Tech Blog

[#1]

Now that the BlackBerry App World has been around for a little while, its finally time to take it to the next level.  At yesterday's keynote speech, we heard about some nice, upcoming things (devices, upcoming OS), but there were some other important subject areas.  Amongst these was some new info about BlackBerry App World.

To date, anyone who wanted access to BlackBerry App World has had to download it, however, RIM is finally going to take it to the next level by preloading BlackBerry App World on every device.  App World payment options are also expanding to include credit card and carrier billing options (rather than just PayPal).  With over 41 million subscribers, that's good news for RIM.

Another thing that's going to feature prominently is the development of "Super Apps."  These super apps are integrated closely with the BlackBerry OS and take advantage of things like push notifications, integration into the messaging app, contact, calendar, GPS and so on.

There will also be a greater focus on quality versus quantity, which is a clear shot at Apple's App Store.

So, is RIM on the right path?  I'm really interested in seeing where things are going to go and to see if what's coming actually matches with what I'm expecting to see.

[#2]

It is exciting to hear that Blackberry will soon be able to more adequately compete with the iPhone in terms of Apps. As well as end-user ease of use. Having something that I can purchase and customize easily would be attractive to someone like me who wants more out of their phone, but doesn't want to spend a huge amount of time learnig how to install things or learn work-arounds to do the things I want to do.

Keep us posted, and have fun.

[#3]

Yes, I'm looking forward to the Future Shop app that we have talked about previously.

[#4]

There are a few things RIM needs to do to retain relevancy with the BlackBerry - some that they're already doing.

1. Get power management under control. The Bold 9700 is a return to the the legendary battery life of the Berries of yore, it goes days and weeks without charge, unlike the hours on my Storm 2 (I actually ground the battery to 0% on it yesterday). SuperApps are great, but if we're going to be using the radio, the GPS, and the screen so frequently they need to expand the capacity of the battery and improve power management on both the hardware and software side.

2. Create interface guidelines that work. Currently I can download apps to my Storm 2 that simply do not work because of the screen/ball/trackpad mess of the hardware. It's up to RIM to exert a little pressure on their developers to ensure that everything works across all of their handsets. This is the curse of a fragmented user-base - so they need to deal with it.

3. Device memory and application memory need a divorce. Stat. It's insane that my Berry grinds to a halt when I've got more than a few apps running. It was particularly prevalent on the low-memory Storm, the Storm 2 solves it to a degree. Still, this is a paradigm that needs to take a hike.

4. Build a desktop BBM client. Sell if it you have to. Also - license it out to other smartphone manufacturers and charge an arm and a leg for it. Make the best experience on BlackBerry (That's the Apple method - throw em a bone, but let them know the steak is on YOUR table) so that you can pull people to the (competitor) hardware/software ecosystem.

5. Engage some accessories developers to build some classy third party stuff. The official BlackBerry accessories are insanely awesome... but the cases are a bit boring and we don't have nearly the number of iOptions that certain iCompetitors iHave. They need to put some thought into it too. Where's my (competitor) compatible XM SkyDock? My (competitor) compatible speaker units? Etc, etc, etc.

Finally

6. Get BlackBerry 6 out the door early. If it's not in open beta by June, they've failed. If RIM lets Apple get to market with next generation hardware and software it's going to be a disaster. I don't care if the team in Waterloo is working 24/7, they need that software in the wild. Stat.

[#5]

A few points.  BlackBerry 6 will not be out in open beta in June, and I don't know that we want it to be.  They need to ensure it's right and not rushed like past experiences.  Don't forget, this is still primarily a business device and businesses need to ensure they have software that can do what they need it to do (and as I discovered, its harder than even I had thought for various reasons).  And I can tell you, it isn't that easy.  BlackBerry 6 will be out next quarter sometime, but don't forget, it isn't up to RIM to push the upgrade.  The upgrade will be available to carriers, but it's still up to carriers to accept the upgrade.  And given that some carriers have 12 week testing cycles... well, you get the idea.

Also, we still don't know what devices will be upgraded.  They haven't yet fully decided, or weren't willing to say anything publicly.  But from what I saw, I think you'll like it.  I'll be posting screen shots tomorrow once I'm home.

Apple is able to achieve their high level of quality because they have a very limited number of device (all working off the same form factor), meaning that they can control every aspect of the experience.  RIM on the other hand has a lot more devices and they continue to support all of their devices, so that takes a lot more effort.

But all of that said, I think people will be pleased with what is coming.

Anyhow, I've got a lot more to post and will do so when I'm back!