BlackBerry removes physical keyboard from its new phone (Canada)
Canada based handset maker, Research In Motion (RIM), showcased the first look of its new phone on the BlackBerry 10 platform, at the annual BlackBerry World conference in Orlando. According to reports, the device unveiled by CEO Thorsten Heins, excluded BlackBerry’s trademark feature of a physical keyboard and was a sleek touch screen device instead.
Heins said that they wanted a user paradigm that is easy and fast, adding that it is all about making things flow. Industry analysts reason that this may be an attempt by RIM to compete with smartphone giants Apple and Samsung, which have rapidly been dominating the global smartphone arena. However, the company plans to continue with phones including a physical keyboard as well.
However, reports reveal that the prototype unveiled failed to attract the investors. The shares for the company declined 5.7 percent during trading.
Orange to launch new roaming app next month (France)
Mobile operator Orange France is looking to launch the Orange Travel App that will allow owners of Android, iOS and BlackBerry devices to track their data usage and SMS details in real-time, as per a report by Mobile Magazine. They can then compare this within the app to their local tariff plans to ensure they have not exceeded their allowances. The app was launched in France last year and has already attracted more than 15,000 downloads.
The report reveals that the app was initially looking at a summer launch but with might be released as early as next month. The roaming bundle will offer daily, weekly or monthly tariffs incorporating voice, SMS and data. For example, customers travelling in France will be able to buy a bundle that includes 10 minutes of voice, 10 SMSes and 10MB of data for around $6.5 per day from June onwards
When the services were first launched outside of the UK, Orange said it was to counteract the risks of high roaming charges. Orange executive VP for consumer mobile services Vincent Brunet said that by putting in further safety nets, they are helping customers to manage their consumption while they continue to introduce competitive offers that respond to their customers growing needs.
As per the report, Orange also plans to roll out a ‘rest of world’ alert and cap for customers travelling outside of the European Union. As customers approach their data limit, they will receive an SMS alert and can then choose to purchase more data or be cut off when the limit is reached.
Wireless carriers begin trials for RIM’s PlayBook (Canada)
Wireless carriers in US and around the world have begun testing the PlayBook 3G and 4G with OS 2.0.1 according to a report by Berry Review. The report reveals that the launch has been scheduled for May around the same time that RIM (Research In Motion) would be hosting BlackBerry world 2012.
As per the report carriers AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless have begun testing the PlayBook in the Unites States; while Rogers, Bell Mobility and Telus have begun trials in Canada. Further, Orange UK and StarHub Singapore are also rumoured to be involved in the trials.
Android gets Mashreq’s mobile banking app (USA, Middle East)
Leading financial institution Mashreq has announced the launch of its Mobile Banking for Google Android devices. Mashreq’s mobile app is also accessible through smartphones and devices such as iPhone, iPad, Blackberry and Java OS Mobile phones.
The mobile banking application is a fully integrated transactional service offering customers to check their accounts’, make payments to Mashreq Credit Cards and transfer funds anywhere in the world through their mobile phones at anytime, from anywhere.
Furthermore, recharge Etisalat, du, Salik and make other bill payments such as DEWA, SEWA, ADDC through its safe, secure and customer friendly interface. Customers using this service enjoy easy access to their bank accounts through their mobile phones 24/7, from any GPRS / 3G / wireless (Wi-Fi) network, anywhere in the world, as per a press release.
Aref Al Ramli, Head of Alternate Channels at Mashreq commented that they are continuously working towards offering various distinctive platforms for customers to carry out their banking transactions. As technology evolves, so does their online banking services. They are proud of their multi-faced Mobile banking system, which is now available across all systems to reach out to further customers extending a hassle free banking service and help them save time.
For iPhone and Android, the app is to be downloaded from AppStore and Google Play (Android Market). Once installed, Mobile Banking app is ready for use completely free of charges from the bank.
RIM to evaluate business strategies to recover declining margins (Canada)
Canada based BlackBerry maker, Research In Motion (RIM), is looking to make strategic changes to its business in an attempt to recover its declining profit margins. According to a report by BN, Chief Executive Officer, Thorsten Heins said that the BlackBerry maker will concentrate on the market it once dominated following a fifth straight quarterly sales shortfall. He also said he would consider a sale of the company, though that is not the main direction at the moment.
As per the report, RIM is charting a risky path of refocusing on business users while weighing strategic changes from licensing its BlackBerry software to selling itself. However, industry analysts are concernec that the losses suffered by the company may be too large to recover.
Further, with rival makers Apple and Samsung leading the smartphone market, BlackBerry phones have rapidly been losing their market share.
BlackBerry slashes its prices in India one day before results (India, Canada)
Canada based Research In Motion (RIM) has cut the prices of its BlackBerry smartphone in India just one day before the vendor is scheduled to report its results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, as reported by BGR.
As per the report, analysts were not expecting the vendor to meet even the low expectation forecast for the fourth quarter. RIM dropped prices on multiple models in India by up to 26 per cent. Devices that have received price cuts include the BlackBerry Curve 9360, the Curve 9380, the Torch 9860 and the Curve 8520, RIM’s best-selling smartphone in India.
The report reveals that while RIM beat expectations in the third fiscal quarter analysts are doubtful for the same happening in the fourth quarter.
MTS & True North Launch Winnipeg Jets Mobile App (Canada)
True North Sports & Entertainment Limited and MTS announced the launch of the official Winnipeg Jets mobile app. Powered by MTS, the Official Winnipeg Jets app is free and will be available to users across Apple, BlackBerry, and Android platforms. The app features a variety of content designed to help Jets fans keep up-to-date with their favourite team.
Jim Ludlow, President & CEO, True North Sports & Entertainment, has said that the Winnipeg Jets are constantly exploring new and innovative ways to stay connected with their fans. He added that they are excited about this opportunity on behalf of their fans to stay on the leading edge in digital and mobile interactivity with their technology partner, MTS. Less than half the teams in the NHL offer official team mobile apps, and less than a third make them available across all three platforms. They are proud to remain at the forefront of what fans expect from their sports teams.
The Jets app provides immediate access to a huge amount of Winnipeg Jets content that fans will have at their fingertips, on eligible devices, from virtually any location. The Jets app will include live scores, player bios, stats, league standings, Jets photos, content from jets.nhl.com, content from Jets TV as well as Facebook, Twitter and fan blog updates.
The free app will be available from Apple’s iTunes Store, RIM’s App World, and Google’s Android Marketplace.
Stan Kurtas, MTS’s Vice-President of Marketing, said that Winnipeg Jets fans have a well-deserved reputation for being the most enthusiastic in the NHL, and this app gives them a fantastic new way to stay connected to their team. Further, MTS is very proud to be involved in this initiative as it adds yet another layer to the strong and fulfilling relationship between MTS and True North. The need for a Jets app was made evident by the overwhelming response the return of the team generated throughout their province. Whether they are looking for live box scores or Coach Noel’s post-game wrap-ups, this app will deliver all the content fans want.
Globe offers new billing system for Blackberry users (Philippines)
In an attempt to offer convenience to its Blackberry users, mobile operator Globe Telecom has introduced a new billing system for mobile applications. According to reports, the new system enables Blackberry users to charge their mobile app purchases directly to their postpaid account or prepaid credits.
Peter Bithos, senior advisor for consumer business, Globe Telecom has said that integrated billing will make it easier than ever for subscribers to purchase apps for their BlackBerry smartphones. Through the secure billing system interface, they are able to provide subscribers a convenient and worry-free way to purchase premium content on BlackBerry App World without the need for a credit card or direct cash payments. The cost of apps purchased from the app store will be charged to their postpaid phone bill or from their prepaid credits.
The new billing service is expected to commence from Q2 this year.
MTN launches new ‘Free beyond 3 Campaign’ (Ghana)
Mobile operator MTN Ghana has launched a new promotion titled ‘Free Beyond 3 Campaign’ in an attempt to reward its prepaid customer base for their loyalty towards the operator. According to a company statement, the promotion will reward existing prepaid customers by providing them with free talk time after every three minutes of call, made to other MTN numbers.
The statement claims that in order to access Free Beyond 3, MTN customers may subscribe by either calling 315, sending a free text message to 315 or by dialing *315#.
Rahul De, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Ghana said that the Free Beyond 3 campaign is to reward MTN subscribers for their continuous loyalty to MTN over the years. He added that MTN will continue exciting and rewarding its cherished subscribers with meaningful unique value add offers such as this, and assured customers of more exciting customer experience on the network.
The statement added that the company will still empower their subscribers to enjoy full authority over their choices including BB Social, Complete and Absolute; regarding the data bundles introduced for Blackberry users.
Batelco offers free Mobile Data for SimSim customers (Bahrain)
Batelco, the Kingdom’s leading mobile services provider has announced a special deal for SimSim customers allowing them to receive 200MB of free mobile data usage when they refill with US$ 10.6 SimSim Voucher.
The free 200 MB will provide a great additional benefit for SimSim customers by giving them the opportunity to browse the Internet, download their favorite music, games and applications for free and hence save more money. The 200MB will be added directly to the customer account after the refill as a bonus on top of the main refilled amount and data bonus will remain valid for 30 days from the refill date.
This bonus is for data usage only and cannot be used for BlackBerry service or by Prepaid O-net subscribers.
Batelco General Manager Media Relations, Ahmed Al Janahi said that Batelco continuously reviews its special deals for SimSim customers in order to meet their varied telecom needs.
He added that by adding free 200MB of Mobile Data usage on top of US$ 10.6 SimSim vouchers refills, they are delivering top value to customers for their money. Further, they place the needs of their customers as a key priority and listen to their feedback in order to deliver products and services that improve their communication facilities.
