Mobile computing platform
So how would it all work in the way
BlackBerry has envisioned it? As we took a guided tour through the solutions
showcase tour, it's interesting to see that BlackBerry has a whole picture of
how BlackBerry can be incorporated to every lifestyle segment, whether home,
office or enterprise.
The BlackBerry PlayBook with a keyboard casing, linked to a wireless
transmitter to remotely play content
While every smartphone brand does have its
own envisioned platform, it's nice to see that BlackBerry has their priorities
right. Home users may be able to enjoy being able to stream their BlackBerry's
multimedia content to the TV, and we were introduced to a system where users
can dock their PlayBook and essentially turn it into a working desktop PC,
complete with a larger display, wireless keyboard support and actual mouse
navigation.
NFC technology is another highlight in BlackBerry's future development
The enterprise side may see a complete
enterprise-wide BlackBerry system, a network which has BlackBerry smartphones
and tablets managing the front of the interaction, while the back-end is
supported by the BlackBerry mobile fusion and enterprise server. The next-
generation of BlackBerry Enterprise Server will be coming with Office 365, and
by next year. Mobile Fusion can be rolled Ob running entirely on the cloud.
What we found equally interesting is
BlackBerry's emphasis on IMFC technology. Most smartphones today has already
embraced NFC technology, and it's a technology that BlackBerry has sighted as
something on the proverbial rise.
There was a showcase on BlackBerry's
approach in NFC application that certainly piqued our interest. Inside secure,
a secure-transactions provider, showed that NFC can be used to fight
counterfeiting: with a NFC tag fitted on a product, users can scan the tag with
the phone and find out if it's genuine or not. The tag may provide additional
information regarding the product's make and creators.
HID global, who makes key cards and badges,
showed that NFC in phones can be used as access devices (NFC technology uses
the same underlying tech on key cards). Imagine forgetting your access pass at
your home, and requesting temporary credentials to be pushed on the phone. This
will also work on residential locks, hotel rooms, and even as login tools on
computers.
How is BlackBerry's NFC particularly
special when compared to other smartphones? Nothing, really. But there's no
other smartphone platform taking it to their lengths, and it's certainly true,
and certainly intriguing.
What then, for Malaysia?
Amidst the bustle of the conference, we
were glad that we managed to settle in for a quick moment with Annamalai Muthu,
RIM's country director for Malaysia and Brunei, as well as Nick Horton, vice
president of IndoChina, to talk about BlackBerry in Malaysia. What of the BB10
in our side of the shores?
Annamalai
Muthu, RIM's country director for Malaysia and Brunei
"From Malaysia's perspective in terms
of how much this is meaning to us, Malaysia is a little unique compared to most
other markets in Asia. We're a little like Singapore and Hong Kong; a high-end
market, with customers who are picky and tech savvy, who wants products that
evolves with their lifestyles," said Muthu. "This is something that
we'll be going very aggressive on, this is the market for us, this is where
BB10 is going to be extremely successful."
RIM in Malaysia is planning to launch BB10
in such a way that Malaysians can understand what this product can really do
for them. "The way we're going into this particular product is going to be
different from what you've seen before. It’s going to be big. It's going to be
an interesting next 6 months.''
Nick Horton is sure that they can cut down
delays of newly-launched products coming into Malaysia. Horton noted that
previous delays had to do with the lack of local staff; with the RIM office
here in Malaysia, they'll be able to facilitate things much faster and ensuring
better support structure.
We asked them about app development support
in Malaysia, and they were glad to tell us that there is a lot of excitement to
develop for BlackBerry back in our shores. They have a team that gets in touch
with developers and they have an ecosystem that provides local developers with
the right tool kits. "We are really understanding the fact that the
Malaysian developers want to be part of this larger community, and now we
finally have a way to get in touch with them and pulling them into this,"
said Muthu. He assures that things will continue to expand, and that there will
be more developers event occurring even locally.
BlackBerry 10 will be rolling out
"later this year", with not confirmed rollout yet. We've been assured
that Malaysia is one of the first markets in Asia to launch; something to definitely
look forward too.
We would like to thank research in motion
for the enlightening event, and for the gracious hosting and hospitality. The
three days had been wonderful and exciting, and from where we stand now, we’re
glad to be able to see the path BlackBerry has for itself. www.rim.com
