A research note from Kaufman Bros. is indicating that Research In Motion is working a new BlackBerry form factor and a new WebKit browser. Both moves are meant to address some weaknesses that are plaguing RIM at the moment in light of products offered by its competition.
The new form factor is said to incorporate a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. It would be a cross between the Storm2 and its more traditional candybar devices. Rumours of such a device go back to 2008 but it could finally become reality in 2010. Kaufman sources suggest that the device is now at the prototype stage.
With its Torch Mobile purchase earlier this year, RIM is also looking to revamp the browser that comes on its devices. It would be based on the same open-source WebKit platfrom as browsers from Apple and Google. RIM might also allow users to install other browsers in the future.
There are no details as to when either will be available.