Research In Motion’s BlackBerry PlayBook tablet has been on store shelves for months now. And most would agree that it has been largely ignored by consumers and enterprises alike.
The tablet earned low marks from reviewers and customers who didn t like that it shipped without native email and BlackBerry Messenger support. Others didn’t like its small display and oddly designed operating system. As a result, the device is languishing on store shelves because of such major flaws.
Now, though, there are reports that RIM plans to launch a new version of its tablet–likely featuring 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) service–that could launch at some point later this year. Exactly when that tablet will launch and whether it’ll be the same old PlayBook or something new remain to be seen. But RIM has confirmed that something is coming, and when it does, the company believes customers will be excited to get their hands on it.
For that to happen, however, RIM must not offer the same Playbook features and expect customers to have a change of heart about it. The company needs to offer up a new and improved tablet that actually appeals to a target market
Read on to find out what the next BlackBerry PlayBook needs to succeed:
1. 4G LTE is a must
All of the talk surrounding the next BlackBerry PlayBook says RIM will be including 4G LTE connectivity in the device. So, to not do so would be a huge blunder. Before anything else, RIM must bundle 4G LTE service in its next PlayBook.
2. BlackBerry 10 or bust
Although RIM offers its PlayBook operating system in its current tablet, the company should modify BlackBerry 10 to work well on its next slate. The operating system, which RIM just showed off at BlackBerry World 2012, looks to be the best edition it has released in years. Therefore, it should make an appearance on any and all devices it sells.
3. A bigger screen
The current BlackBerry PlayBook comes with only a 7-inch screen. Considering the iPad and Samsung s Galaxy Tab 10.1 come with displays that dwarf the PlayBook’s, RIM must respond with a nice, big option. Granted, it’ll cost more, but who cares? As long as RIM can market it properly, the bigger PlayBook should attract at least some customers.
4. A smaller option with a cheap price
At the same time, RIM shouldn t forget about the growing budget-conscious sector of the marketplace. Today’s customers are still looking for smaller tablets, as long as they come in at a very affordable price–about $200. Besides offering a new tablet with a larger screen, maybe RIM can offer a slightly updated version of its current slate and price that at $200. It might just help the firm attract more customers.
5. A commitment to the enterprise
One of the biggest issues with the BlackBerry PlayBook in its current form is that it doesn’t really have a target market. At times, consumers might think that the device is designed for them, while at other times the corporate world might find some value in it. In the next PlayBook, RIM must make it abundantly clear that it s designed for the enterprise.
To read the original eWeek article, click here: BlackBerry PlayBook Revamp: 10 Things It Needs to Succeed
