Is the Blackberry becoming a dying breed?
You may have heard recently that Research In Motion is planning on bringing out a number of new smart-phones in the coming months. This includes the new Blackberry Torch, which is the touch screen version of its best selling Bold phone. There will also be a touch-screen only phone dubbed the Torch 9850. But are they new entries onto the smart-phone market enough to topple the best selling iPhone, or does Apple still have superiority when it comes to cell phone technology?
The first consideration is probably the price. While iPhones are likely to be the more expensive, it’s not certain which phones offer the best value for money. The tens of thousands of apps that can be downloaded to extend its usefulness for example enhance the iPhone, making it an even more useful device. While the Blackberry has a similar scheme, its app store is lightly stocked compared to the iPhone. So although you may consider a Blackberry to save a few bucks, this might actually be through serious compromise to functionality.
We should also consider the Blackberry OS7 operating system that the new RIM handsets will run on. This is a definite improvement over previous operating systems, but it’s actually not that much different to OS6 found in last year’s original Blackberry Torch phone. The new operating system was originally called OS6.1, but RIM revised this to the OS7 with claims that the upgrade was so big it deserved to be labelled as a brand new operating system. Whether this is true or not, RIM could be accused of using marketing techniques to sell it’s devices based on inflated software advances.
Regardless of whether RIM actually did create a new operating system, or merely upgraded an existing one – it really doesn’t matter that much, because it won’t be around when RIM move to their new “next-generation†OS called QNX. This software is already in use on the Blackberry PlayBook tablet computer, so it won’t be long before it replaces OS6, OS6.1 or OS7, whatever they want to call it. So, buying a Blackberry today may seem almost like buying old technology.
Meanwhile the Apple iPhone seems to just gain in popularity, despite blunders from Apple. A few years ago, when boarding a train or a bus, every other person had a Blackberry. It was the in thing to have for a businessperson. But now, the roles have reversed and now everyone is sporting a new iPhone 4, complete with its seemingly easy to use interface and multiple exchange server connections. No longer is the Blackberry a work phone and the iPhone a mere plaything. The iPhone has become a full-blown need to have device for many executives.
So has RIM fallen behind the times with its Blackberry phones? Have they failed to move ahead with technology quick enough? Some seem to think so, and even the die-hard Blackberry fans of old are seriously considering whether they are planning to be true to their faith, or whether they are willing to jump ship and sail off to new frontiers.
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+1 to Bla1ze & drock
also to continue on with security of BlackBerry products, their PlayBook tablet has been certified for government use in a few countries.
right on pal spread the word. it is a great victory for a great product.
wasington america:
I completely agree… and imo, i still see the Iphone as a toy. Its completely insecure in a Corporation. Anyone who has used RIM’s Blackberry Enterprise Server would agree. Also does Apple have their own secure network? I dont think so.
You can control and lockdown phones better then fort knox! Until Apple develops such a big backbone, the Iphone/Ipad will just be another toy that makes u pay 1$ for a screen lighter. *rolls eyes*
Quote – “Some seem to think so”. Just those who don’t own a BB ;-)
I like the read for the most part, but it seems a bit dated even in itself. “A few years ago, when boarding a train or a bus, every other person had a Blackberry. It was the in thing to have for a businessperson. But now, the roles have reversed and now everyone is sporting a new iPhone 4, complete with its seemingly easy to use interface and multiple exchange server connections.” That was true even just a year ago, but now every person seems to be using Android. Heck I’m even on the Android wagon. I use mine for personal and work. It’s the best of both worlds. Looks like it’s Android, Apple, then BB, and WinPho7 trailing far behind. Good read none the less. :-)
check the latest news on android security, they can easily be hacked into and your conversations can be recorded. you are doomed if you use it for banking. iphone is no basket of roses either. russian govt. has categorically banned the ipad from govt. use in russia. these incidents will open the eyes of corporations to the security of blackberry and that all that glitters and looks sexy like the iphone is not gold. there are more things to the smartphone than just good looks and tons of fart apps.
(1)security is not smartphone, smart OS and wonderful experience is.
(2)security about banking in home PC and mobile device, they are good, no way to be doomed.
(3)national security higher than personal securuty, russian govt. knew.
not like moto, RIM basically is a software company, if RIM live on device like moto, it will die million deaths, Fail to change small company buddy culture to be system oriented culture, now RIM is “small company buddy culture” with fat body. low efficient device producer, has to live on software, so if there software not that attractive, it will die.
Congrats! You’ve joined the rest of the World there discounting a very strong company during their transition period. Guess you forgot RIM has a rather large stock pile of cash, continued profitability, and an expanding global reach. But of course, those things never get mentioned in these types of articles — instead, everyone relies on the analyst predictions from the likes of Shaw Wu who had been wrong more time then he has been right.