New BlackBerry devices to rival Apple's mobile media dominance

Research In Motion is reportedly at work on a series of new devices and software solutions developed to combat Apple's growing lead in the mobile services segment. The Wall Street Journal reports RIM is presently trialing a new smartphone based on the forthcoming BlackBerry OS 6.0, announced in April and scheduled to make its public debut in Q3--sources familiar with the device say it boasts a user experience evoking Apple's iPhone, enabling consumers to swipe through screens and expand images with their fingers. The BlackBerry smartphone also features a universal search bar enabling users to seek out device data as well as look for online content. In addition, the Journal notes RIM is experimenting with a tablet device to rival Apple's hit iPad--the unit, still in the early stages of development, would connect to wireless networks via BlackBerry phone. A RIM spokesperson said the firm does not comment on rumors or speculation.

Specifics on BlackBerry OS 6.0 remain scarce, but at the manufacturer's Wireless Enterprise Symposium this spring, RIM co-CEO Mike Lazaridis trumpeted enhancements including an improved WebKit-based browser, a customizable homescreen, a revamped media player and a more intuitive user experience. "We're trying to update the UI and fix the stuff that people wanted us to fix," Lazaridis said, adding that BlackBerry OS 6.0 will extend to both trackpad and touchscreen devices.

The BlackBerry operating system now accounts for 19.4 percent of the worldwide smartphone market, with sales of 10.5 million units in Q1, according to research firm Gartner. BlackBerry trails Symbian (24.0 million units in Q1/44.3 percent market share) but still leads Apple's iPhone (8.3 million units/15.4 percent share) and Google's Android (5.2 million units/9.6 percent share). However, consumer interest in BlackBerry appears to be waning: A recent Crowd Science survey reports that 39 percent of BlackBerry users would prefer an iPhone as their next purchase and 34 percent said they would favor an Android device.

For more on RIM's new BlackBerry devices:
- read this Wall Street Journal article

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