HOW TO: get everything working with out RIM.
So!
I am aiming to help out anyone looking for this info, it was frustrating for me and my mates, I am hoping the Google stats will help spread the word and the word is all in 1 post, I am also hoping for perhaps some clarification.
Basically, how to enable features on your blackberry with out an official blackberry dataplan, an example would be a pre-paid sim card with a regular data plan.
I am also including a list of official Google Mobile Apps that work for free, with out any extra costs and or blackberry services.
For some reason, RIM decided to remove the WAN/3G/GPRS features from the default browser once you don�t have an official data plan, that is to say, the default browser will work, but ONLY via WIFI, I only know this to be true with OS4 to OS5 and BB�s 8300 to 9000, I have no experience with any of the other phones, however, I have found no proof that states I am breaching any end user agreement by changing the configuration of the browser on my phone?
Also, we are not using or going to use nor can we use RIMS paid services.
So we are not stealing anything here, that said, perhaps I am wrong, do I care?
Not really�But I would like to know if I am wrong, Facts though only please? :)
We have tested a few apps which seem to be in dispute as to whether they work or not with out an official BB dataplan, these apps are:
Google mail, Google maps, Opera Mini, Google search + voice search , Google Sync, Google Talk w/ Jabber + a bunch more will work with out RIMS services, initial install for these apps can be done with out this hack via WIFI and if needed then via APN, but installing this hack just makes life a lot easier and even cheaper for some of us.
My last few tips for the lost:
You can still upgrade your OS if you have an �older� model and no RIM plan, via Desktop manager, version 4 or 5 only! 6 will not work, if anyone needs more info on this, comment and I shall respond when I have time.
I also advise finding and downloading JL_Commander for BB, it�s great for removing IT policies and more.
Here is a �hack� to enable your browser to function on both WIFI and WAN/3G/GPRS, while also enabling OTA installs and more features such as Google search with GPS location integration from Google maps, etc. etc. etc.
Follow these steps to do it:
First we need to enable legacy restore mode. To do that:
� Go to Options > Advanced Options > Service Book.
� For QWERTY models hold ALT and press 'S' 'B' 'E' 'B''. For Sure-type (1/2 qwerty) models hold ALT and press 'S' 'S' 'B' 'E' 'B' & for touch screen models hold [!?123] until it show lock icon and press 4 ? 2 ? - means ALT 'S' 'B' 'E' 'B'.
� You will then see the message "Legacy SB Restore Enable".
After that you are free to backup/Restore Service Book on your BlackBerry.
Now download this file: hxxp://box.net/shared/j6lp6cii8g
It is a backup file(.ipd) which can be used to restore a specific service book. Now follow these steps
� Open Blackberry Desktop Manager.
� Select Backup and Restore, you will see main options, as follows:
� Click Advanced button. In Advanced option, click File. A drop down menu appears and then click Open. Now select the backup file that we downloaded.
� Then select Service Book at the left column and click '>>' button.
� After that, disconnect the phone from the PC and then go to Options > Advanced Options > Service book on your phone. And make sure there is Service Book with name 'Browser Config [BrowserConfig]' is there.
� Now you have to configure the browser to use this Service book. To do goto Options > Advanced Options > Browser and check if 'Browser' is selected as shown in the image below.
� Now go to your Blackberry Desktop. Voila.... there is your Browser icon.
� Next step is that you need Access Point in Options > Advanced Options > TCP. Fill those fields. If you don't have those info's, contact your service provider and ask them.
� Restart your phone and run Browser. Enjoy your new freedom. To install AppWorld, goto hxxp://blackberry.com/appworld/download from your Blackberry Browser.
Troubleshooting:
� If you see the Browser icon, You have Service Book on your phone. If the Browser doesn�t work, go to Options > Advanced Options > Browser and check if 'Browser' is selected. Then back to Home and try Browser again. with some lucky it will work
� If your BlackBerry have IT-Policy. Try to remove IT-Policy first and then Enable Browser.
� If you are still stuck somewhere, try reinstalling the Blackberry OS (Upgrade or Downgrade) then retry this hack.
Many thanks to Anworm for the browser �hack�
Please share the info!
On a more personal note, I think its strange behavior from RIM to remove such basic functions from a phone if you do not have an official BB dataplan, not enough we bought the phone?...what about the 2nd hand market? Or young kids? Should they pay for something that�s free for every other smartphone out there? Should BB users in general be forced to go thru this just to be able to use free Google apps!?
I am done :)