Have you heard the rumor that Research in Motion is developing a tablet device? Of course you have. The Wall Street Journal reports that the device will include a 7-inch display, WiFi connectivity and a new operating system that RIM has yet to unveil. There is no word on pricing or availability.
What We Know Now
Here’s what’s been speculated thus far:
Learning Opportunities
Webinar
Apr
5
Adopt a Modern Digital-First Marketing Strategy
Learn how to use a composable DXP to your advantage
Webinar
Apr
13
Composable Commerce The Future of Retail
The Adobe Commerce approach to composable and why it's best in class
Webinar
Apr
13
Accelerating Content Velocity Across the Digital Supply Chain
Learn to integrate DAM with upstream tools to improve workflow efficiency.
Webinar
Apr
18
Drive Business Growth Through Customer Service and Support
Defining the future of technology. What is AI’s role in the future of customer service?
- Name: the BlackPad
- Date of Release: 4Q 2010
- Size: seven-inch touch screen
- Operating system: QNX OS
- Components: one or two built-in cameras, Blue Tooth.
- Notes: Insiders say that the device will not be sold with a cellular service.
What It Needs To Be Competitive
However, in order for RIM to have any leverage in the tablet market, which has mostly been dominated by Apple, their rumored table device better have a lot of junk in its trunk. And by junk we mean the following:
- Software that is as good or better than Apple’s. According to the folks at eWeek.com, “BlackBerry OS 6 just isn't that solution. “ According to WSJ,RIM's tablet will feature a completely new platform built by QNX Software Systems. Let’s hope it makes a difference.
- When the Cisco Cius was released people balked at a 7 inch screen. Let’s hope that RIM took note. Apple’s 9 inch screen has become a mainstay for magazine design and publishers can’t afford to design for specific devices -- they will pick the iPad because it’s what is popular.
- RIM needs to think about its users. If iPads are for design geeks and gamers, how does RIM suppose they’ll win that audience over? RIM needs to find its own niche and make its solutions powerful enough to gain their loyalty.
- Anyone venturing into the tablet market should also invest wisely in an app store that offers a variety of quality apps. While they’re at it, RIM should come up with a mobile app security policy to ensure that their apps won’t put their user’s information at risk.
In addition to these concerns, the bottom line is that the BlackPad or whatever it’s called should be the Next Big Thing. If it’s not, why bother?
