A new leak has provided what should be the first known screens and features of BlackBerry OS 6.0.

Research in Motion is reportedly close to releasing a new operating system for its BlackBerry line of smartphones. A new BlackBerry OS 6.0 could correct some user complaints and help RIM catch up with its rivals, including Apple’s iPhone and Android-powered devices. Analysts expect a better BlackBerry browser and home-page tweaks.

Research In Motion may not be ahead of the curve, but it’s taking some bold steps with a new operating system  for its popular BlackBerry smartphones. The Canadian phone maker is close to releasing version 6.0 of its BlackBerry OS, published reports say.

The current OS has drawn complaints from BlackBerry users that RIM hopes to correct. The new OS is also expected to let RIM better compete with rivals, including the Apple iPhone and Google’s Android operating system.

“While the BlackBerry OS has enabled users to do what they want — e-mail, browse, social networking, apps, etc. — the experience has left a stale taste in their mouths,” said Ramon Llamas, an IDC analyst. “Most people don’t like the user interface, navigation and overall feel to it.”

Bold Changes Expected

“Meanwhile, other operating systems have gotten major tune-ups (Palm’s webOS), are about to hit with something completely different (Windows Phone 7 Series), or came out of the gate swinging (Android),” Llamas added. “What these all have in common is an experience that is at once seamless and intuitive.”

RIM would not provide any details on the new operating system. “RIM’s policy is to decline comment on rumors or speculation,” said spokesperson Rachel Colley.

Analysts expect RIM to release an OS with a better browser, since the existing one leaves much to be desired. RIM’s acquisition of TorchMobile last year and Co-CEO Mike Lazardis’ comments at the Mobile World Congress led to expectations of an improved browsing experience.

“Right now, the current browser available, if it is the one that comes with the device, leaves much to be desired,” Llamas said. “It is hard to view, type into, and navigate around. And since TorchMobile is WebKit-based, I’m expecting to see something much smoother. My sense is that for a very good browser experience, it has to be touchscreen-enabled.”

Another major tweak needed on the existing BlackBerry OS is its home page. While the iPhone, Android devices, and the upcoming Windows Phone 7 Series devices let users easily see applications on the home page or with a swipe of the touchscreen, the BlackBerry OS forces owners to dig through various menus and applications to find what they need.

More Devices to Come

Changes to the notifications and e-mail features are also expected. The changes may include a snippet of information on the home page notifying the user of what has arrived, and from whom. “RIM has a strong history in messaging, so I expect some improvements over what we’ve gotten used to over the past couple of years,” Llamas said.

It’s not clear whether existing BlackBerry owners will be able to use the BlackBerry over-the-air software loading service to update the operating system, or if the new OS will be included on new phones only.

Reports, however, indicate that the new OS will depend on a touchscreen interface. Currently, only RIM’s Storm and Storm2 have touchscreen capabilities. Other popular BlackBerrys, including the Pearl, Curve and Bold models, use a trackball or track pad.

“Should touchscreen capability be a necessary condition for BlackBerry OS 6.0, expect to see a lot of touchscreen-capable devices moving forward,” Llamas said.

The changes may prove essential to RIM, which has historically had trouble promoting touchscreen interfaces for its smartphones.

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