Microsoft Should Use RIM’s Likely RIP to Position Itself to Corporations

by Holly Shoemaker

Microsoft should take advantage of the continuing decline of Research in Motion (RIM). Amidst layoffs, and numbers that again fell below expectations, RIM's stock hit an all-time low yesterday. The latest developments and the continued delay of the BlackBerry 10 provide an opportunity for Microsoft to position its Windows Phones and the Surface.

RIM's Q1 2013 Figures at a Glance

The company reported the following:

• Revenue of $2.8 billion, down 33 percent from $4.2 billion the previous quarter.
• That it shipped 7.8 million BlackBerrys and 260,000 PlayBook tablets.
• A workforce reduction of 5,000 employees.
• That its revenue fell by 42.7 percent

The company also announced that the chipset it needs for its BlackBerry 10 phones will not be available until 2013. Initially, RIM said the smartphone would come out late in 2012.

I am not going to discuss the possible sale scenarios or the rumors that Microsoft or Nokia could buy RIM. They have already been discussed and while Microsoft could use some components, mainly related to email infrastructure, Microsoft should take independent action related to rebranding and advertising. Microsoft does not have to purchase RIM to do that.

Concluding Thoughts

I see the latest bad news from RIM as an opportunity for Microsoft to keep in line with what it said when it announced the Surface. That it wanted hardware to complement its software. This is a prime opportunity to promote its new Windows Phones coming in the fall, Windows 8 and the Surface, but this time, on a B2B scale. 

As previously stated, I associate Microsoft with business and I see Apple as the company that appeals largely to individual consumers. However, Apple has said that almost all Fortune 500 companies approve of the iPhone for their networks. Therefore, Microsoft should focus some attention on advertising and even talking to BlackBerry developers to see how RIM's likely RIP, could actually help Microsoft.

Court Ruling and IDC Stats Show Apple Continues to Dominate Tablet Wars

by Holly Shoemaker

The tablet wars show no signs of coming to an end any time soon. Google launched the Nexus 7 tablet today at its annual I/O conference. Yesterday, a U.S. district court granted Apple a preliminary injunction to stop the sale of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the United States.

Overview of Case

Apple contended that the tablet looks and feels like the iPad, and at this time, the judge agreed that the matter should be further looked at. The trial is scheduled to start on July 30, 2012. If Apple wins the case, Samsung faces challenges. However, Samsung filed an appeal five hours after the Court granted the temporary injunction and cited the case rests solely on one patent. Stores may continue to sell existing inventory and the preliminary injunction does not apply to the Galaxy 8.0 or Tab 10.1N.

While the judge acknowledged Samsung’s right to compete, she noted that Apple’s case had merits and said, “While Samsung will certainly suffer lost sales from the issuance of an injunction, the hardship to Apple of having to directly compete with Samsung’s infringing products outweighs Samsung’s harm in light of the previous findings by the Court.”

Still Appears an Apple World 

Samsung has proven to be the one manufacturer who has the international appeal to compete with Apple, however, we have to wait to see what impact the Microsoft Surface will have. The latest statistics from IDC indicate that Apple will continue to dominate the tablet market. IDC estimates that Apple’s tablet market share will continue to grow to 62 percent, up from 58 percent last year. IDC estimates that the Android tablet market will grow to almost 39 percent, compared to 26.5 percent last year.

Google Announces Nexus 7: Which Tablet Market Does Google Want to Play In?

by Holly Shoemaker

It is becoming more challenging to keep up with Google’s image. The company has demonstrated it wants to move beyond a search and software company with its acquisition of Motorola Mobility and its changes to things like Google+ to provide social components to rival Facebook. Today, at its annual developer’s conference, the company showed off the expected Nexus 7 tablet.

While some have concluded the tablet was designed to compete with the iPad, the price point of $199 puts it more in line to compete with the Kindle Fire and Nook tablet. The Nexus 7 weighs in at 12 ounces, compared to the Kindle’s 14 ounces. A 16 GB model is also available for $249. The tablet is available now through the Google Play store and will start shipping in mid-July.

Concluding Thoughts

At this time, it is unclear which tablet market Google wants to play in. At last year’s developer’s conference, the company launched the Samsung Galaxy, a high-end tablet to compete with Apple’s iPad. However, Apple just won an injunction against selling the Samsung Galaxy 10.1 in the United States. Perhaps Google's strategy to play in many areas anticipated the upcoming lawsuit.

Google Releases I/O 2012 Companion App: Preview of Jelly Bean?

by Holly Shoemaker

Apple focused on the importance of apps at its annual developer’s conference last week. While Google will not hold its conference until next week, the company got a head start by releasing a Google I/O 2012 companion app. The free app, available from the Google Play Store, allows users to plan their schedules with the conference agenda.

Overview of Features

The app was designed to work well on Android smartphones and tablets. It allows users to:

• Sync events with their calendars so they may find the sessions they are most interested in attending
• Share information on Google+
• Participate and view in conversations using the #io2012 hash-tag as it is built into the application
• Access reminders before sessions start
• Play back video session streams 
• Obtain company information in the Developer Sandbox
• Review information regarding speakers, photos and biographies 

Preview of Jelly Bean?

Some have noted that the search box looks different on the app. This had led many to wonder if Google has released a sneak peek of Jelly Bean, the next version of Android that should be on display at the developer’s conference. On June 27, 2012, when the conference starts, we should all find out.

FDA to Move Forward with Medical Mobile Apps Regulation

by Holly Shoemaker

After weeks of debating the scope of how and what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should regulate when it comes to medical mobile apps, Congress has finally reached a decision – well somewhat of one. The FDA may move forward with defining regulations regarding medical mobile apps used as devices, but other agencies are now required to provide their input.

Overview of Action Taken and Next Steps

The FDA published its drafted guidelines in July 2011. Now, Congress modified a section of the FDA Safety and Innovation Act that will allow the FDA to progress on its planned regulation. However, Congress has asked for additional input. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must draft a report using input from the FDA, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC), which is part of HHS.

The FDA has until the end of year to publish its findings. By the fall of 2013, the FDA must finalize regulations and implement a program within two years of the published date. The FDA and other agencies have 18 months to recommend a regulatory framework for mobile apps and IT-related software.

Concluding Thoughts

The action taken by the House and Senate allows stakeholders, including developers, to know where the issue stands. However, it still draws the process out and comes almost a year after the FDA published its drafted guidelines. The enhanced gathering process could go either way. It will either result in clarity for developers, users and agencies or even more questions and confusion.

Microsoft Surface to Enter Tablet Wars

by Holly Shoemaker

Microsoft unveiled its first Window 8 tablet, Surface, today at a last-minute event held in Los Angeles, Calif.

New Territory for Microsoft

This is the company’s first attempt at making its own tablet. The company said it needed its own hardware to complement its Windows 8 software.

The tablet features the following:

• A 10.6-inch HD widescreen display with an ultra-wide viewing angle and self-adjusting screen
• USB and micro SD card slots
• A built-in keyboard with a trackpad
• An integrated kickstand

Will Surface Compete?

To me, Microsoft is associated with business. In that sense, I could see the tablet appealing more to businesses – as a way to further integrate IT operations, especially among employees that travel. At the same time, to compete in tablet wars, Surface will have to appeal to consumers. Microsoft has branded its new tablet keeping in line with Windows 8 and the company even promotes entertainment and apps. Consumers and developers may see what Microsoft will offer by way of apps in its Windows Store, although that site still appears lean.

Does B & N Fit into the Picture?

Of course the lingering question for most is how Surface will compete with the iPad. However, I am curious to know more about what Microsoft plans to do with Barnes & Noble. Many have speculated that Windows 8 will become the default platform for future Nook tablets. If that becomes the case, Microsoft may be positioning itself to see how it may compete in the higher-end and lower-end tablet markets. At this time, Microsoft has not announced pricing or a release date for the Surface.

Apple to Enter Pre-Paid Phone Market

by Holly Shoemaker

Apple may have entered new territory with its announcement of its new map app, but Apple will soon enter a new market – the pre-paid phone market. Both Virgin Mobile and Cricket Wireless will sell pre-paid iPhones.

Cricket Versus Virgin Mobile

Cricket Wireless became the first carrier to announce it will sell the pre-paid iPhone. Starting on June 22, 2012, customers may purchase the iPhone 4S for $499.99 and the iPhone 4 for $399.99. Its “unlimited everything plan” will cost $55 a month plus taxes. However, potential customers should know that Cricket may cap data usage levels at 1 GB.

Virgin Mobile will sell the iPhone at full retail price, but will offer the cheapest monthly plan. Consumers will have to pay $649 for the iPhone 4S and $549 for the iPhone 4 upfront. Both iPhones will become available on June 29, 2012 and will use Sprint’s network as Sprint purchased Virgin Mobile in 2008. While customers may see a higher upfront cost, Virgin Mobile's plan costs the least amount of money over a two-year period. For $35 a month, customers will receive: 300 voice minutes, 3,000 texts, which Virgin classifies as “unlimited,” and 2.5 gigabytes of data per month.

Concluding Thoughts

The entry of the iPhone into the pre-paid market opens up more opportunities for Apple, additional carriers and customers who do not want to go with a traditional phone plan. By opening itself up to more carriers and consumers, Apple strengthens its position in the mobile device and app markets. AT&T may become the biggest loser as it used to be the only carrier to sell the iPhone. The biggest winner could ultimately become Sprint. Sprint has a four-year contract with Apple to sell a certain number of phones. Sales generated from Virgin Mobile will count toward those overall numbers.

Let the Map App Wars Begin

by Holly Shoemaker

Apple made it official this week at is annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) that it will no longer rely on Google Maps as its default map application. At the conference, Apple unveilved its own Apple Maps. In addition, many people have said that Apple shunned Google in favor of Facebook. Apple also announced that users will soon have the ability to sign into Facebook from their iPhones.

Overview of Apple Maps

When the iOS 6 deploys this fall, users will have the ability to gather traffic information from other iOS users and turn-by-turn navigation will also be integrated into the operating system. The app also takes advantage of Siri. Apple's voice-activation assistant will provide spoken turn-by-turn directions. TomTom also announced that it will provide Apple with "maps and related information." The app will also have a flyover feature that provides 3D-drawings for all major cities. Users should be aware that the iOS 6 is only available on the following devices: iPad 2, the new iPad, the fourth-generation iPod Touch, iPhone 3 GS, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S.

Let the Map Wars Begin

While Google Maps will no longer be the default map app for Apple, users may still use Google Maps on their iPhones. Although, I concede that Google Maps lacks functionality for iPhone users when compared to Android ones. Therefore, it is not a complete "break up" if iPhone users still want to use Google Maps.

Despite the somewhat blow to Google, its product will remain beloved by many. In February 2012, comScore reported that 71 percent of people in the United States who looked at a map that month, did so using Google Maps. While Apple has a loyal following, Apple Maps has a lot to live up to. Users should also keep in mind that Google announced its own changes, prior to Apple's announcement. Soon, Google Map users will have the ability to use that app without an Internet connection and the company announced its own 3-D enhancements. Let the map wars begin!

WWDC Stresses Apple's App Dominance

by Holly Shoemaker

Apple focused on mobile solutions at its 2012 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this week. While Apple, as expected, did not announce a release date for the next iPhone, the company took the time to rattle off statistics in its keynote address. The company also focused on Mountain Lion, its updated operating system, which should help Apple continue to dominate the market.

App Store Numbers at a Glance

 

At the conference, Apple stressed the following statistics:

• The App Store is available in 155 countries.
• Apple had paid $5 billion to developers for App Store downloads.
• Users have downloaded 30 billion apps from the App Store.
• The App Store has 400 million accounts.
• A total of 650,000 apps are now available in the App Store – 225,000 of them were specifically designed for the iPad.

According to Gartner, Inc., an information technology research and advisory company, the App Store should generate $58 billion in sales by 2014. By providing the above statistics, Apple gave concrete reasons as to why developers should continue to make apps for Apple. After all, developers need to meet goals and make profits too.

How Google Play and Facebook Compare

• The Google Play store, formally the Android Market, has more than 500,000 apps available.
• Facebook opened its App Center to users on June 8, 2012. The App Center opened with about 600 apps. The App Center is available on the web, iOS and Google's Android operating systems. Last month, Facebook reported that it sent users to Apple's App Store 83 million times.

Concluding Thoughts

While much of the focus at the WWDC came as no surprise, Apple's focus clearly showed the company believes it will continue to dominant app downloads and sales. Even OS X Mountain Lion brings features like messaging and apps from the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to the Mac. Developers received a preview of Mountain Lion back in February. In July 2012, users may purchase Mountain Lion in the Mac App Store for $19.99.

Apple Continues Legal Attacks on Samsung

by Holly Shoemaker

Apple continues to pursue its legal attacks against Samsung. On Thursday, June 7, 2012, Apple filed a motion to block sales in the United States of the Galaxy S III. All major carriers have announced their release dates for Samsung's latest smartphone. Apple filed the motion as an addendum to its request for an injunction against the Galaxy Nexus.

Background Information

Apple has already taken steps to sue Samsung because of the Galaxy Nexus. Both Samsung smartphones run on Android 4.0, or Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest Android operating system. Apple says the two smartphones violate four of Apple’s patents. When Samsung released the Galaxy overseas, Apple analyzed the phone to help make its case against patent infringement.

Samsung’s Response

Samsung maintained that Apple’s latest motion comes too late. Apple filed the original court document in February. Samsung's lawyer also claimed that Apple wanted to block sales of the Galaxy S III prior to the launch because the company cannot "compete against the new features."

The addendum leaves out a feature, which I am surprised Apple did not mention. The Galaxy S III offers a new, voice-activation feature, which some say has similarities to Siri. Apple did not mentioned this in its addendum.

Next Steps

It will take some time for the court to decide if Apple may amend its original filing. In the meantime, an attorney for Apple said the company may seek a temporary restraining order to halt the sale of the Galaxy S III in the Unites States later this month.

The preliminary injunction against the Galaxy Nexus is scheduled for July 30, 2012. However, if Apple follows through with the restraining order, the trial date would likely get pushed back.

Major U.S. Carriers Announce Galaxy S III Release Dates

by Holly Shoemaker

As expected, Samsung has announced the Galaxy S III will come to the United States in June 2012. All major carriers are expected to carry the phone, and have released availability dates.

Breakdown by Carriers

• Sprint became the first carrier to announce details. It started taking pre-orders on Tuesday, June 5, 2012. The company will sell the white and “pebble blue” versions of the 16 GB for $199.99 and the 32 GB for $249.99. Consumers may purchase either version on Thursday, June 21, 2012.
• T-Mobile became the second carrier to announce its plans. Customers will have the ability to purchase both the white and blue phones on June 21, 2012. At this time, T-Mobile has not announced its pricing structure.
• AT&T started taking pre-orders on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The 16 GB version will cost $199.99 with a two-year contract. At this time, it does not appear AT&T will offer the 32 GB version. Consumers may opt to purchase an extra 16 GB MicroSD card for $39. AT&T will release the phone on June 18, 2012.
• Verizon started taking pre-orders the same day as AT&T. The phone will cost the same as the other carriers and Verizon will carry the 32 GB phone with a two-year contract. Verizon will start selling the phone last - its release date is July 9, 2012.

Will Carrier Matter?

Each carrier wants to differentiate itself in some way. Besides AT&T not selling the 32 GB version, consumers should be aware of other differences:

• Sprint has decided to pre-load Google Wallet on the device. Sprint is also trying to differentiate itself from other carriers by saying it is the only company that offers unlimited data plans.
• Verizon has said its network is the only one that will allow users to broadcast live video via the Color app. It is somewhat unclear on how this actually ties into Samsung’s latest device. It could be a way to deflect criticism that Verizon no longer offers unlimited data plans and to detract from the $30-month subscription fee. Verizon's release date is also in July.
• T-Mobile still promotes its lower-priced plan. However, users should check their coverage areas. T-Mobile also holds the honor of selling more of the Galaxy S III’s predecessor’s than other carriers.

Samsung to Buy Nokia? Rumor Lacks Rationale

by Holly Shoemaker

On Friday, June 8, 2012, shares of Nokia’s stock rose six percent amid rumors that Samsung Electronics may buy the declining Finnish mobile device company. Analysts will not confirm that Samsung will in fact acquire Nokia, and the companies have failed to issue any

statements.

Pure Speculation

This latest smartphone rumor lacks rationale as Samsung does not have to improve its market position. The company has already overtaken Nokia to become the world's largest device maker. Its Galaxy line of phones have also connected more with customers than the Lumia 700 and 900, which Nokia hoped would help the company once again compete in the North American market.

While it is clear Google will gain many patents through its acquisition of Motorola Mobility, some analysts suggests that any patents Samsung would gain from Nokia, would not equal the costs of integrating the two companies.

The rumor also fails to address the Microsoft aspect, seeing as Nokia partnered with Microsoft on its Lumia line of phones. At this point, Microsoft appears a more logical buyer, unless the company has put its hopes of generating more revenue with Barnes & Noble and the tablet market. Stay tuned...

Facebook to Enter Smartphone Market?

by Holly Shoemaker 

Facebook has had its share of good and bad press regarding its initial public offering (IPO). Despite that press, Facebook seems likely to advance its plans to gain more customers in the mobile arena. Late last week, the New York Times reported that Facebook may attempt to enter the smartphone market.

According to reports, Facebook has hired six former software and hardware developers who worked on the iPhone. The report also indicated that one newly hired employee worked on the iPad.

Background Information

Facebook’s attempt at entering the smartphone market is not new. In 2010, the company unsuccessfully attempted to build a smartphone. A report last year also speculated that Facebook and HTC entered into a partnership to build a smartphone nicknamed “Buffy.”

Concluding Thoughts

If Facebook is successful, its smartphone should not pose a threat to Apple as Google is the company trying to create a more-integrated web experience built around is products. The timing of this news also comes as Google finalized its acquisition of Motorola Mobility last week, a move that left some phone device makers like HTC upset.

Facebook knows it needs to improve its mobile position in the marketplace. If Facebook can advance its smartphone plans, it will give the press, investors and consumers something to focus on besides if the company had a successful of unsuccessful IPO. The answer to the IPO question will always depend on the person asked.

Google Plus Expands as Google Continues to Redefine its Products

by Holly Shoemaker

Google has taken another step to transform its image from a basic search and software company. On Wednesday, May 30, 2012, the company replaced Google Places with Google+ Local, or Google Plus Local. The new feature is designed to help users create an integrated web experience using the company’s products.

Google has said the move will allow users to share local information including Zagat reviews. Google purchased Zagat in September 2011.

Will Google+ Local Approach the Levels of Facebook?

Google Plus launched in September 2011. To date, it has about 100 million users, compared to Facebook’s 900 million accounts. The company and tech insiders say Google+ Local may help the company better compete as Google needs to find ways for businesses to interact. This move could provide a good starting point.

While Facebook still has the more integrated web experience, Facebook knows it needs to gain speed in the mobile arena. On that thought, Facebook has not given up hopes of building a new smartphone, which is discussed in my next post.