You would think that gaining 107% growth on last year’s revenue would be something worth bragging about, but apparently analysts were expecting a little more from Research in Motion in the Q1 earnings report issued yesterday, and as a result shares dropped 7.8% overnight. Subscribers were up by 2.3 million, totaling 16 million, and revenue hit $2.24 billion for the quarter. Analysts were expecting $2.27 billion – not what you’d call a dramatic failure of expectations, but it seems like you either blow the expectations out of the water, or you disappoint… There’s not much gray area in between. Spending was a little higher due to BlackBerry Bold marketing, and the incoming 3G iPhone has stockholders a little shakey. Last week RIM’s stock hit a lofty $147, so this is a bit of a downer to follow up with, but c’mon, the Bold is coming up this quarter, which will do its fair share of impressing.
Between a BlackBerry, work computer, home desktop, and laptop, it’s easy to get your files scattered in a lot of different places. SugarSync knows this and is trying make it quick and easy to make sure you can always access all of your files. They’ve been kicking around for awhile, and I’ve been testing it out since beta. We talked with the developer about the importance of syncing across desktops and handheld, followed up by high promises of review. Well, here we are and ready to take a good close look at SugarSync.
BlackBerry users have been getting their kicks with leaked test versions of OS 4.5 for some time now, but now those packing the CDMA Curve and the BlackBerry World Edition have a chance to have some fun. OS 4.5’s biggest features are HTML e-mail viewing, over-the-air device upgrades and free/busy calendar lookup, among other things. If you’re the type to live dangerously, you can grab the OS 4.5 for the BlackBerry 8830 here or for the BlackBerry 8330 here. Just keep in mind these are still unreleased and could do some nasty things to your device.
BlipSocial just launched their beta, featuring some really cool location-based services that don’t require GPS. It’ll plug into Yelp, Facebook, BART train times, weather, and movie showtimes. It’s also got an API available for other parties who want to mobilize some of their information without having to go through the hassle of building an app from the ground up. A cute application, and if you’re a Yelper at all, it could be worth your time. Head on over to www.blipsocial.com on your mobile browser to get going!
Have you ever watch the Travel Channel? They’ve got an impressive lineup of shows, and have no doubt provided plenty of great insights on international locales through their programming. Well, they’ve just recently launched a mobile application for BlackBerry powered by Earthcomber which not only lets you tap into spots covered by their programs, but find slightly less exotic destinations, like, say, the 7/11. Not only good for directions and maps, you can also keep track of friends, and discover new places in your area that fit with your interests. Looks like a handy little app, and worth a shot.
You’ve seen some of their fine white label work with Yahoo!, but Vlingo’s going it alone with their new application which promises to control pretty much everything on your BlackBerry through voice. All BlackBerrys come built in with a voice dialling app, but Vlingo is going to do a lot more than just that… You’ll be able to text and e-mail by dictation, open applications like Calendar and Maps, search your address book, and make web searches using Vlingo. One very cool feature Vlingo’s packing is Note2Self, where you can pull the classic “Note to self: Pick up laundry. Groom cat. Begin plans for global domination”, which then get tacked onto your tasks, or sent to yourself as an e-mail or text. Super-awesome. I’m really excited about the possibility of third-party apps plugging into Vlingo, too. Tune in to our next podcast to get the full down-low on the new software.
Part of me is sad for our southerly neighbours who apparently won’t get the BlackBerry Bold until mid-August or later, part of me is smug that everything looks like a go for the Rogers release. Supposedly there have been some approval issues between RIM and AT&T over the BlackBerry 9000’s battery which are slowing down the rollout. To be fair, this is why firm dates aren’t nailed down at launch, but it must be a bit disheartening seeing Canadians get this fine device first. Who’s disappointed? If you were already sold on the Bold, surely you could wait another couple of weeks, eh?
Just when we thought the workplace was getting more progressive about these sort of things, ABC has gone and forced its writers to sign a waiver that they won’t charge overtime for BlackBerry usage. The Writers Union has stepped in, advising members not to sign the waiver, forcing ABC to begin recalling some of the devices. This is a hot-button topic for those who live and die by the thumb… few want to be at work 24 hours a day, but it has become the standard in many workplaces and raised expectations to inhumane levels. How are things set up in your office? Is it frowned upon if you don’t check your BlackBerry at 10 PM?
A few more pictures of the Kickstart have come out of the woodwork, showing off a nice comparison versus the BlackBerry Bold. That should give us a reasonable indicator of size… the main body looks just about as thick as the BlackBerry 9000, so maybe tack on another third when the flip is shut. The BlackBerry Kickstart will be RIM’s first flip device, featuring an external LCD display, Wi-Fi, a 2 megapixel camera and SureType keypad. Dig the new look? Our sources are saying the Kickstart will be hitting up T-Mobile come September, just in time for the school year.
You would think that gaining 107% growth on last year’s revenue would be something worth bragging about, but apparently analysts were expecting a little more from Research in Motion in the Q1 earnings report issued yesterday, and as a result shares dropped 7.8% overnight. Subscribers were up by 2.3 million, totaling 16 million, and revenue hit $2.24 billion for the quarter. Analysts were expecting $2.27 billion – not what you’d call a dramatic failure of expectations, but it seems like you either blow the expectations out of the water, or you disappoint… There’s not much gray area in between. Spending was a little higher due to BlackBerry Bold marketing, and the incoming 3G iPhone has stockholders a little shakey. Last week RIM’s stock hit a lofty $147, so this is a bit of a downer to follow up with, but c’mon, the Bold is coming up this quarter, which will do its fair share of impressing. 
Between a BlackBerry, work computer, home desktop, and laptop, it’s easy to get your files scattered in a lot of different places. 
BlackBerry users have been getting their kicks with leaked test versions of 
Have you ever watch the 
Part of me is sad for our southerly neighbours who apparently won’t get the 
Just when we thought the workplace was 
