We’ve just heard that WhatsApp Messenger for BlackBerry has received a refreshed user interface and will be available in BlackBerry App World very soon.
WhatsApp is arguably the most widely used cross-platform mobile IM client, and, in addition to BlackBerry is available on Android, IOS, Windows Phone, and Nokia Symbian devices.
I know that some BBM die hards will immediately point out that WhatsApp is no replacement for BlackBerry Messenger. I think, however, the point to WhatsApp is that you can use it to communicate with contacts who use smartphone platforms other than BlackBerry.
If you are looking for a good cross-platform mobile IM client, check out WhatsApp Messenger. You can pick it up in BlackBerry App World as well as respective app stores for for other platforms…
Episode #99 of the SMRpodcast, All About CES, has been recorded, posted online, and is ready for download. This week we talk a lot about CES and all the cool gadgets and phones that have been announced thus far. Also this week, Robb and Chris start a movement to get everyone off email provided by their mobile carriers and internet providers.
[Show Topics]
Research in Motion today, at CES 2012, has officially unveiled BlackBerry OS 7.1 which brings a familiar look and feel to existing BlackBeryr 7 devices, but, ads Mobile HotSpot support, NFC Tag support, and FM radio support to select BlackBerry Curve models.
Along with the BlackBerry 7.1 update, BlackBerry Messenger, BlackBerry Travel, and BlackBerry Traffic have been updated as well.
[Press Release]
Research in Motion is at CES 2012, and, although the company has delayed BlackBerry 10 smartphones until late this year, plans for the BlackBerry PlayBook seem to be on track.
RIM has recently issued a press release stating that BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 will be previewed at CES 2012 and that it is still on track for a February release…
[Press Release]
Word on the street is that BlackBerry OS 7.1 for the Verizon BlackBerry Bold 9930 and BlackBerry Torch 9850 will start rolling out tomorrow, Jan. 10th.
The big to do in the RIM’s latest version of the BlackBerry 7 operating system is Mobile HotSpot which will allow up to 5 devices to share your device’s mobile broadband connection to gain internet access.
[Via CrackBerry]
One of the big knocks on Research in Motion, they have too many BlackBerry models, is also one of their biggest strengths, they have a device that’s just right for you.
Word on the street, however, is that Research in Motion has scrapped plans for both the BlackBerry Colt, the device thought to be the first BlackBerry 10 device, and, the more recently rumored BlackBerry Milan, a BlackBerry 7 device with a ‘bit of a different design identity’.
This leaves the BlackBerry London, if the rumors are true , to be the only new BlackBerry device in the works (that we know of).
[click to continue…]
According to a report in the Financial Times, Research in Motion’s board is preparing to oust co-chairs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie due to intense pressure from shareholders who watched RIM’s stock price drop over 75% in 2011. Independent director Barbara Stymiest is rumored to be the front runner to replace Lazaridis and Balsillie who will remain co-CEOs of the company.
Research in Motion, via Shop BlackBerry, is running a new BlackBerry PlayBook promotion, though, I am not quite sure it makes a lot of sense. Through Feb. 4th, the 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB models all cost $299.
Needless to say,those interested in getting a new PlayBook should only buy the 64 GB model. I wonder, however, how RIM expects to sell anything but the 64 GB model.
When it comes to smartphone platform market share in the United States, the story is starting to become more or less the same ole thing month after month… Android gains a lot, Apple gains a little, RIM loses a lot, and everyone else loses a little.
For the three month period ending in Nov. 2011 Research in Motion lost 3.1% market share down to 16.6%. Android gained exactly what RIM lost, 3.1% up to 46.9% total share. Apple gained 1.4% up to 28.7%, and, Microsoft and Symbian lost 0.5% and 0.3% respectively.
As we move into 2012 a big question for me me is what, if anything , can RIM do to turn things around.