There was a time, not too long ago, when the pundits and other assorted
prognosticators were predicting doom and gloom for RIM-based devices,
simply because they were not open and their operating system was old,
however, Apple has dispelled that notion not only with new versions of
its own operating system iOS for its iPhone series, but with
applications that let the iPhone work with Android applications as well
as Microsoft apps.
That is exactly the same situation at Research in Motion, maker of the
Blackberry series of smartphones such as the RIM Blackberry Bold 9900.
For starters, the manufacturer has aimed this directly at the AT+T and
T-Mobile market by allowing it to work in 3G mode, at a minimum. With
changes that are likely to come in later versions of the RIM Blackberry
operating system (now 10), it is likely that the Bold 9900 will be
offering WiFi a/b/g/n capabilities, as well as hotspot ability.
And improvements in the operating system have not only expanded its
Bluetooth ability but also its ability to make full use of Bluetooth
devices for streaming audio. Bluetooth is another method of using and
addressing great sound capability. It is made for more than just
earpieces and messaging devices.
That the 9900 has been thoroughly enhanced can be shown by one feature,
voice activation. As the operating system and electronics packages have
been upgraded, the 9900 offers voice-activation of any of the many
applications that have been written to work under the Blackberry
operating system.
The key to the Blackberry operating system, like iOS, is that RIM is
stepping beyond just its own hardware and is offering a series of
applications that let a user have access to offerings from Apple or from
Pandora or from Microsoft. That means one has quite a variety of
software from which to choose and use.
Further, the 9900 boasts a new liquid-style capacitive touchscreen so
that you have the option of not only using the full QWERTY-style
keyboard with which the 9900 comes equipped, but you also have access to
nearly 16 million color combinations from the nearly 3-inch display
screen that sits neatly atop the keyboard. Indeed, the built-in keyboard
is a great feature if you are into texting or sending and receiving
corporate or personal email as Bold offers an application that works
with Microsoft's Exchange server. The upgrades to the 9900 and its
operating system are likely to offer not only mail through RIM's own
system, but, if you look closely at the applications that are available,
you will likely find there is now an iOS-compatible mail application.
Using the keyboard and your thumbs, you will find that it is easier and
quicker to prepare and send an email or text than it is when you have to
not only have to dedicate part of your screen (if your smartphone has a
larger screen, in the first place) then you have to lose part of your
screen to the keyboard and you will likely find that you have to use a
stylus to write your email. The QWERTY-style keyboard, on the other
hand, is there and all you have to do is thumb your email or text and
send it. It is far easier and quicker to work with.
Another change you will find is that the 9900 offers a menu-style
pushbutton that not only allows you to navigate the screen, but you can
also use it to access an application. Earlier Blackberry models used a
button-like device on the side not only to navigate but also to advocate
an application by just pressing the button.
Finally, the Bold 9900 offers full GPS and mapping capability.
Altogether, the BlackBerry Bold 9900 is a good device. As an upgrade, it
shows that there is still room on the market for proprietary devices.
All it takes is the proper application, especially if they are developed
by the company so you know they work correctly from the start with no
problems.
