BlackBerry OS 6 leaked, will it be radical enough?

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BlackBerry OS 6 leaked, will it be radical enough?

RIM claims its video efficiency and new web browser will win out

By CAROLINE GABRIEL

Published: 21 April, 2010

Apple isn't the only leaky handset maker this week - the new release of RIM's BlackBerry OS has also been spotted ahead of its launch, expected this summer. However, the details that have emerged do not point to the wholesale refresh of the software platform that many believe is necessary to keep the firm's ageing OS from falling hopelessly behind Android, iPhone and the upcoming open Symbian.

Concerns that BlackBerry OS is becoming outdated - despite the enthusiasm of its developer base and its excellence for certain tasks - have led to speculation that RIM could acquire Palm, for its webOS Linux-based platform. This is very advanced in terms of modern open web technologies, but has limited developer or device support, and would require significant work to integrate with BlackBerry.

This would present RIM with the same dilemma that faced Palm two years ago - whether to build on the loyalty to the existing platform and the years of work and expertise underpinning it, but risk looking out of touch; or jettison the developer base in favor of a fresh but unproven system.

So far, despite rumors that RIM could open source BlackBerry OS, or create a new platform better suited to rich media and HTML5, the Canadian vendor is sticking to its strengths, though it has been acquiring a string of start-ups to add new capabilities. These include Torch Mobile, whose WebKit technology will power RIM's new browser, capable of full HTML rendering; and multiscreen content delivery firm Vigo.

According to the Boy Genius Report blog, which spied the upcoming BlackBerry OS 6, the upgrade will come in June or July and be geared to improved navigation, in particular by adding system-wide kinetic scrolling and pinch-to-zoom. There will be support for more customizable homescreens, a key aspect of competitive edge for vendors and carriers, and the new browser, which will use server-side compression to speed performance. Other additions include a photo gallery application and universal search.

RIM's real advantage lies in its network efficiency, which makes the BlackBerry beloved of carriers and should stand the firm in good stead as the operators face the explosion of signalling and data traffic. Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis, speaking at a conference hosted by the Toronto Dominion Bank, commented: "If you think that today's 3G as a browsing experience is a challenge to these data networks, imagine what a video streaming or download experience is going to be as these screens start to look like HD televisions in terms of resolutions."

According to Reuters, he claimed RIM's server-based approach made BlackBerry three to eight times more bandwidth efficient than rivals for browsing and apps. "What that means for the carrier is after they have committed all those billions of dollars on new network technology and new network spectrum, they can have three BlackBerrys using the same network capacity as one of the other smartphones," he added, though he conceded that efficient video required further effort and investment. In 2006, RIM acquired SlipStream, which specializes in data acceleration, compression and network optimization technology.