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iPhone, Blackberry Storm Battle It Out

Techtree News Staff, Dec 24, 2008 1134 hrs IST

Devices like the iPhone has urged RIM to take a more consumer friendly approach in the development of its newer devices

According to a recent ChangeWave Research survey released today, Research in Motion (RIM) has managed to make deep inroads into the mainstream consumer market. Hitherto known for its enterprise devices under the Blackberry brand, the arrival of consumer friendly devices like the iPhone has urged RIM to take a more consumer friendly approach in the development of its newer devices. The survey indicated that while RIM remains the overall leader in consumer smartphones with 41% US market share, its pie size has become one percent less since September 2008. At the same time, Apple's iPhone has been steadily eating into what was once RIM's backyard. Apple's share grew from 6% to 23% with the iPhone. In 2009, however, RIM is all set to hit back with a slew of launches. The onslaught started with the Blackberry Storm, which in spite of the software-related issues that plagued it soon after the launch has managed to garner consumer attention. The Storm is seen by many in the US to be a serious alternative to the iPhone 3G. Even as the device was launched on November 21, RIM witnessed its biggest consumer signup ever - an indication of how popular the Storm has proved to be. While things look upbeat on the consumer front for RIM, except for software issues at the time of the launch, there is growing concern amongst a set of users that RIM is alienating itself from its hard-core, loyal enterprise customer base. The ChangeWave survey has also bought to light startling facts that might force RIM to ensure it takes a balanced approach in designing a device that will cater to two distinct user bases. The survey revealed that in the past most Blackberry fans were happy with RIM devices at the time of launch - with satisfaction rated as high as 52%. This level has come down drastically with only one in three users "very satisfied" with the Storm. Compare this with the 77% garnered by the first-generation iPhone at the time of its launch, and we can assume that RIM has to be concerned about this development. In 2009, the battle is expected to continue, and it remains to be seen if the Storm and its successors do manage to create a dent in the iPhones' exponential surge in sales.