Might this be the last stand for the BOLT browser for BlackBerry? RIM figures to debut OS 6.0 next month when AT&T releases the Bold 9800 slider, which brings along with it a Webkit browser. From what we’ve seen so far, it looks like a pretty significant improvement over the current default browser, and might make life tougher for third party browser developers. BOLT has created a quality BlackBerry browsing experience, and has continually pumped out new and improved versions. Their latest, version 2.1, continues on those improvements. I just wonder if it will hold up once RIM has a better native browser.
The new version adds plenty of features, server-side Webkit that, like competitor Opera Mini, allows for faster rendering. It also adds HTML5 support for both audio and video, as well as better Flash support. It has added a number of Flash sites, including MTV.com, to its newly-supported repertoire. YouTube works a bit better as well, as you can search and view right inside the browser.
Tabbed browsing, a feature I simply cannot live without these days, comes front and center. It’s not as great a necessity on a BlackBerry, but for web power-surfers, it should prove rather handy. For Facebook hounds, BOLT has added a feature that allows you to post updates, including messages and links, from any web page without leaving it. It’s like having a Facebook browser plugin.
BOLT is free, so if you’re unsatisfied with your current browsing experience you’re not risking anything by giving it a try. You can download BOLT at its website, where you can also download a Launcher Plug-in that makes BOLT your default browser. Also make sure to check out our feature on BOLT vs. Opera and the benefits of each. Obviously, the release of version 2.1 changes things a little bit.
