BlackBerry WES 2010 - The Inside Scoop!

REGARD had a great trip to Orlando for BlackBerry WES 2010 and we are excited to be back in Santa Monica armed with a whole slew of new tips, tricks and tools that we can't wait to implement for you...

RIM's executives shared a number of inspiring announcements with us regarding BlackBerry 6.0 OS, BlackBerry App World 2.0, new device models and the BlackBerry Super App Challenge.  REGARD is very excited about the myriad possibilities to construct "Super Apps" for the our consumer and enterprise customers!

SUPER APPS: THE CHALLENGE
REGARD always loves a good challenge so we were thrilled to learn about RIM's 2010 BlackBerry Super Apps Developer Challenge with over $1.5 million in prizing!

Super Apps must deliver an engaging experiences for BlackBerry users by offering a seamless, integrated, contextualized and efficient UI. For example, Super Apps are always-on running in the background and listening for specific events, waiting for inbound data and triggering notifications. Super Apps are always-connected and should be tightly integrated with native apps. Using BlackBerry's open API to deliver even more customizable options than before, Super Apps can add custom menu items and data to the message list (or inbox), address book and calendar that can be easily accessed with just one click.

RIM co-CEO Mike Lazaridis astutely explained that the future success of mobile platforms will rest on quality saying, "It's who has the best apps, not the most."

REGARD has always been committed to providing our customers with the best quality solutions. We are eager to apply our knowledge to construct ground-breaking Super Apps that are stickier and intuitive and make users more efficient, socially connected and overall better looking ;-)  Contact REGARD today to find out how you can be part of RIM's 2010 BlackBerry Super Apps Developer Challenge with a variety of prizes valued as high as $85,000.

BlackBerry 6.0 OS
RIM revealed a sneak peek of BlackBerry 6.0 and highlighted a variety of new features that will improve functionality, productivity and user experience. They've revamped the homescreen and enriched the UI with updated native apps, universal search features, pull down notifications and a new media and music organizer. Another key addition is RIM's WebKit rendering engine which speeds up web browsing and incorporates multi-touch, tabbed browsing and a new favorites system. Aesthetic changes like inertial scrolling and elastic menus throughout polish off RIM's menu of new offerings.

BlackBerry App World 2.0
RIM unveiled its plan for the rejuvenated BlackBerry App World 2.0 (BAW) storefront for buying and downloading software applications which promises to optimize its users' ability to purchase and experience BlackBerry apps. BAW 2.0 provides purchasing freedom with host of new payment options including microtransactions and subscription capabilities that enable developers to capitalize on flexible pricing strategies to maximize their revenue. RIM also promised that they are close to offering carrier and credit card billing options in addition to their current PayPal payment system. The more efficient BAW 2.0 will be Wi-Fi capable, adds account management, search improvements and allows for more enterprise apps in the catalog. Best of all, App World will soon come preloaded on the home screen of all BlackBerry models shipping with version 5.0 or above.

With new ways to monetize, promote and optimize your mobile campaign there has never been a better time to extend your business into the BlackBerry mobile space. Now is your chance to launch your mobile apps to build your mobile reputation before the market becomes flooded with your competition. Be sure you find a trusted BlackBerry Alliance Partner that has stood the test of time to create high-quality, profit-producing apps to improve productivity, save time and increase revenue. Rely on longstanding BlackBerry relationships to help you strategically promote your brand and make a huge impact in the mobile ecosystem.

NEW BLACKBERRY DEVICE MODELS
Slimmer,sleeker, updated and upgraded - the newest devices on the BlackBerry block promise more bells and whistles than ever while maintaining BlackBerry's commitment to superior quality and functionality.

RIM announced the launch of the Blackberry Bold 9650 and the Blackberry Pearl 9100 and 9105. The Bold takes the Tour's place and replaces the dated trackball with an optical pad to easily navigate the 2.4 inch, 480 x 360 resolution display. Additionally, the memory has been doubled from 256MB to 512MB, it supports 3G speeds, has WiFi capabilities and is the first BlackBerry to offer OpenGL support for 3D graphics. Wow!

Not to be outdone, both Pearl devices will get 3G and 802.11 N WiFi support, GPS capabilities, 256MB of flash memory and microSDHC support. They will both be powered by a 624MHz processor. The 9100 retains the slim SureType keypad while the 9105 gets a traditional keypad.

Be the first to launch high-quality, user-friendly, integrated apps for the hot new BlackBerry devices that utilize all their updated capabilities.Partner with a company like REGARD Venture Solutions and be among the first to develop Super Apps - completely integrated, seamless and efficient apps that take your brand to a whole new level. We know what it takes to WIN THE CHALLENGE!  REGARD can increase your brand exposure and set you apart from the competition!

Is BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) a "Killer App?"

Doctor friends always complain about those annoying people at a cocktail parties with the shoulder that hurts. As it turns out, being a Smartphone guru these days may actually be a larger target to annoy. My brother's (an anesthesiologist) favorite answer is, “You should see a doctor about that!” Unlike a doctor, the advice of a Smartphone geek like me carries no liability exposure, so I can't wiggle out of “Which Smartphone is be best for me?” so easily.

After cover what they like and hate about their current Smartphone, the conversations now always turns to apps. Apps have long been my passion, and, yes, way before “mobile apps.” In fact, I gave a speech to an MBA class some years ago about “Killer Apps” and the characteristic that put an app in that category. The acid test that undeniably make for a “Killer App” is… “Would you buy a particular piece of hardware for the purpose of running that app?” The second criteria is similar but subtly different: “If not for that app, would the utility you get from the hardware you purchased be significantly diminished?”

In a number of recent conversation about selecting a new Smartphone, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) was listed as a favorite app. Since BBM relies on the unique BlackBerry 8 character PIN number and the BlackBerry NOC, it is not available on other Smartphones. This caught my attention because in many conversations, the BBM app was turned out to be the pivotal factor for why someone selected BlackBerry over iPhone. In one case, I asked a friend if he was still seeing the same girl. He replied, “it’s strange, once she got an iPhone, we didn’t chat like we did over BBM!” Which in and of itself could make for a good mental health blog entry.

So for those that are unfamiliar with BBM, essentially it is an instant messenger from any BlackBerry in the world to any other BlackBerry in the world free for no additional charge. That is, regardless of if you’re and enterprise user or using consumer Gmail user, you can connect via BBM. Unlike SMS text message, BBM operates like a peer-to-peer IM session. Users can exchange text messages, pictures, short voice notes, files, and even hold a conference (like a chat room). By far my favorite feature of BBM is the check mark with the little “D” denoting the message has been positively delivered to the recipient.

Also, in these frugal times, especially for international communication, BBM provides substantial cost savings over voice of SMS conversations.