Well, for the last few weeks I have been working directly with developers over in Waterloo at RIM HQ and I am developing an awesome game that will be exclusive to the Torch & PlayBook. If that launch goes well, I will make the game available on Android, but BlackBerry would get exclusivity for a few months.
I have NO doubt at all that this game will be a huge hit. The graphics will be great as will the sound effects, and its a game we all loved playing, but no app is currently available for it.
As my graphics team and developers work on this soon to be hit, I am working on a few ideas that I would like to see available on app stores. It came to me though, that just because I like an idea, doesn't mean that it will sell, so I am kindly asking for some help.
In the comment section of this blog, please write what type of app you would like to see and how much you would be willing to pay for it. I will randomly draw 1 name tomorrow at 8:30pm. The winner will win a free BlackBerry PlayBook as well as a $50.00 redemption coupon for PayPal.
In your comment, please leave a valid email address so that I may get in touch with you.
Your ideas are very much appreciated!
MLM
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Review - BlackBerry Style 9670
We all know that I am a huge BlackBerry fan. I had the Curve before, and I am thrilled with my BOLD. I was going to upgrade to the Torch recently, but I am so happy with my Bold, that I figured why bother.
My girlfriend was on team BlackBerry, and then decided to opt for an LG sidekick 2 which she HATED!!! SO when her upgrade was available about 6 months ago, back to BlackBerry she came.
Jen decided on the BlackBerry Style 9670, which is a larger flip phone that offers a full QWERTY keyboard. The main issue I had with the phone was that she is with Telus Mobility. I had Telus when I lived in Calgary and WOW did they offer horrid service.
So Jen had her Style for a few months and then suddenly the outer display cracked. Telus agreed to replace it and we left figuring all would be well. The Style is great for keeping up to date on every social network known to man. Jen liked that the "feel" of it was very similar to her older Curve.
About 4 months ago, Jen started sounding as if she was in a tunnel and far away when she was speaking. Nobody was able to hear her, although she heard us just fine. Back to Telus we went. This time they offered her a temp phone and they sent that in for repair. 2 weeks ago it was returned... guess what... still can't hear her. Phone went back today.
I am not sure if all Style 9670s have this issue. From what I read online, reviews were very positive about the Style. Jen loves every aspect of her cell except the speaker. I checked every setting to make sure it wasn't something we did accidentally. So now the question remains, who to be aggravated by; BlackBerry or Telus?
Not because I use BlackBerry and develop apps for them, but returns are very few. I also had a speaker issue with a much older Curve that I had. My cell carrier exchanged it on the spot. I have no choice but to lay the blame on Telus. No, they didn't create the speaker problem, and no, they do not manufacture the phone, but their service doesn't show that clients are valued.
As for an official review of the 9670, here you go: The battery life is equal to any Curve, obviously depending on usage and what you are running on the cell. Before the speaker issue, call quality and voice quality were excellent. It is not overly heavy, nor is it overly clunky, even though it is large for a flip phone. It is easy to access your apps, downloads and social networks. The browser is as fast if not a tad faster than my Bold. All in all I'd give it a 4 out of 5 rating!
As for Telus, well... customer service and tech support get a whopping 0 out of 5... as I'd say on twitter #FAIL
My girlfriend was on team BlackBerry, and then decided to opt for an LG sidekick 2 which she HATED!!! SO when her upgrade was available about 6 months ago, back to BlackBerry she came.
Jen decided on the BlackBerry Style 9670, which is a larger flip phone that offers a full QWERTY keyboard. The main issue I had with the phone was that she is with Telus Mobility. I had Telus when I lived in Calgary and WOW did they offer horrid service.
So Jen had her Style for a few months and then suddenly the outer display cracked. Telus agreed to replace it and we left figuring all would be well. The Style is great for keeping up to date on every social network known to man. Jen liked that the "feel" of it was very similar to her older Curve.
About 4 months ago, Jen started sounding as if she was in a tunnel and far away when she was speaking. Nobody was able to hear her, although she heard us just fine. Back to Telus we went. This time they offered her a temp phone and they sent that in for repair. 2 weeks ago it was returned... guess what... still can't hear her. Phone went back today.
I am not sure if all Style 9670s have this issue. From what I read online, reviews were very positive about the Style. Jen loves every aspect of her cell except the speaker. I checked every setting to make sure it wasn't something we did accidentally. So now the question remains, who to be aggravated by; BlackBerry or Telus?
Not because I use BlackBerry and develop apps for them, but returns are very few. I also had a speaker issue with a much older Curve that I had. My cell carrier exchanged it on the spot. I have no choice but to lay the blame on Telus. No, they didn't create the speaker problem, and no, they do not manufacture the phone, but their service doesn't show that clients are valued.
As for an official review of the 9670, here you go: The battery life is equal to any Curve, obviously depending on usage and what you are running on the cell. Before the speaker issue, call quality and voice quality were excellent. It is not overly heavy, nor is it overly clunky, even though it is large for a flip phone. It is easy to access your apps, downloads and social networks. The browser is as fast if not a tad faster than my Bold. All in all I'd give it a 4 out of 5 rating!
As for Telus, well... customer service and tech support get a whopping 0 out of 5... as I'd say on twitter #FAIL
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Did BlackBerry fail on the PlayBook launch
The commercials for the PlayBook are amazing. The graphics look great, the song is a goodie, and the reference that is does play Flash is very noticeable. Why then are sales not where they should be with the PlayBook?
The Board of Directors over at RIM want to see changes in terms of their CEO/Chairman roles. Both roles are being split by Jim Balsilie and Mike Lazaridis. I think part if the reason for this is that the PlayBook launch was perhaps not as successful as hoped.
I am not sure about the United States, but here in Canada the PlayBook was launched at Staples/Business Depot (Bureau en Gros in Quebec). You cannot compare the sales volumes of Staples to Best Buy and Future Shop. The iPad, as well as Android based tablets are available at many more stores, and the value of being in Best Buy cannot be matched by Staples.
Yes, you can get the PlayBook at your local Telus store, and I believe other mobile phone carriers are selling them as well, but most will try and sell you a second data plan.
Having played with both the iPad 2, and the PlayBook, I personally prefer the PlayBook. BlackBerry needs to focus on getting more games and apps to be able to compete. Why isn't Angry Birds on PlayBook yet? I know plenty of parents who chose iPhone or iPad simply because of games that their kids can play, such as Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja. I am guilty of that with my iPod Touch.
I am quite sure that the 2nd generation PlayBook will be far superior, I just hope that it has a better launch. Better retailers, better specialized apps, better marketing.
Although RIM is losing market share to Android and Apple, I do not see them disappearing any time soon. I think they are still the most secure smartphones, very reliable technology, and they offer great customer service. What they need to focus on now is working with larger retailers, getting specialized "BlackBerry only" apps, or BlackBerry versions of popular apps.
As an app developer, I find dealing with RIM very easy. I am working on creating a PlayBook and Torch only game with developers at RIM. I think more companies need to focus on this, because BlackBerry sales are still quite strong.
I would still love to see the PlayBook in bigger stores....
The Board of Directors over at RIM want to see changes in terms of their CEO/Chairman roles. Both roles are being split by Jim Balsilie and Mike Lazaridis. I think part if the reason for this is that the PlayBook launch was perhaps not as successful as hoped.
I am not sure about the United States, but here in Canada the PlayBook was launched at Staples/Business Depot (Bureau en Gros in Quebec). You cannot compare the sales volumes of Staples to Best Buy and Future Shop. The iPad, as well as Android based tablets are available at many more stores, and the value of being in Best Buy cannot be matched by Staples.
Yes, you can get the PlayBook at your local Telus store, and I believe other mobile phone carriers are selling them as well, but most will try and sell you a second data plan.
Having played with both the iPad 2, and the PlayBook, I personally prefer the PlayBook. BlackBerry needs to focus on getting more games and apps to be able to compete. Why isn't Angry Birds on PlayBook yet? I know plenty of parents who chose iPhone or iPad simply because of games that their kids can play, such as Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja. I am guilty of that with my iPod Touch.
I am quite sure that the 2nd generation PlayBook will be far superior, I just hope that it has a better launch. Better retailers, better specialized apps, better marketing.
Although RIM is losing market share to Android and Apple, I do not see them disappearing any time soon. I think they are still the most secure smartphones, very reliable technology, and they offer great customer service. What they need to focus on now is working with larger retailers, getting specialized "BlackBerry only" apps, or BlackBerry versions of popular apps.
As an app developer, I find dealing with RIM very easy. I am working on creating a PlayBook and Torch only game with developers at RIM. I think more companies need to focus on this, because BlackBerry sales are still quite strong.
I would still love to see the PlayBook in bigger stores....
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Internet Security - your role in it
When we speak about internet security, chances are you are thinking about viruses, worms, cookies, spyware and software to prevent those. We have all heard the words Norton, McCaffe, Anti-Virus and malware. These are all essential in the age of internet, but there is a much older saying that rings true for internet users as well - BUYER BEWARE!
I am a huge fan of fitness and natural remedies. I am on twitter all the time and I love connecting to people who are well known and respected "experts" on these subjects. As a certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist and somebody who has taken courses in holistic nutrition, energy healing and herbology, I consider myself very knowledgeable, but by no means an expert.
We all know the dangers on the internet that concern identity theft, sexual predators and people trying to get your personal information. These crimes were going on before the internet age, and sadly will continue in the future as well. There are other crimes that are easy to fall for on the internet.
Fitness and weight loss especially have huge followings of people ready to get the fix they need to help solve their problems. You can buy pills, creams, books, DVDs and tons of other stuff as well. Fact is, most of it won't help you.
Recently the popular trend has been self healing and natural remedies. I agree with so many of these and I read quite a few books and articles written by true experts, Dr Andrew Weil, Dr Mercola, Deepak Chopra, even Dr Oz. These are people that all have medical training, experience in sciences, and years of clinical work to back up their philosophies and theories. That doesn't mean that they are the only people that are correct, but a strong training and proof of that training is definitely something to look for when looking for an "expert".
Would you bring your car to a guy that kinda knows stuff since he read a few books, helped out at a garage a few times and has fixed his breaks once, or would you go to a certified mechanic?
Recently I was on twitter and came across a so called "self trained" natural healer. His name is Roger Bezanis, and I must say, I happen to agree with almost everything he has to say. He is very knowledgeable, and most of what he says makes sense. I decided to research him for a bit. He has a beautiful website that states that he has trained with a great Shaman... OK, who? when? where? What training did he receive?
He has 43000+ followers, and I am sure some of those followers do everything he says, and that is OK, I have no issues with that. What bothers me are people like him that offer services through his website. Roger Bezanis claims that for $150 you can send in pictures of yourself (he has certain specifications about the pictures) and he will reply with a healing philosophy for you. Again, I don't doubt that hand to face can lead to very obvious clues to your health, but by picture, without meeting the person? This, like so much out there sounds like a money grab.
How about those emails you get that can help you lose 20lbs in 30 days... AND ITS FREE!!! You just pay the ridiculous $19.95 shipping and handling charges. MONEY GRAB!!!
As users of the internet, we have a duty to research what is out there. Google had become a great source of knowledge and information. Sadly, it also has a wealth of misinformation and wrong facts. Being smart on the internet is the only way to go. Do your research. If you decide that people who claim to be self taught healers are good enough for you, that's fair enough, if you decide you want more facts, go get them.
We have a duty to protect ourselves online, and no matter what, that is a role we must take seriously.
I am a huge fan of fitness and natural remedies. I am on twitter all the time and I love connecting to people who are well known and respected "experts" on these subjects. As a certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist and somebody who has taken courses in holistic nutrition, energy healing and herbology, I consider myself very knowledgeable, but by no means an expert.
We all know the dangers on the internet that concern identity theft, sexual predators and people trying to get your personal information. These crimes were going on before the internet age, and sadly will continue in the future as well. There are other crimes that are easy to fall for on the internet.
Fitness and weight loss especially have huge followings of people ready to get the fix they need to help solve their problems. You can buy pills, creams, books, DVDs and tons of other stuff as well. Fact is, most of it won't help you.
Recently the popular trend has been self healing and natural remedies. I agree with so many of these and I read quite a few books and articles written by true experts, Dr Andrew Weil, Dr Mercola, Deepak Chopra, even Dr Oz. These are people that all have medical training, experience in sciences, and years of clinical work to back up their philosophies and theories. That doesn't mean that they are the only people that are correct, but a strong training and proof of that training is definitely something to look for when looking for an "expert".
Would you bring your car to a guy that kinda knows stuff since he read a few books, helped out at a garage a few times and has fixed his breaks once, or would you go to a certified mechanic?
Recently I was on twitter and came across a so called "self trained" natural healer. His name is Roger Bezanis, and I must say, I happen to agree with almost everything he has to say. He is very knowledgeable, and most of what he says makes sense. I decided to research him for a bit. He has a beautiful website that states that he has trained with a great Shaman... OK, who? when? where? What training did he receive?
He has 43000+ followers, and I am sure some of those followers do everything he says, and that is OK, I have no issues with that. What bothers me are people like him that offer services through his website. Roger Bezanis claims that for $150 you can send in pictures of yourself (he has certain specifications about the pictures) and he will reply with a healing philosophy for you. Again, I don't doubt that hand to face can lead to very obvious clues to your health, but by picture, without meeting the person? This, like so much out there sounds like a money grab.
How about those emails you get that can help you lose 20lbs in 30 days... AND ITS FREE!!! You just pay the ridiculous $19.95 shipping and handling charges. MONEY GRAB!!!
As users of the internet, we have a duty to research what is out there. Google had become a great source of knowledge and information. Sadly, it also has a wealth of misinformation and wrong facts. Being smart on the internet is the only way to go. Do your research. If you decide that people who claim to be self taught healers are good enough for you, that's fair enough, if you decide you want more facts, go get them.
We have a duty to protect ourselves online, and no matter what, that is a role we must take seriously.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Rebirths & New Beginnings
We hear the words born again quite often. People become Born Again Christians. You can go through a ceremony to become a Born Again Virgin. People have spiritual and/or health breakthroughs and tell you that they have been BORN AGAIN!!!
I never put much thought into these phrases until yesterday, when a part of my past was in essence literally born again.
When I came up with the idea for Ozipherus Health Technologies my goal was to create mobile apps and web based software for those involved in the health and fitness fields, and for those wanting to learn about health and/or fitness.
I shopped my idea around looking for investors and partners to no avail until I approached my accountant to see if he had any clients that may be interested. Turns out he was, so we incorporated our new company 60% mine 40% his. I was to create the apps and run the day to day of the company, and he was the financial backbone and he would look after salaries, payments, taxes etc...
I am a certified personal trainer, nutritionist and I have spent years researching Natural cures, Holistic Nutrition, energy healing and other herbal remedies. Creating health related apps and software is truly a passion and I sincerely hope that they help people.
The app world however, is very competitive, and just about anybody can create an app. I decided that we should expand our target market and include games, humorous apps and who knows what else. When I brought this idea to my partner he didn't like it. He said we should focus on health & fitness... especially since a main work in our company name is HEALTH.
Then he gave me an idea. "Why don't you take your earnings from Ozipherus Health Technologies, start another company and create non competing apps and games?" I hadn't thought of that. I was inspired!
Years ago I decided to get into the indoor tanning distribution business. I created a company, got a tax ID number and registered the name Ocean78. The tanning business never took off, and I had shut it down. I still have the Tax ID number, and I still own the Ocean78 name. So yesterday, Ocean78 was reborn in a new domain. Ocean78 has a second chance at life in the app/tech/mobile web world.
I am extremely excited to get going on this. I have had ideas for quite some time, and I even had meetings with some developers that work for RIM in efforts to create a laser tag game for the new PlayBook. I am going to make that happen.
Rebirths do happen, in many different ways, shapes and forms. Today I am excited to get back on my journey.
I never put much thought into these phrases until yesterday, when a part of my past was in essence literally born again.
When I came up with the idea for Ozipherus Health Technologies my goal was to create mobile apps and web based software for those involved in the health and fitness fields, and for those wanting to learn about health and/or fitness.
I shopped my idea around looking for investors and partners to no avail until I approached my accountant to see if he had any clients that may be interested. Turns out he was, so we incorporated our new company 60% mine 40% his. I was to create the apps and run the day to day of the company, and he was the financial backbone and he would look after salaries, payments, taxes etc...
I am a certified personal trainer, nutritionist and I have spent years researching Natural cures, Holistic Nutrition, energy healing and other herbal remedies. Creating health related apps and software is truly a passion and I sincerely hope that they help people.
The app world however, is very competitive, and just about anybody can create an app. I decided that we should expand our target market and include games, humorous apps and who knows what else. When I brought this idea to my partner he didn't like it. He said we should focus on health & fitness... especially since a main work in our company name is HEALTH.
Then he gave me an idea. "Why don't you take your earnings from Ozipherus Health Technologies, start another company and create non competing apps and games?" I hadn't thought of that. I was inspired!
Years ago I decided to get into the indoor tanning distribution business. I created a company, got a tax ID number and registered the name Ocean78. The tanning business never took off, and I had shut it down. I still have the Tax ID number, and I still own the Ocean78 name. So yesterday, Ocean78 was reborn in a new domain. Ocean78 has a second chance at life in the app/tech/mobile web world.
I am extremely excited to get going on this. I have had ideas for quite some time, and I even had meetings with some developers that work for RIM in efforts to create a laser tag game for the new PlayBook. I am going to make that happen.
Rebirths do happen, in many different ways, shapes and forms. Today I am excited to get back on my journey.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Finally approved by Apple
Well, it took time, quite a bit of time, but its now done! Ozipherus Health Technologies HerbalPedia & Roll-4-Play apps have been approved by Apple. They will be available on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
HerbalPedia has already been on BlackBerry for 2 months and last week we launched Roll-Fore-Play Android version on Android.
I am not quite sure what took so long for Apple to approve. I know we had a few issues registering with them, but I never imagined it would take this long.
I am just very happy and excited for these to be available to the iOS market, and I look forward to creating new apps for fitness and health related users.
HerbalPedia has already been on BlackBerry for 2 months and last week we launched Roll-Fore-Play Android version on Android.
I am not quite sure what took so long for Apple to approve. I know we had a few issues registering with them, but I never imagined it would take this long.
I am just very happy and excited for these to be available to the iOS market, and I look forward to creating new apps for fitness and health related users.
Is BlackBerry dead?
A good friend of mine came over last night and we started to discuss a few cool apps that are now available. I was explaining to him that I was developing a new health and fitness related app and that I am risking this by making it exclusively for the BlackBerry Torch & PlayBook.
He looked at me in a shocked manner and simply said "why in the fuck would you do that. RIM will be gone in 5 years.... 5 years if they even make it that long."
He is a web designer and program developer. He has been involved in tech and computers WAY longer than I have. I am new to this entire app development, but my 1st app (although not as great as I wanted it to be) has seen some decent sales, and we have already broken even on that creation. He has been in the computer programming & website development business for YEARS.
I am a BlackBerry user. I have an iPod Touch and I absolutely love it, but I can't see myself using something like that as a phone as well. I have had a BlackBerry since mid 2008. Before that I had a few touch screen smart phones like the HTC Touch. I was not a fan.
I know very well that Android is out selling Apple & BlackBerry combined in the US. I know that Apple sales are getting stronger, and they have a huge loyal following. I foresee Android becoming the most used type of tablet, but I do not see BlackBerry dying.
OK, the PlayBook needs a few software touch ups, and a few new ideas wouldn't hurt. They need a few unique high tech apps, and maybe games like Angry Birds or Fruit Ninja. Fact remains, PlayBook plays Flash while iPad doesn't. It is also cheaper to create apps for the PlayBook, and that will attract app developers to want to work with RIM to make apps available on the PlayBook and newer BlackBerry cells.
Lets get back to the phones for a minute. Although apps such as KIK and PingChat are available, none of them are as easy and complete as BBM. RIM even announced that they would create the BBM in a partial version for iPhone and Androids... however that version won't allow for file and picture transfers. If you want the "real deal" you'll need a BlackBerry. BBM is standard with each BlackBerry (you may need a data plan, but it comes on each mobile that they have) Getting people to add KIK or PingChat may not be so easy.
Unlike PALM that never tried to get ahead of the game, I believe that RIM is in their research and development phase of some great new technology. I believe that the Torch now has a very loyal following, and is leaps and bounds ahead of the Palm Pre. It is just as useful as the iPhone and it still has the feel and abilities of a Bold or Curve type BlackBerry.
I am able to admit that BlackBerry is not the powerhouse that it used to be. It is not the leader in the smartphone race. The iPhone took a huge chunk of its market share, and now Android is a threat to both of them, but competition also helps.
In an era where we are becoming more mobile, more in touch and always available, BlackBerry will not be dead in 5 years. They will be a solid company with highly respected products, trusted products and service, and a loyal fan base of dedicated users.
Funny enough, as I am writing this, my BBM is going off with messages from a friend in Israel, and an associate in India. Both choose BlackBerry because if its ease at international use, and the reliability of their applications such as BBM.
I respect my friend, I understand what he sees, but he is wrong... BlackBerry will be around for a long time to come!
He looked at me in a shocked manner and simply said "why in the fuck would you do that. RIM will be gone in 5 years.... 5 years if they even make it that long."
He is a web designer and program developer. He has been involved in tech and computers WAY longer than I have. I am new to this entire app development, but my 1st app (although not as great as I wanted it to be) has seen some decent sales, and we have already broken even on that creation. He has been in the computer programming & website development business for YEARS.
I am a BlackBerry user. I have an iPod Touch and I absolutely love it, but I can't see myself using something like that as a phone as well. I have had a BlackBerry since mid 2008. Before that I had a few touch screen smart phones like the HTC Touch. I was not a fan.
I know very well that Android is out selling Apple & BlackBerry combined in the US. I know that Apple sales are getting stronger, and they have a huge loyal following. I foresee Android becoming the most used type of tablet, but I do not see BlackBerry dying.
OK, the PlayBook needs a few software touch ups, and a few new ideas wouldn't hurt. They need a few unique high tech apps, and maybe games like Angry Birds or Fruit Ninja. Fact remains, PlayBook plays Flash while iPad doesn't. It is also cheaper to create apps for the PlayBook, and that will attract app developers to want to work with RIM to make apps available on the PlayBook and newer BlackBerry cells.
Lets get back to the phones for a minute. Although apps such as KIK and PingChat are available, none of them are as easy and complete as BBM. RIM even announced that they would create the BBM in a partial version for iPhone and Androids... however that version won't allow for file and picture transfers. If you want the "real deal" you'll need a BlackBerry. BBM is standard with each BlackBerry (you may need a data plan, but it comes on each mobile that they have) Getting people to add KIK or PingChat may not be so easy.
Unlike PALM that never tried to get ahead of the game, I believe that RIM is in their research and development phase of some great new technology. I believe that the Torch now has a very loyal following, and is leaps and bounds ahead of the Palm Pre. It is just as useful as the iPhone and it still has the feel and abilities of a Bold or Curve type BlackBerry.
I am able to admit that BlackBerry is not the powerhouse that it used to be. It is not the leader in the smartphone race. The iPhone took a huge chunk of its market share, and now Android is a threat to both of them, but competition also helps.
In an era where we are becoming more mobile, more in touch and always available, BlackBerry will not be dead in 5 years. They will be a solid company with highly respected products, trusted products and service, and a loyal fan base of dedicated users.
Funny enough, as I am writing this, my BBM is going off with messages from a friend in Israel, and an associate in India. Both choose BlackBerry because if its ease at international use, and the reliability of their applications such as BBM.
I respect my friend, I understand what he sees, but he is wrong... BlackBerry will be around for a long time to come!
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