BlackBerry to Have Native Web Browser as Good as iPhone's Safari by Next Summer? And other BB Browser Tid Bits...

on 11 Aug 2009 05:15 PM

I just finished watching a pretty comprehensive video evaluation put together by equity analyst Chris Umiastowski that was published earlier today. If you have 17 minutes to kill, you can jump on over and watch the video in full for yourself. The premise of this briefing was to demonstrate how BlackBerry is doing compared to Apple in the consumer smartphone space in terms of core features, and to point out some of RIM's strengths and shortcomings and highlight the things they'll need to hustle to improve quick in order to maintain their sales momentum moving forward.

Though it's not said in the video where the analyst's info is coming from, it's pretty obvious that some of the statements made must have come via RIM (during an interview with somebody higher up the chain would be my guess). A few of the most interesting points made from a CrackBerry Addict's perspective were in regards to the web browser and include:

RIM acknowledges it needs to improve panning and zooming within the web browser and that the issue is an on-device one - it has nothing to do with connecting through the NOC. The key issue is memory management (not enough device RAM). RIM says it's a fixable problem and expects to have a browser on par with the iPhone's Safari browser by next summer.
Javascript support will be enabled by default within the web browser this fall. Currently it ships with the JS support setting disabled (enabling JS support tends to slow things down... remember my Bold's Buggered browsers post which was written nearly a year ago?).
And very interestingly, RIM gave a reason as to why WiFi on a BlackBerry can often be very slow (not any quicker than using Edge/3G). Apparently RIM has diagnosed the culprit and it has to do with being too conservative on BlackBerry battery management in that the device puts the WiFi radio to sleep too often. Not many details are given here (other than devices being released in upcoming launches should hopefully have much faster WiFi transfer rates) but it's quite possible that if you're using your WiFi browser at the same time that you're connected to Edge/3G but your device doesn't seem to be browsing any faster than if WiFi was turned off, that well, WiFi may actually be asleep and you are actually on Edge/3G.

The presentation goes beyond web browser talk, but the points above are what I found most interesting and newsworthy (news to me anyways!). For the full nitty gritty, be sure to check out the full video.

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90 Comments

Posted by clintbattle@hotmail.com Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

FIRST

Posted by JRSCCivic98 Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

Heh, looks like I'm not as crazy in my viewpoints in the forums as people seem to think. Maybe more people will view things my way now that a "securities firm" has evaluated RIM for the near future. I told you guys they have about a year to get things right. Well, we'll see just how quickly they can make changes. I'm a firm believer that they won't be able to match the current iPhone OS offerings within the next year (mid 2010). I belive that they will fix a few things, but they will not be close to matching Apple. Take for instance the whole browser thing. RIM seems to think their own issues are panning and zooming??? Yeah, ok, how about HTML rendering lamos?! That's right, you stuck at HTML rendering in the browser and you also suck at it in emails. This is where the iPhone platform excels in and like it or not, it's the truth.

3rd party app development, 3D acceleration, HTML rendering improvements, removing bandwidth limitations (i.e. truncated emails and 2.9MB filesize limitations on attachments and downloads), and UI changes.... yeah, RIM's got a nice bumpy road ahead of them in the next 6-12 months. I think they'll come up short and fail... someone prove me wrong, because if they come out short and open their mouths about "We still have the best push technology" I'm going to puke.

In simple words.... BRING IT RIM!!!

Posted by RdSox3 Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

One word: Amen

Posted by cokeberry005 Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

100% in agreement here

Posted by gtstang462002 Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

There was a lot of "we believe that they can fix this problem". The question that leaves me with is can they fix it on current devices as well as new devices?

Posted by pipotobe Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

I think RIM is on crack and they think that we are too.

Why do so many peoples are coming to BB and then leaving them. Pretty simple not enough changes between the BB phones. They are basically all the same with either 3G or Edge or ED-VO.

Imagine Apple having multiple devices with multiples carrier within the next year... no more rim that's for sure.

RIM is definitely on crack if they think that they will make significant changes IE: the bb browser within a year. They didn't care before why should they care now? Their platform is secure right?

Posted by raymund15 Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

Everyone here automatically gets defensive and starts naming the things that the iphone, pre, and android operating systems cant do without realizing what this whole video was about. It was about showing how much the CONSUMER market matters to RIM, stop using the argument "well im not a child that wants a toy, I use my blackberry for business and it works just fine and if i want a browser ill get my laptop if i want media ill use an mp3 player if i want... ect ect ect..." Sorry but this is a new age where our phones do almost EVERYTHING from internet to music to videos to unlocking our cars(Wow crazy time). For you to say that all of those things dont matter is ridiculous and might as well let RIM file for bankruptcy now. They wont make it if they dont deliver better to the consumer market. The point of this article was to point out that RIM is FAR behind the iphone in the areas like browser, apps, multimedia(needs a much better video camera the, the 3gs video was amazing), performance, games, and overall look and graphics of the OS. Webos looks amazing and android looks like it could be the closest that can challenge the iphone if they were to give it good hardware and the functionality of the hero. RIM is being left in the dust in the places that are starting to matter in this business, RIM has to work quickly and not wait a year to be on the same level they need to blow everyone away, i thought they would try with the storm 2 but now we obviously know its just the storm one with a better screen and sturdy OS, same camera, same everything else, not impressive at all and in fact disappointing. Yes RIM is amazing when it comes to push technology but that will only get them so far for so long because eventually the other big platforms will develop good push systems and then no matter how loyal you are you might switch when you see an overall better product. You are forgetting why you started to love RIM in the first place, Innovation and great technology, but that is not the case anymore they are no longer the trendsetters they are the followers trying to keep up with the other guys. RIM is too good to be a follower and need to blow our minds and it looks really bleak for OS 5.0, it seems like just a slightly better OS system and nothing that is going to make anybody go crazy, just say "oh thats helpful" and thats it. You can get mad at what i just said but its the truth. I dont want an iphone and will never want one and i own a storm and LOVE it but when i see the things the iphone, android(will do), and pre i really want those features like the video of the iphone, fun of the pre, and future functionality of android(hero android not g1). But i still love RIM and hope the Storm 2 wont be what i think it is but it sure seems that way and all future RIM devices look the same and thats not bad just the OS's are all the same and that shows a lack of innovation because there has been no big improvement in years in which everyone has stepped it up. But like i said i love blackberrys and my storm but im sick of not having it be reliable. Dont give me the whole leaked OS discussion because thats not even a worthy argument because you should not need a leaked OS and that fact that apps like quickpull and memory booster exist is embarressing and dont give me the jailbreak an iphone argument either because its still great either way, same with webos and android. To not see RIM needs to do something big is ignorant, RIM should not just work "fine", RIM needs to work GREAT. But i hope they make a change to the storm 2 since they have already seen the 3gs, pre, and hero in the last year. But it doesnt look that way now. But i only say this because i want to have a RIM product that blows my mind because i am a big RIM supporter and will hope to see some major changes to future devices, THANKS!

Posted by infinitig35 Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 910 days ago

I am glad that you said that. I love my Storm, however the iPhone runs circles around it. RIM really needs to open their eyes and step it up a notch to be on the same level as the iPhone and the Andriod. I really hope that they are listening to their consumers and watching their competition closely.

Posted by arkitek Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 910 days ago

I agree with you and infinitig35... my wife has an iPhone and I am a proud owner of the storm... we throw jabs at each other about who has the better phone... lets just say I raise a white flag just about everytime.

Posted by kbrosnihan Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

Awesome Video! Looking forward to the day when my Blackberry is my actual computer and all i need to do is pair it (Bluetooth) with a monitor, keyboard and mouse if I want a full PC experience, but can take it with me and be mobile! Now wouldn't that be something! Then stick my credit card paypass chip (password protected) in it so it can serve as my wallet also.

My Blackberry Storm…
- is my Internet browser
- is my Weather forecaster
- is my Calendar and organizer
- is my Digital Camera
- is my Twitter connection
- is my FaceBook connection
- is my BB, GTalk, and AIM Messenger
- is my GPS navigation system
- is my Map
- is my Secure Password/Account number keeper
- is my Laptop/PC remote controller
- is my GPS Tracker (Measure distance for bike trips and runs)
- is my Movie ticket purchaser
- is my Local business finder
- is my Memo Pad
- is my MS Word editor
- is my MS PowerPoint Editor
- is my MS Excel Editor
- is my Calculator
- is my MP3 Player
- is my Mobile video viewer (I have a few full DVDs on my phone)
- is my Contacts organizer (I can add other Blackberry owners by scanning their unique barcode using my phones camera)
- is my Alarm Clock, Stop Watch and Timer
- is my Restaurant reservation maker (OpenTable App)
- is my Internet Radio (Pandora)
- is my Google Voice phone
- it can even lock my computer when I walk away from it (using Bluetooth technology)
- it can unlock my home using Bluetooth and a PIN (3rd party hardware required)
- it can alert me when a door in my home is opened (3rd party hardware required)
- oh and it also makes phone calls, sends text and email, etc.
I think I’m missing a few things… but I think the point is made.

Posted by joselskipper Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 911 days ago

RIM has a simple business model: it makes phones for networks and their specifications. Apple's is: it makes phones for people to love.

AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint, Vodafone, and Rogers each have their footprints on their own Blackberry models, some features purposely crippled or dropped according to network specs (i.e. Storm no wifi?, Bold not touch-screen?, Curve 8900 and 8520 not 3G?). On the other hand the iPhone is untouched not even by AT&T. This makes RIM as nothing more than a manufacturing client for networks which bring in their own specs on the table for RIM to manufacture. Whereas iPhone is built with people's happiness in mind. Did AT&T made a final say as to distribution, marketing, themes, etc. to the iphone? Never. That is why Verizon turned down the iPhone in the first place because that virtually takes VZW off the iPhone other than use it in its network.

We've had Storm 9500, Bold 9000, Curve 8900, 8520, 9700 Onyx, Tour 9600, Pearl/Pearl Flip. Each model specifically built for certain platforms and networks. What about the OS? Simple, endless patches of updates, official and non-official. Sometimes it leads me to believe that non-official updates were purposely released to the public just to avoid embarrassment and to count only the official updates.

It's funny how Blackberry has a myriad of models in the market place, Palm also has variety, Nokia has N97, E71, E63, E72, Samsung has fancy-named devices, LG has several also. But Apple only has iPhone 3GS/3G yet it breaks ground. Because iPhone is all about the OS. You can make as many phone models as you want and still miss the OS. While Apple made just one line, the iPhone 3GS/3G and perfect the OS, and what do you have a near-perfect phone.

It's about time that RIM makes phones for people, not for the networks.

Oh about Push technology, wake up people it is not something that only Blackberry has. iPhone has push email too (Yahoo and MS Ex) and GPush (Gmail, AOL, etc).

Posted by _X_ Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 910 days ago

Yes I agree with everything you said unfortunately.

When using my storm it seems many apps are awkward they don't seem to fully utilized the touch screen capabilities. Then I realize all BB apps must take into account other BB that do not have touch screen. So apps are made for the lowest form factor. The result is an sub-par customer experience.

I think the only OS that can compete is the Android since is open source it will benefit from the hackers that continue to make the phone a success, but the Android is far behind the curve.

A year is a long time to play catch up and RIM has many more fixes needed to be on par with the iPhone than vise versa.

=X=

Posted by joselskipper Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 910 days ago

Because BB has this myriad of phones, it needs to fix or develop an update and send patches every now and then to different models. It's OS and User Interface also has to be specific to certain phones as some are candy bar type, some are clam shell, another is touch screen, some are trackball, and now the trackpad. Look at how much resources RIM is wasting having people develop and execute fixes for different phones. Whereas Apple only need to focus on one device, the 3GS/3G and perfect the OS.

Posted by la2atl Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 907 days ago

You bagged it right. RIM's downfall has been not expecting their phone niche to expand to the consumer market. That caused them to walk waaay too slow next to the behemoth called Apple.

Posted by tgellr Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

It won't be long. Seems that RIM is working toward making bb the best comprehensive package available in smartphones! See...? Competition is good! Bring it on, iPhone!

Posted by silkshocker Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

yeah why don't you just buy the skyfire app, RIM?

Posted by mikestorm Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

Either no bandwidth or someone took it down.

EDIT: It started. Must be bandwidth related.

Posted by nexpos Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

Wow, lots of "we believe RIM can do this" and "we were told that....."

I love my Storm (now on .148) but man, we're far behind Apple on the iPhone!

Posted by packerfan01 Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

will we be able to upgrade our version on our blackberrys now... or will it be on NEW BLACKBERRYs... that is the QUESSTION?

Posted by rizzzzoooo Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

I thought we were due for a browser overhaul with the new OS that is slated to be out this fall?

Posted by papped Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

People have flashed OS5 and seen what the new browser has had for a long time already.

Posted by Zzoram Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

Taking 3 years to catch up to the competition is pretty sad actually. When are they going to fix the browser to seemlessly transition between wifi and network?

Posted by joselskipper Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

Nice try, and what happened to the supposedly iphone killer (Storm)? interestingly it was the biggest embarassment in RIM's lineup.

Yes, bring it on, by next summer we'll have OS 4.0, who knows how big 60,000++ apps could be by that time.

One small step for RIM, one gian leap for Apple.

PERIOD.

(oh, BTW, i ditched my Storm long time ago. I couldn't live without my soooo wonderful apps)

Posted by ldcmobile Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

Nice job troll

Posted by kinggeoff Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 911 days ago

or are you just bored with your phone?

Posted by Bllove58 Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

Very interesting material. I look forward to following RIMs progress. I am a fan of Push technology. And would like to see a more progressive OS.

Posted by osolopez Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

...so by the summer of 2010 my Blackberry might be as user friendly as a 2007 1st generation iPhone, which by that time will be on it's fourth generation with new features...?

Posted by joselskipper Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

if RIM is even agressive on breaking the competion, why would it wait next summer? why not bring it on Storm's next OS update. I mean why wait? who knows what is cooking in those months in Cupertino and Redmond? When you are competing, you don't wait, you act now.

yes, OS 3.0 got the cut-and-paste feature on iphone, but it is way better and more accurate than on the Storm and my old Blackberry 8330.

Before this year ends, Apple may add flash support to the Safari. It is now in fact at least 3x faster on the 3GS vs 3G. And we can even make webpages as widgets or apps themselves without having to open your browser and click favorites or history.

Oh, and have you seen the latest blackberries? noticed how geriatric the graphics are? Wake up RIM, all I needed was buy a theme and install it on my Curve 8330 and it looked the same as newer ones. Geez, two years after the release of the old iphone and nobody yet has even came close to the iphone's mac-like graphics.

Posted by bxrider Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

Good corporate video.

I am with some of the others as far as about waiting until Summer 2010. I know it has to do with the contracts of the iPhone with AT&T, but why hold off until the phone can be released to all carriers. RIM needs to make some of these improvements before then so that the word can spread. If not i fear that many blackberry users, including myself may jump ship for the iphone once it is available for Verizon.

I hope it does not take that long for RIM improvements, I really love my Storm.

Posted by blackberrymylife Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

Haha thats funny next summer lol. Man this is kinda sad to me. They are not achieving to be better than the iphone browser but as good. Are you serious? Lol And a whole year. What happens if Apple comes out with a something else innovating. Is it gonna take another year 2 years plus another summer to be as good. Even palm took a chance. They took a shot at apple tried to mimic the web browser to best of they ability then guess what threw in they own spices. Lol Seriously Rim makes me laugh. They tackle each problem one by one. First they are supposedly adding threaded messaging. finally. Even Lg has jumped on that band wagon and added it to their env3 and env touch.Lol Here is what you should probably do Rim instead of pumping out hardware devices with basically all the same features try focus on software now. Never seen a company put out 8 forms of the same thing. lol

Posted by Queen4111 Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

I'm getting tired of RIM releasing a new BlackBerry EVERY THREE MONTHS with the SAME things on them.

It's like having Beyonce OVEREXPOSED everywhere.

Posted by Swoopster Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

Give us a break RIM...for as popular as your devices are: there's no excuse for deficiencies in an area such as the web browser.

Btw; why is the iphone's browser only noted? Forget the 'popularity' of a device as a comparison; take into consideration the actual 'capability' of a phone's broswer as a comparison...with that said; the Pre's WebOS should be compared to just as much as the Safari's browser is.

Posted by marinman Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

I actually tried to slog through it, but the video doesn't seem to be working.

Posted by papped Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

I look forward to a lot of these people going to apple.

Please let it happen =)

Posted by blackberrymylife Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

Sadly its true that by the time they plan to release their fixes might be too late and you might have to fight to win back your once loyal fans. Its sad that the Iphone is beginning to run everything. Their app store is running the market and they are making leaps into the future. In the close future some banks now will make it possible for u to take a snapshot of you check and send it into your bank and that will count as you depositing your check. If that isnt innovative I dont know what is. All that email talk rim is still on is old. WAKE UP RIM GROW SOME YOU KNOW WHAT because Apple 8th round and the scorecard is showing a blowout on apple side. When iphone becomes available for all carriers look out Rim because your in deep trouble. And this is coming from a person that works in the cell phone business. Thats the number 1 question I get when is the Iphone coming to Verizon. But best of luck to you RIM. I do want you to succeed. It isnt personal just want the best phone possible and you are really slacking.

Posted by SilverLight98 Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

If these problems, like with the crappy browser are so "fixable" then why have they taken sooooo long?

Posted by SilverLight98 Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

wtih RIMs track record "next summer"=two years from now

Posted by ItsJustMeFL Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

... I'll believe it when I see it.

Posted by cinmay Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

wait to see

Posted by Jakrip Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

I love my Blackberry and will not switch anytime soon but that video is right and RIM does need to improve and I think they are and we will see this in the 9700 and Storm 2. If not I can not see Blackberry surving in the coming years. The Iphone will impove on their email and be on differnt carrier in the future. I can't wait to see wait RIM has up it's sleave in the future.

Posted by JBobH Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

......

Posted by kennyl10 Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

it runs on a different server...would take to much time to get the info back to the phone...not a good solution

Posted by lgmarines Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

LOL, this is sad. Why next summer? The way apple is going. By next summer it's going to have a digital projector on the iphone to broadcast your 3GGGGGG super mega seed browser onto the wall. I can read it now. 2010 Crackberry - "BlackBerry with browser speed as good as iphone's safari(in 2009).

Posted by stegerva Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

summer 2010? WOT???

it was better NOT say anything (and just let ppl hope..)then say this next summer...

very WRONG move...

skyfire HURRY UP... ty (or Rim...buy Skyfire ffs)

Posted by cokeberry005 Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

next summer is a slap to the face. im not waiting that long for a product that is so essential to everyday life. lets hope rim gets back into the game

Posted by vx1 Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

well I would agree with the video, very true.

Posted by lcohen999 Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

bitch, bitch, bitch

I mean seriously.

The BB browser is fine, by no means perfect, but fine.

What do you want from the OS. I think the iphone has created a smartphone consumer equivalent to a child staring at bright shiny lights.

The OS is solid, intuitive and works.

People keep clamouring for a new skin. Be thankful you have something that works, well.

Posted by joshuastree Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 911 days ago

Are you serious? Its more than skin issues. I have to do a hard reset at least once a day to keep my storm running!

Posted by Witmen Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 909 days ago

A hard reset at least once a day? Either that is complete B.S. Or your just not trying to have a good Storm. Are you still running .75?

With the newest leaked hybrid OS from Lyricidal my Storm Has yet to need a hard reset. Starting since the day 6v4 came out. The only time my Storm gets a reset is when I delete or install an app, Maybe once or twice a week. My meter berry stays at 46mb to 42mb free for days on end. I've never seen it drop below 42 free.

Seriously if at this point you are unhappy with your storm it's most like your fault. Plenty of easy solutions out that address the majority of issues.

If you seriously have to do a hard rest at least once a day to keep your Storm running! Please add me to your BBM or shoot me a PM. I would be more then happy to help you have an awesome device like I and many other Storm owners do.

But let me guess you wont do that, Bitching is to much fun right?

Posted by nino4 Thursday, Aug 20, 2009 903 days ago

I am the proud owner of a POS BB tour. It is just as bad as the storm I had before if not worse. It is worse because it was supposed to be " a big improvement" all I did was trade one set of problems for another. After the new os was released my storm lost a lot of its issues but come on, the front buttons came off of the thing for petes sake. I dont have to worry about doing a reset on my tour it does it all by itself. Right in the middle of calls, or web surfing or texting just when ever it feels like it needs a break. I am sick of the whole RIM s%$#. I am on my second tour which I have had for a whole 48 hrs and it has literally reset itself 5 times each time taking approx 8min before I can do anything with the phone. I call verizon and they say we are documenting that there is a problem. Take it back to a verizon store and they will replace it. I would rather be hit than to have to deal with the incompetent bunch of idiots who work in the store closest to me (40 miles). I then travel about 70 miles to the next closest store. I feel like sending RIM a gas bill for all my travel. I would be the first in line to get the iphone if it ever comes to verizon. I would not look back at BB. So tomorrow I will be getting up early to make my 70 mile journey after which I hope to leave the store the proud owner of a HTC or Samsung or hell i might just get me that knack phone that has no add ons, carry my camera,laptop and get me a backbrace and a really big purse and I will be set. Who needs convenience anyway.

BlackBerry to Have Native Web Browser as Good as iPhone's Safari by Next Summer? And other BB Browser Tid Bits...

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