Blackberry OS 6.0 Pictured

Boy Genius got his hands on a pre-release device running Blackberry OS 6.0. Presumably, the device he tested it on was the upcoming slider which has appeared on this site. Below are the screenshots along with my commentary.

First up, we have the browser shot. It’s the WebKit browser we’ve heard some much about. It looks quite a bit different than what we’ve seen in OS 5.0 because it’s been totally redone. The bar just below the always present status bar shows the URL, that the site is encrypted, a gear which apparently does something (reload?), and a trigger to load the tab switcher. Just below that bar the small upward arrow suggests that the URL bar can be swiped off the screen for nearly full screen browsing. According to Boy Genius, the browser supports multitouch which begs the question of whether Apple will sue RIM for infringing on its multitouch patent or if that honor is reserved exclusively for HTC’s Nexus One.

Next, we see the tab switcher which is semi-transparent over the page in the browser window.

We also have a shot of the new home screen. It does not appear to support widgets but that “All” bar appears to scroll left and right to reveal Favorites and other icon sets. The magnifying glass below “Network” is a search button which is interesting because Blackberry’s native search is poorly designed. Perhaps it has been improved. The Google Mobile App now searches contacts and email… highly recommended.

We also have a shot of the revised music player. It displays album art and browses similar to an iPhone or iPod.

All in all, this is shaping up better than I expected. Boy Genius is practically guaranteeing a June or July release. Oh, and this was tested on AT&T’s network which means they have a new device coming. AT&T has not had a touchscreen Blackberry in its lineup. So, perhaps the “slider” is landing on AT&T.

[via BGR]

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