Touchscreen BlackBerry smartphones coming soon?

Paul Nesbitt

RIM is working on a new version of the BlackBerry operating system, which features a touchscreen interface, similar to the iPhone and Android smartphones, according to US sources.

RIM's updated BlackBerry OS is also reported to be much more web-friendly, to counter the device's reputation as being primarily focused on push email. RIM's desire to expand into the consumer market from its corporate stronghold means that the company has to make the BlackBerry more attractive as a device to which can also play back media and games, as well as interacting with social networks.

According to US sources close to RIM, the new touchscreen BlackBerry will resemble today's BlackBerry Bold handset, retaining the miniature keyboard at the bottom.

Another new RIM phone will be an update of the BlackBerry Pearl, which replaces the scroll ball with an easier to use 'optical tracker.'