BlackBerry OS 6 Features Multimedia Playback

Not to mislead, after all, the BlackBerry OS can handle various forms of music and video file formats for a long time. It is just that BB devices are never really seen as a substitute for media devices at all.

This is because Research in Motion has positioned their BlackBerry handsets in a very unique niche in the mobile phone industry –for serious users. And by serious, we are referring to business clients and more importantly, hardcore text and email users. Of course, modern BlackBerry handsets are also equipped with cameras, video recording capabilities, media playback, game apps and a whole load of other features, but these are all extras. BlackBerry users choose this brand to answer very specific mobile phone needs.

However, it seems that RIM is no longer happy with their niche, and it is finally time for the BlackBerry OS to expand. Looking at the upcoming features for the BlackBerry 6, it is easy to see the new direction that RIM is planning to take.

The BlackBerry OS 6 seems to be fully loaded with all new media playback features. This will enable users to access and enjoy media content better than previous versions of the OS. The most significant change will have to be with the user interface. The button and control layout for listening to music or playing video files on the OS has been changed to make controls easier and more focus is given on the content.

Album art and other details are now viewable during playback, and controls have been changed to incorporate more conventional touch controls such as the use of swiping and other gestures. User images are now more organized, and users will be able zoom in and out using pinch motions. RIM has also added in onboard editing and sharing tools as well.

How RIM is Keeping Up with the Times

The smart phone industry is changing. The focus is shifting from business users to the general market and each year, more and more people come to rely on the smart phone more than having a desktop computer or other similar devices. With the smart phone becoming a crucial part of our society, it is only natural that the BlackBerry gets to keep up with the times.

The initial demonstrations and leaks regarding the Blackberry OS 6 points out that the OS is running properly and is not bogged down by anything at all. In fact, one could even say that the new OS is a sign that RIM is leaning more towards the more common designs and styles for a mobile platform.

In many ways that is actually a great thing. The new UI looks plenty inspired by the Windows Phone 7 with the addition of more dynamic elements, the smooth transitions and the overall look. With functions however, this is still very much a BlackBerry smart phone.

The BlackBerry Messenger is now more hip looking with the new look and it has also been enhanced with additional media content attachments. Users can now send media such as videos, music and images to contacts through the messenger. Universal search is also now part of the OS. This makes finding specific contacts, content and even conversations easy. The feature will be present throughout the entire handset too.

RSS feeds for both news and social networks have been improved, making it easier to see the latest updates without having to jump across several pages. Updating a social network profile on different sites can also be done instantly.

Lastly, the new OS will be giving the users enhanced browsing. The layout now more stylish with the thumbnail pre-loaded views of the sites that is currently open.