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Wed, Apr 16, 2008 12:27 EDT

RIM BlackBerry "9000" Sneak Peek: Front-Facing Camera, Videoconferencing?

Topic: Infrastructure

Blog: Mobile WorkHorse

Current Rating: 5 Comments: 6

Rumors surrounding Research In Motion's(RIM) next BlackBerry smartphone have been circulating throughout the Web and the blogosphere for months now. First, we heard the device could include a touch screen and 3G capability. Then a newly-uncovered RIM patent got bloggers speculating about a device with a slider keyboard. The list goes on.

By now, I dismiss most of these rumors as just that, but the latest one caught my eye. A Spanish blogger by the name of Luis Rodriguez, who purportedly got his hands on the device, says it has a front-facing camera that could enable it to be used for videoconferencing.

Cool stuff, indeed, if it's true. BlackBerry-based videoconferencing could be extremely valuable to both businesspeople and consumers for obvious reasons. But I kind of doubt this report's validity. Here are a couple of reasons why:

First of all, a number of images have surfaced of the new BlackBerry "9000"—I put 9000 in quotes, because nobody really knows if this is the name RIM will give its newest toy—and not one of them, at least that I've seen, shows a front-facing camera.

Second, there have been reports from other folks who say they've got their mitts on the new BlackBerry, and they suggest the device has some battery issues, due largely to the fact that it does indeed support 3G. (I'm fairly sure this is true, as Mike Lazaridis, RIM's co-CEO, recently told FT.com that's he now using an HSPDA BlackBerry—that's 3.5G, for those of you who're counting.)

an image of what's rumored to be the BlackBerry 9000
The RIM BlackBerry 9000?

Videoconferencing over a cellular network, and running the associated application, would take some serious battery power because of the constant transfer of data packets over 3G, plus the fact that the screen would remain lit and a speaker would likely be used for audio. That means RIM would have to resolve these reported power issues before it releases the device, which I might say, is taking the BlackBerry-maker a very long time. (Tick, tock, tick, tock.) And the device could require an upgraded speaker, as well, as the existing speakers in RIM gadgets aren't exactly high quality. This better speaker would eat up even more power.

So unless all users of the new device are expected to have a charging station handy at all times, and maybe even a Bluetooth headset, videoconferencing for an extended period of time—even for an hour-long meeting—would require a nearby electrical outlet. And that just defeats the point, because you'd need to be stationary to use it for longer than a few minutes here and there.

It is worth noting, however, that such functionality would be a clear differentiator between RIM's new device and the iPhone, which is increasingly moving into RIM's space in the smartphone market. It would certainly do RIM well to come up with something that draws attention away from Apple's uber device--before the release of the 3G iPhone, which could come within the next couple months.

That's just my two cents. What do you think? Is this simply another rumor to add to the pile?

If not, would BlackBerry

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Thu, Apr 17, 2008 1:18 EDT
Anonymous user
Posted by: Anonymous
Rating: 90

In some countries 3G video calling has been available for a long while so there should be no surprise about including this in any new device. But users have to realise that VidConf on any phone is probably aimed at small groups who might require this facility out in the field, I very much doubt it's designed as a conference room desktop solution. (Although some manufacturers of currently available 3G handsets do provide for Video outputs on the handsets which would allow for a projector to be used for the incoming image...)

And yes it would have an impact on battery life, but power consumption in VidConf mod would be little different to using the handset for any web browsing. WiFi will be the biggest New power hungry add on, and users will probably have to manage when the service is ON to minimise power being wasted searching for Networks that you cannot access.

But Maybe Blackberry will see themselves as being clearly in the Corporate market where the security concerns of live VidConf cameras maynot be tolerated in some environments. Yet still being able to take advantage of the higher connection speeds of 3(+)G and Wifi whilst leaving the Ipod to chase the mass consumer lifestyle market.

 
Thu, Apr 17, 2008 9:08 EDT
Posted by: Al Sacco
Rating:

Thanks for the comment.

True, 3G videoconferencing via mobile phone is not new, nor do I suggest that it is in my post. However, RIM has relatively little experience making 3G phones--at least 3G GSM phones, which the "9000" appears to be based on the images. That was my point. And making devices that run on 3G networks is quite different than making those that don't because of the vast difference in battery power required to run 3G handhelds. That often means fewer features.

Like you, I also doubt that videoconferencing functionality on a RIM device would be "designed as a conference room solution." What would be the point of that? If you were in a conference room you'd likely have access to a laptop or other device with a much larger screen than a BlackBerry to use for videoconferencing or maybe even an HD videoconferencing rig. The true value of BlackBerry-based videoconferencing would be in the ability to make video calls while away from the office, right?

Unlike simple Web browsing where you might load a page and then spend a few minutes reading it, a video call would require the constant transfer of data, and that means more battery power.

And it's quite obvious RIM is not simply targeting the corporate space anymore. Just look at the Pearl and the Curve...and that whole John Mayer thing. It does seem plausible, though that the first BlackBerry with videoconferencing would be aimed at business folks.

AS

 
Thu, Apr 17, 2008 8:07 EDT
Anonymous user
Posted by: Simon
Rating: 90

I can confirm that 9000 is currently the model number that RIM is running with.

As for battery life, you'll notice that the CDMA Curve has a much bigger battery than its GSM cousin in order to accommodate 3G services. As is, the 9000 is packing a ton of battery-sucking features (Wi-Fi, GPS, 3G), but on the same vein as the 8330, RIM will make the battery sufficient to handle all of it, and will likely cut features if it becomes a serious issue.

 
Thu, Apr 17, 2008 9:19 EDT
Posted by: Al Sacco
Rating:

Thanks, Simon.

If it's true that the upcoming device is 3G and has both Wi-Fi and GPS, RIM sure is packing in the power-sucking features, and those features will demand a larger battery than earlier GSM devices. But if RIM's going to cut features, as you suggest, what goes first? Now that specs have been "leaked," there's a lot of anticipation for all the reported functionality.

AS

 
Fri, Apr 25, 2008 8:42 EDT
Posted by: Al Sacco
Rating:

As I suggested in my post, the 3G BlackBerry everybody's talking about may not be called the "9000." According to a Fortune blogger, the new device will be called the "8900," or the "Meteor." He also suggests that a touch-screen 9000 device is in the works and could be released later this year.

I'm not sure this guy knows what he's talking about, but it's worth noting that no names or model numbers have been official confirmed.

AS

About this Blog

Al Sacco writes about (and drools over) anything and everything mobile or wireless as it applies to the global workforce.

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