Clearly not content with the unscheduled exposé BlackBerry 6 got this time last week, RIM has given the new OS a more traditional announcement today, with co-CEO Mike Lazaridis showing a preview of the software during his keynote address at WES 2010.

Expected to debut at some point between July and September this year, RIM claims the OS intends to be both "approachable" and "powerful", all the core apps redesigned and multi-touch support added to bring the OS in line with its rivals.

Ticking the boxes

Also promised is a new WebKit based browser and UI for the media player, with the home screen rejuvenated to allow multiple views based on content type and a universal search system.

Top of RIM's list, however – at least in terms of its promo material – is the actual new 'look' of the OS, the firm claiming a desire to serve up crisp, immersive visuals was at the heart of its design.

That's certainly evident in the video released to mark Lazaridis' speech, although some will note its similarity to Palm's recent ad campaign in the United States.