Enterprise

Software
August 4, 2011
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Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 TouchWiz update available August 5th

By on August 4, 2011 at 1:30 AM.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 TouchWiz update available August 5th

Samsung held a special event in New York City on Wednesday where it upgraded Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 owners with its custom TouchWiz user interface. If you weren’t in the New York area, fear not, as Samsung announced on Wednesday morning that it will begin pushing out the update over-the-air on August 5th. The patch will add the Amazon Music Player, Words with Friends and Kindle software. TouchWiz includes the following updates user interface enhancements:

  • Live Panel: Magazine-like widget view for immediate access to weather, social updates, email, news, photo gallery, all on the home screen. The visual layout of Live Panel is completely customizable for one-touch entry into each user’s most important information.
  • Mini Mode Tray: One-touch access to commonly used applications—Task Manager, Calendar, World Clock, Pen Memo, Calculator, Music—which overlay in a pop-up window on display screen for powerful multi-tasking.
  • Clipboard: Advanced copy & paste functionality allows Galaxy Tab 10.1 users to store photos, Web pages, YouTube links, etc., on the clipboard for easy sharing via email and social network sites.
  • Indicator Quick Panel: Quickly toggle on/off Wi-Fi, notifications, sound, brightness and settings in lower right hand corner of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 display.
  • Photo Editor: Rotate, crop and adjust colors on high quality digital images

Samsung’s update will also add Swype, a host of enterprise features, Social Hub and Samsung Media Hub. Read on for the full press release. More →

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Business
July 12, 2011
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Analyst calls for RIM to break apart handset, network businesses

By on July 12, 2011 at 9:00 AM.

Analyst calls for RIM to break apart handset, network businesses

With Research In Motion’s annual shareholder meeting scheduled to take place later today, one popular RIM-focused analyst is calling for the company to split its handset and network businesses into two separate companies. “RIM’s organization, like its handsets, needs modernization. By acting now, splitting RIM into network and handset businesses may target opportunities and unlock significant shareholder value,” RBC Capital Markets Managing Director Mike Abramsky wrote in a note to investors on Tuesday. “RIM’s end-to-end solution was conceived when data devices and networks were nascent — but times have changed,” the analyst continued. Abramsky believes the standalone network business can target a market of roughly 400 million Android devices, Windows Phones, tablets and other devices with “affordable, efficient, cross-platform mobile push messaging, social networking, cloud and business data services (and software)” that is already interconnected with 595 carriers around the globe. On the other end, splitting off RIM’s devices business could accelerate handset innovation, strengthen developer relationships and help the company prioritize its customers and developers over its carrier partners — a sentiment thought by some to be paramount to RIM’s success moving forward. Abramsky reiterated his price target of $35 for RIM stock, noting above-average risk.

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Software
June 28, 2011
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Microsoft launches cloud-based Office 365

By on June 28, 2011 at 11:00 AM.

Microsoft launches cloud-based Office 365

Moments ago, Microsoft officially released its new cloud-based Office product, Office 365, which will compete directly with Google Docs. The Office 365 suite, which has been in public beta for awhile now, is being targeted at the enterprise market and plans for the entire suite cost between $10 and $27 each month depending on the feature set chosen. Small and medium-sized businesses can also choose a more cost effective $6 option that only includes Office Web Apps and Microsoft Exchange. Those options, however, are all more expensive than the $50 annual fee that Google charges corporate users for access to its Google Docs suite. Microsoft’s full press release follows below. More →

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mobile
May 26, 2011
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Nokia E6 pre-orders start in the U.K.

By on May 26, 2011 at 11:45 PM.

Nokia E6 pre-orders start in the U.K.

Nokia’s latest QWERTY candybar phone, the E6, is now available for pre-order in the U.K. Nokia took the wraps off of the E6 in April — at the same time it announced X7 — and said it would ship with the latest Symbian “Anna” operating system. The E6 offers a 2.46-inch 640 x 480 pixel touchscreen, an 8-megapixel camera, GPS, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and a 1,500 mAh battery. Symbian “Anna” will provide enterprise grade security with hardware accelerated encryption, several new e-mail features, a revamped user interface, and a new version of Nokia’s mapping application (formerly Ovi Maps). The E6 is priced contract-free at £349.00 ($570) and Nokia expects pre-orders to ship by the end of June. More →

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mobile
May 16, 2011
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Microsoft details Windows Phone ‘Mango’ business features

By on May 16, 2011 at 11:00 PM.

Microsoft details Windows Phone ‘Mango’ business features

Paul Bryan, Microsoft’s senior director of business experiences product management for Windows Phone, has written a blog post that details Windows Phone Mango’s business productivity features. The update, which will be discussed in deeper detail during a press conference in New York City on May 24th, will include pinnable email folders for quick access from the homescreen, conversation view in email, server search, and a new Lync application for business chat users. Bryan also said there will be added capabilities for IT departments, including complex password support, information rights management support, and the ability to access hidden corporate Wi-Fi networks. “This week, we expect to exceed 16,000 apps available in the Windows Phone Marketplace,” Bryan added. We’ll be reporting live from Microsoft’s press conference on the 24th. More →

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General
May 12, 2011
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Sprint goes after T-Mobile customers, uses acquisition as bait

By on May 12, 2011 at 11:28 AM.

Sprint goes after T-Mobile customers, uses acquisition as bait

Speaking of smear campaigns, a new Sprint promotion specifically targets T-Mobile CL customers that may be uneasy about the proposed merger, according to a new report. According to a purported internal document, Sprint is trying to lure customers away by offering to pay their T-Mobile early termination fees up to $175 per line if they switch to Sprint. ”Do you have the feeling the AT&T/T-Mobile won’t end with a ‘Happily Ever After?’,” the document asks Sprint distribution partners. “Well, we’ve got a deal specifically for those T-Mobile CL customers having similar concerns.” To sweeten the deal and alleviate any worries for potential T-Mobile defectors, Sprint will also waive subscribers’ ETF fees if the AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile is not approved and they choose to switch back to T-Mobile as a result. Sprint has been openly and vocally opposed to the merger since AT&T first announced its intentions to acquire T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom for $39 billion this past March. The carrier’s new ETF credit promotion reportedly begins today and runs through July 23rd. More →

84 Comments
mobile
May 2, 2011
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RIM looks to expand BES services to Android, iOS devices

By on May 2, 2011 at 7:23 PM.

RIM looks to expand BES services to Android, iOS devices

Earlier today, Research In Motion announced its intentions to bring its BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) its mobile device security and administration services to both Android and iOS. Through its acquisition of ubitexx, the Canadian company is looking to expand the portfolio of mobile devices its BES solution supports. “The single web-based console is being designed to provide IT administrators with a simple and efficient way to distribute software and manage policies, inventory, security and services for BlackBerry devices, as well as other mobile devices,” reads the press release. “IT administrators will be able to manage devices over-the-air, including activating devices, distributing software and applications, locking or wiping devices, enforcing and resetting device passwords, setting IT policies, and managing optional mobile applications for end users. Certain features are expected to remain exclusive to BlackBerry devices because such capabilities are built into the design of a device’s operating system.” The new solution should be available “later this year.” Hit the jump for the full release.

More →

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mobile
April 18, 2011
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Twitter may acquire TweetDeck

By on April 18, 2011 at 11:29 PM.

Twitter may acquire TweetDeck

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Twitter is in “advanced talks” to purchase TweetDeck — the popular desktop and mobile third-party Twitter client. The deal could be worth as much as $50 million, although neither party has commented on the possible acquisition. TweetDeck, based in the U.K, has 15 employees on its payroll. Twitter could use the acquisition to immediately offer a “native” Twitter client in the PC desktop space, especially if it has plans to begin targeting enterprise Twitter users. Although TweetDeck’s engineers have certainly proven that they have the developing chops to compete in the mobile space, too. More →

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Tablets
April 13, 2011
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Motorola preps rugged Android tablet for enterprise

By on April 13, 2011 at 5:53 PM.

Motorola preps rugged Android tablet for enterprise

Back in December of last year, Motorola boss Sanjay Jha made it known that the company planned to take the tablet market very seriously. With its first tablet offering pulling in an estimated $50 million or more each month, it’s certainly likely that Motorola is planning an all-out assault on the market. During a keynote speech at the Credit Suisse 2010 Technology Conference, Jha revealed that Motorola intends to target enterprise markets with a variety of tablet devices. Jha mentioned the retail market specifically during his speech, but it looks like Motorola is preparing a rugged 7-inch tablet as well. Spec highlights include a dual-core 1GHz processor, Android 2.3, a 7-inch display, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera and a ruggedized case. No name or release details are available for the time being. More →

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mobile
February 14, 2011
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Motorola acquires 3LM, updates MOTOBLUR, more

By on February 14, 2011 at 11:22 AM.

Motorola acquires 3LM, updates MOTOBLUR, more

Motorola made various new software related announcements on Monday at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, not the least of which is a strategic acquisition that ultimately could make the company’s Android-powered devices a much more viable option for the enterprise market. 3LM, short for Three Laws Mobile, develops a variety of security and management solutions for enterprise customers with Android devices. The acquisition was completed in late 2010 for an undisclosed sum, and Motorola will aim to offer its customers security comparable to the BlackBerry platform as a result of the deal.

Motorola also made several other software announcements, including the addition of various new features for its MOTOBLUR product. MOTOBLUR, Motorola’s UI overlay and social services suite for Android devices, will soon evolve thanks to the addition of enhanced location, messaging, music and gallery features. Updates will include Connected Music, a proprietary social network focused on music; Connected gallery, a feature that will pull friends’ Facebook, Picasa and Flickr galleries into a live stream; and the addition of Aloqa’s location-triggered push platform, which will allow third-party developers to utilize on-device notifications triggered by location, identity or “social relationships.”

Hit the break for the full press release from Motorola Mobility, which includes additional announcements as well. More →

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Exclusive
December 3, 2010
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Research In Motion renaming WES developer conference

By on December 3, 2010 at 3:15 PM.

Research In Motion renaming WES developer conference

We have just heard from multiple sources that Research In Motion will be renaming its popular annual developer conference, the Wireless Enterprise Symposium. In addition to a name change, we’re told that the company will be changing the direction of the conference to better reflect RIM’s current focus on its QNX operating system as well as other developer content. RIM will also be broadening the general scope of the event beyond just enterprise, hence the name change. What’s the new name? That hasn’t been communicated to us yet, but drop your suggestions in the comments.

P.S. Maybe will.i.am, Futurist, has some suggestions?

19 Comments
mobile
December 2, 2010
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Motorola CEO talks smartphones, tablets and 4G; alludes to Q1 Verizon iPhone launch

By on December 2, 2010 at 10:55 AM.

Motorola CEO talks smartphones, tablets and 4G; alludes to Q1 Verizon iPhone launch

Motorola co-CEO Sanjay Jha delivered a keynote yesterday at the Credit Suisse 2010 Technology Conference, and it was quite a doozy. Topics covered included the future of Motorola’s smartphone business, tablets, 4G and even a new competitive threat coming soon to Verizon Wireless. Here are some highlights:

  • Motorola Mobility will separate from Motorola Solutions with $3.5 billion, no debt, no pension liabilities and 16,500 patents already in its portfolio. In other words, Jha is very excited about the future of Motorola’s mobile business.
  • Motorola Mobility will definitely participate in the tablet space, but it will continue to focus the bulk of its efforts on smartphones. The company will release both 7-inch and 10-inch tablets in the near future, and it views both product ranges as being “quite meaningful.”
  • Motorola will focus on software differentiation with its tablets, targeting the enterprise, international and retail market places. Jha views retail as a big opportunity for tablets.
  • Where smartphones are concerned, Motorola will continue to focus on top-tier and mid-tier devices — mid-tier devices have sold in greater volume internationally, while top-tier phones found success in the U.S.
  • When asked about 4G smartphones, Jha responded, “I will have 4G devices in the marketplace early next year.”
  • In discussing Q1 2011 guidance, Jha said first quarters are always down for Motorola and Q1 2011 will be no different. Jha also said, however, that there will potentially be a new “competitive dynamic” developing at Verizon Wireless — Motorola’s premier carrier partner in the U.S. — in the first quarter next year that could have a significant negative impact on Motorola’s first quarter. It certainly doesn’t take a decoder ring to figure out that he’s talking about the Verizon iPhone.
  • Despite the aforementioned speed bump, which could no doubt be huge, Jha is confident that Motorola Mobility will deliver profitability for the full year as it continues to diversify its product portfolio to combat the threat of a potential Verizon iPhone.

Hit the read link to listen to Jha’s complete keynote.

Thanks, ckeegan More →

55 Comments
Business
November 24, 2010
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Apple gearing up for enterprise battle, poaching RIM employees?

By on November 24, 2010 at 1:01 PM.

Apple gearing up for enterprise battle, poaching RIM employees?

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that in the last 18 months, Apple has hired at least five employees of the RIM enterprise team. They also speculate that there are many more employees that have, or are considering, jumping ship. Some of the employees that left RIM includes the Head of Strategy Sales who is now Head of Enterprise iPhone Sales at Apple. With over 80% of Fortune 500 companies trialling or using iPhones, there’s little doubt that Apple is gearing for a huge battle in the enterprise sector. The latest release of iOS 4.2 is the best version yet for corporate integration, and with the iPad finally getting the popular iPhone OS 4 features, we can only imagine things will be heating up even more in the coming months. More →

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