BlackBerry likely to get WebKit browser
updated 10:40 am EDT, Mon August 24, 2009
RIM Buys Torch for Browser
Software developer Torch Mobile on Monday hinted at Research in Motion's (RIM) future plans for the BlackBerry by confirming that it has been bought out by the Canadian smartphone maker. While the terms of the deal aren't known, Torch explicitly says it expects to bring its experience with developing WebKit-based browsers like Iris to BlackBerry devices. It will similarly continue to develop WebKit as part of its open-source nature.
The move signals a concerted effort by RIM to improve its standing in the mobile web that is also rumored to include adding Flash and Silverlight next year. RIM is one of the last major smartphone manufacturers to focus on modernizing its web browser and would be adopting the same basic rendering engine as smartphone browsers developed by Apple, Google and Nokia.
No timetable has been given for when RIM and Torch should complete the deal or when the first results of the collaboration should appear. [via BGR]
hmmm
08/24, 01:00pm (1 reply) reply
So Rim is going to copy Microsoft's methods of copying Apple (buying a Webkit browser developer to create a browser thats like Safari). Interesting.
elroth
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2006
elroth
08/24, 01:22pm reply
Yes. Very interesting. Anything else to add, my little iSheep. Bahhh.
luckyday
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Joined: Apr 2008
re: hmmm
08/25, 03:59am reply
Well not quite; they are going to develop a browser based on webkit. There is no copying there. Google's Chrome is also based on WebKit.
This is actually a really good thing for Safari, since it means many more websites will be optimized for Safari, and therefore further marginalizes IE.
shawnde
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Joined: Apr 2008