Bolt Browser Beta Codes

Bolt Logo

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

Here's a changelog:

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.
BlackBerry dedicated back key support. Also supported on some SE devices.
BlackBerry scrolling enhancements. Scrolling on track ball BlackBerry devices is now faster and smoother.
BlackBerry-specific enhancements to match BlackBerry system short cuts such as "." when space is pressed in URL mode.
System fonts will be utilized instead of Bitstream fonts for lists and options, resulting in increased usability.
Improved server support, resulting in a more stable browsing experience.
Automatic reconnect after client/server disconnect.
Usability enhancements for URL, Favorites and History entry and management.
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.
Auto-Update. When a new release is available, BOLT will prompt users to download and install the new release directly from BOLT.
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.
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.

BitStream just gave me 500 referral codes for the Bolt Browser that I reviewed last Friday. If you don't have Bolt, go to http://boltbrowser.com click the "Download" tab and fill out the form, entering wapreview in the referral code field.

Bolt - CNN.com with Split Screen

I also found out a little more about Bolt.

Versions and Upgrades: The initial release of Bolt was version 0.70, the latest is 0.73 - which is what you should have if you downloaded after 9 AM EST on Friday. There is another release in the works although I have no ETA. If you don't have 0.73, go back to the Download page and request a new download. I don't think you need a referral code for updates, the site should recognize you as a returning Beta tester based on your email address.

Bolt is based on Bitstream's ThunderHawk Browser. The underlying ThunderHawk technology supports BREW, Windows Mobile and Symbian and it is planned for BOLT to support these platforms in the future.

Phone Requirements:

J2ME MIDP2 (virtually all J2ME phones produced in the last three years)
BOLT supports all common/standard screen sizes
Approximately 150k storage space for application
500k of RAM to run application

Bolt - History and Favorites

Bolt Architecture: Bolt uses the WebKit rendering engine and Bitstream's proprietary fonts and font engine on the server. Content is compressed 23:1 before being sent to the handset, reducing data traffic and page load times.

Multimedia and Plugin Support: BOLT supports Flash video. The client/server architecture is used to transcode the video on the fly into 3gp format, then send to the device. In some devices (e.g., Motorola RAZR), video is played directly in the browser window as it would be on a PC. In others (e.g., BlackBerry smartphones), the video is played through the device’s native media player via the native browser. The device’s capabilities determine the process used to display video. Video that is in mobile 3gp format is sent directly to the device without transcoding. Bolt supports Ajax (except for timer events).

Bolt - You Tube

If you missed out on the first round of Bolt invites last week, now you have another chance. If your phone supports Java ME, I highly recomend you give Bolt a try.