The lack of BlackBerry apps seem to be the main problem of Research In Motion as both Google and Apple introduced a number of new apps for their respective products. The iCloud was recently introduced by Apple during the Worldwide Developers Conference while Google has unveiled a new payment system for smartphones using the Android OS.
On the other hand RIM introduced the BlackBerry Messenger which facilitates messaging between platforms. However Apple introduced a number of apps in the upcoming iOS 5 including a rival to the BlackBerry app that was released a month ago, the iMessage.
The deterioration of market share of BlackBerry may be due to the lack of more BlackBerry apps that can sufficiently compete with the myriad of Apple apps in the marker. When RIM had a bigger market share compared to the Android or iOS, the number of downloads for BlackBerry apps was way below than the number of downloads for Apple apps.
Companies generally have the development of BlackBerry apps at the bottom of their list. And when they do come out, the BlackBerry apps are frequently costlier compared to its rivals. For instance the Angry Birds for the Android and iOS cost around $1 while the Angry Farm app for the BlackBerry has a price tag of $5.
Lack of BlackBerry Apps Causes RIM to Lose its Market Share
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A number of app developers do not find it easy to create BlackBerry apps due to the number of modifications in the API for each BlackBerry OS version. The specs of the BlackBerry devices are also different which does not make it easier to create BlackBerry apps.
Despite the statement of Jim Balsillie, the head of RIM, that the strategy of the company is to offer a small collection of BlackBerry apps for its devices, apps have become essential to strengthen the platforms used on mobile devices. Increasing the apps available for a platform will serve to increase its acceptance among consumers.
Some time ago, RIM had the advantage over its rivals due to its enhanced security functions and convenient commercial operations. However with the increase in the features of its rivals, RIM has gradually lost its foothold in the business world to both the Android and the Apple OS. It has become necessary for RIM to increase the number of BlackBerry apps in order to counter this decline.
Recently Scoreloop, a social gaming company, was acquired by RIM basing on its most recent announcement. This would be a positive sign for the company which has to offer more BlackBerry apps in order to bring users back to its fold.
Source: Planetinsane
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