RIM to launch new BlackBerry browser

RIM has announced the upcoming launch of a new web browser for its BlackBerry smartphones. The new WebKit browser is meant to help make the devices even more attractive to consumers.

“Today we are announcing an exciting new offering that further expands the market opportunity for the BlackBerry platform,” said Mike Lazaridis, co-chief executive officer and inventor of the BlackBerry.

As a BlackBerry user this is great news. The current BB browser is perfectly serviceable but it chokes on large pages and doesn’t always render properly. Next to the iPhone/iPod Touch’s Safari browser it seems downright primitive at times. A faster, updated browser will be welcome, but first, Verizon and Sprint need to stop dragging their feet and release OS 5.0, something Tour users have been eagerly awaiting.

RIM says the WebKit browser will be available “this year” but refused to give a specific date. They promise it will be worth the wait. Presumably existing BB owners will be able to download it as an OS update.

Read [BusinessWeek]