Smartphone apps (Iphone-AAPL vs Blackberry-RIM)
A few months ago, Apple started putting more emphasis on its applications and it has helped to take the Iphone to a whole other level. Apple now features examples of possibilities in its ads and have many customers looking to buy the phone not because of its great look or features but rather because of all of the possibilities now offered in its itunes software.
RIM, the Canadian company behind the famous Blackberry was a little slow to react as for a while it seemed to diminish the threat of these applications or there possible impact on its business. But seeing this could be a major problem, it did finally launch app world, an environment aimed to excite both users and developpers.
But it will take a long time to catch up because even to blackberry users, these new possibilities are hardly even known! And because of this, the quality of applications being released is simply not comparable so far. This will no doubt have an impact on new users that are deciding between the two smartphones.
Just think about what happened last week when Skype, the internet communications company owned by Ebay launched a major application last week for the Iphone. The app was downloaded 1 million times in the first 2 days, 6 times per second. And when will be application be avaiable on app world for Blackberry users to use? In May. To me, that is clearly a statement by Skype that right now, being available on Blackberry was probably not the top priority and if I was RIM, that would worry me without a doubt. Of course, when the application is made available to Blackberry users, it will likely get no press coverage and will be seen as simply being months late after the launch for the Iphone. It is no surprise that reviews of app world generally compare it to the Apple version and so far, it has been coming up a bit short in most reviews, something it can ill afford.
In my opinion, this is one of those times where RIM must seriously consider launching an important advertising campaign to let potential and current customers know that the blackberry is also a “cool” phone and can offer many of the interesting features that they are looking for! Blackberry has what could almost be considered a monopoly in terms of corporate phones but that is always a fragile domination an ensuring a superior product is the best way of staying on top!
If you liked this article, you might want to sign up for my FULL RSS FEEDS. Then, you will get my daily posts in your email and can read them at any time. To subscribe CLICK HERE
Black Berry rules!!!!!
Cool post! I think that the iPhone 3G is a great phone… but for the average consumer. It’s great “toy” for entertainment, web browsing and using it as a phone. I don’t think that companies will soon switch smartphones for iphone device…
Blackberry offers lots of great applications. It’s a great smartphone to manage emails, time, tasks, meetings and activities. OK I understand your point on advertising campaign. But recently, BlackBerry has received one of the best marketing, President Barack Obama is a widely reported as a Crackberry addict!!! And did you know that RIM launched the BlackBerry Bold on Nov. 4, on Election Day?
Indeed….rules it does:)
Good point about Obama and yes that sure helped..
About companies, not too sure. If enough applications like Skype come on board, it might become cheaper for companies to use the Iphone. It can also be seen as a retention tool if employees really enjoy the Iphone.
Market share of Blackberries for corporate smartphone is still high and I still do not think that companies will soon have the intention of replacing its BB contract (usually 3 year contract).
But, there’s no Monopoly Forever (taking palm for example). And RIM should not rest on their laurels. Of course competition is always good for customers!!! We’ll see in a few years!!
Be patient for skype (in May right?) it’s coming soon
Apple’s strategy worked. Their reports rise in profit. Sales of iPhones more than double. Good for them!
Hi IS,
Have you heard about the Pre, Palm’s new touch-screen mobile phone! Can it take of iphones and blackberries? I don’t think so but what do you think? (However, the Pre is exclusive to the Sprint network in the United States…)
Well trhe Palm is just too old, I mean it does not even have a Facebook or Twitter application, which tells you a lot about being “uncool”…
I give this one to Apple iPhone, they seem to be way ahead. As a result of the apps available for smartphones, there are companies like http://www.globalappsmarketing.com that do sell this apps creating more possibilty for more people to make money in this revolution.