Taken from MarketNews

Soon we get to see the latest BlackBerry platform, BB10, which RIM is quick to clarify is a completely new operating system versus an upgrade. On January 30, Research in Motion (RIM) will reveal the first two devices to operate on BlackBerry 10. Currently known only as Dev Alpha B, the touch-only developer prototype device we saw today (there will also be a QWERTY and touch model) was thin and sleek with a large screen (roughly about 4.75″). But the main focus is on BB10, which promises to revitalize the BlackBerry platform in the wake of falling market share, increased pressure from the market leaders, Android and iPhone, and now new competition from Windows 8 and its slew of manufacturer partners.

It’s not so much what sets BB10 apart from the others as it is how the new OS finally brings RIM back into the fold. There are intuitive menu icons, with everything controlled via swiping motions. Integrated calendars, hubs, and application switching that combine information from various social networking sites, make it easy to see details of each attendee at a meeting and related e-mails, and allow for separating business and personal application, e-mails, and content into two unique views. And there’s quick and seamless operation via a new HTML5 browser that RIM says boasts markedly faster load times than other platforms (though this would also be impacted by the user’s wireless connection and location, among other factors.)

The mandate, says PR Manager Kiyomi Rutledge, is to encourage a free flow among apps and tasks. This means you won’t find that “back” button you’ve come to love on BlackBerries; but RIM swears you won’t need it. To move from one app to another, just swipe upwards, side-to-side, or even slide over ever so slightly to take a peek at e-mails or calendar entries without having to leave the app you’re in. Recent apps are saved to memory, with eight active frames showing up at once; the most recent at the top, left for quick and easy access.

There will also be significant input improvements. First, the virtual keyboard incorporates grey frets between each row of letters, just like you’d find on a physical QWERTY keyboard. This extra space helps users avoid accidental letter pushes. And if the system notices that you’re often hitting “R” when you mean to hit “T”, for example, it will adjust spacing on the sensor behind the keys to help avoid the issue going forward. Predictions are of the word following the one you’re typing rather than continually adjusting that same word. For example, type “how,” and the word “are” will pop up under the “a” key. Touch “a” and swipe up, and the word will automatically appear next. Chances are then, the word “you” will show up under “y,” aiding in completing that common sentence. The phone will continue to learn your frequently used phrases and words, and customize predictions based on this. You can also program up to three languages so predictions will adjust based on the words you type (e.g. type “Merci,” and “beaucoup” will appear under the “b” for auto-completion.)

Perhaps the most “fun” feature of BB10, however, is Time Shift within the camera application. Activate it, then snap a photo and you’ll have the ability to “rewind” or “fast forward” approximately two seconds prior and two seconds after the shutter actually snapped to correct for pesky photo errors like closed eyes, moving limbs, or someone looking away. If it’s a group photo, you can select individuals to correct, manipulating the photo until it’s perfect. Once saved, only the original will be kept and all other photo information deleted to make room on the device. Unfortunately, further specifications on the camera aren’t available at this time.

And, of course, the devices will incorporate the new BlackBerry Messenger with BBM Voice for making free phone calls over Wi-Fi networks.

Will this be enough for RIM to keep its loyal following of BlackBerry fans interested, and prevent those on the fence from choosing a competitor? According to the latest IDC research figures, BlackBerry currently sits comfortably in the third spot for smartphone operating systems worldwide with 4.7% market share, behind Android’s 68.3% and iOS’ 18.8%. But Windows is creeping up, currently with 2.6%, but projected to reach 11.4% by 2016. RIM, meanwhile, is forecast to drop to 4.1% share.

Since it’s a new platform altogether, not an upgrade, current BlackBerry owners would have to have enough confidence in the brand to buy into BB10 rather than opt for a competing platform once it’s time for a new device. Is BB10 enough to convince them?

It may be a tall order for RIM to not just keep fans, move them over to the new platform, and acquire new customers in the wake of such enticing competition. But from what we’ve seen so far of the new OS, the company may just be able to pull it off.

Further details about the handsets won’t be disclosed until January 30, along with pricing and partner carriers.