BlackBerry has decided to make the 6.1 update to the OS the big 7.0. Unfortunately, there aren't many new features coming in the software update. Instead, BlackBerry OS 7 will focus on improving the overall experience. Expect things to be a bit easier to get done and faster. Plus, there is voice-enabled search coming and a dramatically improved browser with additional support for web standards such as HTML5.

BlackBerry Balance is RIM's new service that can help you manage or encrypt your "work life" on your smartphone or PlayBook to help separate it from your personal life. To give credit where credit is deserved, it's finally a fresh idea coming out of RIM. This too will be supported in OS 7.

BlackBerry OS 7 will arrive first on the new BlackBerry Bold Touch which is -- you guessed it -- a Bold with a touch screen. I find it pretty funny that the biggest perk out of BlackBerry as advertised by RIM is still the "renowned" keyboard. Well done. The Bold Touch will available sometime this summer if there's anyone still interested in buying a BlackBerry.