Posts tagged MWC
And now a word from SonyEricsson…
Feb 18th
Remember my article investigating the happenings of Nokia? Wondering why they weren’t making much noise at the MWC? Well, I did some digging on another major handset player to find out what they were doing to shake things up a bit. Though I didn’t find too much, I did find an interesting article from Engadget that covered SonyEricsson’s Head Bert Norberg, and boy did he have some interesting things to say during their press conference.
One claim is that
“SonyEricsson was asked to build the so-called Google phone before HTC… and it turned down the opportunity. Fearing brand dilution”
He then went on to say…
Sony Ericsson is committed to building only its own-branded hardware and will not be a subcontractor to anyone
Strong words from a man who’s company has yet to release its OWN Android based handset. Then again he MUST know best regarding bringing in revenue…it is HIS company, right?
What do you think? Is SonyEricsson due for an Android handset of its own? Would you buy one? Leave us a comment!
RIM still dedicated to data conservation.
Feb 18th
Though RIM was short on announcements at MWC they did make it very apparent how their business model looks for the future. In short, it looks just like it always has. Taking a high priority in RIM’s strategy is data efficiency and how it plays an essential role in the success of the BlackBerry platform. The basic strategy is to compress data so that devices can utilize networks without straining them. The end result being higher speed and reliability for networks. Some interesting statistics were exposed on The CrackBerry.com Podcast today. Rory O’Neill and Mike Kirkup of Research in Motion reported that other smartphones are far less efficient with data than a BlackBerry. For example, a 100kb webpage on a non-BlackBerry uses 120kb of data, while on a BlackBerry that same page takes just 40kb of data.
This worked back in 2000 when users were forced to use GPRS for data and networks didn’t have near the capacity as they do today. But it is 2010 now. Networks are considerably faster and easily handle data-hogging smartphones and 3G connect cards that are capable of transferring as much data as you would on home network.
There seems to be a hot debate on whether this strategy works today with the current cellular network technology that is available. The real point to consider is whether conservation of data is negatively affecting BlackBerry users’ experiences. As a BlackBerry user I tend to feel like everything, and I mean everything data-related takes longer on my BlackBerry compared to a similar device. I understand of course that browsing doesn’t really count in this case because the BlackBerry browser is nowhere near the level of other smartphone browsers. Slow browsing is due to the poor rendering engine and not so much poor data usage. I do think however, that lag shows up in things like attachment downloading and any file transfers. It gets really frustrating to have a device that is supposed to be second-to-none when it comes to email, choke on attachments in order to stay efficient.
What do you think? Should RIM loosen up a bit? Leave us a comment
Guess the merger isn’t happening after all..
Feb 16th
As we reported earlier regarding Microsoft’s potential intentions of merging with Blackberry maker RIM (Research in Motion) and the announcement (among others) being made at this weeks MWC (Mobile World Congress). Well, Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer finally put an end to any mergers rumors that may have been floating around. He was quoted saying:
“I don’t see the big boys in this market as very ripe for mergers and acquisitions,” Ballmer said in an interview in Barcelona, Spain, today. “One day, maybe somebody in some place with a lot of money wakes up and changes it, but that’s not me and that’s not today.”
He went on to say:
“Microsoft values its existing partnerships”
this in response when asked whether it would make sense for the world’s biggest software company to buy a maker of mobile devices, such as Research In Motion Ltd. or Nokia Oyj. Microsoft today showed the latest version of its Windows mobile-phone operating system, adding video games and music features to stem market-share losses againstApple Inc. and Google Inc.
Seems like Microsoft is fairly confident with the potential success of the upcoming Windows Mobile 7 OS later this year. I guess only time will tell. What do you think? Would you like to see RIM and Microsoft merge? Leave a comment and let us know.
Hello Blackberry Webkit Browsing
Feb 16th
As the MWC progresses onto Day 2 with RIM Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis taking the stage during a general session in the morning to give the world a glimpse of the new Webkit browser they will be releasing after acquiring Torch Mobile. An hour later during the Blackberry Developer Day the Director of Developer Relations Mike Kirkup gave a more detailed walk through of the browser.
If the final browser is anything like what the video shows taken by Kevin from crackberry.com things are looking good for all for all us Blackberry users. No official release date of the webkit browser was announced but we at thecellularguru.com will keep you up to date once we hear anything. Excited about the new browsing experience?
Let us know!
Follow Me: @cellguruLet’s get down to BIS-ness
Feb 16th
Looks like Today is going to be big in the BlackBerry world, with RIM expected to make a big announcment regarding changes to the way BIS works with your phone. We don’t know too much yet, but we (as always) do have some rumors to work with.
First, it looks like RIM is going to be making BIS work more like BES with “BlackBerry Shield for BIS”. These features (as reported yesterday by BBleaks) are likely to include OTA syncing and remote wiping, as well as al your other BES goodies. I’m on a BES server and I have to say, I think OTA syncing is probably my favorite thing about my BB. No matter where I am, I can add/update a contact and have it sync with my desktop – excellent for when traveling or on business trips. So, for all your BIS users (both consumers and small business users), you’ve got that going for you…which is nice.
Also, RIM is rumored to be announcing a little something called BESX – BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express. This is supposed to include a free, and unlimited, BlackBerry Enterprise Server.
The features are allegedly debuting March 1.
That’s about all we know for now, but we’ll keep you updated. And be ready for big news later today!
****UPDATE****
We just received word that BESX has been confirmed via Blackberry.com
Guru RickyWindows Mobile 7 is Coming…..
Feb 15th
As we reported earlier Microsoft had some “Big” announcements to make at the MWC 2010 in Barcelona, Spain this morning. Well, BoyGeniusReport has exclusively reported what we all expected, an official announcement of Window Mobile 7, well sort of. The OS we all once knew as Windows Mobile has been completely re-done from the ground up, being now compared more to a Microsoft Zune HD than an actual smartphone. Here are some details on this shiny new toy:
- High resolution, capacitive, multitouch display with gestures that are similar to those in Windows 7 PC operating system
- Each handset will have the same three dedicated buttons: start, Bing search, back button
- UI is touch-friendly throughout the entire OS, no stylus is needed
- Personal and business information is integrated on the handset, emphasis on the dual function of the handset as a personal and business device
- New scrolling, tile based interface for the start screen that dynamically displays updated content and can be customized to display the tiles relevant to each user
- Phone/address auto-detection that links to dialer and map application
- Application bar at the bottom of each application that gives the user quick access to the most used functions within an application
- Bing search with geolocation to provide local results, directions, and business/restaurant reviews
- Focus on efficiency that minimizes the number of touches to perform actions
- Web browser is based upon desktop Internet Explorer code with improved text rendering technology to make web browsing easier
- Focus on the phone as an integrated device with different experiences organized into seven core hubs including
- people (social networking integration)
- pictures (view/share pictures between phone, desktop, and social networks)
- games (Xbox live games and service)
- music + video (Zune)
- marketplace (application store)
- office/productivity (Sharepoint/Exchange support)
- Tighter control over the phones with a minimum hardware definition for handsets to provide a consistent design experience for the user while allowing manufacturers and operators some flexibility to customize the handsets without changing the underlying core
- Windows Live service integration
- No Adobe Flash support in version 1 of the OS
- Close partnership with AT&T and Orange
Click here for the promotional trailer via Youtube
You can expect this bad boy to hit the retail shelves by the holiday season. So, you ready to go back to Windows Mobile? Leave a comment let us know.
Follow Me: @cellguru
