A major revamp is on the cards for Research in Motion (RIM)'s BlackBerry OS - with the company soon launching the snazzy 6.0 version of the operating system.

According to the information forwarded by RIM, the new OS version, which will likely be launched next quarter, will not be fully backwards-compatible - which implies that the new OS will not be available for some of the earlier BlackBerry handsets.

The BlackBerry OS 6.0, to be previewed at the Wireless Enterprise Symposium (WES) conference in Orlando, will include a modernized user interface; an enhanced web browser; a refurbished music player; widgets; and a customizable home screen, featuring a digital clock, wall paper, and big icons to access services like web, e-mail, and music.

Though RIM has not disclosed the complete details about the OS 6.0 version, it is being reported that the system has been optimized for "better" integration with both trackpads as well touchcreen devices; and it will also include support for a QWERTY keyboard - thereby hinting support for already available BlackBerrry handsets like Storm, Tour, and Bold.

In addition, the forthcoming next-generation 6.0 version of the BlackBerry OS will be based on WebKit - the open-source browser-building block which forms the basis of the iPhone Safari and the Google Android browser -; and will make web pages appear as good on the handsets as they do on a computer.