Is RIM developing an Apple-Killer?
A recently published New York Times article addresses Research In Motion’s ongoing battle with Apple’s iPhone, in the bid for supremacy over the ‘ultimate’ handheld device. In the article RIM CEO Mike Lazaridis is cited as saying “”I couldn’t type on [the iPhone] and I still can’t type on it, and a lot of my friends can’t type on it.” But seemingly in contradiction, RIM is itself hard at work on a Blackberry that offers a touch-screen interface. Apparently, engineers at RIM have dubbed the new product the “AK” for ‘Apple Killer’.
However, Apple appears to be addressing their touch-screen shortcomings, as detailed in the next headline
Haptic Technology and the iPhone: A Match Made in Heaven?
Anyone who has used the touch-screen keyboard on the iPhone or iPod Touch has experienced what may be called a lack of feedback, at least that’s how most in the industry feel, including Apple. Rumour has it that Apple is forging a partnership with Immersion Corporation to bring haptic technology to the next generation iPhone. What exactly is ‘haptic’? Well, since touch screens lack feedback in regards to key presses (ie when you ‘tap’ a letter on the keyboard, there’s no physical response that the device has received input) Immersion developed haptic to provide feedback through vibration or pressure when an on-screen button is pressed. The idea here is to provide a more intuitive, responsive interaction.
While this remains but a rumour, haptic technology can readily be found in millions of mobile phones already out on the market.
Image courtesy of Apple.com
Single Mother vs. RIAA
Tanya Andersen is a single mother living in suburban Portland. When the Recording Industry Association of America came a-knocking with a lawsuit charging music piracy Andersen readily assumed the role of David and, surprisingly, her story’s sticking close to the plot. After having the charges of music piracy dropped, Andersen is now on the offense, charging that the RIAA employs shady, underhanded, and illegal tactics in order to pin down potential pirates. Among the allegations, Andersen believes that the RIAA has employed companies that snoop through personal files of internet users and use ‘debt collector’ tactics to pressure people into submitting to hefty fines before cases even reach court. Andersen’s case is being brought to court as a charge of conspiracy, for she contests that the RIAA and it’s affiliates were engaged in ‘secret talks’ geared towards preserving their hold on the industry.
Andersen is requesting class-action status for her case, seeking at least $5 million in compensation for the class.
