BlackBerry’s New Handset Leaked in Images

The BlackBerry Onyx 9780 is going to be the latest handset to join the impressive lineup of RIM’s BlackBerry smart phones. As one would expect, the handset uses RIM’s proprietary OS –in fact, the Onyx is reported to be packed with the latest version, OS 6.

The phone is a very simple device, it comes with a 2.44 inch TFT touch screen, a 5 mega pixel camera, the latest version of the BB operating system and of course, the physical keyboard that BlackBerry handsets are always known for.

Overall, the device looks pretty much like what one would expect from BlackBerry –which is actually what is so good about the Onyx. While other mobile phone manufacturers tend to deviate their overall look and design, the BlackBerry series’ has distinctively classic appeal to users.

Staying in familiar ground is one thing, but stagnation is another, and RIM has been tweaking out the operating system to keep their mobile devices up to date. For many years, the BlackBerry smart phone has been considered to the best choice for businesses –with very few switching to Windows Mobile. BlackBerry’s OS and hardware capabilities bring together a complete business solution package to business users.

RIM’s stable and reliable handsets are also appealing to general users; however, the minimal focus on multimedia has always been an issue for some –particularly those who are not too keen on the whole physical keyboard thing.

Without a doubt, non-keyboard users are better off with full touch screen devices; but for those who need the best of both types, BlackBerry has come up with the OS 6 (which will be featured in the BlackBerry Onyx 9780). This brings more media related features as well as a new interface that should appeal to general users a lot more, the platform is also geared more towards user interface designs that rely on touch screen input.

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.