One Snub Is Not Enough for RIM

The Ontario-based smartphone magnate may be no longer at the top of its game. Many people are switching to other gadgets because BlackBerrys are no longer the star of the smartphone industry. Many have decided to sell Blackberrys in the course of last year and this year too. The people shifted to other cooler brands like iPhones and Android phones. Some have considered Nokia, HTC and Motorola phones. One cannot blame the shift. Since people need more than just a smartphone, it seems that BlackBerry phones are stagnant and not responding to market needs. They are known to cater one specific market: The corporate and the government. However, even people in their market need more than just a BlackBerry.

RIM just received major blows from the US government since several agencies will no longer require their services. The security features are what make these phones a federal favorite. However, over the years, this has been changing:

The Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement decided to swap their BlackBerry phones to Apple’s iPhones because the former can no “longer meet the mobile technology needs of the agency.” They released this decision in the month of October.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Credit Union Administration stopped BlackBerry handheld devices this year.

The Defense Department declared another decision about Ontario’s RIM. It announced last week that it has plans for buying a mobile device management system that supports Android and Apple smartphones but possibly will not support BlackBerrys.

That’s could be a reason why the government may want to sell used Blackberry phones. The shift does not exempt RIM’s most famous political client – Barack Obama. He is known to be a BlackBerry patron. However, recently, the President running for a second term is seen using an iPad.

Chief Information Officer for National Credit Union Administration Ronnie Levine says that “The user expectation has changed.” Employees in the agency have been carrying iPhones at all times. Chad Tucker, the administration’s chief for IT Operations, says that out of 1,200 employees, nearly 1,000 use Apple’s smartphone. They have decided to break their bonds with RIM even as the BlackBerry maker ensures their flagship smartphone and improved app release early next year. Tucker says “It was too little too late.”

Like other smartphone magnates, RIM does not disclose their federal market share. However, RIM claims to have one million government customers in North America alone; including the federal government. RIM’s Vice-President for Government Solutions Paul Lucier says that “We are going through a very major transition and we knew it would be challenging, and we are overcoming those [challenges].” Even though people chose to sell Blackberry phones online, more than 400,000 government customers chose to upgrade to newer BlackBerry units last fiscal year. “It’s great to see people upgrading those devices because oftentimes we have people comparing the latest devices in the market to a device that’s four [or] five years old,” Lucier says. The Ontario-based company is said to release a mobile device management solution that will allow agencies to regulate Apple, BlackBerry and Android smartphones.

Key Tips for BlackBerry

Problems are common. If it doesn’t have any solution, then it may not be a problem after all. Many have tried to solve their problems, with or without support, like their love lives, selling BlackBerry, or the more simpler ones like opening a can or sending an email. You may also encounter these problems on BlackBerry smartphones. Having a hard time using BlackBerry’s keyboard? Well, if you are, don’t cry over that. BlackBerry smartphones have been designed for ergonomics and user convenience. Some users just don’t know how things work, especially the first time. Even if you read the manual, the specifics just don’t appear right away.

BlackBerry keys are important because they not only provide basic phone functions but also bring convenience. You can’t imagine a phone without keys. So, understanding how these keys work will be of great help. So, here are some tips that can help you:

·        Setting the Convenience button to open preferred app or feature

Setting the Convenience button may differ depending on what BlackBerry model unit you are using because it may have one or two keypads. For BlackBerry phones with two convenience keys, it may be identified as ‘left’ or ‘right’ buttons. Convenience keys may be customized to perform or open an app. If you wish to change these apps, do the following:

BlackBerry 6 and BlackBerry 7 OS

1.      Select ‘Options’ from a folder or from the Home screen.

2.      Select ‘Device,’ then the ‘Convenience Key.’

3.      Select an option to assign the app to the key next to ‘Convenience Key Opens.’

4.      Press the Menu key and select ‘Save’ to end the process.

·         Lock the Keypad to enter capital letters

YOU MAD? i need something bigger. YOU might HAVE a HARD time TYPING. Well, if that problem needs to be bigger or smaller, turning on caps lock mode on a Blackberry is as simple as selling BlackBerry. You just need to:

1.      Press Alt key and Right Shift Key together

2.      To unlock, either press the Alt key or one of the Shift keys.

·         Lock the keypad to enter numbers

If a friend texts you and asks for your number, doing it manually will burn calories and time. If you’re the gym buff, then by all means do it. But, if you need to send it fast, do these simple things to lock your keypad to enter numbers:

1.      While typing, press the Alt and Left Shift key together.

2.      To turn it off, press the Alt key or any of the Shift keys.

·         Media keys and dual functionality

BlackBerry phones can be music players. But, not everyone knows that the up and down volume buttons may be a good way to skip or go back a track. The mute button can even be your pause button.

·         To skip one track, press and hold the Up Volume button

·         To go back one track, press and hold the Down Volume button

·         To pause the current track, press and hold the Mute button

These are some basic tips that will help you use BlackBerry phones easier. It’s like when you trade in BlackBerry to online buyers. BlackBerry phones are ergonomic and user-friendly. So make good use of them now.

Facebook on Blackberry

Mark Zuckerberg is said to have painted Facebook blue because he is supposedly color-blind to non-blue colors. True or not, it certainly is more real to say that Facebook is a happy and hip place to be. Facebook has been an internet sensation following its initial success as being an innovative social networking site. Facebook then started Facesmash as a way for people to decide who is prettier over the other. You might even sell BlackBerry on Facebook. Now, it’s not just a place to smash other people faces but to connect and share posts in the most convenient ways. Facebook has infused everything in it and there certainly a place for BlackBerrys.

BlackBerry phones are a traveler’s best companion. They are well-rounded enough for people to check email, edit documents, and chat through BBM all day long. But, BlackBerry’s well-roundedness is only complete if Facebook comes into the picture. Thus, Facebook on BlackBerry is a hit. Since it is a website visited more often on computers, Facebook can’t import all of its awesome features to the BlackBerry. However, that didn’t stop both BlackBerry and Facebook from bringing out the best. BlackBerry offers basic functions on Facebook including the following:

Facebook Newsfeed

Most people want to be updated the easiest way they can. Everyone wants the latest news, especially if it’s from Facebook. You get to know where your friends are, or know what they have been doing recently. That’s a good icebreaker when all of your friends mingle.

Facebook Groups

Hello peer pressure! With your peers hanging out and posting it on your private group account, you can see what your peers are up to. You just don’t want to be left out at times. It takes a little time and effort to talk with them on Facebook even if you’re really busy and some friends decide to sell BlackBerry online.

Nearby Places

If you’re in a park alone and want to look for a friend nearby, this feature is best for you. Nearby Places lets you update where you are. Online Facebook friends may know where you are and might accompany you if he’s free. That’s instant meeting to the extreme.

Facebook Messages

You want to talk to your friend pronto? Well, when you’re both online, the Facebook Messenger is the best way to communicate. Aside from the usual chatter, you can also share posts and links with eachother. You can’t do that in actual conversations. It just got better.

Apparently, you can’t just put Facebook on your BlackBerry. There are specifications that need to be met in order for you to enjoy Facebook on BlackBerry. BlackBerry advises that your phone has the following specs to optimize Facebook use:

• ·         BlackBerry device Software v5.0 or later
• ·         A Facebook account (Obviously, yes!)
• ·         Wi-Fi connectivity
• ·         2.7 MB of available app memory
• ·         A wireless service data plan

That certainly will update your friends about the latest shenanigans in the town. Facebook takes communicating with your friends to a whole new level. Don’t be left out because others might try selling BlackBerry. You can update both your phone and your status anytime of the day.

image source: 

http://mashable.com/2012/09/13/blackberry-facebook-mobile-app/

http://n4bb.com/facebook-blackberry-3-2-0-12-available-app-world/

BlackBerry 10 APPvailable for more?

Smartphones would not be as smart as they are without certain apps. The Apple soars high with a thousand available apps for its users. You can just download them and play games like Temple Run and Bejeweled. The Android OS opens a market that provides unlimited apps from social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to battery-saving apps and more. You may have the urge to sell used Blackberry because of their small selection. Smartphone users may either pay for really good apps or download free ones and play harder. Smartphones are really smart because apps in the market today are limitless and downloadable. But, with Apple and Android providing most of the apps in the online world, can BlackBerry catch up with the ever-changing trend?

BlackBerry phone apps are known for their ingenuity. They have no messy patent infringements, like both Apple and Samsung, and have arguably one of the most durable smartphones in the market. But, what most BlackBerry users complain about is the BlackBerry World App does not provide as many apps compared to Apple and Android. It may flunk BlackBerry out of the grandiose picture of smartphones. With users basically wanting more apps, BlackBerry needs to address this simple yet important dilemma.

With recent events unfolding, the world is excited about the much-anticipated release of the BlackBerry 10. The BlackBerry 10 is seen to be RIM’s defining moment. RIM could not catch up. Apple and Samsung have been in the spotlight and RIM can’t seem to take a little peek. With BlackBerry users complaining that BlackBerry World App does not provide many apps for its users, RIM’s Vice President of Developer Relations and Ecosystem Development, Alec Saunders promises to address this complaint. He says the BlackBerry 10 will have approximately 7,000 apps for users to download. It ensures that Facebook and Twitter apps will be available. The BlackBerry Messenger will available as always. You may not have to sell BlackBerry after all.

The BlackBerry 10’s release would be in 2013 although no definite date is set. With a nearing deadline and pressure from excited customers, how can BlackBerry pull in as many as 7,000 apps? Well, good thing BlackBerry 10 partners with the Windows Marketplace. The Windows Marketplace promises 7,000 apps as OS for the Nokia Lumia 920.  Now, BlackBerry taps them to give them a pretty good head start with Apple and Android. It’s not surprising that Windows Marketplace agrees with BlackBerry. Microsoft wants to be at least the 3^rd biggest OS provider after Apple’s iOS and Android. So, Apple and Android should expect their numerous apps to be one tiny spec for the Windows Marketplace.

The BlackBerry 10 will be a giant leap for RIM. They took the risk of innovating new ways just to provide many apps for its future users. On the other hand, users should not just expect less from BlackBerry 10 because it detaches itself from RIM’s first-generation smartphones. It’s pretty obvious that it’s high time to sell your BlackBerry once the BlackBerry 10 is released.

What’s Next for Research In Motion?

The news that Research In Motion is looking at last resort split-and-merger options has definitely gone beyond the grapevine. Rumors began circulating last month when it was reported that RIM hired bankers RBC and JP Morgan to help the company formulate alternative avenues to save it before it finally runs out of gas. This course of action, however, was initially put on the backburner, especially after RIM’s fortunes seemed to be turning around when they unveiled their BlackBerry 10 mobile operating system at the BlackBerry World 2012 convention in May. However, when Apple demoed the superior iOS 6 at last month’s World Wide Developers Convention 2012 – convincing even the most stalwart Berry fans to finally tradein BlackBerrys for iPhones – RIM’s merger plans immediately became an imperative.

It’s no secret that Research In Motion has had an extreme financial downturn as of late. Once the king of the smartphone hill, RIM has seen its market share dwindle increasingly since Apple entered the fray half a decade ago. RIM’s first quarter fiscal reports for this year indicate a loss of about $125 million, which is a stark contrast to the $934 million profit they posted in last year’s first quarter; and even that figure is a far cry from the numbers they were reaching pre-iPhone. As it stands, the company currently has a net worth of just $1.77 billion, which really isn’t saying much for a company of this stature. More and more consumers are driven to sell old BlackBerrys and switch to the competition’s smartphones as the years went by, deeming the company’s preemptive effort with the bankers a sound move for what it’s worth.

The most viable option that RIM sees for itself is in selling shares of their handset division; and if worst comes to worst, auctioning the whole division off entirely. The two frontrunners for this merger deal are Amazon and Facebook, with each company standing to gain something from the deal, as well as having certain impediments which could delay (or outright cancel) said deal.

Amazon is an online retailer of books, movies, music and games along with used electronics and it wants to have a smartphone release follow up on its Kindle Fire tablet, and the BlackBerry acquisition could give it the resources it needs. Interestingly enough, the company doesn’t have plans of selling BlackBerrys (or whatever it is Amazon want to call the smartphones) at a markup. Instead, it is looking to use BlackBerry as a channel for its mobile commerce venture. However, Amazon already has something like this arranged with Android; and although not the full-fledged company-owned channel that they want, the Android deal is currently working well for them, which could make them think twice about the BlackBerry acquisition.

As for Facebook, the company is actually looking to expand its business by going into the smartphone market, and acquiring BlackBerry could give it a much-needed head start. However, the company is also facing (no pun intended) financial woes of its own, making the merger deal a second priority for them at the moment.

However the merger deal may go down, it’s evident that Research In Motion needs to have something happen if they wish to be saved from total demise.

The Windows Phone Over BlackBerry OS

BlackBerry hasn’t been at the top lately. That’s mainly because of bad management decisions, such as the direction of the company, and the actual products they put out. In the end, the smartphone speaks for itself. If it doesn’t deliver a great experience, then it’s not going to be a hit.

Sadly, this is the case with BlackBerry. Right now, they’re posting consecutive loses every quarter compared to a few years before, when they were on the rise. You should probably sell your BlackBerry now and get cash from your used electronics because things are going to look a bit different from now on.

If you’ve decided on selling your BlackBerry, where do you turn to? The Android and iOS software look pretty similar. Here comes your savior – Windows. Yes, just like BlackBerry OS, Windows Phone is a unique OS different from the rest. If you want to look unique despite switching brands, then a Windows Phone is a good choice.

So what are its core features?

Refreshing User Interface

The latest version of Windows Phone, 7.5 Mango, features an interface that’s very refreshing to use. For example, you’re greeted by Live Tiles at the start screen. From there, you’ll be able to access apps, contacts and other stuff you wish to pin.

What makes the tiles ‘live’ is that information is constantly updated. For example, you can pin your email inbox into Live Tiles and you’ll see any unopened emails you have. The same goes for messages, Facebook notifications and other stuff.

As mentioned, you’ll be able to pin contacts for easy texting. Even links of websites can be pinned!

Bing

Microsoft’s Bing is more than a search engine – it makes your life easier! Bing is deeply integrated into the software. It has built in purposes, such as a barcode scanner.

With the barcode scanner, you’ll be able to quickly pull up information from the Internet about the product in question. You can also quickly search for restaurants and other events happening in your area. Of course, GPS is supported.

Aside from that, you get to the usual search features, which are integral to Windows.

Social Network Integration

Today’s culture demands that we have Facebook and Twitter and Mango provides exactly that.

Three social networks – Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are all integrated into the software. That means you’ll be able to update your status right from your phone, no downloading of apps needed!

What’s more, the contacts you have on your phone will also automatically update their profile whenever a Facebook friend of yours posts pictures.

Cool Apps

Windows Phone is home to plenty of cool apps that will surely get your attention. Aside from that, you have access to an abundance of games – something BlackBerry is sorely lacking.

Conclusion

Windows Phone is a very reliable alternative when it comes to OS. Since they’re experienced in creating an amazing user interface, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth with a Windows Phone.

You should try it out. In fact, many people have been praising Microsoft’s software.