Reply With QuoteI'm pretty sure Verizon (or one of the carriers) has software available that is basically a GPS tracker for your kids. I remember hearing about it somewhere. I think it would be available for any phone that has GPS capabilities.
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Has a car phone
I have an idea and wondered if a saavy user here would be willing to give me an honest opinion on my thoughts about a possible direction for RIM (or any other mobile phone developer). What if . . .?
As a parent of a 5 and 8 y/o I wonder if mobile phone technology could offer products specifically designed for families. Since RIM is known for their secure network, couldn't there "research in motion" element come up with a type of phone or phone network package designed for parents wanting to keep their kids safe? I know Telus in Canada offers a push button phone that works like a walkie-talkie. But couldn't RIM develop an even more secure system where a young child would carry a handset that basically is a GPS-type system where the parent can know at any given time where the child is? The device could have child friendly controls that allow for a call to a parent/guardian or 911 (and a gaming/ipod type feature which can be disabled if a parent needs to discipline - lol). This device would also be relatively inexpensive and known to be rendered useless if in the hands of a bully or any person other than the child . . .?
Second part of this idea is in relation to the controversy around RIM compromising security under pressure from the Indian government. Since RIM is the leader in secure networks, why couldn't they become political (admit the Indian situation was a "learning experience") and develop a marketing strategy around being (one of) the first mobile phone companies to promote democracy in the world by joining forces with other "engaged multinational corporations" and various other international organizations (ex. Human Right's Watch, UNESCO, etc). RIM could develop a policy whereby they consult a special board to determine what groups/countries they should co-operate with to ensure a strong distribution of mobile handsets and secure networks (ex. in countries where democratic uprisings occur such as Libya or Egypt.)
Essentially with my 2 suggestions (1."family safety oriented device/network"; 2. political mission), I am suggesting that rather than (or in addition to) just getting bought out by Google or Microsoft, RIM could "re-brand" their name as a leader in "Ethical mobile comunications". I thought of E-phone but apparently that's already been used elsewhere . . .
Perhaps I am just a "dreamer" but being a Canadian, I do wish RIM could survive so that's why I even bothered posting this in the first place. Thanks for reading my long post.
Radiation is good
I'm pretty sure Verizon (or one of the carriers) has software available that is basically a GPS tracker for your kids. I remember hearing about it somewhere. I think it would be available for any phone that has GPS capabilities.
Phone Collector
Well thanks for that. I can see that you've given it some thought. It's always fun to consider new, original ideas.
As for 1) are you familiar with the Doro phone?
http://www.dorocanada.com/
It doesn't have GPS but it is a simple phone with large numbers and a "panic button" on the back that can call up to 5 numbers you program in. I bought one for my Mom but it would be suitable for kids too, as long as they're not too concerned about what their friends would say!
As for 2) Not to be cynical but is there really a market for "Ethical" mobile? I think most users are pretty focused on their personal day-to-day and not especially interested in the bigger picture, unfortunately ;-(
As a former Waterloo resident I too would like to see RIM survive. But I must admit I'm rather pessimistic. With the Android and iPhone juggernauts steam-rollering their competition I think RIM had better latch onto their core secure business demographic and hang on for dear life! Their changing platforms to QNX at this critical point is particularly worrisome.
Here's the Wikipedia list of Canadian Mobile Phone Carriers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...hone_companies
Phone Collector
Sorry to burst your bubble (and i dont mean it's a bad idea cause it isnt), but it's been tried and parents didnt care. There were phone like the meego or the "shrek" phone that companies released. It had 4 buttons that parents would program in the phone and i believe 3 called preprogrammed numbers and the other the police and would only be able to receive calls from approved numbers.
On top of that there were services such as Telus' Kid find that would use the phone gps to find them. While there was on case where this service actually helped a woman find her child, people showed such little interest that telus eventually had less than 100 users subscribed to it and had to can it.
Most people sadly would not spend an extra 20$ a month on a cell for their childs safety
© 2013
RIM shot itself in their other foot the minute they announced they will be poorly supporting android apps on the playbook.
This isn't a solution for consumers or RIM. It's a distraction, but nothing more. Could RIM have given developers any more reasons to care less at this point?
RIM apparently needs more then this to help it's company.
Phone Collector
It makes sense why those things would not be included. Main reason is that this is QNX software, not Android. It's not built to support widgets, it supports full multi-tasking so there really isn't a need for a widget when I can see what other windows are running and just tap them to bring them up. Lack of SIP, in-app billing, and cloud/device messaging aren't surprising. I don't think anybody expected them to be supported/available.
The things that are listed are all native Android features, not QNX/Playbook features. If I wanted Android, I would have bought an Android tablet. I like the idea of being able to use some of the apps, but I don't want to be using a battery draining OS or battery draining features.
SDeee 0wnz!
Hmmmmm...AT&T already has SmartLimits and FamilyMap.Originally Posted by Epicurien
I don't think AT&T would like RIM to enroach on a product that they already offer for devices beyond BBs.
The problem is that during these two examples, the governments shutdown the cell networks or were damaged during the violence. Secondly, as we have seen in San Francisco the BART turned off cellular networks to prevent mass protests from occuring in the first place. A secure network is only good if there's a network online in the first place, and RIM cannot do anything about it if governments/local authorities step in and order networks to shutdown.Second part of this idea is in relation to the controversy around RIM compromising security under pressure from the Indian government. Since RIM is the leader in secure networks, why couldn't they become political (admit the Indian situation was a "learning experience") and develop a marketing strategy around being (one of) the first mobile phone companies to promote democracy in the world by joining forces with other "engaged multinational corporations" and various other international organizations (ex. Human Right's Watch, UNESCO, etc). RIM could develop a policy whereby they consult a special board to determine what groups/countries they should co-operate with to ensure a strong distribution of mobile handsets and secure networks (ex. in countries where democratic uprisings occur such as Libya or Egypt.).
Phone Expert
Sprint has "Sprint Family Locator".
Has a car phone
Well, some time has passed since I made my suggestions to save RIM which continues to go down hill. Most people figure they have no hope at all (except if you are a RIM employee grasping at any explanation that suggests the BlackBerry can make a comeback).
Well I continue to use my BlackBerry and continue to be disatisfied. This Bold 9700 was my first smartphone. I was reluctant to get a BlackBerry but it was the best phone my carrier has at the time so I figured I would get it based on resale value (so much for that - lol).
I continue to think of ways RIM could turn it around and show the world they were wrong and make a historical comeback. But how? Well, I like to think outside the box and when I do so I come up with some ideas that seem to me possible (like the ones I suggested in this thread).
So here we go again - Eureka!! I think I know what can save RIM!!
The worst thing about my BlackBerry is the Browsing experience. So, why doesn't RIM develop a REAL SMARTPHONE and advertise it as such. Instead of trying to imitate the i-phone or Android experience, how about RIM develop and market the new BLACKBERRY SUPERPHONE (or some other name way catchier)? Why not develop an operating system and new handset that really does well all the handheld things one needs in a phone (excluding browsing because for that RIM needs a NEW GENERATION TABLET - one that has a special place to insert the smartphone/modem; one that is as beautiful but 10 times more functional than the i-pad; one that is just really really special because some smart creative engineers took it upon themselves to dream one up . . .)
This new smartphone/tablet combo will be perfectly matched (even more than the iphone/ipad combo). The handset will have Nokia quality camera/video recorder. The business functions will include a really really advanced and user friendly calender/alarm/day planner system (sort of like what my Palm Pilot offered me way back when only 100 times better than that). This smartphone will be marketed as a genius machine guaranteed to help even the most dysfunctional "ADD" person become efficient in their life activities. Add on the family features I spoke of in the initial post; Become the first Smartphone company to have as their slogan (SMARTPHONE/TABLET FOR EVERYONE!!! - just like Microsoft's dream of putting a computer in every home on the earth); Develop programs that will ensure community/corporate funding so even the poorest folks on the earth can get one). Just this last point should be enough to blow iphone out of the water with the human/socially responsible/green/ stance that has become oh so marketable in today's day and age. I could go on and on - RIM would have an opportunity to step into this "new market" and be the leader once again. . .
OK HOWARD FORUM EXPERTS - try to tell me this won't work! I just hope RIM remembers where they got the ideas and sends me a check once they get back on track.
GO RIM GO!!!!
Has a car phone
. . . I forgot to mention - the new BlackBerry needs to drop the whole race to have the most Apps and focus on developping some really really good ones (ex. how about a top notch GPS as good as the ones built into newer cars, one that talks to you, etc.). How about being the best integrated "wallet smartphone" one that can hold all your bank cards, credit cards, passport, library card, car starter, etc., etc. , etc.). A Real Smartphone in every sense of the word. . .
Radiation is good
Apparently I'm not fully understanding, but what would be the purpose of inserting the phone into the tablet? What does that connection accomplish, as opposed to just having a separate phone and separate tablet that have the functions your describe?
Has a car phone
. . . how about improving the musical features of the BlackBerry making it really really easy to get tunes onto the phone and organize them. Right now I struggle enormously with the BlackBerry desktop software. It can't be that hard to create something hyper-user friendly that goes several steps beyond the ipod/itouch/itunes technology. Surely RIM can make this so much better (and even build in foolproof technology to ensure the artists get paid and the thiefs get fined) . . .
Has a car phone
Inserting the phone I think would be more of a marketing gimmick but it would be way better than tethering like I do now and would just mean the two get joined - so just more streamlined (less Bluetooth waves - whatever)
I've climbed a cellphone tower
I have to say, that is an interesting idea, but there are a bunch of problems;
First off, once you get past all the marketing fluff, there is nothing at all special about rim security. In fact, as an engineer involved with a great deal of high security systems, what is offered by RIM is something that I have no choice but to treat as ZERO security. The problem is that it is a 3rd party undocumented system, for which I am unable to perform my own security audits. If I can't prove that a system is actually secure, I have to assume that it is not. The biggest problem with rim's so-called security, is that their "protection" only spans the gap between your handset and THEIR SERVERS. Once the data is past their servers, its subject to the same risks as every other bit of data that is dumped across the internet. In other words, in order for data transferred through a RIM product to be truly secure, you have to add in your own layer of security.
The second problem is that RIM doesn't have any kind of reputation regarding child protection at all. This would be a completely new market for them for which they would essentially have to start over from scratch. There is a big difference between encryption and content filtering. FURTHER, this new approach you suggest... could be easily duplicated by their competitors. For RIM to succeed with their own proprietary platform, they need to offer something that their competitors CAN'T reproduce, and this is something that MANY companies ALREADY reproduce.
Now if RIM really wants to save themselves, they have to give up on this idea that they have to be the providers of the full stack. Licensing out components of their infrastructure MIGHT help, I doubt they'll get very far by licensing out their whole operating system (since lets face it, it really isn't up to par...), mainly, they need a SANE operating system, and to quit fighting. Try Android with a bunch of RIM chunks built in and a custom UI overlay. RIM is a small fish up against GIANTS, they simply haven't got the resources to build the entire stack from the ground up.
Right now the RIM userbase holdouts are die hard rim junkies and corporate vendor lock-in clients who can't afford to change systems. Their existing operating system is (and I speak as an engineer with experience developing for rim) a TOTAL MESS. Their next operating system MAY be able to solve some of their major problems, but they're putting way too much into developing the entire stack from the ground up for no reason besides to give the middle finger to their competitors, rather than USING existing well developed and superior ***FREE*** products to their advantage.
RIM "got in" as a result of some really good luck. They were marketing a product at the right time (early-mid 2000's) while their only competitor (Palm) was in the process of shooting itself in the head. They were small back then, and grew to be big through a lack of competition, but their problem is that they didn't take advantage of their mass when they had it, by innovating -- making a product that was actually good that could adapt to changing market trends, and now that they finally have competition, in the form of Android and iJunk, they're scrambling to get their next generation product to market before they finish burning themselves to the ground. RIM needed this next-generation operating system FOUR YEARS AGO, when the fruitcakes had a solid standing, and Android was in its absolute infancy. They should have begun development of a new system back when BBOS was just BEGINNING to prove itself to be inflexible -- 2006 -- and it should have been ready to market in 2008. Android is just too far ahead of RIM for RIM to get back in the game... that is unless they can make some SERIOUS changes, which IMO, will never happen.
I've climbed a cellphone tower
Its not a good idea to make your product play policeman. If people fear that their phone will turn them in to law enforcement, they'll avoid that product.
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