Canadian manufacturer RIM has officially unveiled the next generation of its mobile platform, BlackBerry 7, and the software looks packed the gills with exciting new features which RIM no doubt hope will keep people interested in the BlackBerry brand. But what can we look forward to with this new release?

Well firstly, and perhaps most importantly, Blackberry 7 will launch with the company's next-gen Bold 9900/9930 handsets and will feature on other new devices released by the company in the coming weeks and months. The upgrade will, however, be reserved for new hardware only. Current devices will not be receiving the update to OS 7, according to RIM.

So if you're one of the unlucky souls who recently purchased a shiny new BlackBerry, you have our sympathies, but the decision to reserve the updated firmware for newer devices comes from BlackBerry 7's increased power demands. We aren't sure whether a 'lite' version will make it onto current devices, but we live in hope.

For those of you that have a new BlackBerry on your shopping lists you can look forward to an OS that acts as a proper smartphone OS should. Among the new features you'll find a new and improved browser, augmented by RIM's new JIT (Just-In-Time) JavaScript compiler which also boasts HTML5 support, pinch to zoom and enhanced Flash support, as well as updated HTML rendering.

You'll also be treated to RIM's new Liquid Graphics interface, which aims to bring a consistently high standard of visuals to BlackBerry devices, powered by the updated CPU and GPU capabilities of the newer range of smartphone's.

Owing to the other new capabilities of up and coming devices, the firmware update also includes support for NFC technology and HD video capture, with newer devices able to capture and playback 720p content.

The aesthetic of the new software isn't terribly different from the previous version, though there are some nice new touches that those acquainted with the OS will appreciate.

For example you'll find larger tabs in the browser, allowing you to shift between open windows with ease and the updated Universal Search with voice support will likely please users too.

Another key feature of BlackBerry 7 is BlackBerry Balance, which aims to help users detach their personal and business lives into two separate streams of content on one device, which will doubtless have some users breathing a well deserved sigh of relief.

There isn't a sniff of QNX to be found anywhere in version 7 of the operating system, leaving PlayBook OS alone at the top of RIM's pile in terms of advanced features, another feature that wasn't discussed was the possibility of support for Android applications. But we aren't writing that one off quite yet.

Overall BlackBerry 7 OS does a good job of bringing RIM to within striking distance of its nearest competitors (Apple, we're looking in your direction) and when the new devices launch in the Summer we expect to see a resurgence of love for the brand, as people come flocking back into the BlackBerry fold.

The lack of legacy support may well alienate as many people as the new features entice though, so how successful this release is remains to be seen.

cannot install OS7 on 9530...........