![\"\"](\"http:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/Alexandra-Zagury.jpg\" "\\"Alexandra")
Alexandra Zagury<\/p><\/div>\n
Next-gen competition<\/strong><\/p>\n Globally, RIM has lost massive market share to Apple and Android devices, and cannot avoid being held up against the tech giants in a market it once dominated.<\/p>\n Shares in RIM traded at $7.12 on the Nasdaq in lunchtime trade on Wednesday (US time), some way off its 52 week best of $24.74, but much closer to its worst figure of $6.33.<\/p>\n “Some users are still using a [BlackBerry] OS 5 device and comparing it to other high-end devices – we want our users to experience our latest solutions so that they are making informed comparisons,” said Zagaury.<\/p>\n The latest build of BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry 7, brought with it a number of updates which Zugary said offers “everything one expects from today’s cutting-edge smartphones”.<\/p>\n Some of these features include near-field communications, augmented reality, a faster browser and more extensive app integration, amongst other features.<\/p>\n However, even on a latest-release level, RIM has been criticised, globally as well as locally, for lacking innovation with its current-generation offerings.<\/p>\n In July, CEO of digital solutions provider, Fontera Digital Works, Simon Leps noted that BlackBerry is slowly falling behind in South Africa as its competitors – namely Apple and Android – continue to innovate, offering consistently better products.<\/p>\n Leps also cited the example of RIM’s BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) being faced with competition from cross-platform offerings, such as WhatsApp, as well as the introduction of flat-rated data services in SA.<\/p>\n “Without funding or an investment strategy overhaul, Blackberry\u2019s future is bleak,\u201d Leps opined.<\/p>\n Render of purported BlackBerry 10 devices via @gustavitt<\/p><\/div>\n Waiting on BlackBerry 10<\/strong><\/p>\n BlackBerry 10 – which is due in the first quarter of 2013 – may just be the overhaul Leps suggested.<\/p>\n The new operating system from RIM will “revitalise” the company’s hardware business, according to Zagury, and serve as a foundation to keep and extend the company’s position in South Africa.<\/p>\n BlackBerry 10 will be a major launch for RIM, globally, with the operating system promising to be more connected and more integrated than current BlackBerry systems.<\/p>\n The OS will feature a platform-wide flow interface, a new intelligent keyboard and a more advanced camera app.<\/p>\n The operating system will be used across an entirely new range of BlackBerry smartphones, as well as the company’s PlayBook tablet.<\/p>\n “BlackBerry 10 is an entirely new platform for BlackBerry – a new operating system powering new devices in a new ecosystem,” Zagury said.<\/p>\n Related articles<\/strong><\/p>\n RIM promises a better-connected BB10<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n BlackBerry pricing problem looming<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n RIM appoints new MD for South Africa<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n BlackBerry\u2019s uncertain future in corporate SA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n BlackBerry going from strength to strength in SA: RIM<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/Blackberry-10.jpg\" "\\"Blackberry")