BlackBerry 9000 documents leak, release in July?
updated 02:20 pm EDT, Tue April 29, 2008
BBerry 9000 Docs Leak
The revision of the BlackBerry OS that will accompany the BlackBerry 9000 should address many of the limitations of earlier phones, if documents leaked to BGR are indicative of the final release. In addition to confirming the radical visual change to the interface and its use of a "ribbon" for app shortcuts, the document for BlackBerry OS 4.6 notes the smartphone will include a fuller web browser with support for CSS and JavaScript code, web downloads, and streaming video embedded into websites.
Media handling outside of the browser is also improved, RIM notes. The jukebox software will now have the ability to pick play "automatic playlists" similar to the smart playlists in iTunes and the iPod; listeners will have the option of choosing playlists that auto-populate based on certain criteria. Camera functions will let users view sub-folders and hop from the video camera to the still photo mode.
Other changes include better language support and better Wi-Fi tools.
The news also suggests that Research in Motion is fast-tracking the launch of the BlackBerry 9000 for July after initially estimating that technical difficulties would delay the phone to August. Power issues with the smartphone are allegedly being resolved while the software as a whole has also progressed. An exact release date isn't specified but is believed to already exist but isn't available.
