The iPhone has become the bellwether when it comes to gauging how well phones do at launch. The iPhone 3GS is estimated to have done better than most phones, with Apple reporting a million sold in the first three days. The Palm Pre launch was compared to the iPhone 3GS launch (endlessly), and is widely believed to have been whooped soundly by the newest phone from Apple. That may not be the case with the latest BlackBerry, the Tour, that launched just a few days ago. Analysts are estimating that Verizon’s launch of the Tour saw around 300,000 phones move out the door, in just the first 24 hours. While that level of sales may not keep up for long it’s on a par with the iPhone 3GS numbers.
The Tour is a solid product from RIM, and the first new BlackBerry launched on Verizon’s network since the Storm. The Tour can be used globally, something popular with business travelers and BlackBerry enthusiasts. The BlackBerry Curve has been a very popular seller for RIM, and Tour sales are estimated to be three times those of the Curve. It looks like Verizon and RIM have a very hot item on the market.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Google's CEO Uses a BlackBerry!
At Allen & Co.'s media summit in Sun Valley, AP photographer Nati Harnik took a meta photo of Google CEO Eric Schmidt taking pictures of reporters gathered outside the Sun Valley Inn.
Not in the AP's caption: Google's CEO is -- gasp! -- using a Research In Motion BlackBerry to take the photo, not a Google Android-based device.
How is Android supposed to conquer the world if Google's boss is still a CrackBerry addict? Is he borrowing Bill Gates' phone to take photos?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
RIM Q1 Result Out
Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was $3.42 billion, comparable with $3.46 billion in the previous quarter and up 53% from $2.24 billion in the same quarter of last year. The revenue breakdown for the quarter was approximately 81% for devices, 13% for service, 2% for software and 4% for other revenue. During the quarter, RIM shipped approximately 7.8 million devices.
Approximately 3.8 million net new BlackBerry subscriber accounts were added in the quarter. At the end of the quarter, the total BlackBerry subscriber account base was approximately 28.5 million.
Stock is down 5% after the result.
Approximately 3.8 million net new BlackBerry subscriber accounts were added in the quarter. At the end of the quarter, the total BlackBerry subscriber account base was approximately 28.5 million.
Stock is down 5% after the result.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The New Tour 9630
RIM rolled out its newest handset the Tour 9630, which has 3G capabilities and is said to be able to operate globally. The new handset will be sold at a price of $199.99, after rebates and on a two-year contract, in the US through Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel. The new model is said to be the company's answer to Apple's new 3GS iPhone.
Friday, June 12, 2009
RIM BUYS DASH
Research In Motion has acquired U.S.-based Dash Navigation, allowing the BlackBerry maker to provide real-time traffic information and its own GPS mapping solutions. There were few details available on the acquistion, confirmed yesterday by RIM. Dash Navigation was the maker of an Internet-connected GPS system, that provided traffic and destination information. The acquisition would allow RIM to improve on its GPSenabled smartphones.
JP Morgan Boosts Estimate
J.P. Morgan analyst Ehud Gelbaum raised his estimates and price target on Research In Motion (RIMM), while maintaining his Neutral rating on the stock.
Gelbaum, boosted his EPS estimate for the February 2010 fiscal year to $4.06 from $3.71; for FY 2011 his estimate is unchanged at $4.64. For the May quarter, his new estimate is 96 cents, up from 88 cents. His price target on the share is now $88, up from $74. The stock closed yesterday at $83.45.
Gelbaum writes in a research note that the higher EPS estimates reflects an upward revision in his expectations for both gross margins and devices sold for the latest quarter. His forecast on units shipped for the May quarter rises to 7.9 million from 7.7 million, "reflecting the ultra-lean channel inventories entering the quarter and the overall decent handset trends in Q2."
He also says the company could raise FY 2010 gross margin guidance from low 40s to the same 43%-44% range they forecast for Q1, given that "none of RIMM's soon-to-be-launched phones this year contain margin busting new components," unlike FY 2009 when the touch-screen Storm was introduced.
Gelbaum, boosted his EPS estimate for the February 2010 fiscal year to $4.06 from $3.71; for FY 2011 his estimate is unchanged at $4.64. For the May quarter, his new estimate is 96 cents, up from 88 cents. His price target on the share is now $88, up from $74. The stock closed yesterday at $83.45.
Gelbaum writes in a research note that the higher EPS estimates reflects an upward revision in his expectations for both gross margins and devices sold for the latest quarter. His forecast on units shipped for the May quarter rises to 7.9 million from 7.7 million, "reflecting the ultra-lean channel inventories entering the quarter and the overall decent handset trends in Q2."
He also says the company could raise FY 2010 gross margin guidance from low 40s to the same 43%-44% range they forecast for Q1, given that "none of RIMM's soon-to-be-launched phones this year contain margin busting new components," unlike FY 2009 when the touch-screen Storm was introduced.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
RIM Takes Over 1/3 Of Cell Phone Industry Profits
Although smart phones represent a small portion of all cell phones sold every year, when it comes to profit, RIM and Apples are going to take the majority in 2009.
RIM did the best on profit growth, increasing its estimated share of industry profits from 8% (2007) to 19% (2008) to 35% (2009). Apple’s share of industry operating profits went from 3% in 2007 to 20% in 2008 and to an estimated 31% in 2009.
Source: Tech Crunch
RIM did the best on profit growth, increasing its estimated share of industry profits from 8% (2007) to 19% (2008) to 35% (2009). Apple’s share of industry operating profits went from 3% in 2007 to 20% in 2008 and to an estimated 31% in 2009.
Source: Tech Crunch
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
BlackBerry Is Behind In Web Traffic
According to a AdMob report, iPhone leads in Web Traffic in Apple, while BlackBerry is in a distance third place.
Source: AdMob
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Yahoo! Mobile For BlackBerry Get Cancelled
An interesting development at Yahoo. Here is an email received by a Yahoo! Mobile Beta user.
From: Yahoo! Mobile beta
ReplyTo: xxxxx
Subject: Yahoo! Mobile for smartphones beta update
Sent: May 18, 2009 8:30 AM
After careful consideration, Yahoo! has decided to cease development of Yahoo! Mobile for smartphones effective Wednesday, May 20th.
Moving forward, we will be focusing our efforts on the newly-launched Yahoo! Mobile experience for browsers (available at new.m.yahoo.com) and for the iPhone (available via the Apple App Store).
The feedback we’ve received from our beta testers during this program has been extremely helpful in improving the customer experience across all of our Yahoo! Mobile products. We hope you’ve enjoyed being a beta tester and that you’ll continue to provide passionate input to us regarding our products.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. If you have further feedback or any other questions, please contact customer care.
Many thanks,
The Yahoo! Mobile team
From: Yahoo! Mobile beta
ReplyTo: xxxxx
Subject: Yahoo! Mobile for smartphones beta update
Sent: May 18, 2009 8:30 AM
After careful consideration, Yahoo! has decided to cease development of Yahoo! Mobile for smartphones effective Wednesday, May 20th.
Moving forward, we will be focusing our efforts on the newly-launched Yahoo! Mobile experience for browsers (available at new.m.yahoo.com) and for the iPhone (available via the Apple App Store).
The feedback we’ve received from our beta testers during this program has been extremely helpful in improving the customer experience across all of our Yahoo! Mobile products. We hope you’ve enjoyed being a beta tester and that you’ll continue to provide passionate input to us regarding our products.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. If you have further feedback or any other questions, please contact customer care.
Many thanks,
The Yahoo! Mobile team
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
RIM has no netbook plans
RIM’s co-CEO Jim Balsillie has promised that the company will stay focused on phones, despite its competitors - particularly Nokia - talking about diversifying to netbooks and laptops.
Balsillie said the company has no interest in adding a netbook to RIM's product line. The only netbook Balsillie is interested in is one "you can hold up to your ear and clip onto your belt." In other words, a BlackBerry. Anything larger just won't cut it, as a parade of discontinued non-phone portable hardware has already shown us. "These devices don’t work," he said.
Interestingly, Apple has a similar view on netbooks. Asked about Apple's interest in the category during an late April earnings calls, COO Tim Cook said it has none.
Balsillie said the company has no interest in adding a netbook to RIM's product line. The only netbook Balsillie is interested in is one "you can hold up to your ear and clip onto your belt." In other words, a BlackBerry. Anything larger just won't cut it, as a parade of discontinued non-phone portable hardware has already shown us. "These devices don’t work," he said.
Interestingly, Apple has a similar view on netbooks. Asked about Apple's interest in the category during an late April earnings calls, COO Tim Cook said it has none.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
SAP CRM Available on BlackBerry Smartphones
The new BlackBerry Sales Client for SAP CRM, which was recognized at SAPPHIRE 2009 with an SAP Pinnacle Award for Innovation, is now available from RIM, giving sales reps simple, secure, real-time access to customer information in SAP CRM with the same seamless and intuitive experience they have come to expect from BlackBerry smartphones. The new solution is being showcased by SAP and RIM at SAPPHIRE.
Details are here.
Details are here.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
RIM Chief Bids for NHL's Coyotes
Jim Balsillie, the co-chief executive of Canadian smartphone maker Research in Motion, made a $212.5 million offer to buy the National Hockey League's Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday, following the team's unexpected bankruptcy filing, which was announced by the team's owner.
The offer is conditional on the team relocating to Southern Ontario, according to a statement by Balsillie.
Details here.
The offer is conditional on the team relocating to Southern Ontario, according to a statement by Balsillie.
Details here.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Google Apps Will Soon Connects With BlackBerry Enterprise Server
Google Apps Connector for BES will offer:
Google is currently beta testing Apps Connector with "select companies and universities", with free availability to all Premier/Education customers come July.
Here is the full article
- Gmail with push support, offline access, read/delete sync, spam filtering, and support for archiving/stars right.
- One-way sync (GCal > BlackBerry) with Google Calendar, with support for recurring meetings and meeting notification alerts.
- Two-way sync for contacts.
Google is currently beta testing Apps Connector with "select companies and universities", with free availability to all Premier/Education customers come July.
Here is the full article
J.P. Morgan Upgraded RIM
A little over a month after J.P. Morgan downgraded RIM, it raised its rating to neutral from underweight and set a $74 price target - well above its prior $40 stock call.
If people bought the stock when JP downgraded it and sell today when it upgrades, it seems a very good return. A reverse indicator? :)
If people bought the stock when JP downgraded it and sell today when it upgrades, it seems a very good return. A reverse indicator? :)
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Best-Selling Smartphone in the U.S. in Q1
BlackBerry Curve move past Apple's iPhone to become the best-selling consumer smartphone in the U.S. in Q1 of 2009, according to a market research report Monday.
RIM's consumer smartphone market share increased 15 percent to nearly 50 percent of the smartphone market in the first quarter versus the prior quarter, as Apple's and Palm's share both declined 10 percent each.
Port Washington, N.Y.-based NPD Group Inc. said that the top five best-selling smartphones in the quarter were:
1) BlackBerry Curve
2) Apple's iPhone 3G (all models)
3) BlackBerry Storm
4) BlackBerry Pearl (all models except flip)
5) T-Mobile G1
RIM's consumer smartphone market share increased 15 percent to nearly 50 percent of the smartphone market in the first quarter versus the prior quarter, as Apple's and Palm's share both declined 10 percent each.
Port Washington, N.Y.-based NPD Group Inc. said that the top five best-selling smartphones in the quarter were:
1) BlackBerry Curve
2) Apple's iPhone 3G (all models)
3) BlackBerry Storm
4) BlackBerry Pearl (all models except flip)
5) T-Mobile G1
HP CloudPrint for BlackBerry Smartphones
HP CloudPrint for BlackBerry smartphones is a web services based solution that allows users to print emails, documents, photos and web pages using a BlackBerry smartphone, wherever they are – in the office, at home or on the road.
The CloudPrint service enables mobile users to easily print to the nearest printer. The service is printer-agnostic and driverless and requires simple Internet access. HP and RIM plan to make CloudPrint available to BlackBerry Internet Service subscribers as well as BlackBerry Enterprise Server customers.
The CloudPrint service enables mobile users to easily print to the nearest printer. The service is printer-agnostic and driverless and requires simple Internet access. HP and RIM plan to make CloudPrint available to BlackBerry Internet Service subscribers as well as BlackBerry Enterprise Server customers.
RIM Released a New BlackBerry Push API
RIM is extending its existing, well-proven push technology from the enterprise into the consumer space, allowing developers to leverage push technology for BlackBerry applications targeted at consumers. Push technology provides a proactive mechanism for developers to deliver data to BlackBerry smartphones as it becomes available. It brings immediacy to mobile communications with real-time content, preserves battery life, and minimizes data usage by eliminating the need for "poking" and "polling" servers. RIM's unique push technology significantly enhances the user experience and provides a proactive mechanism for developers to deliver data to BlackBerry smartphones as the data becomes available.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
3 Business (UK) Offers BlackBerry Bold for Under £30 a month
3 Business today announced the launch of the BlackBerry solution on its network for the first time ever. The company is offering the 3G (HSDPA) -enabled BlackBerry Bold smartphone to 3 Business subscribers, providing small businesses a powerful, stylish smartphone with the industry's leading email and messaging solution as a competitively priced package on the UK's largest 3G network.
The BlackBerry Bold smartphone is available for just £29.79 a month on 3 Business' 900 package, which includes a free handset, 1125 minutes, 150 texts, 2000 3-to-3 minutes and 1GB of data for email and web browsing on BlackBerry Internet Service.
The BlackBerry Bold smartphone is available for just £29.79 a month on 3 Business' 900 package, which includes a free handset, 1125 minutes, 150 texts, 2000 3-to-3 minutes and 1GB of data for email and web browsing on BlackBerry Internet Service.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
I Love BlackBerry
A free application "I Love BlackBerry" can be downloaded at EarlySail. It will show your usage during work hours and during nights and weekends. It organizes your daily, weekly, monthly usage for the current period as well as displays long term averages.
To download it, click here.
To download it, click here.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Apple's Co-Founder uses BlackBerry
Lifehacker.com had an interview with Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak lately. In answering one of the questions, he mentioned he had a iPhone and a Blackberry, but not using them for emails. Here is the details:
Lifehacker: What gadgets and software applications do you use on a day-to-day basis?
Steve Wozniak: I have such a crowded life and crowded schedule. When people send me a link with a gadget, I'll look at it and buy it if it looks interesting, but I don't have time to check out everything I'd like to.
I do have a Nixie Tube watch, which I get a lot of benefit from. The biggest benefit in my life comes from my Segway, which I use everywhere I am. If I'm going to San Antonio, for example, I'll load it in the car and just go everywhere with it. The other crucial thing is my Verizon wireless card, which I have to have because hotel Wi-Fi is just so unreliable.
... I have one MacBook Pro, with a 17-inch screen. I got into that and consciously separated myself from having 3, 4, 5 computers in my life, which just became too much. As far as the mobile devices, I've gone through all the different smartphones, all the different gadgets. For a while I was using a Razr for voice and messing with mobile devices, but now I'm traveling with an iPhone and a BlackBerry. I don't use them very much for email, though, unless I'm detained for a long, unexpected stretch. I save answering my email for when I'm going to be in front of my nice, comfortable keyboard.
Lifehacker: What gadgets and software applications do you use on a day-to-day basis?
Steve Wozniak: I have such a crowded life and crowded schedule. When people send me a link with a gadget, I'll look at it and buy it if it looks interesting, but I don't have time to check out everything I'd like to.
I do have a Nixie Tube watch, which I get a lot of benefit from. The biggest benefit in my life comes from my Segway, which I use everywhere I am. If I'm going to San Antonio, for example, I'll load it in the car and just go everywhere with it. The other crucial thing is my Verizon wireless card, which I have to have because hotel Wi-Fi is just so unreliable.
... I have one MacBook Pro, with a 17-inch screen. I got into that and consciously separated myself from having 3, 4, 5 computers in my life, which just became too much. As far as the mobile devices, I've gone through all the different smartphones, all the different gadgets. For a while I was using a Razr for voice and messing with mobile devices, but now I'm traveling with an iPhone and a BlackBerry. I don't use them very much for email, though, unless I'm detained for a long, unexpected stretch. I save answering my email for when I'm going to be in front of my nice, comfortable keyboard.
HP and RIM Forming Partnership
According to Internetnews.com, HP and RIM are expected to announce a significant partnership in May.
An e-mail from HP previewing the announcement stated: "In early May, HP and RIM will announce a new partnership that will help mobile enterprise customers increase service levels, improve productivity and reduce operations costs."
The e-mail went on to say: "With the number of mobile employees rapidly growing, enterprises are looking to ensure productivity and reduce risks. The new joint offerings will span the HP portfolio to enhance and support enterprise mobility."
An e-mail from HP previewing the announcement stated: "In early May, HP and RIM will announce a new partnership that will help mobile enterprise customers increase service levels, improve productivity and reduce operations costs."
The e-mail went on to say: "With the number of mobile employees rapidly growing, enterprises are looking to ensure productivity and reduce risks. The new joint offerings will span the HP portfolio to enhance and support enterprise mobility."
Friday, April 24, 2009
Citigroup Upgraded RIMM
Analyst Jim Suva increased his price target on RIMM to $100 from $66 -- implying an upside of about 45% from the stock's current range.
Synaptics Looking Good
With the boom of iPhone and BlackBerry, one beneficiary is touchscreen technology maker Synaptics Inc. Its technology is used in netbooks, BlackBerry Storm, and G1. For the recent quarter, its revenue increased 28%. Its forecast for next quarter is also higher than the current street's estimate.
Analyst Increases RIMM Target Price
Blackmont analyst Lawrence Rhee acknowlodged that BlackBerry outsales iPhone in the recent quarter. He increased his RIMM target price from $75 to $90.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Blackberry outsales iPhone
Apple released its Q2 result yesterday. It sounds all good. But the comparison with RIM on phone sales shows a different picture.
Here is the numbers:
Here is the numbers:
| Current Quarter | Last Quarter | Last Last Quarter | |
| RIM BalckBerry | 7.8 million | 6.7 million | 6.1 million |
| Apple iPhone | 3.79 million | 4.36 million | 6.9 million |
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Traveling the world with BlackBerry Storm
The Vodafone blog gave 49 reasons why BlackBerry Storm is the ideal gadget for world travelers.
Here are the top ten:
1. Time saving - Find, share, listen, play, download, read... what doesn't the BlackBerry Storm smartphone do? Not a lot. Navigate and find places, shops, restaurants and even local attractions. With the 3.2MP camera you can share all your photos and videos taken from where ever you are. Listen to your favourite music, watch your favourite movies, download your emails, read your ebooks - is there anything missing here?
2. Great for business, great for Joe Public too - BlackBerry smartphones are excellent for email, corporate network access and snycronizing, its always been the perfect business travel companion... the Storm however lifts the BlackBerry smartphone to the next level. Not convinced? Read on to find out more!
3. Make and receive calls in over 220 countries - Whatever else it does, you want an international cell phone that delivers when it comes to making and receiving calls. The quadband GSM device will keep you connected.
4. Email anywhere - Send and receive email in over 90 countries. Email setup is simple, and lets you forward your webmail to the Storm or receive your corporate email - a must-have for every business traveler!
5. Lost? - Pretty likely in a foreign country. The Storm removes that worry. Know where you are, wherever you are with BlackBerry Maps.
6. Find your nearest - Hospitals, restaurants, gas stations, you name it. The Storm will pinpoint your exact location and tell you where the nearest restaurant is. It'll even give you the address, telephone number, and website address.
7. Navigate - Using GPS technology, the Storm lets you follow the on-screen display and spoken instructions to navigate your way around a new city. And the good news is you can choose to navigate on foot as well as by car.
8. Internet browsing - So you don't have the hassle of finding an internet café to email friends and family, check your Facebook profile or book your next flight or hotel online. It's all there already on the device.
9. Take photos - Think you're the next Ansell Adams or Annie Leibovitz? Now you don't even need to carry a separate camera. The Storm carries a 3.2 mega-pixel onboard digital camera with auto flash, auto focus, 2x digital zoom, that'll let you capture every moment of your trip.
10. Text Messaging - Addicted to those little 160-character messages? No problem. You'll love how easy it is to send texts, with the Storm's full QWERTY keyboard in landscape or SureType in portrait mode.
Here are the top ten:
1. Time saving - Find, share, listen, play, download, read... what doesn't the BlackBerry Storm smartphone do? Not a lot. Navigate and find places, shops, restaurants and even local attractions. With the 3.2MP camera you can share all your photos and videos taken from where ever you are. Listen to your favourite music, watch your favourite movies, download your emails, read your ebooks - is there anything missing here?
2. Great for business, great for Joe Public too - BlackBerry smartphones are excellent for email, corporate network access and snycronizing, its always been the perfect business travel companion... the Storm however lifts the BlackBerry smartphone to the next level. Not convinced? Read on to find out more!
3. Make and receive calls in over 220 countries - Whatever else it does, you want an international cell phone that delivers when it comes to making and receiving calls. The quadband GSM device will keep you connected.
4. Email anywhere - Send and receive email in over 90 countries. Email setup is simple, and lets you forward your webmail to the Storm or receive your corporate email - a must-have for every business traveler!
5. Lost? - Pretty likely in a foreign country. The Storm removes that worry. Know where you are, wherever you are with BlackBerry Maps.
6. Find your nearest - Hospitals, restaurants, gas stations, you name it. The Storm will pinpoint your exact location and tell you where the nearest restaurant is. It'll even give you the address, telephone number, and website address.
7. Navigate - Using GPS technology, the Storm lets you follow the on-screen display and spoken instructions to navigate your way around a new city. And the good news is you can choose to navigate on foot as well as by car.
8. Internet browsing - So you don't have the hassle of finding an internet café to email friends and family, check your Facebook profile or book your next flight or hotel online. It's all there already on the device.
9. Take photos - Think you're the next Ansell Adams or Annie Leibovitz? Now you don't even need to carry a separate camera. The Storm carries a 3.2 mega-pixel onboard digital camera with auto flash, auto focus, 2x digital zoom, that'll let you capture every moment of your trip.
10. Text Messaging - Addicted to those little 160-character messages? No problem. You'll love how easy it is to send texts, with the Storm's full QWERTY keyboard in landscape or SureType in portrait mode.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Zacks.com Likes RIM
RIM is ranked as #2 buy stock at Zacks.com. Here is what they say about RIM.
As you probably remember, the company beat expectations 2 weeks ago and the stock soared in response. Since then, 23 analysts have raised their fiscal 2010 profit projections. Eight analysts also upped their fiscal 2011 forecasts.
To understand why this happened, it is important to realize that prior to RIMM's report, earnings estimates had been trending down. In fact, the trends suggested the company would miss expectations. There were fears that the recession was hurting Blackberry sales. (Not to mention the ongoing competitive threat from the iPhone and a growing number of alternatives from other manufacturers.)
Research in Motion calmed these fears with better-than-expected profits, good sales of new, higher-end handsets and record levels of net new subscribers. The combination of this bullish news and the expectations for a bearish report caused the stock to rally and analysts to raise their forecasts.
Though you may be worried about having missed the big move in RIMM, positive earnings estimate revisions tend to lead to outperformance over a period of 1-3 months. This means that the stock could continue to rise, or at least generate a better return than the overall market. Furthermore, our telecom analyst, David Weissman, thinks the stock deserves to trade at $70 per share - a premium to current price.
As you probably remember, the company beat expectations 2 weeks ago and the stock soared in response. Since then, 23 analysts have raised their fiscal 2010 profit projections. Eight analysts also upped their fiscal 2011 forecasts.
To understand why this happened, it is important to realize that prior to RIMM's report, earnings estimates had been trending down. In fact, the trends suggested the company would miss expectations. There were fears that the recession was hurting Blackberry sales. (Not to mention the ongoing competitive threat from the iPhone and a growing number of alternatives from other manufacturers.)
Research in Motion calmed these fears with better-than-expected profits, good sales of new, higher-end handsets and record levels of net new subscribers. The combination of this bullish news and the expectations for a bearish report caused the stock to rally and analysts to raise their forecasts.
Though you may be worried about having missed the big move in RIMM, positive earnings estimate revisions tend to lead to outperformance over a period of 1-3 months. This means that the stock could continue to rise, or at least generate a better return than the overall market. Furthermore, our telecom analyst, David Weissman, thinks the stock deserves to trade at $70 per share - a premium to current price.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A Look at BlackBerry App World
RIM launched the "App World" earlier this month for their Blackberry smartphone in hopes of capitalizing on the success of Apple's App Store. Users can download the update for free on their compatible phones, but it requires a PayPal account to pay for apps. Many popular iPhone applications are already appearing in the store and it offers a new marketplace for mobile developers.
The store currently boasts around 1000 applications, in comparison to Apple’s store offering around 15,000, but RIM clearly hopes to appeal to similar developers with a pricing model starting at $3 for paid applications. In a slight improvement over the Apple app store, RIM will offer developers 80% of the app revenue, in comparison to Apple’s 70%.
The store currently boasts around 1000 applications, in comparison to Apple’s store offering around 15,000, but RIM clearly hopes to appeal to similar developers with a pricing model starting at $3 for paid applications. In a slight improvement over the Apple app store, RIM will offer developers 80% of the app revenue, in comparison to Apple’s 70%.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Nokia Is Catching Up on Touch Screen
According to an article from thestreet.com, Nokia has finally embraced the touchscreen movement. The Finnish phone titan has plans to introduce three devices that feature big touchscreens and so-called Qwerty keypads.
One of the new models to be rolled out over the next 12 months has a 4.2-inch touchscreen and a "hidden slide-out keyboard," and is considered a mobile Internet device or tablet. The device is targeted for introduction in the fourth quarter before Christmas.
The second device is called project Nautilus, and it apparently emphasizes a very slim touchscreen design. A sensor is used to extend or withdraw the keyboard into the phone. The keypad is said to be ultrathin, but when it slides out the Qwerty keys rise for easier typing. The first Nautilus phone isn't due for another year.
One of the new models to be rolled out over the next 12 months has a 4.2-inch touchscreen and a "hidden slide-out keyboard," and is considered a mobile Internet device or tablet. The device is targeted for introduction in the fourth quarter before Christmas.
The second device is called project Nautilus, and it apparently emphasizes a very slim touchscreen design. A sensor is used to extend or withdraw the keyboard into the phone. The keypad is said to be ultrathin, but when it slides out the Qwerty keys rise for easier typing. The first Nautilus phone isn't due for another year.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
How many people is RIM employed now?
RIM's Annual Report is now available after it announced its financial result on April 7. In the report, it described the composition of employees as follows:
As of February 28, 2009, RIM had approximately 12,800 full-time employees:
approximately 5,100 in R&D;
approximately 1,600 in sales, marketing and business development;
approximately 1,600 in customer care and technical support;
approximately 1,900 in manufacturing;
approximately 2,600 in administration.
As AAR reported in this article previously, RIM is going to hire 3K to reach around 15K. It seems 1K are hired. Another 2K to go.
As of February 28, 2009, RIM had approximately 12,800 full-time employees:
approximately 5,100 in R&D;
approximately 1,600 in sales, marketing and business development;
approximately 1,600 in customer care and technical support;
approximately 1,900 in manufacturing;
approximately 2,600 in administration.
As AAR reported in this article previously, RIM is going to hire 3K to reach around 15K. It seems 1K are hired. Another 2K to go.
Monday, April 6, 2009
BlackBerry Storm Now Available in UAE
Etisalat and Research In Motion (RIM) today introduced the highly anticipated BlackBerry Storm 9500 smartphone, featuring a unique "clickable" touch-screen, to customers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The revolutionary BlackBerry Storm smartphone from Etisalat is priced as low as AED72 (approx US$20) per month and is available across all Etisalat Business Centres and retail outlets nationwide. Etisalat customers will also benefit from a three-month free promotion on the Domestic Unlimited package for BlackBerry Internet Service, which gives unlimited access to Internet, email and mobile applications such as Facebook®, MSN, and MySpace.
Full Release.
The revolutionary BlackBerry Storm smartphone from Etisalat is priced as low as AED72 (approx US$20) per month and is available across all Etisalat Business Centres and retail outlets nationwide. Etisalat customers will also benefit from a three-month free promotion on the Domestic Unlimited package for BlackBerry Internet Service, which gives unlimited access to Internet, email and mobile applications such as Facebook®, MSN, and MySpace.
Full Release.
BlackBerry Storm launched in Malaysia
Celcom (Malaysia) Berhad and Research In Motion (RIM) today introduced the BlackBery Storm, the world's first "clickable" touch-screen smartphone, to the Malayasian market. Distinguished with the GSMA's Best Mobile Technology Breakthrough award at Mobile World Congress 2009, its innovative SurePress touch-screen responds like a physical keyboard by actually depressing ever so slightly when pressed and it supports single-touch, multi-touch and gestures for intuitive and efficient application navigation.
Full Release.
Full Release.
Friday, April 3, 2009
A Bunch of Upgrades for RIM
Deutsche Bank upgraded Research In Motion to hold from sell.Price target increased from $30 to $56, a 86% increase.
Cowen & Co. upgraded Research In Motion from Underperform to Neutral.
Credit Suisse upgraded Research In Motion from Underperform to Neutral. The firm also raised its price target by 65% from $37 to $61.
CIBC World Mkts upgraded RIM to Sector Outperform from Sector Perform.
BMO Capital Markets upgraded RIM to Outperform from Market Perform.
Cowen & Co. upgraded Research In Motion from Underperform to Neutral.
Credit Suisse upgraded Research In Motion from Underperform to Neutral. The firm also raised its price target by 65% from $37 to $61.
CIBC World Mkts upgraded RIM to Sector Outperform from Sector Perform.
BMO Capital Markets upgraded RIM to Outperform from Market Perform.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
RIM Leaning to Consumers
During the earning conference call, RIM's CEO says 70% of new subscriber adds were non-enterprise. Consumers are now half of total BlackBerry subscriber base.
RIM's Financial Result
Earnings jumped nearly 26% at $518.2 million, or 90 cents a share -- higher than Wall Street's estimates.
Gross margins for the quarter came in at 40%.
Revenue rose nearly 25% to $3.46 billion for the quarter. The company says it shipped 7.8 million smart-phone units during that time.
Analysts were expecting earnings of 84 cents a share on revenue of $3.41 billion, according to consensus estimates from FactSet Research.
For the current quarter, RIM said it expects earnings of 88 cents to 97 cents a share -- analysts were expecting earnings of 82 cents a share for the period. Revenue is expected to come in around $3.3 billion to $3.5 billion, compared with the $3.37 billion predicted by Wall Street.
The company said gross margins for the first quarter are expected to come in between 43% to 44%.
Gross margins for the quarter came in at 40%.
Revenue rose nearly 25% to $3.46 billion for the quarter. The company says it shipped 7.8 million smart-phone units during that time.
Analysts were expecting earnings of 84 cents a share on revenue of $3.41 billion, according to consensus estimates from FactSet Research.
For the current quarter, RIM said it expects earnings of 88 cents to 97 cents a share -- analysts were expecting earnings of 82 cents a share for the period. Revenue is expected to come in around $3.3 billion to $3.5 billion, compared with the $3.37 billion predicted by Wall Street.
The company said gross margins for the first quarter are expected to come in between 43% to 44%.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The BlackBerry Storm Coming to Hong Kong
The BlackBerry Storm smartphone is expected to be available in Hong Kong from 1O1O, 3 Hong Kong, China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, one2free and SmarTone-Vodafone in the second quarter 2009.
Here is the full release.
Here is the full release.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Skype coming to iPhone, Blackberry
Blackberry and iPhone users will be able to get versions of EBay Inc.'s Skype Internet telephone service soon.
The company plans to launch service for the iPhone on Tuesday and for Research in Motion Ltd.'s BlackBerry in May.
IPhone user who download Skype's free software will be able to make free calls to other Skype users but will be charged for calls to those who don't use the software.
Original Article
The company plans to launch service for the iPhone on Tuesday and for Research in Motion Ltd.'s BlackBerry in May.
IPhone user who download Skype's free software will be able to make free calls to other Skype users but will be charged for calls to those who don't use the software.
Original Article
Friday, March 27, 2009
Traders Bullish on RIM
Option traders felt bullish on RIM yesterday. Traders picked up 5,600 calls for $1.55 apiece at the April $50 strike price. Even more bullish were call purchases of 2,900 contracts at the April $55 strike for 63 cents each, and 1,400 lots at the $60 strike for a 26-cemt premium per contract. In all, about 60,000 calls traded vs. 28,000 puts traded yesterday.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Goldman Likes RIM
Analysts are divided on RIM lately. Goldman Sachs analyst Simona Jankowski advised owning the stock heading into the earnings report. Jankowski said that following a round of retail checks, she "walked away with increased confidence in our May quarter estimates." She says consumer demand is stronger, with all major products - the Bold, Curve, Javelin and Storm - continuing to "sell very well." On the other hand, she expects slowing in April, with Verizon expected to end its "buy one, get one free" promotion:at the end of March. But shes a pick up again around Mother’s Day and graduation promotions. Jankowski said enterprise demand is "significantly weaker," but that the company still will meet expectations.
Jankowski said she would be a buyer of the stock heading into earnings for three reasons:
There were other noteworthy - and more cautious - comments on the stock this morning:
Citigroup’s Jim Suva maintains his Hold rating and $46 target. He writes that the focus will be on May guidance and gross margin commentary; he asserts that RIMM in the May quarter is likely to post its first sequential drop in net subscriber adds. He also writes that he is “increasingly concerned” that enterprise demand could begin to drag just as the consumer market competition gets tighter.
Credit Suisse’s Kulbinder Garcha this morning repeated his Underperform rating and $37 target on the stock, and contends there are risks to the consensus estimates for the May quarter.
Jankowski said she would be a buyer of the stock heading into earnings for three reasons:
- She expects in-line results and guidance, "which should provide relief for the shares" given recent underperformance, with the stock down 25% since February 10, compared to a 2% decline over the same stretch for the S&P 500. She also notes that short interest is at a 6-month high.
- Jankowski also expects the company to guide for sequential gross margin improvement after a 10% drop over the past two quarters. Driving higher margins: improving yields, lower component pricing and fewer rebates.
- And three, she says valuation is compelling at 11x her calendar 2010 GAAP EPS estimate, compared to a median 20x multiple for communication technology shares.
Jankowski maintains her $57 price target on the stock.
There were other noteworthy - and more cautious - comments on the stock this morning:
Citigroup’s Jim Suva maintains his Hold rating and $46 target. He writes that the focus will be on May guidance and gross margin commentary; he asserts that RIMM in the May quarter is likely to post its first sequential drop in net subscriber adds. He also writes that he is “increasingly concerned” that enterprise demand could begin to drag just as the consumer market competition gets tighter.
Credit Suisse’s Kulbinder Garcha this morning repeated his Underperform rating and $37 target on the stock, and contends there are risks to the consensus estimates for the May quarter.
RIM to Launch TV Services?
According to newteevee.com, RIM is planning to announce a full-episode television service for BlackBerry users as early as next week at CTIA.
Here’s what they’ve heard so far:
Here’s what they’ve heard so far:
- It will be an unlimited monthly subscription service for a fee
- Once a user orders a program, the content will be downloaded in the background over Wi-Fi
- Multiple broadcast and cable networks have licensed content for the service
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
JPMorgan Chase Downgraded RIM
JPMorgan Chase analyst Ehnud Gelblum downgraded the BlackBerry maker to "underweight" and gave a cautious earnings estimate for the next year and a half.
Ehnud Gelblum wrote in a note that RIM will likely experience slower growth over next 18 months as the company launches fewer new smart phone models.
The report helped send the RIM's stock down $2.96 a share to $51.93 on the Toronto Stock Exchange, and down $2.24 (U.S.) to $41.99 on the Nasdaq stock market, where most of the shares are trade, in late trading.
Mr. Gelblum wrote that RIM will be forced to rely mainly on consumers to purchase new smart phones because corporate clients are tightening their spending habits.
Ehnud Gelblum wrote in a note that RIM will likely experience slower growth over next 18 months as the company launches fewer new smart phone models.
The report helped send the RIM's stock down $2.96 a share to $51.93 on the Toronto Stock Exchange, and down $2.24 (U.S.) to $41.99 on the Nasdaq stock market, where most of the shares are trade, in late trading.
Mr. Gelblum wrote that RIM will be forced to rely mainly on consumers to purchase new smart phones because corporate clients are tightening their spending habits.
Will Xobni Help RIM Take On Apple?
In an effort to make the BlackBerry stand out further from the pack, Research In Motion's investment arm announced plans to invest in startup Xobni, which makes an e-mail search tool.
The BlackBerry Partners Fund, a $150 million venture capital fund aimed at encouraging development of software for RIM's popular handheld devices, is investing $3.2 million in a round of funding for Xobni that's being led by Cisco Systems, which invested about $7 million.
The move marks the fifth investment so far for BlackBerry Partners, a joint venture of RIM, Royal Bank of Canada, and Thomson Reuters, and reflects the rising stakes in a game of smartphone one-upmanship. RIM, like other smartphone makers, including Palm and Nokia, are trying harder than ever to infuse their devices with compelling tools, games, and other applications after Apple roiled the smartphone market with its iPhone.
The Xobni investment comes the same day Nokia said it will invest in Obopay, a Redwood City (Calif.) startup that makes mobile payment software. Terms were not disclosed.
Here is the full article.
The BlackBerry Partners Fund, a $150 million venture capital fund aimed at encouraging development of software for RIM's popular handheld devices, is investing $3.2 million in a round of funding for Xobni that's being led by Cisco Systems, which invested about $7 million.
The move marks the fifth investment so far for BlackBerry Partners, a joint venture of RIM, Royal Bank of Canada, and Thomson Reuters, and reflects the rising stakes in a game of smartphone one-upmanship. RIM, like other smartphone makers, including Palm and Nokia, are trying harder than ever to infuse their devices with compelling tools, games, and other applications after Apple roiled the smartphone market with its iPhone.
The Xobni investment comes the same day Nokia said it will invest in Obopay, a Redwood City (Calif.) startup that makes mobile payment software. Terms were not disclosed.
Here is the full article.
Kaufman Brothers Rated RIM as Hold
Kaufman Brothers initiated coverage of RIMM. It rated RIMM as Hold with $50 price target, cited RIM is experiencing margin compression.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
iPhone Leads Smartphone Traffics
According to an AdMob Mobile Metrics report released Tuesday morning, Apple's iPhone now accounts for 50 percent of mobile Web traffic from smartphones in the U.S.. Over the past six months, the iPhone has taken share from Blackberry and Windows Mobile.
Here is the full article.
Here is the full article.
Ifbyphone Introduces BlackBerry App
Ifbyphone announced its first BlackBerry application, conference calling and voice-broadcast messaging combined in a free download, enhancing the functionality of the communications devices from RIM.
The Ifbyphone application utilizes BlackBerry users' existing contacts lists, allowing users to create groups of contacts for conference calls or voice-broadcast messages. Ifbyphone will provide the first 100 minutes of use per month free to users of the application, which is available now at ifbyphone.com/blackberry and via Handango at handango.com.
Ifbyphone intends to make its BlackBerry application available at RIM's BlackBerry Application Storefront when it opens this spring.
The Ifbyphone application utilizes BlackBerry users' existing contacts lists, allowing users to create groups of contacts for conference calls or voice-broadcast messages. Ifbyphone will provide the first 100 minutes of use per month free to users of the application, which is available now at ifbyphone.com/blackberry and via Handango at handango.com.
Ifbyphone intends to make its BlackBerry application available at RIM's BlackBerry Application Storefront when it opens this spring.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Globe Brings the New BlackBerry Curve 8900 to Business Customers in the Philippines
Globe Business now makes the new BlackBerry Curve 8900 from Research In Motion (RIM) available to customers in the Philippines through its flexible Corporate Postpaid Plans.
Globe Business offers BlackBerry Internet Service bundled with postpaid plans to business customers, with a variety of packages to suit their needs. The new BlackBerry Curve 8900 is available through Globe Business' flexible plans.
Here is the full release.
Globe Business offers BlackBerry Internet Service bundled with postpaid plans to business customers, with a variety of packages to suit their needs. The new BlackBerry Curve 8900 is available through Globe Business' flexible plans.
Here is the full release.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
BSNL launches BlackBerry services
Indian state-run telecom major Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) Friday launched BlackBerry services in the country. Four other telecom operators - Reliance Communications, Airtel, Vodafone and Tata Teleservices - are providing BlackBerry services. BSNL has 72 million users all over the country.
Here is the full release.
Here is the full release.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Caris & Company Says Buy
Caris & Company initiates RIMM with a Buy and price target of $60. The firm notes that even while their estimates are well below consensus, and they still expect reduced enterprise IT budgets and weak consumer spend to sharply slow RIMM's Y/Y growth in handsets and subscriber additions in CY09, they nevertheless see BlackBerry continuing to post solid organic growth as one of the best positioned platforms in smartphones, increasing share of the cell phone pie. The firm believes that Apple's iPhone is actually the new gold standard, but with RIMM stock >70% off its highs and trading at just ~12x their CY09E EPS forecast of $3.26, combined with a solid balance sheet the firm sees ~50% upside at current valuation.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
BlackBerry Solution Launched in Tunisia
TUNISIE TELECOM, a global telecom operator in Tunisia , Alcatel-Lucent and Research In Motion (RIM) today announced the commercial launch of the BlackBerry solution in Tunisia. TUNISIE TELECOM’s customers will now be able to enjoy the benefits of enhanced communications and increased productivity by using a BlackBerry smartphone to access email, browse the web, make phone calls, send and receive text and picture messages, as well as access a wide variety of business and leisure applications on the move.
At launch, TUNISIE TELECOM will offer its customers the BlackBerry Pearl 8100, BlackBerry Pearl 8120, BlackBerry Curve 8320, BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry Bold 9000 smartphones as well as service on BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry Internet Service.
Here is the full release.
At launch, TUNISIE TELECOM will offer its customers the BlackBerry Pearl 8100, BlackBerry Pearl 8120, BlackBerry Curve 8320, BlackBerry 8800 and BlackBerry Bold 9000 smartphones as well as service on BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry Internet Service.
Here is the full release.
Another Analyst Feels Negative on RIM
Broadpoint.Amtech analyst Rob Sanderson trimmed his earnings estimates on the company for both the February 2009 fiscal year and for FY 2010. While Sanderson keeps his Buy rating, he notes that the company appears to have reduced its build plans and reduced component orders in the past few weeks.
Sanderson cut his FY 09 EPS estimate to $3.43 from $3.54; for FY 2010 he goes to $3.75, from $4.25. His sales estimates fall to $11 billion from $11.2 billion for 09, and to $14.7 billion from $15.4 billion for 2010.
"Component orders have come down over the past several weeks," he writes in a research note. "RIMM was building for a best case scenario which has been removed. We have spoken with most of RIMM’s key suppliers and have a difficult time estimating the current build plan. Changes in the manufacturing chain and related component inventories add further confusion to the outlook." He adds that "there is a more cautious tone across many of our contacts in the RIMM ecosystem."
Sanderson cut his FY 09 EPS estimate to $3.43 from $3.54; for FY 2010 he goes to $3.75, from $4.25. His sales estimates fall to $11 billion from $11.2 billion for 09, and to $14.7 billion from $15.4 billion for 2010.
"Component orders have come down over the past several weeks," he writes in a research note. "RIMM was building for a best case scenario which has been removed. We have spoken with most of RIMM’s key suppliers and have a difficult time estimating the current build plan. Changes in the manufacturing chain and related component inventories add further confusion to the outlook." He adds that "there is a more cautious tone across many of our contacts in the RIMM ecosystem."
SprinxCRM for BlackBerry Free Trial Editions Now Available
SprinxCRM today announced the launch of SprinxCRM Mobile optimized for BlackBerry smartphones from Research In Motion (RIM), making it possible to access SprinxCRM customer data and business solutions quickly and easily while on the go.
"As the amount of available and vital customer data has grown, so too has the demand for its immediate access. With SprinxCRM Mobile on BlackBerry smartphones, business teams can now enjoy remote access to customer data that is easy, fast and accurate," said Radko Jelinek, Sprinx' Director of Sales.
Here is the full release.
"As the amount of available and vital customer data has grown, so too has the demand for its immediate access. With SprinxCRM Mobile on BlackBerry smartphones, business teams can now enjoy remote access to customer data that is easy, fast and accurate," said Radko Jelinek, Sprinx' Director of Sales.
Here is the full release.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Here comes iPhone 3.0
Apple is having a press event now to do a sneak preview of iPhone 3.0.
Click here to read the CNBC live blog about this event.
Click here to read the CNBC live blog about this event.
Here comes Google
Taiwanese phone manufacturer HTC plans to launch three Google Android phones in 2009. The firm, which launched its first Android phone, the G-1, with Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile last year, plans to launch another device in the second quarter, with two more coming later in the year.
The first of these is likely to be HTC's "Magic" device, which was announced last month at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Sold by U.K. phone giant Vodafone, the HTC Magic is slated for a spring launch in five European countries.
HTC is yet to carve out a substantive slice of the smartphone market, and accounted for just 4.3% of total fourth-quarter sales while RIM is at 19.5% according to Gartner.
The first of these is likely to be HTC's "Magic" device, which was announced last month at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Sold by U.K. phone giant Vodafone, the HTC Magic is slated for a spring launch in five European countries.
HTC is yet to carve out a substantive slice of the smartphone market, and accounted for just 4.3% of total fourth-quarter sales while RIM is at 19.5% according to Gartner.
Mobicom, Alcatel-Lucent and RIM Announce the Launch of the BlackBerry Solution in Mongolia
Mongolian-Japanese joint venture, MobiCom Corporation, Alcatel-Lucent, and Research In Motion (RIM) today announced the launch of the BlackBerry wireless solution in Mongolia. Mobicom customers will now be able to enjoy the benefits of enhanced communications and increased productivity by using a Blackberry smartphone to access email, browse the web, make phone calls, send and receive text and picture messages, as well as access a wide variety of business and leisure applications on the move.
At launch Mobicom will offer customers the BlackBerry Bold smartphone as well as service plans for BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry Internet Service.
Here is the full release.
At launch Mobicom will offer customers the BlackBerry Bold smartphone as well as service plans for BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry Internet Service.
Here is the full release.
Friday, March 13, 2009
ThinkEquity Says Sell
ThinkEquity analyst Mike Burton, who launched coverage of Research In Motion with a Sell rating and $30 price target. He thinks RIM is a great company, but its margins are going to get squeezed by increasing competition.
Burton expects RIM to earn $3.24 a share in the February 2009 fiscal year, with $2.79 a share in FY 2010, and $3.05 in 2011; he is way below the Street consensus, which sees $3.38 for ‘09, and $3.61 for FY 2010.
Burton expects RIM to earn $3.24 a share in the February 2009 fiscal year, with $2.79 a share in FY 2010, and $3.05 in 2011; he is way below the Street consensus, which sees $3.38 for ‘09, and $3.61 for FY 2010.
Palm upgraded
RBC Capital Markets equity analyst Mike Abramsky upgraded the Palm to "Outperform" from "Sector Perform" and raised his target price on the stock to $12 from $5. He believes webOS has raised Palm's chances for smartphone leadership.
The Pre phone, the first webOS device and intended as a competitor to Apple's iPhone and Research in Motion's BlackBerry, has generated excitement in the press. Palm plans to launch it in May or June.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
RIM plans to hire 3000 in 2009
RIM plans to add about 3,000 new workers in 2009 and increase its workforce to about 15,000. With similar revenue as Nortel, 15,000 is still 10,000 less than the Nortel's number 25,000 (including all the announced layoffs).
Growth is also a key focus at RIM, where the company celebrated the 10th anniversary of the BlackBerry by shipping its 50 millionth smartphone into the market in January, and debuts its new online application store this spring.
The company expects to exceed $10 billion in revenue when reports its fiscal results on April 2, though executives have remained cautious about how much they can expect as consumer spending wavers.
However, smartphones appear to have the upperhand as traditional mobile phones lose their appeal to new phone buyers, partly because they don't have enhanced email and web browsing capabilities.
Here is the full article.
Growth is also a key focus at RIM, where the company celebrated the 10th anniversary of the BlackBerry by shipping its 50 millionth smartphone into the market in January, and debuts its new online application store this spring.
The company expects to exceed $10 billion in revenue when reports its fiscal results on April 2, though executives have remained cautious about how much they can expect as consumer spending wavers.
However, smartphones appear to have the upperhand as traditional mobile phones lose their appeal to new phone buyers, partly because they don't have enhanced email and web browsing capabilities.
Here is the full article.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Gartner Says Smartphone Sales Increased 3.7% in Fourth Quarter of 2008
According to a Gartner report, the worldwide smartphone sales in the 4th quarter of 2008 reached 38.1 million, an increase of 3.7 per cent YOY. This is the lowest growth rate ever for smartphone sales.
Nokia is still No. 1, but with market share declined to 40.8% from 50.9% a year ago.
RIM comes in as No. 2 with market share increased to 19.5% from 10.9% a year ago.
Apple, HTC, and Samsung follow and market share all increased some.
Nokia is still No. 1, but with market share declined to 40.8% from 50.9% a year ago.
RIM comes in as No. 2 with market share increased to 19.5% from 10.9% a year ago.
Apple, HTC, and Samsung follow and market share all increased some.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
TetherBerry
A Halifax company has pushed ahead the release date of a new BlackBerry application after its website was flooded with purchase requests.
Tim Burke, co-founder of Quark Engineering and Development, said the company had expected to carry out three months of testing on its TetherBerry application but opted to begin selling it this week after positive reviews on blogs had BlackBerry users clamouring for an earlier release.
"It’s been totally overwhelming," he said. "Eight days ago, we put out a very limited call on a very limited number of sites looking for people to test it. By Friday, we had more than 10,000 users in 70 countries."
TetherBerry allows users to access the Internet on a laptop by connecting with their BlackBerry’s data plan. It is easy to install and it makes the Internet available anywhere there is cellular coverage.
Here is the full article.
Tim Burke, co-founder of Quark Engineering and Development, said the company had expected to carry out three months of testing on its TetherBerry application but opted to begin selling it this week after positive reviews on blogs had BlackBerry users clamouring for an earlier release.
"It’s been totally overwhelming," he said. "Eight days ago, we put out a very limited call on a very limited number of sites looking for people to test it. By Friday, we had more than 10,000 users in 70 countries."
TetherBerry allows users to access the Internet on a laptop by connecting with their BlackBerry’s data plan. It is easy to install and it makes the Internet available anywhere there is cellular coverage.
Here is the full article.
Krusell - TOP-10 selling phones in February 2009
The Swedish manufacturer of carrying cases for portable electronics, Krusell, releases its "Top 10"-list for February 2009. The list is based on number of pieces of model specific mobile and smart phone cases ordered from Krusell during February 2009. Krusell's list is unique due to the fact that it reflects the sales of phones on six continents and in more than 50 countries around the globe.
1. (1) Samsung SGH-i900/i910 Omnia
2. (2) HTC Touch HD
3. (5) Nokia 6300
4. (3) Nokia E51
5. (4) Blackberry Storm
6. (8) Nokia E71
7. (6) Nokia 3109
8. (-) Nokia 5800
9. (7) Sony Ericsson X1 Xperia
10. (-) Nokia 3120
() = Last month’s position.
Samsung’s flagship Omnia is still number one on Krusell’s Top 10 bestseller list for February. Nokia’s efforts in promoting the new touch screen phone Nokia 5800 has had an impact on the sales in February.
1. (1) Samsung SGH-i900/i910 Omnia
2. (2) HTC Touch HD
3. (5) Nokia 6300
4. (3) Nokia E51
5. (4) Blackberry Storm
6. (8) Nokia E71
7. (6) Nokia 3109
8. (-) Nokia 5800
9. (7) Sony Ericsson X1 Xperia
10. (-) Nokia 3120
() = Last month’s position.
Samsung’s flagship Omnia is still number one on Krusell’s Top 10 bestseller list for February. Nokia’s efforts in promoting the new touch screen phone Nokia 5800 has had an impact on the sales in February.
MetroPCS Launches the BlackBerry Curve 8330 with $60 Unlimited Enterprise Plan and $50 Unlimited Personal Plan
MetroPCS Communications, Inc. the American leading provider of unlimited, predictable, affordable, flat-rate, no signed contract wireless communications service, launches their first BlackBerry Curve 8330 from RIM.
MetroPCS is also introducing two unlimited rate plans to support the BlackBerry Curve 8330. The $50 personal rate plan, for use with the smartphone, will offer flat rate, unlimited talk, text, web browsing, MMS and BlackBerry email access through BlackBerry Internet Service. For an additional $10 per month enterprise customers can receive the same unlimited plan features on BlackBerry Enterprise Server. No other U.S. wireless carrier is offering an unlimited, no signed contract, flat rate plan for BlackBerry services at this price.
Here is the full release.
MetroPCS is also introducing two unlimited rate plans to support the BlackBerry Curve 8330. The $50 personal rate plan, for use with the smartphone, will offer flat rate, unlimited talk, text, web browsing, MMS and BlackBerry email access through BlackBerry Internet Service. For an additional $10 per month enterprise customers can receive the same unlimited plan features on BlackBerry Enterprise Server. No other U.S. wireless carrier is offering an unlimited, no signed contract, flat rate plan for BlackBerry services at this price.
Here is the full release.
Monday, March 9, 2009
BlackBerry Sponsors U2 360° Tour
U2.com today confirms that the U2 360° tour will open at the Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona on 30th June. The U2 360° Tour is sponsored by BlackBerry and it is the band’s first stadium outing since the Vertigo Tour 05/06 and follows the release of their acclaimed album, No Line On The Horizon. Their 12th studio album, No Line On The Horizon is already number 1 in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Belgium, Finland, Japan and the Czech Republic with further chart positions to be announced this week.
Here is the full release.
Here is the full release.
Mobile Platforms at a Glance
The space of mobile phone operating systems is getting crowded. Eventually, there will be winners and losers. Let's have a look at what they are now. A couple years from now, we may see a very different picture.
| Platform | Author | Phones |
| BlackBerry | RIM | BlackBerry |
| iPhone | Apple | iPhone |
| Palm | Palm | Palm |
| Android | HTC Dream (G1), HTC Magic | |
| LIMO (Linux Mobile) | LiMo Foundation | Motorola ROKR, RAZR2, NEC N905, N705, Panasonic P905, P705, Samsung SGH-i800, Purple Labs Purple Magic |
| Symbian | Nokia | Nokia Phones, Ericsson Phones |
| Windows Mobile | Microsoft | HTC Touch, Samsung Omnia, Pantech Matrix Pro |
Vodafone Australia has a deal with RIM and CISCO
Vodafone Australia, together with Cisco and Research In Motion (RIM), has launched a portfolio of products, including WiFi package, outlined as five service bundles.
In addition to providing a wireless email and data solution, the service enables customers to make and receive WiFi phone calls.
The calls are backed by security, authentication and management capabilities of the BlackBerry Mobile Voice System (MVS) technology and BlackBerry Enterprise Solution.
Here is the full article.
In addition to providing a wireless email and data solution, the service enables customers to make and receive WiFi phone calls.
The calls are backed by security, authentication and management capabilities of the BlackBerry Mobile Voice System (MVS) technology and BlackBerry Enterprise Solution.
Here is the full article.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Blackberry Storm gets negative reviews from lawmakers.
BlackBerry Storm — the first BlackBerry without a physical keyboard — was supposed to be RIM’s sleek answer to Apple’s iPhone. But for people on the Hills accustomed to thumbing their way through the day, this isn’t just the imperfect Storm. It’s the devil in 5.5 ounces.
"The BlackBerry, to me, is a utilitarian tool," said Rodell Mollineau, communications staff director for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. "It's not easy to send e-mails on that thing. It is not a good touch screen, and it’s not like the iPhone, where there are so many other great features to it."
Here is the full article.
"The BlackBerry, to me, is a utilitarian tool," said Rodell Mollineau, communications staff director for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. "It's not easy to send e-mails on that thing. It is not a good touch screen, and it’s not like the iPhone, where there are so many other great features to it."
Here is the full article.
Certicom loses US$3.6 million for 3rd quarter
Certicom Corp. lost US$3.6 million but generated higher revenues in the fiscal third quarter, the final quarter before the encryption technology provider is acquired by BlackBerry maker RIM. RIM's acquisition of Certicom will be voted on by shareholders March 18.
Last month, Research In Motion prevailed in its pursuit of Certicom after California-based VeriSign Inc. announced that it would not match RIM's $3 a share offer.
Certicom has about 43.7 million shares outstanding, making the deal worth more than $130 million. Certicom said it paid a $4 million break-up fee to VeriSign.
RIM has used Certicom encryption technology in its BlackBerry devices for years. Under the deal, RIM will have access to encryption technology that could help create new BlackBerry devices that will work like personal wallets, as well as mobile phones.
That could mean BlackBerrys with the same abilities as credit and debit cards - and the ability to pay for items at the cash register through wireless mobile device transactions with retail partners.
Last month, Research In Motion prevailed in its pursuit of Certicom after California-based VeriSign Inc. announced that it would not match RIM's $3 a share offer.
Certicom has about 43.7 million shares outstanding, making the deal worth more than $130 million. Certicom said it paid a $4 million break-up fee to VeriSign.
RIM has used Certicom encryption technology in its BlackBerry devices for years. Under the deal, RIM will have access to encryption technology that could help create new BlackBerry devices that will work like personal wallets, as well as mobile phones.
That could mean BlackBerrys with the same abilities as credit and debit cards - and the ability to pay for items at the cash register through wireless mobile device transactions with retail partners.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
BlackBerry App World
RIM just launched its BlackBerry App World web site. Users will need a PayPal account to download or submit any applications.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
IDEA Cellular and RIM launch portfolio of BlackBerry offerings in India
IDEA Cellular, one of the leading GSM operators in India, and Research In Motion today announced the launch of the BlackBerry solution for IDEA customers. IDEA will offer a broad range of BlackBerry smartphones and services for enterprise and individual customers on its network, nationally.
BlackBerry smartphones will now be available from IDEA stores, leading modern trade, and multi-brand outlets across 15 circles of IDEA Cellular's network, throughout the country. IDEA customers can now choose from a broad range of BlackBerry smartphones and enjoy the freedom and productivity benefits of using the BlackBerry solution to stay connected to people and information, while on the move.
Here is the full article.
BlackBerry smartphones will now be available from IDEA stores, leading modern trade, and multi-brand outlets across 15 circles of IDEA Cellular's network, throughout the country. IDEA customers can now choose from a broad range of BlackBerry smartphones and enjoy the freedom and productivity benefits of using the BlackBerry solution to stay connected to people and information, while on the move.
Here is the full article.
iSuppli sees 11% growth in smartphone sales in 2009
Reuters reports up to 11 percent more smartphones could be sold this year despite a falling overall mobile phone market according to research firm iSuppli.
ISuppli sees 2009 unit sales of smartphones -- phones with computer-like functions such as Apple's iPhone or Research in Motion's BlackBerry -- rising between 6 and 11.1 percent.
"With 3G networks having become prevalent all over the world, smartphones are no longer just for corporate users -- they are for consumers, too," iSuppli's senior wireless communications analyst Tina Teng said in a statement.
ISuppli sees 2009 unit sales of smartphones -- phones with computer-like functions such as Apple's iPhone or Research in Motion's BlackBerry -- rising between 6 and 11.1 percent.
"With 3G networks having become prevalent all over the world, smartphones are no longer just for corporate users -- they are for consumers, too," iSuppli's senior wireless communications analyst Tina Teng said in a statement.
Watch Out! Big Brother is Watching You.
RIM admitted yesterday that it recorded all employee conversations in the interest of maintaining control over intellectual property.
RIM chief information officer Robin Bienfait, during an interview with ZDNet.com.au in Sydney, said that all actions carried out on RIM's internal network were logged, which meant that people who wanted to carry out private conversations might want to bring in personal devices.
"Everything I have that's on RIM is recorded and retained as RIM. So if they want to have a chat with somebody and it's not a chat that's within RIM's domain, then they may want their own personal device," she said.
When asked exactly whether it was conversations, rather than just written information she kept tabs on, Bienfait answered: "Everything. I record everything."
Here is the full article.
RIM chief information officer Robin Bienfait, during an interview with ZDNet.com.au in Sydney, said that all actions carried out on RIM's internal network were logged, which meant that people who wanted to carry out private conversations might want to bring in personal devices.
"Everything I have that's on RIM is recorded and retained as RIM. So if they want to have a chat with somebody and it's not a chat that's within RIM's domain, then they may want their own personal device," she said.
When asked exactly whether it was conversations, rather than just written information she kept tabs on, Bienfait answered: "Everything. I record everything."
Here is the full article.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Smartphones picking up market share
Sales of smartphones to U.S. consumers represented 23% of all wireless handset sales in the fourth quarter compared to just 12% for the same period last year. Also, 66% of smartphones now run on 3G networks compared to 46% last year. Newer networks are crucial for carriers to be able to sell data services along with the phones.
Here is the full article.
Here is the full article.
Monday, March 2, 2009
BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone available in Spain
Orange, a brand of France Telecom, and Research In Motion have launched the new BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone in Spain.
Here is the full article.
Here is the full article.
Friday, February 27, 2009
DoCoMo halts BlackBerry Bold sales due to overheating
Reuters reports that DocoMo halts sales of BlackBerry Bold because the phone can overheat while the battery is being recharged.
DoCoMo said it has sold about 4,000 high-end Bold phones, and about 30 users have complained the phone's keyboard area had heated up. The company said it has received no reports of users getting burned or of phones catching on fire.
RIM says issue appears to be limited to Japan and rules out battery problem. The sales of BlackBerry Bold devices in other countries are unaffected by this matter.
DoCoMo said it has sold about 4,000 high-end Bold phones, and about 30 users have complained the phone's keyboard area had heated up. The company said it has received no reports of users getting burned or of phones catching on fire.
RIM says issue appears to be limited to Japan and rules out battery problem. The sales of BlackBerry Bold devices in other countries are unaffected by this matter.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Turn Your BlackBerry into a Remote Control
Unify4Life's AV Shadow can transform your BlackBerry smartphone into a universal remote giving you complete control over all of your home's audio/video equipment.
Another product from Unify4Life called Garage Shadow can turn your BlackBerry into a garage opener.
Another product from Unify4Life called Garage Shadow can turn your BlackBerry into a garage opener.
How Fast is Your BlackBerry
Cisco has an application to test the network speed of iPhone and BlackBerry Storm. The application is called Global Internet Speed Test (GIST).
The test is performed by downloading a known quantity of data from a single web server. The size of the data is different for the different types of network connections, so that the test will take roughly the same amount of time from the user’s perspective. For a cellular network test, 256KB are downloaded. For wireless, 512 KB are downloaded. A single download is performed, timed in milliseconds, and results are reported in terms of 1000 bits per second (kbps).
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
BlackBerry Curve: American's Most Popular Handset
According to a report by RCR Wireless, BlackBerry Curve is the most popular handset in U.S. for the month of December.
Here is the top 10 list:
Here is the top 10 list:
| Device | Ranking in December | Ranking in November |
| RIM BlackBerry Curve | 1 | 1 |
| Apple iPhone | 2 | 2 |
| BlackBerry Storm | 3 | 3 |
| LG Voyager | 4 | 6 |
| LG Dare | 5 | 4 |
| BlackBerrry Bold | 6 | 5 |
| Samsung Rant | 7 | Not Ranked |
| Samsung Behold | 8 | 9 |
| Samsung Instinct | 9 | 10 |
| LG Env2 | 10 | 8 |
Monday, February 23, 2009
RIM upgraded by National Bank
Research In Motion was upgraded from "sector perform" to "outperform" by National Bank today. Target price is changed from $45 to $60. However, RIM stock closed over 4% down today as the broad market is looking at 12-year low.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
BlackBerry Bold Smartphone Now Available in Japan
Research In Motion (RIM) and DOCOMO today announced that the BlackBerry Bold smartphone is now available at DOCOMO corporate and retail channels nation-wide in Japan.
The new BlackBerry Bold smartphone from DOCOMO features a newly designed QWERTY keyboard with Japanese text input support, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi. Among the smartphone's rich set of multimedia capabilities is an optional 2 megapixel camera with video recording – DOCOMO will also offer a model with no camera – and an advanced media player for music, videos and pictures. In addition, it includes the new BlackBerry Media Sync application, allowing customers to easily synchronize their iTunes digital music collections with the smartphone.
Here is the full release.
The new BlackBerry Bold smartphone from DOCOMO features a newly designed QWERTY keyboard with Japanese text input support, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi. Among the smartphone's rich set of multimedia capabilities is an optional 2 megapixel camera with video recording – DOCOMO will also offer a model with no camera – and an advanced media player for music, videos and pictures. In addition, it includes the new BlackBerry Media Sync application, allowing customers to easily synchronize their iTunes digital music collections with the smartphone.
Here is the full release.
New BlackBerry Curve 8900 Smartphone available in Turkey
Avea and Research In Motion (RIM) launched the BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone in Turkey on Feb 19. The new BlackBerry Curve 8900 has an expansive feature set that keeps users easily connected to family, friends and colleagues. In addition to its exceptional phone, email, messaging, organizer, web browser and multimedia applications, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone features global connectivity support, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, a next generation 512MHz processor and a stunning hi-resolution display.
Here is the full release.
Here is the full release.
Friday, February 20, 2009
BlackBerry is on Top again
According to an IDC report commissioned by The Industry Standard, Research In Motion (RIM) increased its U.S. market share from 40.4% in Q3 2008 to 47.5% in Q4. Apple, on the other hand, lost market share in the U.S., dropping from 30.1% in Q3 2008 to 22.3% in Q4.
A rebound in place for RIM share price?
Schaeffer's research has an article indicating that relatively heavy call activity on RIM on Wednesday with more than 6,800 calls were bought.
Here is the full article.
Here is the full article.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Google Maps updated to utilize BlackBerry Storm's GPS
If you own a BlackBerry Storm on Verizon Wireless, you can download a brand new version of Google Maps for mobile that utilizes the Storm's internal GPS. The Storm is the first Verizon BlackBerry that makes it possible for My Location to access GPS location. After you install the new version on your Storm, you will notice improved accuracy for My Location and Latitude.
So if you have a Verizon BlackBerry Storm, just go to m.google.com/maps from your BlackBerry's browser to download the latest version of Google Maps.
So if you have a Verizon BlackBerry Storm, just go to m.google.com/maps from your BlackBerry's browser to download the latest version of Google Maps.
BlackBerry Niagara
BlackBerry is gearing up to release another new smartphone to the masses, BlackBerry Niagara. The new device is almost a BlackBerry Bold 9000 and BlackBerry Curve 8900 hybrid. The Niagara is bigger than the Curve, but smaller than the Bold and features the same 480 x 320 screen the Bold offers. In addition, the Niagara is expected to run the same 624MHz CPU processor as the Bold.
The Niagara is also expected to run BlackBerry OS 4.6. It will feature a full QWERTY keyboard, EV-DO Rev. A, a GPS, a 3.2-megapixel camera, BES 5.0 support and a Qualcomm MSM7600 processor.
There is not yet a release date for the Niagara, but insiders told Boy Genius that it would likely launch in May on Verizon Wireless.
Here is a detailed report.
The Niagara is also expected to run BlackBerry OS 4.6. It will feature a full QWERTY keyboard, EV-DO Rev. A, a GPS, a 3.2-megapixel camera, BES 5.0 support and a Qualcomm MSM7600 processor.
There is not yet a release date for the Niagara, but insiders told Boy Genius that it would likely launch in May on Verizon Wireless.
Here is a detailed report.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
BlackBerry Application Suite on the HTC Fuze
This week, RIM made its BlackBerry Application Suite (BAS) official by demonstrating it in Barcelona. BAS lets users of Windows Mobile 6 or higher run RIM’s BlackBerry handheld OS. It provides access to the vast majority of features available within the BlackBerry OS, including Messages, BlackBerry Messenger, the RIM browser, even BlackBerry Maps. You will also be able to install compatible third-party apps.
For more details, check out here.
For more details, check out here.
GSMA 2009 Chairman's Awards Presented to Research In Motion
Research In Motion (RIM) was honored with the GSMA Chairman's Award last night at the GSMA's Global Mobile Awards ceremony. This award, established in 1995, is the Association's most prestigious award and recognises outstanding contribution to the growth and development of mobile communications around the world.
In his presentation to RIM Co-CEO Jim Balsillie, GSMA Chairman Alexander Izosimov stated that, "RIM's commitment to innovation has revolutionized the wireless industry and laid the foundations which shaped the thriving smartphone market of today. BlackBerry products and services have changed the way we communicate and interact, making businesses more productive and consumers better connected."
Here is the full article.
In his presentation to RIM Co-CEO Jim Balsillie, GSMA Chairman Alexander Izosimov stated that, "RIM's commitment to innovation has revolutionized the wireless industry and laid the foundations which shaped the thriving smartphone market of today. BlackBerry products and services have changed the way we communicate and interact, making businesses more productive and consumers better connected."
Here is the full article.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
RIM settles with SEC
Research In Motion announced today that RIM and four of its officers, Jim Balsillie, Mike Lazaridis, Dennis Kavelman and Angelo Loberto, have entered into settlements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") that resolve the previously-disclosed SEC investigation of RIM's historical stock option granting practices.
Messrs. Balsillie, Lazaridis, Kavelman and Loberto also agreed to monetary penalties totaling US$1.425 million.
Here is the full release.
Messrs. Balsillie, Lazaridis, Kavelman and Loberto also agreed to monetary penalties totaling US$1.425 million.
Here is the full release.
Yahoo Launches Yahoo! mobile
Yahoo has launched a new product Yahoo! mobile, which rolls its OneSearch, OneConnected, and OnePlace products as well as other features such as Yahoo Maps!, into a more convenient package than its previous attempt with Yahoo Go! More importantly, the new service is an open environment and allows users to more easily add the content and applications they want on their phone. Marcus Boerries, EVP of Yahoo Connected Life, its mobile division has introduced it as "your starting point for the internet, not just the mobile internet." The product has three main capabilities, allowing consumers to search, staying connected with their friends and family through their social networks, and staying informed. The new product will be available on the mobile web, and as an application developed for the iPhone, and for smartphones from Nokia, RIM, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, and Windows Mobile handsets.
Here is the full article.
Here is the full article.
Prompt
Weston, Mass.-based Proxpro Inc. has a product called 'Prompt' that is only available on BlackBerry.
This program ties together traffic, weather and routing data with the appointments listed in your phone. Proxpro's proprietary program uses past traffic patterns and travel times to come up with the best route. That can be particularly useful during a long road trip. During storms, it also avoids sending you down roads that pose weather-related hazards. Planned routes and expected commute times are sent to your phone 30 minutes before your predetermined departure time, and again five minutes before you leave, as a reminder.
It was designed to work only with BlackBerry phones in the 8800 and Curve series. The company plans to launch a version that is compatible with other BlackBerrys by the end of the month.
This program ties together traffic, weather and routing data with the appointments listed in your phone. Proxpro's proprietary program uses past traffic patterns and travel times to come up with the best route. That can be particularly useful during a long road trip. During storms, it also avoids sending you down roads that pose weather-related hazards. Planned routes and expected commute times are sent to your phone 30 minutes before your predetermined departure time, and again five minutes before you leave, as a reminder.
It was designed to work only with BlackBerry phones in the 8800 and Curve series. The company plans to launch a version that is compatible with other BlackBerrys by the end of the month.
BlackBerry’s Profit Margin Decline May Persist
RIM Co-Chief Executive Officer James Balsillie said that shrinking BlackBerry profit margins may be partly permanent according to a Bloomberg report. Last week’s announcement also suggested the RIM's latest models, such as the Storm and the Bold, won fewer customers than some of the older BlackBerry models, according to analysts including Scott Pope at First Analysis Corp. in Chicago.
Here is the full article.
Here is the full article.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Adobe Left RIM and Apple out
Adobe announced at the GSMA Mobile World Congress that Flash Player 10 will be available on Android as well Windows Mobile, Nokia S60/Symbian, and new Palm devices. The 2 that are left out are iPhone and BlackBerry.
Here is the full article: Adobe preps full Flash player for smartphones
Here is the full article: Adobe preps full Flash player for smartphones
Acer eyes 10 pct of sales from smartphones by 2012
Reuters reports that Acer is going to launch a new line of smartphone in Barcelona. Acer will officially enter the increasingly popular smartphone arena with the launch of several models this week at a mobile telecoms show in Barcelona.
Credit Suisse downgrades RIM to underperform from neutral
Credit Suisse analyst Kulbinder Garcha says he lowers his smartphone industry volume forecasts to 154 million and 177 million in 2009 and 2010 amid signs of slowing smartphone growth and concerns over affordability (total cost of ownership remains around $800).
Garcha thinks Research In Motion's (RIMM) share gains will slow given share loss in North America. Globally, he expects RIM's smartphone market share to be 17%/17.4% in 2009/2010, leading to unit volumes for RIM of 26 million and 26.3 million in fiscal year 2009 (February and fiscal year 2010.
He cuts fiscal year 2010 EPS view 20% to $2.94; introduces below-consensus fiscal year 2011 estimate of $3.36. He cuts $45 price target to $37.
Garcha thinks Research In Motion's (RIMM) share gains will slow given share loss in North America. Globally, he expects RIM's smartphone market share to be 17%/17.4% in 2009/2010, leading to unit volumes for RIM of 26 million and 26.3 million in fiscal year 2009 (February and fiscal year 2010.
He cuts fiscal year 2010 EPS view 20% to $2.94; introduces below-consensus fiscal year 2011 estimate of $3.36. He cuts $45 price target to $37.
RIM and Lenovo team up
Lenovo and Research In Motion (RIM) are reported to work together to promote new Lenovo mobile solutions that will help on-the-go business users enhance their mobile computing and communications experience through tighter integration between Lenovo ThinkPad laptop computers and BlackBerry® smartphones.
Here is the full article at Yahoo.
Here is the full article at Yahoo.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
RIM is still hiring
At least in Ottawa, the Canadian capital region, RIM is still hiring. On RIM's career website, there are new openings posted almost daily. Ottawa houses around 4000 Nortel employees at its Carling campus. With Nortel's bankruptcy protection in place, there could be a very high number of technology workers looking for career change in the region.
For comparison, RIM has over $9 billion in revenue over the last 12 month, almost matching Nortel. But it has about 8,400 employees comparing to around 30,000 in Nortel.
For comparison, RIM has over $9 billion in revenue over the last 12 month, almost matching Nortel. But it has about 8,400 employees comparing to around 30,000 in Nortel.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
All about RIM
As Nortel is falling, Research In Motion becomes the Canadian flagship technology leader. What amazes me is that RIM is basically a single product company. With competitions pouring in from Apple and Google, it will be really interesting to see how it evolves. That is the sole purpose of this blog.
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