We're all obsessed with our cellular phones, so having the most hi-tech phone available is a big deal. It seems that lately the only two that really matter are the iPhone and the Blackberry. The Blackberry Storm is the iPhone's leading competitor with touch-screen capabilities, and now, a new applications store.
But, which phone has the most loyal customers? I have to lean more toward the Blackberry. We've all heard the nickname "crackberry" used to describe its addictive effects, but aren't iPhone users just as obsessed? I see people on their iPhones more often than Blackberry's, although it may just be selective perception. Both phones have different capabilities that target different demographics, but I'm sure the iPhone took customers away from the Blackberry realm because of the touch-screen and simple interface. With the Storm and the new app store, things may change. So I wonder, will Blackberry take the market in touch-screen smartphones or will the iPhone stay on top?
Blackberry App World was recently released by Research in Motion, a global manufacturer and designer of wireless communications. The store's business and design model varies from the iTunes App Store, which was smart on RIM's behalf. It was important for them to make their own improvements to the idea in order to compete with the Apple monopoly. The new Blackberry App World may have an impact on retaining loyal customers or reigning in ex-customers that switched to the iPhone. Of course the Blackberry is known for its popularity in the business world and the applications store is supposed to cater to that group of consumers.
There are free apps available, but RIM has placed an $2.99 floor on the price of an app instead of iTunes' $.99. Since developers must pay an up-front fee of $200 and submit an application, it will weed out the pointless applications. Thus, Blackberry App World will provide more business-oriented applications rather than the mostly games that iTunes' store offers. Essentially, Blackberry App World will have more usable apps, which will justify the higher price in the consumer's mind.
Blackberry App World is compatible with the Storm, Bold, Curve and Pearl series of phones, allowing for much wider range of use than the iTunes' App store, which is only compatible with the iPhone and iTouch. For this reason, RIM and other app developers have the potential to make a lot money.
Do you use a Blackberry or iPhone? Which do you think has better applications and who do you think will emerge on top this year?
Tags: Lifestyle PR
Posted by Leah Southers on March 11, 2009 2:40 PM
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Comments (4)
I have a blackberry and have used them since 2005. When I upgrade, I'll stick with BB. I see more people with them than I see with iphones. That maybe be because Verizon is such a big deal in my area.
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rh |
March 13, 2009 11:04 AM
Posted on March 13, 2009 11:04
For the devoted user angle I lean toward the crackberry more. A lot of people use the blackberry straight-up for business. That makes it a little harder to just up and change to a different device that might operate in a new way.
There are also some pretty good business apps that help out in that respect. Ridecharge helps track and grab cabs without needing to call or wave, worldmate manages itineraries etc. I'm pretty sure that the iphone has its own equivalents, but right now I'm addicted to my crackberry :)
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crackjacker |
March 13, 2009 3:17 PM
Posted on March 13, 2009 15:17
so that's two for Blackberry, one for iPhone! I think it does have a lot to do with where you're located and how widespread the service is in your area. I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
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Leah |
March 15, 2009 4:11 PM
Posted on March 15, 2009 16:11
Judging by research into the ecommerce market, it looks like that blackberries are experiencing more sales than the iPhone. It 1) sells for lower average price, 2) offers more models and thus price options, and 3) also has an app store.
http://blog.researchadvanced.com/2009/03/13/smartphone-wars-on-ebay-blackberry-vs-iphone/
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Catherine |
March 16, 2009 12:41 PM
Posted on March 16, 2009 12:41