Unfortunately for most BlackBerry users, our devices don’t run BlackBerry 6 which means that we don’t have access to the new and usuable improved WebKit BlackBerry Browser. Browsing the web via older BlackBerry devices is still just as slow and abysmal as it has ever been. Fortunately for us, however, third party BlackBerry browsers have come out that actually do a pretty good job at allowing you to get around the web on an older BlackBerry, and, one of the best, Opera Mini, has been undated to Opera Mini 6 and is now available for the BlackBerry.
At Pwn2Own 2011 three security researchers exploited multiple WebKit vulnerabilities in the BlackBerry Browser found in devices running BlackBerry 6. The trio chained an information disclosure bug to a separate integer overflow flaw in the open-source WebKit to hack the BlackBerry device and steal the contact list and image database.
To prevent the exploit Research in Motion has issued KB article RIM KB26132, which, basically instructs BlackBerry users running the WebKit BlackBerry Browser found in BlackBerry 6 to disable JavaScript until the a hotfix to correct the vulnerability is issued. The potential that someone would actually try to get information from your BlackBerry using this exploit is small. The fact that it is possible to do so, however, means that you may want to take precautions to protect your data.
Disabling JavaScript makes the WebKit BlackBerry Browser darn near useless so individuals need to weigh the pros and cons of disabling JavaScript. Corporate BES administrators can disable JavaScript for all managed BlackBerry devices by using the Disable JavaScript in Browser IT policy rule.
We all know that the current BlackBerry Browser leaves much to be desired. Until the release of the new Webkit browser we’re stuck with this lackluster one. One gripe that BlackBerry users have with respect to the browser is its speed. Fortunately with a few setting tweaks in browser options you’ll notice a significant increase in your browsing speed.
When it comes to 3rd party web browsers for the BlackBerry, Bolt and Opera Mini aren’t the only options. We just caught wind of a new BlackBerry browser from Logicplant called uZard Web, and word on the street says it shows promise. uZard Web is currently in beta, however, it’s website says it delivers the same web browsing experience as on a PC. Even though the uZard Web download page says its for the BlackBerry Bold 9000, multiple devices are currently support, although the app is pretty useless (from my experience) on the BlackBerry Storm. If you’d like to give uZard Web a go for yourself you can download it from the link below…
Say what you want about Research in Motion, but, you have to give them credit when it comes to providing users with options. In an iPhone world, Apple provides you with features and you either learn to like them or buy another product. That being said, I hope that Flash in the upcoming BlackBerry 6 browser will allow users to enable or disable the loading of Flash content. When I think of RIM’s focus on security as they design devices it would lead you to believe Flash will not only be an optional feature but off by default. I am not sure if this is a good thing for Adobe or end user experience but I can already see the reports, BlackBerry 6 Browser Sluggish Due to Flash. Essentially replay every article being written about Flash and Android today.
Opera Mini 5 is now out of beta. I haven’t tested it out yet, however, knowing how much better the beta was than the native BlackBerry Browser I feel pretty confident in saying that this is a must download for BlackBerry Storm and Storm2 users.
You may have heard that Research in Motion has been working on a new Webkit based BlackBerry Browser that they say will be on par with that found on the iPhone by the summer of this year. To let the world know that they were serious, RIM purchased Torch Mobile, makers of the Webkit IRIS browser back in August of last year. Just the other day RIM filed a patent application describing a proxy based web browsing scheme similar to that found in Opera Mini, and recenytly, analysts over at Canaccord Adams have gone on the record stating they believe the new BlackBerry Browser will be out before May and that the experience will be a “game changer“.
I believe that many BlackBerry users are eagerly anticipating the new WebKit based BlackBerry browser to that is supposed to be on par with, if not better than, mobile browsers currently found on devices like those running Android, Web OS, and even the iPhone OS. The BlackBerry Browser, however, isn’t the only thing RIM is looking at to improve your web browsing experience on the BlackBerry.
