed OS 4.3.1 (err, 4.5.0).

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[ Last edited by  xafhl at 1-3-2008 00:21 ]

so will the 4.5 or 4.6 os be available to the pearl 8100?

we all know 4.6 is probably a beta release for the 9k series phones.

The 4.5 OS is already available for 8100, it's the BETA version available at the moment.
I just downloaded and installed 4.5.0.37 beta on my 8120 without problems and working well, downgrading back to 4.3 is also very easy should some features not work or you find any problems. I have not had to downgrade yet as my phone is working just as it was but with some additional features.

I can't say on all models whether it is worth the upgrade or if there are any problems or not as I only have an 8120 which I know is working well so this is the only one I can currently comment on.

I have on my computer the 4.5 OS for the following BB phones, there may be more supporting models about but these are all I can find at the moment:

8100
8100 pearl
8110
8120
8300
8310
8320
8700
8800
8820

If anyone wants me to upload them on this site please let me know and I will, I might have to use an external file host for the uploads as most of these files are around 100mb and with the 2mb limit on this site I don't really want to upload 50 2mb split files.

mine works great...