RIM Plans a Comeback with BlackBerry 10

Paul — Wed, 02 May 2012 22:24:13 +0000

There once was a time when BlackBerry devices dominated the smartphone market, but as the market started branching out from enterprises and professionals to general users, RIM began losing ground to iOS and Android devices – even Windows devices have stolen some of the thunder with WP7. Rather than throwing in the towel, RIM has just announced BlackBerry 10, a new version of its BlackBerry operating system that completely revamps the product line (and hopefully saves the company).

What’s New?

Compared to the BlackBerry 7, the current version, BlackBerry 10 will be very different – so different that it completely skips versions 8 and 9. While change can be a bit scary, RIM is definitely focusing on the right aspects.

New Core – Rather than the Java-driven operating system of its predecessors, BlackBerry 10 will be based on a UNIX system from QNX that has provided a solid infrastructure for many telematic systems in cars. It provides a much more modern and robust operating environment and is a much needed improvement to the BlackBerry platform.

New Look – While not much has been showcased yet, BlackBerry 10 looks unsurprisingly like a cross between its biggest competitors, Android, iOS, and WP7. The homescreen features customizable tabs that act as application shortcuts as well as providing real-time information, similar to WP7’s tiles.

New Functionality – When BlackBerry 7 came out with multitasking, everyone thought it might just be enough to save the day. BlackBerry 10 not only has multitasking, but even goes a step further, integrating applications into the operating system directly so that multitasking is achievable with every application while having no impact on overall system performance.

More on the New UI

RIM plans to give the new user interface of BlackBerry 10 more than just good looks. UI functionality is one of the key features RIM is addressing. BlackBerry 10 will feature system wide gesture controls for things like switching between apps, answering calls, and as additional tools in applications.

One of the more interesting features RIM has added is an active learning system. BlackBerry 10 will automatically adjust itself to better suit its user over time. For instance, it will learn how you prefer to touch the screen and adjust itself to make your selections more accurate.

What about the Apps?

One of BlackBerry’s biggest downsides is its limited app selection. Devices running Android and iOS have app markets with hundreds of thousands of apps available. Rather than trying to play catch-up, slowly building up an app market of its own, RIM has partnered with developers around the world to develop quality apps that integrate perfectly with the operating system. RIM is aiming for quality over quantity here, and as long as it covers all of its bases – that is, it has at least one app for anything a user would want to do – BlackBerry 10 could be a worthy contender in the smartphone sector once again.

RIM’s Target

Without a massive app library, RIM knows it will have a difficult time breaking into the general consumer market, but with the right application suite, the enterprise markets where RIM got its start are still within reach. RIM’s goal is to entice growing and developing enterprises with sleek, capable, and affordable devices. The only problem is that both Android and WP7 are zeroing in on these markets as well, so RIM will have quite the upward battle ahead of them. Only time will tell if BlackBerry 10 is enough to keep RIM afloat.

Android, iPhone, WP7, BlackBerry? Which Smartphone is Right for You?

Paul — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 10:42:39 +0000

If you’re in the market for your first smartphone, or even upgrading from an old one, you’ll notice that there are a lot of choices on the market these days. Rather than blindly choosing your next smartphone based on a 3 minute test run at your carrier’s store, let alaTest help you decide which platform best suits your needs – Android, iPhone, Windows Phone 7, or BlackBerry.

Windows Phone 7

Key Features: Enterprise Integration, Document Management, Ease of Use

Windows Phone 7 is primarily intended for enterprise environments, especially those running Microsoft Exchange. Its focus is to keep you connected with your workplace as much as possible; however, in order to keep competitive, Microsoft has added some iPhone-like features, such as Facebook integration, Zune Media Sync (for MP3 and video playback), and its very own Windows Phone Marketplace.

WP7 is best suited for someone who needs to stay connected to the office without actually being there, but also wants to use his smartphone for a bit of fun on the side. The HD7S is a great place to start.

BlackBerry

Key Features: Simple E-mail and Messaging, Battery Life, Contact Management

In the business world, BlackBerry devices are very popular. They offer great E-mail capabilities, and the widespread use of its specialized BlackBerry Instant Messenger is a great asset. It doesn’t pack quite as much power as its competitors, making it a bit light for things like videos and rich document processing, but it does feature great battery life. Like Microsoft, RIM has been adding social features onto the BlackBerry platform as well.

When work comes before all else, and the ability to respond to E-mails and messages quickly are key, a BlackBerry is the best choice. Check out the Torch 9800.

The iPhone

Key Features: Ease of Use, Huge App Store, “Trendy”

The iPhone changed the smartphone arena when it came out, sparking a shift from corporate use to mass adoption. It features great browsing, media playback, and socializing capabilities, and through its App Store, nearly nothing is off limits. The latest model, the iPhone 4, is quite powerful (despite its hardware being a bit dated) and most importantly very simple to use.

It’s an excellent choice for people who might be afraid of the complexity of a smartphone or rely on many Apple products already (iTunes, iPod, etc).

Android

Key Features: Massive App Store, Extensive Media Playback Options, Lots of Devices to Choose From

Android was Google response to Apple’s raging success with the iPhone. It’s a little rough around the edges, requiring a bit of customization, and generally appealing more to those more technologically savvy, but it’s very similar to the iPhone with many social features, media options, and excellent web browsing. One of the key differences between Android and the iPhone is the fact that the Android platform has a wide array of devices to choose from.

It’s a common misconception that the iPhone offers the latest and fastest mobile technology, but it’s actually Android phones that hold the crown. The latest Galaxy S II is even expected to be faster than Apple’s upcoming iPhone 5.

Android phones are great for anyone looking for an iPhone-like experience for cheap. It’s also a great choice for those who like the latest, fastest technology at their fingertips. HTC Sensation 4G anyone?

Summary

In short, WP7 and BlackBerry are for working hard, while Android and the iPhone are for playing hard. If you’re in the market for an iPhone, it’s a good idea to check out Android phones as well, and visa-versa. The same goes for WP7 and BlackBerry, of course.

alaTest Blog » BlackBerry

RIM Plans a Comeback with BlackBerry 10

Android, iPhone, WP7, BlackBerry? Which Smartphone is Right for You?