RIM CEO defends BlackBerry PlayBook against meanie critics

April 15, 2011 8:07 AM
Devindra Hardawar
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BlackBerry PlayBook tablet has (deservedly) faced heat from reviewers for its missing features and over-reliance on BlackBerry phones. But RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie says those complaints are misguided, Bloomberg reports.

While it’s normal for a CEO to defend a fledgling product — especially a product whose success holds an entire company’s future in its hands — Balsillie may end up appearing clueless and out of touch by refusing to acknowledge actual issues with the PlayBook’s launch.

In response to critics who said that the PlayBook was rushed to the market because it shipped without key apps and features, Balsillie said in a TV interview with Bloomberg: “I don’t think that’s fair. A lot of the people who want this want a secure and free extension of their BlackBerry.”

He’s referring to some 60 million BlackBerry phone users worldwide who can pair the PlayBook with their phone to access their email, calendar and other applications, as well as use mobile Internet. Without being paired to a BlackBerry phone, key functionality from the PlayBook — including email, contacts and calendar apps — are completely inaccessible. That means the device is practically useless to the hundreds of millions of smartphone users on other platforms worldwide. RIM has said that the PlayBook will get independent versions of email, contacts and other apps this summer.

Apple’s iPad has so far sold over 15 million units since it launched last April, and Android tablet companies like Samsung and Motorola have a head start on RIM. But Balsillie has his game face on: “I like our chances for a lot of share,” he said. “We’re very excited about where we are.”

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  • http://twitter.com/sardire Steve Ardire

    Nice headline ;)

  • http://twitter.com/ayanray Ayan Ray

    “That means the device is practically useless to the hundreds of millions of smartphone users on other platforms worldwide.”For me, I use Gmail and Google Calendar, which, if I get the Playbook, I will use by going to their website in the browser. Many of these reviews make it sound like users' don't have access to their email, calendars, etc. which is misleading.

  • http://www.devindra.org Devindra Hardawar

    That sounds like an excuse Ayan. How do you feel not having access to a built in memo pad? The real question is why would you willingly buy a tablet that's missing such basic functionality when there are better options out there?

  • http://twitter.com/ayanray Ayan Ray

    At least for me and millions of others, it's not missing the “basic functionality” to see your calendar or email and it's not the same as missing a memo pad. The functionality is still there for web accessible calendar and mail, it's just not in an app yet (which yes, it should be). I'd still consider buying this device for the OS and how everything comes together.

  • http://twitter.com/chamberlainDLC David Chamberlain

    I agree that it isn't fully “missing” the functionality. Accessing email online is functionality. The only difference is through smartphones and app stores we have been trained to think thats the only way things can be “functional”

  • http://www.devindra.org Devindra Hardawar

    You guys are hilarious ;)

  • http://profiles.google.com/gmskyblue Back Space

    What a hit piece this “article” is. Its about as slanted as they get and in the comments section you see the “author” showing his true stripes. I have a BB Torch and can't wait to get my hands on the Playbook, despite Mr. Hardawar's odd opinions to the contrary.

  • http://www.devindra.org Devindra Hardawar

    Right, owning a BlackBerry Torch makes you a completely unbiased observer ;)

  • http://profiles.google.com/gmskyblue Back Space

    Classic example of “deflection” – rather than respond to the claim of your bias you try to make it about me. I didn't write this crappy “article” you did. Next time, try writing a balanced piece, or is that impossible?

  • http://www.devindra.org Devindra Hardawar

    My bias is I don't like seeing unfinished products, or the fans that try to defend them.

  • Briano_1

    I for one am happy to see BB come out with a tablet that pairs with my current BB Smartphone. NO extra fees a month for internet connection! No duplication of mail or contact info… Built on a platform that I and millions of other BB users know inside and out and we do not have to learn new software. So if you are not a BB user than you will have to wait until they finish the apps… As a loyal BB customer I get to use it NOW!

  • respighifan

    Well, Devindra, what do you want the CEO to do, not defend the hard work his company has put in over the last year to create a new OS, UI, form factor, etc? For gawds sake his company is looking to him to take them through the muck being tossed by all the “yah-but” hacks.The device is powerful, intuitive, loaded with great specs – the features will be updated fast and furiously. It is the first of the future QNX-based products RIM will be delivering.The funny thing is the iPad came out with loads of hacks screaming “it doesn't have this, it doesn't have that” – it didn't but who cared? You will be quite surprised at how many will buy the Playbook ni spite of all the “it doesn't even have” comments. That's human nature? Who knows?In any case, I am looking forward to the device – and I will proudly wave it in the face of the iPad fanatics!

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