So now I’m on the concept of a Hybrid OS. Don’t mistake me for an expert here. I’ve learned the basics of the concepts, but I am by no means one of the amazing guys who has pieced together his own Hybrid (such as Lyricidal, OneofakindPC, or BBCrackman).
So what is a Hybrid OS? Basically, it is putting together different files from different OSs in order to try and make something better than the official releases. Simple concept, interesting results.
The coolest part though is what happened when 5.0 OS versions were leaked for the BlackBerry Bold and Curve 8900. These ingenious hybrid creators managed to find that there are files in the 5.0 OSs that can can be used on the Storm, even though they aren’t designed for it. One of the most important being the Browser. The 5.0 Browser has a noticeable little speed bump over the official .148 OS’s browser.
So by mixing and matching these OS files in their own special combinations, we have received the gift of multiple Hybrid OSs each with their own touches.
With the drought of leaks that has occurred, I decided the other night to finally try a Hybrid. I chose to test the waters with Lyricidal’s Beta Hybrid. It combines most of the standard .148 files with the .151 files that enable transitions (see here) and the 5.0.100 files that add extra perks like the faster browser.
Surprisingly, it was a relatively painless process. Following the basic instructions, I managed to do it without a hitch. I even used the included Shrink-an-OS executable to delete unnecessary programs and reclaim a little bit of memory.
Since installing it about 24 hours ago, everything is running smoothly. My memory, which gained a few megabytes thanks to shrinking the OS, has remained steady around 45-46 MB, down about 7 MB from my maximum free memory of 53 MB. The transitions are nice to see. The Browser does feel speedier. I haven’t experienced any noticeable keyboard lag so far. My battery life was slightly better than usual too, discharging at an average rate of about 2.7% per hour. If anything turns out terrible, I’ll be sure to post it.
For those interested in installing this Hybrid as well, I’ll post a slightly modified version of the instructions (Just to make them a little clearer). The original post is here. Also, to mention, I accept no responsibility for what happens to your phone when trying to do this. Not everyone has the same experience. If anything bad happens, visit the Crackberry.com Storm forums. There is plenty of help there.
1) Install .148 for the 9530. Download the file from the link provided, and install it without changing any settings.
2) Download the Java Files for the Hybrid and extract them to your desktop using a program such as 7-Zip or WinRar.
3) To modify the OS, you must open the proper folder. For the average user, this is found at
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Shared\Loader Files\9530-v4.7.0.148_P4.0.0.181
Open the Java Folder found in this directory.
4) Open the extracted folder and open the Java File within it. Select all of the files in it (Ctrl+a) and drag them from the extracted Java folder to the OS Java folder. When it asks, you want to choose to replace all the files that have naming conflicts.
5) Now go back the main folder in the extracted folder. This part is a little weirder to say. You want to select all of the files here EXCEPT: the two Build-A-Hybrid files, the two Shrink-A-OS files, the Change Log file, the COD Breakdown file, and the empty Java folder.
6) Move back up one level in the OS folder to the original location given in step 3. Now drag the selected files found in step 5 from the extracted folder to the OS folder. Again, select the replace option for naming conflicts.
7) OPTIONAL. If you would like to reclaim some memory, you can now run the Shrink-A-OS program to delete whatever you would like from your install. If you want to do this, move the program into the folder mentioned in step 3 and run it. Check the box at the top indicating that it is in the proper folder. PAY ATTENTION. Checking a box means you want it REMOVED. I personally chose to remove all the extra languages, all of the IM/Social Apps except for BB Messenger and Google Talk, all the Games, DocsToGo, Application Center, BB Maps, Default Backgrounds, Help Files, Password Keeper/Wizard, VZ Navigator, and VCAST Rhapsody. I checked none of the right side fix boxes. Then simply click the big “Shrink My OS! button.” Now you’ve saved memory!
8) You can now close the extracted folder. Plug in your BlackBerry. I would suggest running the Desktop Manager and making a backup of everything just in case. It never hurts.
9) Now navigate to
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\AppLoader
and run the Loader application located there. Basically press the next button and allow it to make another backup of the info on your phone. This is just being extra cautious.
10) Once the update begins installing, it shouldn’t take extremely long. My installation took under 15 minutes. If you never had OS .148 installed, it might possibly take longer. I really don’t know since I didn’t do that.
11) Enjoy!
12) If you have any problems following the directions, check the link right before my instructions. I feel mine are clearer, but maybe theirs will help you more.
13) If you have any problems with your phone during or after the install, consult the Storm forums on Crackberry.com. They are very helpful.
