The BlackBerry PlayBook goes on sale today and it should be interesting to see the sales figures roll in. We’re also curious at how well RIM handles the launch of an entirely new product line. So far, it seems it may not have been a good idea to get the review units out as they weren’t completely finished. If RIM had held back review units, they probably would have caught flack from the various tech sites around the Internet, but maybe that would have generated a more positive buzz for the company than negative.
When it comes to PlayBook supply, we’ve been hearing that the distribution channels are a little disorganized. This is pretty typical as RIM has invested a lot in the carrier and retail channels, which makes it difficult to siphon off devices for developers and reviewers. There are plenty of people in both camps that are still looking for their PlayBook. BlackBerryCool contributor Aaron is ready to sell some PlayBooks but it seems his store only has 2. We’ve heard one Source location in Ottawa only has 7 PlayBooks, but none of this is confirmed with the company, but comes from employees. Lets wait and see what the numbers say.
Being at RIM’s doorstep has helped the developer community in Southern Ontario grow tremendously. Smaller companies and startups have been setting up offices nearby that have given rise to a strong support network of startups, mobile developers and entrepreneurs.
With acquisitions in the gaming, content distribution and payment, Google’s Waterloo offices have grown with a strong mobile focus. Here are a few of the recent additions:
Social Deck is a social gaming platform that specializes in content discovery, distribution and monetization.
PushLife is a cross-platform digital content management and distribution system for mobile.
Zetawire developed their own mobile banking advertizing technology, identity management, credit card and mobile coupon transaction processing.
It’s interesting to see what catch-up moves Google is making in growing it’s mobile business. Tapping a competitor’s developer ecosystem is becoming a bit easier now that mobile developers are developing for multiple platforms. I’m not surprised that Google is paying close attention to the innovative yet underrated Canadian Tech sector.
The bid will be rivaling that of Google’s $900-million bid on the entire set of set of over 6000 wireless patents. Google has been trying to grow the size of its mobile patent portfolio ever since they acquired Android Inc. in 2005.
RIM has been fighting for these patents for a couple of years now and seems poised to grab a least a small piece of Nortel’s formidable mobile patent portfolio.
When we first wrote about Teknision, and their involvement in the PlayBook UX, the article got a ton of exposure because it was thought that RIM’s acquisition of The Astonishing Tribe (TAT) meant that they were solely responsible for the UX. Since then, I have sat down with Teknision’s President Gabor Vida, to talk about Teknision as a company, its involvement in the PlayBook, and a little about their thoughts on design. We also discuss why we haven’t heard more about this company.
One thing that became really obvious to me about UX design for a product like the PlayBook, is that the average consumer has very little idea how many companies, people and design iterations it will come across before it gets to market. Before Teknision or TAT got a hold of the PlayBook, there was another company called Artefact that briefly touched the tablet as well. Continue reading ‘Interview with Teknision and the Story of RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook UX’
The Reward Your School with Bonus Box Tops app is a mobile extention of a cool program that lets you earn 5 cents for your or your kid’s school by buying certain products. The Reward Your School program lets you earn bonus boxtop dollars when you buy advertised items. These items are generally combos such as “any 3 listed cereals” or something similar and they automatically apply the bonus top money to the school you’ve associated with your account. In essence, you’re supporting your school when you buy items you may have already been purchasing anyways.
We’re seeing more and more pictures of the Bold Touch 9900 as it nears an official announcement. The device looks to have a really awesome form factor, reminiscent of the Bold 9000 but slimmer and modern. The Bold Touch in this picture is running OS 6.1 too.
What do you think? Looks like a device you would buy? This device would be great paired with a PlayBook. Touch, touch, touch!
