Hello again dear readers. It's time to once again open up the mailbag and clear up any BlackBerry woes you may have. This week's question comes from one of Mark P and he writes:

Dear Berry,

I really love using the Remote Control application to control my PlayBook. I even used it once to control my MacBook Pro but after the first time of successfully connecting, I couldn't successfully reconnect a second time.
I'm wondering if there's any definite way to control my MacBook Pro via the Remote Control application.

Thank you,

Mark P

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Last night, while covering the Apple Q2 results for iMore, I heard Tim Cook say something that I don't ever quite recall anyone from Apple ever saying before.

In response to a question about carrier subsidies on iPhones, and potential pressure, Cook said the following as part of his reply:

"Our engineering teams work extremely hard to be efficient with data and differently than some others. And we believe as a result of this iPhone has far better data efficiently compared to other smartphone that are using sort of an app rich ecosystem. Finally, and this is most important, iPhone is the best smartphone on the planet to entice a customer who is currently using a traditional mobile phone to upgrade to a smartphone. This is by far the largest opportunity for Apple, for our carrier partners and its a great fantastic experience for customers. So its a win win win there"

Sure, he didn't actually say "BlackBerry" anywhere. But his wording was carefully chosen, as usual. He said Apple is more efficient than other "app rich" ecosystems, meaning Android. By saying this, he clearly recognizes BlackBerry is more efficient.

But what surprised me even more was how he even acknowledged the importance of data efficiency at all. In some ways its nice to see Apple acknowledge the importance of something that RIM has been so good at for so long. But it's also clear that consumers don't really care that much about data efficiency.

I included the second part of Cook's quote to remind RIM how important it is to compete at the top. Apple is not just going after the smartphone market. They're going after the entire mobile market.

While Oracle is in a hefty battle against the likes of Google now, there was once a time when they had played with the idea of seeking to purchase RIM and even Palm to take on Google and Apple. As noted by Oracle Corp Chief Executive Larry Ellison, Oracle spent quite a bit of time weighing out their options only to ultimately decide that it was a bad idea.

An interesting situation to say the least especially when you consider this all supposedly happened before HP took over Palm. We know now that RIM is open to options but it makes you wonder what would have happened if Oracle approached RIM back when Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie were still heading up the day-to-day operations. Probably for the best anyway. In this case Oracle doesn't know all and OracleBerry just doesn't have a nice ring to it.

Source: Reuters

My friend Hugo Miller, over at Bloomberg wrote this well-balanced article on RIM. The crux of the article is that RIM can't claim the top vendor status for smartphones in Canada anymore. According to IDC and Bloomberg data, Apple shipped 2.85 million units in Canada last year, while RIM shipped only 2.08 million units.

I have to admit that I love reading Hugo's articles because he's one of the journalists that works hard to get a good story. He presents the facts without kicking a company while they're down, as so many others seem to do.

While the headline of the story is clearly about RIM's loss of the top spot in Canada, there are some interesting data points that surprised me. For example, according to Interbrand's October 2011 ranking, RIM ranks 54th in a study of the world's top 100 brands. They're down only two positions from the year before. Only two positions? You'd think from all the horrible press RIM is getting that they wouldn't even make the top 100 anymore. Apparently that's not the case. Perhaps the fact that RIM is still growing its subscriber base (at a decent clip, too) is helping them remain one of the world's top brands.

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There's a quote in the book The Alchemist that I like which says "What happens once will never happen again. But what happens twice will surely happen a third time." In the case of CrackBerry's iOS-related sister site, we're now onto round number 4. 

The site originally launched as PhoneDifferent.com in April 2007, just a few months after CrackBerry.com went live. That name was based on Apple's Think Different commercials. The connection proved too obscure for all but the Apple hardcore though, so PhoneDifferent merged with the TheiPhoneBlog.com in May 2008, keeping TheiPhoneBlog name. With the site being a lot more than just a blog and Apple releasing the iPad, another name was needed and in February 2010 TheiPhoneBlog got abbreviated down to TiPb.com. For those who knew the history behind the TiPb name it made sense, but beyond that it didn't and the name proved a little too difficult to intuitively pronounce (Tip-Bee... i think?!).  Suffice to say, we've been on the lookout for a better iOS domain for a long time now, which is no easy task - everything is it taken, not for sale or can be had for stupidly unreasonably-high (on crack) prices. 

But today our iOS frenemies have finally re-launched TiPb.com as iMore.com. Definitely a big improvement and it suits the site's mission... Delivering More of everything for your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and everything iOS. More news, More reviews, More contests, More help, More everything for your I. Matching the new name is a newly updated site, so jump on over and check it out. I don't want anybody turning their back on BlackBerry, but I know a lot of us BlackBerry owners also own iPads and iPod touches, so if you do want to keep on touch with Apple stuff, do it over at CrackBerry's sister site, iMore!

Bye Bye TiPb, check out iMore.com

Before visiting Research In Motion's headquarters in Waterloo this past Wednesday afternoon to check out the BlackBerry Bold 9790, BlackBerry Curve 9380 and Porsche Design P'9981 from BlackBerry, that morning I attended the We Day festivities that we're taking place. 

We Day and RIM: If you're not familiar with We Day, it's an initiative of the non-profit organization Free the Children, and RIM is a big sponsor of We Day and believer in their mission. We Day brings youth together in an unparalleled setting to show them that they are not alone in their journey to make a difference in the world. We Day encourages youth to Be The Change.

Representing RIM at We Day was the company's former Chief Operating Officer, Don Morrison (no, he's not returning to RIM - he's just passionate about the initiative and was eager to take part in this year's We Day). You can watch his presentation above and you watch until the end you can also learn the We Day dance by the instructor of the day, Shawn Desman. The energy of the youth in attendance was amazing - oh to be young again!

Like We Day on Facebook and $1 will be donated to We Day by their sponsors: If you want to contribute to the We Day cause, all it takes is a click. If you visit facebook.com/weday and click the Like button, $1 will be donated to We Day by their sponsors. It doesn't cost you anything (it costs the sponsors!), so go there now and do it! Do it now CrackBerry Nation!

The notion of "We" in the BlackBerry experience: Having visited Waterloo twice now and also taking in We Day, it's become apparent to me that the concept of "We" plays a major roll in everything BlackBerry does and will do going forward. It's all about Community, Connecting and Collaboration. Look at services like BlackBerry Messenger, BlackBerry Messenger Groups and the recently introduced BlackBerry Music. More than putting an "I" in front of the word phone, RIM's philosophy is about putting the "We" into the phone. It's about connecting people and allowing them to do more together.

Moving ahead, I think the notion of "We" could be a brilliant marketing strategy for RIM. Think about it. Apple has the "I" phone, or ego phone as I like to call it. How do you compete against a portfolio of I products? With a portfolio of products that focus on We! There's definitely something in this notion for RIM to work with... I'll be curious to see how We manifests itself in future BlackBerry products and marketing in the months and years ahead!

In case last week's service outage has you losing faith and you're thinking it might be time to trade in your BlackBerry for an Apple iPhone, you may want to do yourself a favor first and watch this BlackBerry vs. iPhone video.

It yet again proves what all us crazy CrackBerry users know.... when it comes to fruity phones, BlackBerry is always gooder than Apple. Funny stuff right here. :)

Source: JusReign via CB Forums

Last Monday, at the annual Cannes Film festival, Canadian-born author Malcolm Gladwell made a statement in regards to the business world; in so many words getting the bronze is worth more than getting the gold. What that means is that it’s not always who does it first, it’s who does it best. More often than not the ‘late-starter’ ends up being more successful. I guess you could say it’s a modern day take on Aesop’s Tortoise and the Hare. In his speech, Gladwell didn’t actually call out RIM by name, but he did allude to Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and how his ability to come fashionably late to the party has definitely paid off; even the biggest BlackBerry abusers can admit that. As he said, it’s not necessarily the innovators, but the “tweakers and implementers” who create profitable businesses.

“If you look at the history of Apple, they’re always the last to the party,” said Mr. Gladwell. “They’ve made a business out of being late.” Steve Jobs, he added, “is the archetypal entrepreneur of our age, right? And he is not an innovator, right? He’s the guy who comes second or third and makes it better.”

RIM did come out with the PlayBook long after the iPad made its debut, but has been heavily criticized (I still love it though). Now think about it for a minute, RIM was the leader of the pack for a long, long time. Those who have been nipping at its heels on the hardware and software side are now giving them a run for their money. It wasn’t necessarily ground-breaking, brand spanking new inventions that brought humanity to a new level of awareness. It was a tweak and a twist of a pre-existing product or idea. So maybe RIM should block out the deafening cries for something no one has seen before, so that they can work on implementation versus innovation think of the -. Take a bite out of Apple with a riper BlackBerry. It’s worked vice versa.

Source: Globe and Mail

We had so much fun recording our last podcast -- episode SIXTY NINE -- that for our 70th show we decided to do the math and call it 69 + 1. We hope you enjoy it.

While we cover a lot of topics in this show, including the latest PlayBook OS update and Apple's iOS 5 news this week, the theme that kept coming up among Adam, Bla1ze, Craig and myself was how much we want our BlackBerry Bold 9900s already (Joseph is waiting on the Torch 2). Seriously. We just can't wait any longer. We need it NOW!!

Take a listen and be sure to leave us a comment.  We'll back soon with epsidoe 69 + 2 :-)

left: Apple iPad; right: BlackBerry PlayBook... the tablet wars are heating up!

It looks like the tech game is starting to turn into a bit of a tech soap opera thanks to El Jobso. Following up yesterday's comments by Steve Jobs dissing 7" tablets, Research In Motion's Co-CEO Jim Balsillie has fired back.

Here's the official word from Jim Balsillie:

"For those of us who live outside of Apple's distortion field, we know that 7" tablets will actually be a big portion of the market and we know that Adobe Flash support actually matters to customers who want a real web experience. We also know that while Apple's attempt to control the ecosystem and maintain a closed platform may be good for Apple, developers want more options and customers want to fully access the overwhelming majority of web sites that use Flash. We think many customers are getting tired of being told what to think by Apple. And by the way, RIM has achieved record shipments for five consecutive quarters and recently shared guidance of 13.8 - 14.4 million BlackBerry smartphones for the current quarter. Apple's preference to compare its September-ending quarter with RIM's August-ending quarter doesn't tell the whole story because it doesn't take into account that industry demand in September is typically stronger than summer months, nor does it explain why Apple only shipped 8.4 million devices in its prior quarter and whether Apple's Q4 results were padded by unfulfilled Q3 customer demand and channel orders. As usual, whether the subject is antennas, Flash or shipments, there is more to the story and sooner or later, even people inside the distortion field will begin to resent being told half a story."

- Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO at Research In Motion (RIM)

Nicely said Jim. I like that RIM isn't taking any of this crap sitting down and is firing back. Anybody want a used iPad? I don't think I want mine anymore... I can't wait for RIM to release the BlackBerry PlayBook! 

Seriously. I probably own more Apple products than the average hardcore Apple fanboy, and despite being BlackBerry addict #1 still have a lot of respect for Apple and Steve Jobs. That dude is smart. But at the same time, I'm starting to think he's getting a little crotchety in his old age. Between antennagate and yesterday's Apple earnings call, El Jobso is making a habit out of really smack talking on the competition, which is a bit tactless and classless if you ask me (besides, that's what Smartphone Experts podcasts are for!).

If you missed what was said, jump on over to our sibling site TiPb.com for the blow by blow (Steve on Google's openness, Steve on RIM, Steve on 7" tablets, live earnings call notes). Long story short, Jobs said RIM is going to have to fundamentally reinvent themselves if they want to catch up to the momentum Apple and Google have. I don't disagree with that, but I do think QNX is that reinvention and the BlackBerry PlayBook is the first product of what I like to think of as the new RIM. But Steve even harped on the PlayBook (indirectly) by bashing all 7" tablets. Steve's argument is that while you may think a 7" tablet should offer 70% of the experience of a 10", it doesn't - it's more like 45% because of the diagonal measure. Steve says for a great app experience you need 10 inches, and that simply increasing resolution of a 7" tablet isn't the answer. Steve's conclusion on 7" tablets is that he feels they're all going to arrive DOA and that manufacturers will be learning the hard way that they need to make a 10" tablet for round 2. Why don't you tell us how you really feel, Steve? :)

While I don't disagree with Steve's logic on why a physically bigger screen is better, I do disagree in his thinking that a device like the PlayBook is doomed before it starts. I think RIM is doing a smart thing by labeling the the BlackBerry PlayBook as the first Professional Tablet. Put it this way - the only time my iPad leaves my house is when I'm traveling and going to be stuck on a plane for a few hours, because the thing is too big to carry around with me (not to mention I still feel like a douche bag to pull it out in public). With the PlayBook small enough to slide into my inside coat pocket, I think it'll get a lot more play. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of the iPad, so I'm really curious and hopeful that the BlackBerry PlayBook delivers a compelling user experience. I have high expectations for what RIM had better deliver in the PlayBook.

Since when has RIM ever been about making only one form factor of product? RIM is all about choice. Just look at their lineup of form factors for BlackBerry Smartphones. With the PlayBook hardware finalized, wouldn't it be safe to assume RIM is already laying the design work for another tablet? Maybe a bigger one for consumers since the first one at 7" has been christened as a professional tablet? Doing the professional tablet first gives RIM time to build up their QNX app catalog, so it's full of apps for when a 10" PlayBook 2 (or whatever they call it) gets announced. It's not that RIM is making a mistake in building a 7" tablet. It's that they're starting off by differentiating themselves in a way that will allow them to carve out a niche and capitilize on their historical strengths, and from there will broaden out their product offering.

Anyways, vote where you stand on the size matters issue above, and sound off in the comments!

These days, the talk surrounding mobile devices is really heating up. With the explosion of Android devices and the ongoing substantial growth of the iPhone showing no signs of slowing down, many folks are constantly looking at their options. Be it, switching from Android to iPhone, iPhone from BlackBerry to webOS or however else you really want to look at it, people are making choices and changes on what they want from their mobile devices.

This area is certainly going to expand as well. Windows Phone 7 devices are soon to arrive and many are waiting to see what is in store for them as consumers there. One thing that has really been a focus of some media outlets is the supposed influx of people deciding to leave BlackBerry in an effort to seek out more. While it is true that many users appear to be heading away from BlackBerry devices, one often forgets to look at the information about how many of those users once gone, actually come back to BlackBerry devices after spending time on other platforms.

Each day, the CrackBerry forums fills up with users proclaiming they are either leaving BlackBerry for another platform or, they have just arrived back from another platform and are proclaiming what they missed about their BlackBerry devices. Now, being a multi platform user myself, I can easily say the grass is not exactly always greener on the side of the fence. For some though it is and that's quite alright as people SHOULD be buying devices based on their needs rather then what they think is cool. But often times this isn't the case. Often times, people will buy what they think they need or want rather then face then reality being that they really do not need all the bells and whistles that some other devices offer.

So how about you all, anyone tried another platform yet returned back to BlackBerry for whatever reason? If so, tell us why in the comments it's always cool to see the variation of users. In the meantime, check out the forum thread posted below and see some reasons others have chosen to return back to their BlackBerry devices having spent time on other platforms

• You Don't Realize How Good BlackBerry Is Until, You Leave >>

With the internet still buzzing over the whole iPhone 4 Antennagate debacle, Xtreme Labs has teamed up with the folks from Fixmo Tools to help create Antenna Meter. The application itself is pretty straightforward. It allows you to test out different "death grip" scenarios and visually measure what, exactly is going on with the device while doing so. Does your signal drop? If so, by how much? You can also share your stats with others via email. Of course, we would be remiss if we didn't also mention that same information can be gained by pressing ALT NMLL on your devices keyboard. After which, your "bars" will then be displayed as more accurate dBm levels. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to grab a few things in preparation for the iPhone 4 launch in Canada.

• Download Antenna Meter Today For Your BlackBerry Smartphone>>

I hoped this was coming. Here it is. A joint statement from RIM Co-CEOs in response to misleading comments from Apple made Friday by Steve Jobs at the iPhone 4 press conference:

"Apple's attempt to draw RIM into Apple's self-made debacle is unacceptable. Apple's claims about RIM products appear to be deliberate attempts to distort the public's understanding of an antenna design issue and to deflect attention from Apple's difficult situation. RIM is a global leader in antenna design and has been successfully designing industry-leading wireless data products with efficient and effective radio performance for over 20 years. During that time, RIM has avoided designs like the one Apple used in the iPhone 4 and instead has used innovative designs which reduce the risk for dropped calls, especially in areas of lower coverage. One thing is for certain, RIM's customers don't need to use a case for their BlackBerry smartphone to maintain proper connectivity. Apple clearly made certain design decisions and it should take responsibility for these decisions rather than trying to draw RIM and others into a situation that relates specifically to Apple."

- Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie

Well said guys, well said. I know it can be easier to take the path of least resistance and just let things slide sometimes, but on some occasions you just can't go that route. You called this one as it is... BS. And hey, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 owners themselves have also voiced their opinions and done the tests to back it up with real life evidence. No Bold 9700 antenna issues, thank you very much.

* Update: Well, after a few thousand quick votes it seems some 86% of us BlackBerry Bold 9700 users think El Jobso's evidence is a big pile of BS. As for the 14% who think it may hold water, well, I'm sure some of those must be legit... but the numbers speak for themselves. Sorry Steve - it seems you became part of the media you like to beat up on with this one... making a story where one doesn't actually exist. *

If you're on the internet today anywhere near a tech website, you've probably heard and/or seen posts surrounding Apple's iPhone 4 press conference that focused on the hoopla surrounding the device's apparent antenna issues (check out TiPb.com's full coverage). According to Apple, well, there are none. Phones aren't perfect. And furthermore, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 they tested out apparently had antenna issues of its own too.

Apple's test? Go to an area where you have full bars while holding the phone gingerly, then change that loose grip to a bit more of a death grip. They show off a video where the Bold 9700's signal basically drops to one bar, until the death grip is released (click the image above to jump over to Apple.com and watch the whole video). 

Since seeing the press conference, I've been trying to duplicate their results and I simply cannot do it. My Bold 9700's antenna kicks ass from what I can tell (disclaimer: I'm not on AT&T, but rather Rogers, so maybe Rogers kick a bit of ass too for signal coverage). I either get no drop in coverage, or after realllllly covering up the phone i see a temporary drop of a couple of bars, but only for a second or two, and then the bars come back up to basically full. RIM has been building radios for a lonnnng time. I'm guessing it senses the sudden drop in signal strength and automatically ramps up the power to increase it to full bars again. I'm no engineer though, so I hope somebody smarter than me comes forward to shed more light on this (hopefully RIM does).

In the meantime, if you have a BlackBerry Bold 9700, put it to the test. Can you duplicate Apple's results? Or are you seeing what I'm seeing... no issues at all. Cast your vote and sound off in the comments. I'm sure this isn't the last we've heard of the new smartphone antenna debate.