BlackBerry users in North America are now able to rejoice given the fact that Research in Motion has updated its BlackBerry Internet Service to version 2.6. There are a few improvements that the new version offers users, and, although the service is not the BlackBerry Enterprise Service, which offers even more features, it is still able to deliver a wide range of capabilities.

One of the new features that BIS 2.6 comes with is the fact that it allows users to display password characters while they configure their email address with the BlackBerry Internet Service. This way, it is easier for users to integrate third-party email addresses, especially when they use a BlackBerry smartphone that features the SureType input method.

BIS 2.6 also comes with improved descriptive support and error messages, which delivers to BlackBerry smartphone owners who use a third-party email account with Post Office Protocol (POP) a personal identification number (PIN) message that also provides them with details on how to leave email messages on the messaging server so that they are delivered successfully to a BlackBerry handset.

Among the other new features that the BlackBerry Internet Service 2.6 brings along we can also count the option to change signatures for email messages from the BlackBerry smartphone, which is available for those who use Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) automatic login, as well as support for a new language, Dutch.

The new version of BIS is now able to integrate Gmail webmail accounts through Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP). Among the benefits that the new integration protocol can provide we should note:

- Elimination of sent email messages appearing as received email messages in the message list on the BlackBerry smartphone
- One-way synchronization of read status, sent items, and deleted items.

One thing that users should have in mind is the fact that, in order to be able to enjoy the improvements of BlackBerry Internet Service 2.6, they would need to delete their account and re-add it afterwards from the BIS admin.