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.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
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.
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