New Bolt Browser Beta

Bolt Logo

Bitstream has released an update (V. 0.83) to their Java ME based Bolt full-web mobile browser.

Here’s a changelog:

  1. APN configuration automated for BlackBerry devices.  BOLT now auto-detects network details.  This will eliminate the “internet not available” error messages, and manual APN configuration requirements, some BlackBerry users were experiencing.
  2. BlackBerry dedicated back key support. Also supported on some SE devices.
  3. BlackBerry scrolling enhancements.  Scrolling on track ball BlackBerry devices is now faster and smoother.
  4. BlackBerry-specific enhancements to match BlackBerry system short cuts such as  “.” when space is pressed in URL mode.
  5. System fonts will be utilized instead of Bitstream fonts for lists and options, resulting in increased usability.
  6. Improved server support, resulting in a more stable browsing experience.
  7. Automatic reconnect after client/server disconnect.
  8. Usability enhancements for URL, Favorites and History entry and management.
  9. Instant switching between landscape and portrait modes (this formerly required a server round trip).  This should also enhance user experience on accelerometer powered devices such as the BlackBerry Storm.
  10. Auto-Update.  When a new release is available, BOLT will prompt users to download and install the new release directly from BOLT.
  11. Blackberry Specific Scrolling/navigation enhancements including space to page down one screen and space+shift to page up one screen,  ‘t’ to jump to top of page, ‘b’ to jump to bottom.
  12. Double tap/double click as a shortcut to toggle between zoom out split screen mode,  and full screen mode.

To upgrade or to install Bolt for the first time  go to http://boltbrowser.com , click the download link and fill out the form on the download page.  I’m not sure if you need a referral code for upgrades.  In any case it looks like the “wapreview” referral code is still good.  I used it and got the email containing my one time download URLs almost instantly.

Bolt is a server based full-web mobile browser that works on most phones with Java ME MIDP 2.0 support.  I was quite impressed with the initial Beta, particularly the rendering quality and the ability to render Flash videos.  For more about Bolt see my full review.

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