Rumor: RIM and Apple cultivating the AppleBerry?
June 5, 2006 1:39 PM PDT
It seems like something that would be next to the Count Chocula breakfast cereal at your local supermarket. But the "AppleBerry" would actually be the fruit of a partnership between Research in Motion and Apple Computer to develop an Apple-style version of the BlackBerry, according to an analyst report.
Peter Misek of Canaccord Capital issued a research note on Friday musing that Apple and RIM might be working on a product together based on the advice of their common partner, Intel. Apple's got the design expertise that has made the iPod a hit, but it doesn't have the relationships with carriers and handset makers that RIM does, he wrote in his report.
For some time, Apple has been rumored to be working on an iPhone, and a deal with RIM would allow it to build such a device that could also take advantage of the BlackBerry wireless e-mail software, Misek wrote. Misek envisioned three scenarios: the iTunes software on a BlackBerry device (in the same way that iTunes is now available on Motorola's Rokr and Slvr phones); an iPhone using the same Intel Hermon chip used to build the BlackBerry 8700, or a completely new device.
AppleBerry anyone?
AppleBerry Anyone?
Trend Themes
1. Appleberry Partnership - The potential partnership between RIM and Apple to develop an Apple-style version of the BlackBerry presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the smartphone market.
2. Iphone-blackberry Integration - The possibility of integrating BlackBerry wireless e-mail software into an iPhone presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the mobile communications industry.
3. Expansion of Itunes Ecosystem - The potential integration of iTunes software on a BlackBerry device opens up new disruptive innovation opportunities in the digital music and entertainment industry.
Industry Implications
1. Smartphone Manufacturing - The AppleBerry partnership could disrupt the smartphone manufacturing industry by creating a new competitor with a unique blend of design expertise and wireless e-mail capabilities.
2. Mobile Communications - The iPhone-BlackBerry integration could disrupt the mobile communications industry by offering a smartphone with seamless e-mail functionality alongside other multimedia features.
3. Digital Music and Entertainment - The expansion of the iTunes ecosystem to BlackBerry devices could disrupt the digital music and entertainment industry by providing a new platform for content distribution and consumption.