Thread: Android Apps as one of RIM's Hopes

We have seen a lot of news about the rise and fall of RIM. Some are happy as they can see how RIM is falling apart even without further investigation, and simply believing in rumors and speculations. Of course, not everyone is affected by the negative news that has been released as they know RIM is still on track and preparing itself to provide a much better services to all.

RIM is indeed not letting their hopes down at this stage as they still have lots of plans, not only for enterprise customers, but also for consumer markets. I have written an article about price reduction of their smartphone in India, and I know for sure that RIM will reduce BlackBerry Smartphone prices in other countries as this is part of their plans for consumer markets primarily to expand their markets.

I was reading some news on the internet the other day and something popped-out about the Android OS. Then I searched different news and articles about Android OS, the good and the bad stuffs. After reading them, it made me think why RIM would not try to acquire Android apps for smartphones as part of their plans. RIM’s OS is definitely a top of the line operating system however we cannot hide amongst ourselves that there are still things that need improvements to attain the maximum level of satisfaction being offered to all markets - that is their Applications.

Android apps are like the clones of iOS apps at a cheaper price, if you will compare. However, it does not change the fact that both of them are providing same level of satisfaction to all users. This, for me, is one of the strategies RIM must consider if they will try to keep up, and if they want to keep the ball rolling. I am not saying that "cheaper is better." I just want RIM to somehow anticipate what are the real needs and wants of people in terms of smartphones.

RIM should take into consideration that becoming a small player in the industry while figuring something else is not a lame strategy but rather, a way of providing extra mile to BlackBerry smartphone users. What's stopping them is pride. In situation like this, they have to lower down their pride as it will take them nowhere. They have to face the reality that more and more markets are aiming to have an excellent mobile gadget at a reasonable price. Using the Android apps, for me, is more likely one of their hopes in achieving their goals which is to become stable and to have huge markets worldwide.

Of course, they should still improve their core strength, which are the enterprise markets that brought them to the top years ago. While they are trying to cope up with the needs of the smaller scale market, they must maintain and improve their performance in providing excellent service to enterprise markets.

To sum it up, RIM should focus on how they will be able to provide equal support and service to both consumer and enterprise markets by acquiring other options like Android apps. This is not stepping down their turf but rather, it’s just a practical way of gaining more markets at the same time are able to continue providing excellent smartphone experience to everyone.

I believe they are trying their very best to deliver it in time (Android player in OS 10) and all we have to do is trust them, give them undying support and keep on believing with what they can offer to each and every one of us.

• Discuss this and more in the forums

I don't doubt all companies want to have market share, but at what price are they willing to acquire it? Selling top notch quality product at Liquidation prices to get it isn't the way to do it. But! then whoever the Ceo is, has shareholders to answer to and you can bet a strategy is in play. They could flood the market to get the market. We all have dreams, aspire to be the best, or for that matter be the leader of the pack (in this case wolves), but to suggest RIM give up on themselves by having android apps run on the OP system, would be pure genius. If you believe pride gets into a company's boardroom, then as a shareholder, I want the heads of each and every board member on my chopping block PRONTO! Just think for a moment, put prime real estate on the market at far less than fair value, what happens? You get a bidding war correct? What's to say this isnt the same plan RIM has, if they wanted the lions share of the market they could put themselves in a position, while everyone else looks on and says, gee we didn't see that one coming. If they don't allow Android apps etc to be apart of there market then everyone who owns either there product or there stock losses and I guess there is such a thing as pride and idiotic CEO AND shareholders in this world, still. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but If this is the strategy, then i better get into a CEOs chair.

The issue is far bigger than a few apps. The issue is RIM has not kept up with the market place. For example: I have a 9900. Half a screen Touch screen too touchy, camera behind competition - I have a 5 megapixle camera the competition 8. Their voice commands far superior to my 9900. RIM is carrier dependant to update operating system. Os7.1 has been out for at least a month but I cannot get it as carrier (Rogers) has not allowed updates (Apple proves updates direct) At retail RIM relies on carrier to sell their phone. Most carriers retail outlets do NOT push blackberry they are Android or Apple fans plus all you hear are negatives about RIM. RIM has nothing exciting to offer till the fall and if they cannot blow the competion away with new and exciting options they will lose. I want RIM to survive and dominate once again, BUT they must reinvent their product line and keep their clients happy. They are currently failing at both.

You are not right. I can prove it.

Blackberry has always been known for their quality but recently they are not as good as they once were. Is android better, not in my opinion. Is apple good, i'm out for dinner on that one not decided yet. No one has suggested that Blackberry lower prices, that is a reciipe for disaster. Sure you may get a little more market at what price? Profits and that is why companies are in business. The answer is so simple, provide customers with a good product at a good price with good support and one that meets or exceeds the customers expectations. Blackberry has failed at that in recent years. My 9700 was a great phone, poor camera, little space for new apps but great reception. My 9900 mediocre camera compared to other phones, reception poor compared to my 9700 or my wife's iphone 4, partially completed when released to the public (i.e. you cannot use wifi for voice -- its not there) and a very touchy screen. Overall quality so so. The updates to make it acceptable as a phone OS7.1 still not available to users when using some carriers i.e. Rogers but note it has been out for some time BB customer suffer who use Rogers. Talk all you want about Anroid apps and OS10 but what about today's product that people have bought and paid good money for. BB needs to look after them, their loyal customer instead of making more promises about the future. Smarten up Blackberry look after your customers and they will look after you. Dessert your customers and they may dessert you!

Originally Posted by Mr. Skidoo

Blackberry has always been known for their quality but recently they are not as good as they once were. Is android better, not in my opinion. Is apple good, i'm out for dinner on that one not decided yet. No one has suggested that Blackberry lower prices, that is a reciipe for disaster. Sure you may get a little more market at what price? Profits and that is why companies are in business. The answer is so simple, provide customers with a good product at a good price with good support and one that meets or exceeds the customers expectations. Blackberry has failed at that in recent years. My 9700 was a great phone, poor camera, little space for new apps but great reception. My 9900 mediocre camera compared to other phones, reception poor compared to my 9700 or my wife's iphone 4, partially completed when released to the public (i.e. you cannot use wifi for voice -- its not there) and a very touchy screen. Overall quality so so. The updates to make it acceptable as a phone OS7.1 still not available to users when using some carriers i.e. Rogers but note it has been out for some time BB customer suffer who use Rogers. Talk all you want about Anroid apps and OS10 but what about today's product that people have bought and paid good money for. BB needs to look after them, their loyal customer instead of making more promises about the future. Smarten up Blackberry look after your customers and they will look after you. Dessert your customers and they may dessert you!

Well said