BlackBerry 10 OS is already being called a failure

Research in Motion has become the mobile industry’s punching bag lately and today is no exception, with a new report saying its upcoming BlackBerry 10 OS is all-around awful.

 

A new report from Boy Genius Report asserts that the upcoming BlackBerry 10 OS, which has already been pushed back until late 2012, is basically a failure and won’t be able to compete with other  smartphones operating systems. This is especially true when you consider more advancements to iOS, Android and Windows Phone 7 will come before BB10 hits shelves.

 

BGR’s anonymous inside source said that the PlayBook 2.0 OS, which will be released in February, is a window into what BlackBerry 10 will be. Looking through the window isn’t a pretty thing, though, because crucial things like native e-mail and BlackBerry Messenger still don’t work. “Email and PIM [is better] on an 8700 than it is on BlackBerry 10,” the source said. ”RIM is simply pushing this out as long as they can for one reason, they don’t have a working product yet.”

 

RIM, however, has responded to the report by saying it is inaccurate and says it that BlackBerry 10′s release date has been pushed back to ensure everything, including e-mail and Messenger, runs smoothly. The company’s (lengthy) official response is below:

 

“RIM made a strategic decision to launch BlackBerry 10 devices with a new, LTE-based dual core chip set architecture. As explained on our earnings call, the broad engineering impact of this decision and certain other factors significantly influenced the anticipated timing for the BlackBerry 10 devices. The anonymous claim suggesting otherwise is inaccurate and uninformed. As RIM has previously explained, and as Mike Lazaridis reiterated on the earnings call, we will not launch BlackBerry 10 devices until we know they are ready and we believe this new chip set architecture is required to deliver the world class user experience that our customers will expect. Any suggestion to the contrary is simply false. We appreciate the interest in our future platform and we will continue to work hard to deliver that platform as soon as possible. At the same time, we also remain very excited with the success of our recently launched BlackBerry 7 smartphones and we believe these products offer a very compelling choice for both new customers and the almost 75 million BlackBerry users around the world.”

 

It’s hard to tell what exactly is happening behind the scenes, but at this point, I’m willing to give RIM the benefit of the doubt. Yes, at this point, the BB10 OS is probably terrible and undercooked. But RIM has already set expectations low and has another year to deliver its savior OS on time within company projections.

 

iPad Gets Some Competition

Tablet computers are all the rage, offering users an easy way to access the Internet. The iPad set the standard for tablet computers, but now its competitors are positioning themselves as new and different. While Samsung, RIM and Dell have focused on mobility with their small displays, the WeTab has decided to go big, or bigger than the iPad.

When it first appeared, the iPad set the standard for tablet computers. But now the first challengers are appearing on the market, offering different sizes and operating systems.

As it turns out, those are exactly the two features consumers who like the keyboard-free devices should be looking at.

Tablet computers seem to have taken the world by storm, probably because they offer such an easy way to access the Internet. But the newer models all have their own pros and cons.

"The iPad is great," says Sophia Kim of Samsung, a Korean-based company. "But our device is different."

The Galaxy Tab has a 7-inch diagonal screen and weighs in at 380 grams, making it significantly smaller than the iPad's 9.7-inch display and 680 grams. As an added bonus, people can telephone with the Galaxy Tab, although that's best done with a Bluetooth headset.

By Peter Zschunke

http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=11100BDIANMU

RIM Acquisition May Let BlackBerry Control Car Functions

Research In Motion is acquiring QNX Software Systems, whose open Neutrino operating system is used across many industry verticals, including autos. RIM may plan to let its BlackBerry smartphones control automotive and other functions. The QNX technology has been licensed for more than 17 million in-vehicle systems worldwide.

Research In Motion has put its buying power in motion with the acquisition of QNX Software Systems. The Waterloo, Canada-based phone maker reached an agreement with QNX's parent company, Harman International, to acquire the company, RIM announced Friday.

By acquiring the Ottawa, Canada-based QNX, RIM will gain access to its open operating system , Neutrino. The open platform is used across many industry verticals, including telecommunications, medical, defense and automotive.

While QNX's software is used in life-critical systems such as air traffic control, surgical equipment, and nuclear power plants, it has been used most recently in casino gaming terminals and in-car infotainment systems.

Licenses to Entertain

The phone maker may be planning to integrate its BlackBerry smartphone functions with in-car audio and infotainment systems in the short term, but for the long term it looks as though RIM may be interested in providing dashboard and communications systems using BlackBerry functions.

"RIM is interested in expanding opportunities for QNX in the automotive sector and other markets," said Paul Leroux, a spokesperson for QNX. "No question, this is a positive development for QNX."

By Patricia Resende

http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=72678&full_skip=1

Avaya Wins Auction for Nortel Unit for $900 Million

Avaya has been chosen to acquire Nortel's Enterprise Solutions business and Diamondware for $900 million. Avaya's deal for bankrupt Nortel still must be reviewed by U.S. and Canadian courts. Verizon Communications and Research In Motion are challenging Nortel's acquisition by Avaya, claiming a threat to U.S. national security.

Avaya is the chosen one. The New Jersey-based company was selected -- instead of Siemens Enterprise Communications -- to acquire Nortel's Enterprise Solutions business and Diamondware, a Nortel-owned business, the company announced Monday.

Avaya will pay $900 million in cash for the voice, data and government systems businesses, exactly double the amount it agreed to pay just two months ago. Avaya also has agreed to offer an additional $15 million for an employee-retention program.

"We are excited to not only complete the process, but more importantly what this does for signaling to the marketplace, to our customers, and to our employees on the path forward," said Nortel Enterprise Solutions President Joel Hackney in a conference call. "We believe the combination provides our current and future customers with investment protection and a clear path forward."

"Our successful bid brings us closer to adding Nortel and its complementary channel, portfolio, research and development, and global presence to Avaya," said Kevin Kennedy, president and CEO of Avaya. "We believe the acquisition brings inherent value to both organizations' customers, employees and partners, and we look forward to its successful conclusion."

Strategic Move

While the long bidding and auction process for the Canadian telecommunications equipment maker, which was under Chapter 11 protection since January, is close to complete, the deal is still subject to regulatory approvals in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

Hackney said regulatory proceedings will begin Sept. 15 and expects the acquisition to be complete by late December.

Avaya's victory was no surprise. The acquisition means Avaya will expand its global reach, increase the number of partners, and increase the quality of its products and services, according to the company.

Winning the bid also allows Avaya to better compete against telecom giant Cisco Systems.

The International Nortel Networks User Association has announced its approval of the acquisition.

"Both Nortel and Avaya have been at the forefront of delivering high-quality, innovative products to the market," said Victor Bonhart, INNUA director. "With their strengths now combined, we believe the customers of both companies will be true winners of this deal."

Bonhart also said the group is excited to begin working with Avaya, and is ready to return to giving its members education and other services.

Facing Challenges

INNUA President Steve Ford said he is relieved at the outcome, and added that the group has reached out to Avaya executives and Avaya's user groups to plot a path forward.

"While I cannot tell you with certainty what that path will look like, I can assure you INNUA will continue to deliver the same great value to you," Ford wrote in a letter to customers on Monday.

The win, however, already faces some challenges, predicting a bumpy path forward.

Avaya has faced some challenges from both Verizon Communications and Research In Motion about the deal. Both companies in court filings contested Avaya's bid, claiming Avaya's control over Nortel's business unit would compromise U.S. national security.

Verizon, one of Nortel's largest customers, in a complaint filed with the court claimed its "communications networks are critical to the operation of the federal government, and the defense, safety, health and security of the American public." Verizon fears Avaya will drop Verizon once the deal is complete. Avaya, however, has not commented on its plans for Verizon.

By Patricia Resende

http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=68940