Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Five Keys to Positive Phone Shopping

An interesting article came across my desk recently which talks to the fact that shopping for a new cellphone or smartphone can be a stressful experience for many buyers. The choice of devices available coupled with choosing the right plan can have consumers walking out of the store rather than into it.

iQmetrix has come up with a list of five keys elements that will help your customers have a more positive experience while in your store:


  • Easy activation: The mobile phone activation process can be complicated, so any efforts to simplify the experience, through patient explanation and advice, will go a long way in increasing customer satisfaction.
  • Fast checkout: Expediting the checkout process is essential to delivering a good phone shopping experience. Retailers must make efforts to avoid long checkout lines – customers don’t want to wait.
  • Vast phone selection: Confusion is the enemy. It is important to not only offer a variety of devices, but also to present them in an understandable way. Store design and merchandising should clearly identify brands, categories, rate plans, etc. Retailers should meet customers’ expectations of product choice and quality, while avoiding out of stocks.
  • Affordable prices: Customers want to easily compare costs of different phones, plans and accessories to identify a price that works for them. Once again, pricing should be straightforward, not confusing.
  • Good customer service: Sales associates must demonstrate strong product knowledge while also being polite, genuine and helpful. Good listening skills are essential. Responsiveness is extremely important, as customers do not want to wait around for a salesperson to help them. 

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

RIM Launches Its Much Anticipated BlackBerry PlayBook

Research In Motion's answer to the tablet competition was released today, April 19, amid much speculation that the BlackBerry PlayBook was never going to compare to the likes of Apple's iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

There have been many reviews recently that stated this wasn't a true tablet due to its reliance on a BlackBerry smartphone to enable its email, calendar and task features.

This device is designed for the avid BlackBerry user, which some has said may alienate other users. This is not necessarily the case as those who don't have a BlackBerry smartphone can still enjoy many of the features of the device, including its HD cameras, presentation and photo / video capabilities, and full internet access over a Wi-Fi connection.

A much smaller device than it's direct Apple competition, the PlayBook sits perfectly in one hand, allowing the freedom to use the device with the other, without the worry of dropping it or having to place it in a stand.

The quality of the screen is amazing and the functionality of the operating system is extremely smooth. And the fact that you can BBM from the PlayBook (keeping the same PIN as your smartphone) is just awesome! Also, don't forget that the moment you disconnect your BlackBerry smartphone, the PlayBook is wiped of all the email, calendar and task items, which is great for security, especially if you are one of our business customers.

Some of the key selling points of the BlackBerry PlayBook are:


  • A professional grade tablet that can be securely connected to a Blackberry, allowing
    access to their email, calendar, address books, tasks, memos and BBM
  • Great for Business Professionals and Small Business Owners
  • 7” HD touch-screen display
  • 1 GB RAM with 16, 32, or 64 GB storage
  • Wi-Fi
  • 3.0 MP forward facing and 5.0 MP rear facing cameras
  • Can be tethered to non-BlackBerry Devices (i.e Android phones, Novatel MiFi)
Currently the PlayBook is only available in a WiFi option, but we haven't ruled out the possibility of permanently connected models in the future - perhaps when Rogers launches its LTE network?


Prices are (all models are WiFi only):


  • 16GB - $499
  • 32GB - $599
  • 64GB - $699

Visit http://us.blackberry.com/ for full specifications.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Exclusive to Rogers - Sony Xperia™ arc & Play

This month, Sony Ericsson revealed the two newest devices for its line up this quarter - the Xperia™ arc and the Xperia™ Play, both of which feature the latest Android 2.3 "Gingerbread" software.


The most anticipated of the two is the Play, which is the first ever PlayStation Certified smartphone, and will feature around 50 games at the time of launch, including Asphalt 6, The Sims 3, and Need For Speed Shift. The reasons* behind a gaming phone such as this?
  • Smartphone users are five times more likely to play games almost every day than non-smartphone users.
  • Most PlayStation gamers would rather give up social networking sites or fantasy sports leagues for a whole year than give up playing video games
  • More than half of PS3 users tout a gaming library of double-digits
  • 1 out of 5 gamers have played a PS3 game for 10+ straight hours.
  • Chips and pizza ranked high as preferred gaming snacks but 1 out of 3 PS3 gamers choose not to snack at all during game play for total concentration
  • 40% of PS3 gamers cannot be in a relationship with a partner who gets in the way of their gaming
*With thanks to Rogers Redboard for these stats collected by Sony Computer Entertainment America.

Some features to watch out for....

Sony Xperia™ arc
  • 8.7mm thin
  • 4.2" multi-touch screen featuring Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA engine
  • 8.1MP camera with HD video capture
  • Timescape and full synchronization with email, calendar, contacts and OfficeSuite
Sony Xperia™ Play
  • Real console controls for full gaming experience
  • 4" multi-touch screen gives 3D gaming graphics and is powered by a 1Ghz Snapdragon processor
  • Front facing camera and integrated 5MP rear camera

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Canada Gets the iPad2 on March 25



We all knew it was inevitable, with the launch of various tablet devices over the past six months, there was no way that Apple was going to be left behind (despite being the innovator for the product).


Yesterday, Apple announced that the iPad2 will be coming to Canada on March 25, and promises to be yet another marvel from the electronics giant. Some of the new features include:


  • Two cameras (front and rear-facing) for FaceTime users
  • HD video recording
  • Dual core chip
  • 9.7inch high-resolution screen
  • Pre-loaded with iOS4
  • Updates to existing features, such as the accelerometer, gyro-scope and compass, now work smoothly together
  • Video-mirroring allows the iPad 2 to plug into your projector or HDTV for full-screen cinematic viewing and sharing
  • 33% thinner and almost 15% lighter than the original iPad
  • Maintains the same 10-hour battery life
And in order to keep your iPad2 looking brand new, Apple has also introduced the iPad Smart Cover, available in a range of colours to completely personalize the newest addition to your Apple collection.

As soon as this is available in Canada, Rogers will ensure that the existing iPad plans are available for users wishing to move to the new device. And the new Data Share Plans are expanding to include iPad2 as well.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Interactive Shopping Barcodes

Last year we wrote that the advent of online shopping was really taking off, and that consumers were conducting much of their shopping from their Smartphones either through outright purchases or to comparison shop.

Since then, 2011 has brought about the use of 2D codes -  square, black and white bar codes that can be used to store various bits of information. These fancy little codes were first introduced through BlackBerry Messenger, where users could add contacts by scanning the bar code of another user with the device's camera. This was essentially a mini-revolution for BlackBerry users - not having to ask for a PIN or even find your own was a great time saver, and made Messenger even more popular.

Now, the knowledge that these 2D codes have the ability to store all kinds of information - essentially anything a retailer or advertiser might want. Some of the ways that the codes have been used so far are:



  • "Hello, My Name Is" tags - this allows new people to learn more about you, what you do, background information, and other general information
  • Business Cards - a quick and easy way for people to download all your contact information simply by scanning a code with the camera on their phone
  • Outdoor Billboards - consumers can walk up to an advertisement and scan a bar code which then takes them to the campaign page for the ad, rather than a company web page. This is particularly awesome for movie advertisements - readers can scan a code and be taken right to the movie trailer or the nearest theater to order tickets
  • Websites - companies can add 2D codes to their "Contact Us" pages to allow visitors to dial in immediately, without having to search for information
  • Webinars - adding a 2D code to online presentations can encourage audience involvement, e.g. small contest to test learning
  • Social Media Sites (LinkedIn, Facebook) - position yourself as a tech-savvy professional, and make it easy for those searching you to find more information about you, or even download your resume
  • T-Shirts - great for prizes and product giveaways
  • In-store posters with coupons - instead of having customers find promotional coupons throughout a store when purchasing products, scanning a bar code right at the product can give instant rewards to be obtained at check out
  • Dial a Phone Number - by using a 2D code to store a phone number, users can simply scan and dial right through to order a product or service
  • Books, articles and eBooks - direct people to social media related to publications, such as websites for more information, related reads, blogs, forums etc.
One of the up-and-coming companies to work with this technology is Gauge Mobile - a new company that has realized the potential that these codes have in connection with the increased use of Smartphones. This is great for consumers and retailers, no matter who they are or what they sell, due to their ability to "deliver relevant content to an audience at the most opportune time - on their Smartphone" and the fact that they are extremely cost effective, and efficient.

Keep an eye out for these little codes - they seem to be popping up just about anywhere!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Devices To Watch Out For In 2011

With CES 2011 having taken place recently, there is much talk about all the new devices coming to market this year. At this time it is hard to determine which carrier will be responsible for which device, but here are a few to keep your eyes open for as we move into 2011:


Motorola Atrix
This much-hyped device is set to directly compete with the iPhone, with its 4G connectivity and dual-core processor. 1GB RAM, 16GB of internal storage, a 5MP camera and a super wide screen, as well as the latest Android software make this a phone to watch out for. The only sad thing for us at Rogers....this is going to be exclusively available to Bell Canada customers.


Samsung Infuse 
Another Android submission as a follow-through from the current Samsung Galaxy S - it's hard to believe that a device could get even more impressive, but it appears that Samsung has done so! A single core processor and 512MB RAM seem at first glance to make this inferior to the existing Galaxy, but take note - 8MP camera and a 4.5" Super AMOLED screen. Not only is the camera comparable (if not better) to most standard digital cameras, but the high resolution, top quality screen will make your pictures crystal clear.


This device is listed as 4G so might not be around until Rogers has fully implemented its LTE network, but definitely one to watch out for. Telus is also likely to carry this model.


LG Optimus 2X
This device is a close competitor for the entire Samsung Galaxy line-up across all carriers, but with a smaller processor. On the plus side, the screen is high quality (800 x 480) and shoots 1080p video - now that beats most digital cameras to the punch. Finally, for those who want a face-to-face experience using applications like Skye, or Qik, there is a front facing camera standard on the device. This is set to be released on all Canadian carriers.


With thanks to The Cellular Guru for the review tips


BlackBerry Playbook
This is the highly anticipated BlackBerry response to the iPad. There are almost too many awesome features to describe, but here are just a few to wet your appetite - 3MP forward-facing camera, 5MP rear-facing camera, 1080p HD video recording, 7" LCD display, 1Ghz dual-core processor, and....get this....micro USB and HDMI ports - a first for any tablet device currently on the market. This will be carried by Rogers, but no word yet on whether the other Canadian carriers will have it also. Rumors have it that this will first be available in WiFi only, with the possibility of a 3G+ version later in the year. 

Monday, February 7, 2011

The Samsung Galaxy Captivate...in HD

Samsung Galaxy S Captivate
This past Christmas I was given the opportunity to try out a new device. Being a BlackBerry user for the past five or so years, I was hesitant to move away from the familiar. But I had to give this sought-after device a try and see what all the fuss was about. Here are my thoughts...






High Points:


  • The Super AMOLED screen and 5MP camera make pictures and even the device's screens itself look crisp and clear. Taking some shots of the family Christmas tree put my own digital camera to shame!
  • The still and video cameras each have multiple settings depending on what you are shooting - the last Canucks game I went to was a great chance to try this out. By selecting the "action shot" feature in the camera, it was as if all the players had posed for their pictures - no blurring from movement!
  • There are literally thousands of applications for almost anything - and they can be accessed right from the device. The one thing that really got me, was the device's ability to download these apps in the background and simply notify me when they were done. There was no rebooting required!
  • Due to access to all the applications, including those to customize the device with live wallpapers, my Captivate looks nothing like anyone else's. Of course the physical device is the same, but once you take a look through it, nothing else looks familiar.
  • The touch screen capabilities are sensitive enough to recognize your touch when typing, but when on the phone, it automatically senses when it is close to my face, and ensures that I don't accidentally press something in the middle of a call. Great to avoid putting someone on hold with my face....
  • It was so easy to add my emails to the phone once I was ready to use it. I have a corporate email that just required a few inputs to get everything active, including all my contacts, and Gmail was even easier, only requiring a few steps to load up. Both emails look just as they do at my desktop which means I can access my messages quickly when I need to - the Gmail account even shows the labels I have added in my online Inbox, and allows me to apply them to new messages right from the phone
  • The device has such a massive on board memory (16GB to be precise) that I was able to load nearly 1000 songs without needing a memory card. And it didn't seem to phase the phone either - everything ran just as smoothly as normal. But even so, adding a memory card into the phone is equally smooth - no configuring required, and the phone will even do its own security scan of the files just to make sure everything is okay
  • Text messaging brings on a whole new way to type - SWYPE technology allows you to slide your finger across the keyboard instead of tapping individual keys to spell a word. This might sound like a strange feature, but when using a touchscreen, you can type as fast as if you had buttons at your fingertips. This is definitely one more thing to get used to, but everyone I know who has tried it, has never gone back to the standard style
  • For such a powerful device, it sure is slim and sleek. Far less bulky than many other Smartphones out there, it amazes me that this phone is capable of so much
  • And on the note of sleek and slim, you might think that as a result, battery size and life is compromised. As with any Smartphone, data is constantly flowing back and forth which consumes battery, but in order to make up for this, the Galaxy Captivate has battery saving features that kick in once your battery starts to wane - features that you don't have to physically ensure are working. The phone just does it!
Downsides:
  • It is a full touch screen device....and there are times when I just want to push a button - new users to the Captivate will need to give themselves at least a couple of weeks to get used to the phone (the same goes for the SWYPE technology - give yourself at least a few messages to become familiar with how it works)
  • There is no flash on the camera - for a device with such a great screen and camera capability, it is a shame that taking pictures at night, or even in a poorly lit room, is pretty much a no-no. Perhaps future versions of the device will incorporate this feature - I hope so!
  • I mentioned I have been a BlackBerry user for a number of years - I miss my BBM! There are many applications designed to go across various operating systems, such as Kick or WhatsApp, but nothing really compares to the first instant messenger that many of us know and love. In fact, if you are a BB user trying to chat with people through WhatsApp, the application just doesn't work as well as it does on the Android or iPhone operating systems
  • Although setting up email was quick and easy, I would recommend not merging your email accounts. The device tends to find any and all email addresses and list them in the address book....rather frustrating when an email has only been used once. In addition, the device has some sort of ability to merge contacts together, which can result in duplicates - and for those that did duplicate, one would have a picture, the other wouldn't, or each would be entirely different! 
Overall, this device is definitely a lot of fun to play with. It is great as a functional, work-based device, but is also perfect for all the fun you want. There is pretty much an app for anything, you can truly make the phone yours, and with the new Android 2.2 software, battery life is far better than it used to be, and there are some small tweaks that just make the phone run a lot more efficiently.

I find that I learn something new everyday with this phone, so I can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store!