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.

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!

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!

Top Wireless Moments of 2010

I make a point of reading through my monthly delivery of marketnews for all the latest information on the wireless industry and the exciting developments coming out. 


In the most recent edition, I came across a small article that featured some amusing stories from the past year, and I thought that others would appreciate a moment of entertainment. Be aware that the companies involved in these stories probably didn't find these as funny as we do...


Apple Loses the iPhone 4
An Apple employee accidentally left a prototype iPhone 4 at a bar he had visited, and the device found its way into the hands of an "innocent" patron who claimed to have tried returning the device to its owner. Upon being unable to reach the owner, the patron decided to sell the device to Gizmodo, further resulting in leaked images, rumors as to its arrival in the market, and a chase to retrieve the lost device.


Apple "Antenna-Gate"
It is rather amusing on its own to see that Apple features twice in these stories....but the realization that the side placement of the antenna in the iPhone 4 meant that owners could cover it while talking, had new users up in arms over losing signal strength each time they were on a call. Apple made the suggestion that users should purchase a case to slip their iPhone into - problem solved, right? Apparently not....consumers were unimpressed that they had to make yet another purchase to ensure their already expensive new Smartphone would work. Considering that the cost to replace every handset sold was in the range of $1.5billion, Apple felt that providing customers with a free case was the best, and cheapest, solution for its customers. Not the perfect result, but it seemed to make people happy....


Woman Sues Rogers for Her Infidelity
Many feel that Americans are quick to sue over any and all situations, and that Canadians are far too smart to do anything similar....apparently that is not the case here. In May 2010, a woman decided to sue Rogers because her husband found out about her cheating through a cell phone bill. At first glance, the immediate question is "How is this Rogers' fault?!" Apparently, Rogers consolidated her private cell phone bill with her husband's cable and Internet services (as a money saver) without her authorization. Upon reviewing her bill and seeing multiple calls to one number, the husband chose to leave his wife. As a result, she has chosen to sue Rogers in the amount of $500,000 for her pain and suffering....


The $8,000 Phone Bill
Soon after the Rogers legal incident above, a man from Alberta chose to go after his own wireless carrier, Virgin Mobile, after he received an $8000 phone bill. Many of us would simply assume that an error had been made in the billing system and that he was justified in making a noise about it. 


However, upon further investigation, it was revealed that this customer had recently returned from Europe where he had used his phone almost the entire time to do the following tasks:

• Making and receiving calls;
• Navigation to and from various destinations;
• Accessing a digital translator; and (this is the most ridiculous)....
• Listening to a streaming clock radio station from his hometown of Calgary for a total of FIVE hours!

There is no way that someone can claim any kind of innocence for using data to that extent while in another country. And I have to directly quote marketnews for this comment...."if you engage in these acts thinking that through some miracle of the cross-country wireless gods, they're free, the onus is on you. They're called 'smart' phones for a reason. But the device shouldn't have to act more intelligently than it's owner." Enough said!


So, despite the fact that 2010 was a landmark year for smartphones and development in many connected areas, it appears that it wasn't a year for smart actions on the parts of many individuals. Here's hoping 2011 brings some common sense to us all!

An Online Christmas

A few posts ago, I had noted that there was an influx of consumers starting to use the Smartphones to scout out the latest deals and offers that would make their Christmas shopping efficient, easy and epic.

Well, it turns out that online shopping for the Christmas season has so far reached $22 billion...and there is still a week to go until the big day. I guess that means there are more than just a few people utilizing Smartphones for deals and learning to shop online. It also explains why many of the wireless dealers have experienced a slight slow down in past weeks - an odd situation considering that this time last year, stores were packed to the hilt and sales reps didn't know which way to turn next to service their next customer!

There have been numerous incentives to shoppers looking to buy online, such as free shipping, which is most likely to be a winner for those looking to save a little something in the process. Even the promise of expedited shipping at no cost, ensures that these customers not only are saving money, but are going to be able to get their gifts to their loved ones right on time.

Online shopping is becoming more popular with the presence of services such as Groupon, and GoLoDeal, but don't forget your wireless dealers! 

I doubt there are many dealers that don't have their own website set up - these allow customers to review devices, check plan details, special offers, and even order through secure sites - you even have the choice of picking up your order, or having it shipped. Whatever is most convenient for you.

Did you know?

• About 66% of smartphone users will use their phones to assist in holiday shopping
• Over 50% will use them to compare prices
• 40% will look up product reviews.

And once those Smartphone users have completed all of the above....some interesting facts about online shopping this 2010 Christmas:

• 85% of online retailers will offer free shipping at some point during the holiday season.
• 37% of retailers surveyed said their budget for free shipping is higher than last year.
• 32% of holiday shoppers plan to spend more online this holiday season, specifically because of free shipping.
• Extreme procrastinators will have until Dec. 21 when 57% of online retailers’ express two-day delivery offers expire.
• 60% of online retailers will offer overnight shipping options for guaranteed Christmas delivery through Dec. 23.

As always, the greatest of thanks to iQMetrix News & Views for their informative newsletter, information and updates. Good luck with your shopping, whether online or in-store this season!

Facebook Launches "Places" - Huge Impact for Wireless Users

Originally posted September 30, 2010


On August 19, Facebook created a new service through its site called Places. This pits the social networking giant against existing location-based applications such as FourSquare.


The new feature aims at helping existing users find friends and their locations in real time, and actually works with the existing services such as FourSquare. The advantage for Facebook is that is doesn't have to find new userts - it's 500 million users have access to this new option.


This is another addition to the social networking site's move to monetize its network usage, particularly among its mobile users. More than one quarter of Facebook users access the site from their Smartphones, and this allows the site to promote the use of mobile coupons for various services (as FourSquare currently does).


Facebook's Places essentially turns a user's Smartphone into a combination of GPS, social network (the world’s biggest), loyalty card, ad space and coupon dispenser - things that will potentially draw millions of retailers to start offering real-time, location based deals to users.


Of course, this comes with its fair share of concerns about privacy, but unlike the release of Places in other regions, such as the US, Facebook users have the option to turn this feature off if they don't wish to participate. It remains to be seen how successful this new feature will be, but with the increase in Smartphone users growing every day, it is only a matter of time before Places touches millions.

Top Ten Smartphone Companies for 2010

Originally posted June 4, 2010

iSuppli has ranked the world's Top 10 mobile phone companies (for Smartphones and feature phones) for the first quarter of 2010.
iSuppli states that smartphones are having a revolutionary impact on the wireless business as more people are moving to those compared to the standard feature phones.

iSuppli lists these Top 10 companies based on market share, and sequential growth:

iSuppli Rankings (Q1 market share): Nokia (37.4%) Samsung (22.3%) LG (9.4%) Sony Ericsson (3.6%) RIM (3.6%) Apple (3.0%) ZTE (3.0%) Motorola (3.0%) Huawei (2.1%) TCL-Alcatel (1.8%) Other (10.7%)

iSuppli Rankings (sequential growth) RIM (3.6%) Apple (0.2%) Samsung (-6.5%) TCL-Alcatel (-9.3%) Nokia (-15.1%) LG (-20.1%) Sony Ericsson (-28.1%) Motorola (-29.2%) ZTE (-35.6%) Huawei (-44.7%) Other (4.5%)

With Smartphone usage growing all the time, they are being hailed as the "hottest segment of the cell phone market" with anticipated growth this year to increase by another 35%.

This complements earlier blog posts that global smartphone shipments jumped 65% in the first quarter, and could well be the reason behind so many manufacturers including Smartphones in their handset line up. 

For more details, take a look at the entire article, from IQMetrix.