Ouch: Webkit Browser Only Coming for BlackBerry OS 6
The completely redesigned browser in BlackBerry OS 6 will only be available on OS 6. That’s right, Research In Motion (RIM) has decided to only make the new Webkit-based browser available on the Torch 9800 and the select few existing devices that will be supported for upgrade to the new OS. Congratulations RIM, you just managed to anger everyone who has put up with the dismal browser you have been shipping for years.
For those who haven’t been keeping up with all the news coming out of RIM lately, its newest BlackBerry browser is a massive step up from previous versions. Built on the same Webkit platform that Apple and Google have built their mobile browsers on, RIM’s OS 6 browser is HTML5 compatible and significantly faster than previous versions. I would even go so far as to say that it actually makes the BlackBerry a fun device to browse the internet on. The new one also brings tabbed browsing and future support for Adobe’s Flash format when that finally gets a BlackBerry release (hopefully by the end of this year).
Since only the Torch 9800, Bold 9700, 9650 and Pearl 3G are expected to see BlackBerry OS 6, this leaves quite a few existing handsets out in the cold. In fact, most of them I would assume. While RIM might be hoping that excluding older devices from the new browser will boost sales for its smartphones, sales so far of the new Torch have been disappointing to say the least. Whether or not current BlackBerry users that have been waiting for a new browser will bother to upgrade or jump platforms to iOS or Android OS remains to be seen.
It is interesting to note that in browsing speed tests, the iPhone 3G is about equal with the Torch 9800. Why RIM has had so much difficulty matching the performance of two year old hardware is a serious question. Certainly, if an iPhone 3G with 128MB of RAM can browse the internet that quickly, then why won’t RIM put its new browser on its older BlackBerrys? Sigh.
How do you feel about this? Are you disappointed that your BlackBerry will never see the new browser? Is this going to actually make you upgrade? Or are you going to jump ship…
Tags: Blackberry OS 6, Webkit browser, RIM, BlackBerry, upgrade
I’m gone if a version of the browser doesn’t come to the storm 2
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well this Is a shame but,.Here it Is PEOPLE’..RIM AND BB will come out strong by the end of the year,Unfortunately Our 1yr older Devices came out with a very small Memory for this updates,,BIG MISTAKE FOR BB….,.I strongly believe Blackberry Needs to contact there vendors for does devices that have running contracts for less then a year for Free UPGRADES,..this will turn a couple heads..
as for me I just got a storm 2, 8 months ago/ yes a bit disappointed”
But I will upgrade if I have to, I’m still giving Blackberry and RIM the Benefit of a doubt for its EXCELLENT PLATFORM and there Strong Running Device..
I think a lot People will jump shift for this bad news from RIM and BB,,.but by the end of the year BB will come back to the Ball Park for home-runs..
youtube.com/watch?v=UVgSLkjOKAo
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I have a bold 9700, that I’m typing on right now. Although the form factor is OK, it really would have been better with a touchscreen like the palm pixie. Os 6 doesn’t change that. I look forward to the new browser, but I’m already using Opera, which makes it tolerable.
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As with my old line of Palm phones, so will my Blackberry Storm will find its way to EBAY in the extremely near future. Thanks to a family member about to upgrade to a Droid X, i will be inheriting a Moto Droid. I don’t care that its the older one. I still get a new os upgrade with the old Droid. I get squat with the Storm. Way to go RIM. I am sure people that USE their phones are gonna be jumping like rats from a sinking ship.
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This is an absolute slap in the face! I have stuck by Blackberry for over five years now and constantly upgraded but it is no longer cost effective. When I got my 8900 I was happy then a few months later the 9700 comes out with 3g speed. BB What are you waiting on? Android is selling at an alarming rate because they are giving the consumer what they want! THE ANSWER TO THE iPhone. BB you were supposed to be that and I tried defending you but it is now time to jump ship and go over to Android. As much as it pains me to do so, i will miss BB Messenger, and your great email capability but your crappy internet can and will be easily forgotten.
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I am done with BB for many reasons. This is the nail in the coffin. I will use my lackluster storm 2 for another month then its off to either an Android or maybe a jump to iphone. Its unfortunate, its a good phone. I however have little faith in RIM taking care of those of us who have stuck by them.
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I’m very disappointed to say the least. I’ve been a BB users for years and always supported them until now. This announcement was the last straw for me and I will happily move to android for my next upgrade. They make an attempt to be innovative, and are still playing catch-up to Android\iphone. Both companies allow their updates to work on older devices, I have 2 BB’s and both are less than a year old…I knew about os 6 a while ago and just assumed it would be available for at least 1 of my 2. I agree with this article in that this is a feeble attempt to force everyone to buy new phones, while they are continuously losing ground in the smartphone battle. If anyone from RIM is reading this…you need to start listening to what the consumer wants…not tell them, or at least show a little support to people that can’t buy new phones every 6 months.
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