RIM
Version 2.0 Won’t Fix All of BlackBerry App World’s Problems
Word has been spilling out all over the Web today about the impending release of BlackBerry’s App World 2.0, bringing carrier billing, QR codes and easier search, to name a few new features.
Sure, these things will ultimately improve the App World experience, but will it really help the platform?
BlackBerry App World is RIM’s attempt to provide a one-stop-shop for BlackBerry apps. Although, with so many other options available to users, the App World’s many shortcomings have caused more seasoned BlackBerry users who know better to get their wares from other sources.
The modern smartphone market is a world of app stores. It’s a win/win for manufacturers and developers alike, in that a dev’s app gets the exposure it needs to succeed, while the manufacturer gets a piece of the action.
The problem RIM has in trying to tap into this genius idea made popular by the iPhone and continued by Android is that, for so long, it has allowed any Joe Blow to host his BlackBerry applications on his own site for easy over-the-air download. This is proving to be quite counterproductive to an attempt at keeping up with the times.
While there are some great additions supposedly coming with App World 2.0, the aforementioned dilemma and a few others will still be a problem for RIM in its quest to remain relevant.
Emulation: Flattery or Infringement?
There is an old saying that goes: “Emulation is the sincerest form of flattery”.
But is this always the case? I recently decided to venture into the BlackBerry theme designing world with a modest attempt at a theme inspired by RIM’s upcoming BlackBerry 6 operating system.
I’m sure I would not be alone in saying that while the updates in store for the platform are more evolutionary than revolutionary, they are definitely a huge step in the right direction, and a welcome change to the aging interface.
Upon first glance at the images within BlackBerry 6, my first thought was that I was surely not alone in yearning for the new look and especially the updated icon set.
I’m no theme designer, but I had dabbled with themes in the past for my personal use, and was at least familiar with the tools to make them. So, I decided I would try to emulate the new look in a theme to spread the love to the rest of the BlackBerry community who I was sure felt the same way I did.
RIM Needs a Swift Kick in the OS, Among Other Things
No one in his or her right mind can argue that BlackBerry devices aren’t the cream of the crop when it comes to email and messaging in general. RIM’s focus from the onset has been the business user and providing email access in the best, most efficient way possible. Congratulations RIM, you’ve mastered that art.
With slight shifts in more recent years, the BlackBerry brand has managed to draw in a new flock of users that fall well outside the enterprise category. The addition of this “consumer” segment of users has made BlackBerry the most purchased smartphone brand in the U.S.
But how long can RIM keep it up?
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