RIM bringing front-facing cameras to Blackberries
updated 01:00 pm EDT, Mon August 3, 2009
RIM video conferencing
RIM is reportedly working to integrate front-facing cameras on its Blackberry smartphones sometime next year, according to tinycomb. A company executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that video conferencing is something they have been working on for a "quite some time."
The exec took an indirect jab at AT&T when asked about the company's plans if Apple brought front-facing cameras onto the iPhone. "As I said before, we are fortunate to have our relationships with many different carriers, some of which can handle something like live video-conferencing."
Speaking in more general terms regarding the overall market, the source suggests RIM's US distribution across more than one network has been a "strong advantage." The company has not endured the "nightmare" that Apple has experienced with AT&T.
Following the recent removal of several Google Voice apps from the iPhone app store, AT&T issued a statement denying involvement. Critics suggest the carrier has played a role in limiting certain types of content from the mobile platform, such as apps that require a significant amount of data transfer or enable users to avoid long distance fees. The FCC is currently investigating the situation, as each involved company has been asked to provide further explanation.
Regarding the BlackBerry App World, the executive admitted that "it's tough when you are going up against a company operating one platform and perfecting a single piece of hardware." RIM has seen particular strength with young buyers, however, particularly in the 18-25 age group. "All of their friends are on BBM, and it's addicting," he said.
Great point.
08/03, 01:41pm reply
The fact that every carrier offers a Blackberry makes it easier to get. However, the iPhone experience is still way easier.
bjojade
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2007
BBM?
08/03, 02:11pm reply
What is BBM and why are all the young folk addicted to it? Is it something we should be concerned about or should we start a legalization campaign?
Hurley42
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2008
Blackberry Messenger
08/03, 02:17pm reply
This is marketing speak. There is only ONE mobile device that 18-25 crowd covets, and it ain't blackberry.
As for videoconferencing, I'm sure they'll have no problem getting Verizon to agree on it... Unless Verizon can tightly control who, when and how can videoconference (not to mention how many dollars per minute would they charge for it), RIM may as well forget about that front-facing camera.
And, yes, Apple is clearly having nightmares with AT&T... With all those millions iPhones sold, they simply can't make them fast enough! Nightmare, no doubt!
vasic
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
vasic
08/04, 09:10am reply
You're so wrong it blows my mind. After having been to New York, Los Angeles and Toronto in the past month (three different yet major cities), I was blown away with two things: a) how many people have blackberries and b) how few people have iphones.
I actually purchased the iphone 3gs, but returned it 2 weeks later for a few reasons. Firstly, no BBM. It's the best. Pretty much every one of my friends has it. Losing it would be losing one of my most important methods of communication. Secondly, the phone quality was miserable. Thirdly, like many other law firms, active sync is disabled on the server for security reasons (whether valid or not). Fourthly, the touchscreen is great, but its not perfect. Lastly, no multitask makes a difference, especially with programs like chat.
Apple has sold a ton of iphones, but they are not in the demographic I've seen. Starbucks employees, and the 30 something work from home males. That's about it.
luckyday
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2008
multitasking
08/04, 11:19am reply
It would be nice to multitask for no other reason than to listen to radio streaming (XM or any other) while perhaps using your iPhone/iPod for something else.
h***, iTunes on the device and multitask...
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001