Research In Motion may not be ahead of the curve, but it’s taking some bold steps with a new operating system for its popular BlackBerry smartphones. The Canadian phone maker is close to releasing version 6.0 of its BlackBerry OS, published reports say.
The current OS has drawn complaints from BlackBerry users that RIM hopes to correct. The new OS is also expected to let RIM better compete with rivals, including the Apple iPhone and Google’s Android operating system.
“While the BlackBerry OS has enabled users to do what they want — e-mail, browse, social networking, apps, etc. — the experience has left a stale taste in their mouths,” said Ramon Llamas, an IDC analyst. “Most people don’t like the user interface, navigation and overall feel to it.”
“Meanwhile, other operating systems have gotten major tune-ups (Palm’s webOS), are about to hit with something completely different (Windows Phone 7 Series), or came out of the gate swinging (Android),” Llamas added. “What these all have in common is an experience that is at once seamless and intuitive.”
RIM would not provide any details on the new operating system. “RIM’s policy is to decline comment on rumors or speculation,” said spokesperson Rachel Colley.
Analysts expect RIM to release an OS with a better browser, since the existing one leaves much to be desired. RIM’s acquisition of TorchMobile last year and Co-CEO Mike Lazardis’ comments at the Mobile World Congress led to expectations of an improved browsing experience.
“Right now, the current browser available, if it is the one that comes with the device, leaves much to be desired,” Llamas said. “It is hard to view, type into, and navigate around. And since TorchMobile is WebKit-based, I’m expecting to see something much smoother. My sense is that for a very good browser experience, it has…