Today OS 6 for the second-generation BlackBerry Bold, the 9700, was leaked, offering a host of user interface improvements, universal search from the home screen, and a new WebKit browser.
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 is solid mid-rand smartphone, and packs most of the same specs you’ll see in newer BlackBerrys, like an HVGA display, Wi-Fi, GPS, 3G, 3.2 megapixel camera, and 256 MB of RAM. The RAM thing is worth extra attention, since this leak is the first that has been made available for anything less 256 MB. That being said, we’re still not entirely sure what the specific hardware requirements are for OS 6, if it’s not RAM.
RIM has been showing off the 9700 running their latest operating system, so right now the software is just going through carrier testing, which we can safely presume is the source of this leak. The Bold 9700 isn’t alone in its upgradability; we’ve already seen the OS 6 leak for the Curve 3G 9330 and Bold 9650 make the rounds last month. The Pearl 9100 and Curve 3G 9300 are also due for an upgrade, on top of devices shipping with the new operating system, like the Torch 9800, Bold 9780, and Style 9670. Speaking of the 9780, this leak should placate 9700 owners who feel compelled to upgrade for the nicer camera and added RAM, since many of the functional additions are in the OS.
Anyway, download links to OS 6.0.0.344 for the BlackBerry Bold 9700 are below. Just remember, these aren’t carrier or manufacturer-supported, so you’re entirely on your own if something goes wrong. Have fun!
[via Driphter]
UPDATE: Dead links? Try this mirror.