I was reading an article in the Lethbridge Herald today, mentioning that analysts have basically said that RIM needs to step up to the plate now, or risk losing more to Android. Quite simply, there are no Blackberries on the market today that are able to compete in terms of functionality or looks with either the iPhone or the legions of Android phones out there.

RIM co-chief executive Jim Balsillie teased analysts in a conference call Thursday, saying

I’m just not going to talk anything more about our products or our launches until our time. I just wish I could wind the clock forward a few weeks… I can’t say much more, but I couldn’t feel better.

It’s expected that the Waterloo, Ont.-based company is going to come out with a new touchscreen phone that has a sliding keyboard, as well as version 6 of BBOS and a webkit-based internet browser. RIM is also rumoured to be working on a tablet that would work with its BlackBerrys, but wouldn’t actually have its own built-in 3G connection.

An analyst for BMO Capital Markets said delays in shipping the 9650 BlackBerry Bold model held back results, and that if the new 9650 had shipped on time, RIM wouldn’t be in the position they’re in. RIM has probably lost market share due to the new entrants using the Android operating system, but even if they release a new device in the coming months, will it actually make a difference?