The BlackBerry Curve 9360 is the sequel to the Curve 3G 9300, but even more.

One of the first surprises of the 9360 is how slim and sleek it is in comparison to its older siblings. The 9360 is only 11 mm thick, as aginst the 9300′s 13.9 mm. Beyond the slim lines, it is the first Curve to deliver that premium quality feel. It almost looks and feels like a Bold.

Top: 9300. Bottom: 9360. Note how slim the 9360 is.

But then a Bold it is not. You can tell immediately from the keyboard that this is no Bold. The keys are distinctively all Curve.

Quick Specifications

• 2.44-inch, 480 x 360 pixels non-touchscreen display
• 512 MB RAM
• 800MHz processor
• 512 MB internal memory + microSD slot
• BlackBerry OS 7.0
• 1000 mAh battery
• 5 Megapixel camera with LED flash
• GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA
• Wi-Fi
• A-GPS and NFC

OS7

The 9360 runs OS7. Honestly, minus a few visual touches to AppWorld, BBM, Facebook and Twitter, I can’t tell much what has changed visually or in terms of performance. In general, Blackberry OS7 looks and feels just like OS6. Perhaps much of the tweaks to the OS are under the hood.

Note though that some 3rd party apps which ran on OS6 are not yet available for OS7 and I had to do without those while I had the mobile with me.

Display & Keyboard

The 9360 does not have a touchscreen display, which is not a problem. BlackBerry OS works just fine on it. It is a good display, though not spectacular.

I found the keyboard very good again, and had no issues with typing on it with my big fingers. The individual keys are small, but well shaped and spaced such that typing is easy.

NFC

There is NFC on board the 9360, but I had nothing to try it out with. If you do need that feature, this mid-tier offering has you covered.

Camera

The 5 megapixel camera on the 9360 is fixed focus and nothing much to write about. It doesn’t sit among the best 5 megapixel cameras on the market. However, it is usable for your casual shots and videos. Just don’t expect anything spectacular.

Of course, BlackBerries have never been spectacular in the camera department. This is no exception.

General

The 9360 does what other BlackBerries do – email, web browsing, SMS, BB Messenger, etc.

There’s a music player, as well as a video player, and they work fine. The speakers are quite good in terms of audio quality and volume. I was impressed on that point.

Battery Life

Battery performance of the 9360 was a mixed bag. With only a 1,000 mAh fitted in to accommodate the slimmer profile, I was expecting battery life to be very poor.

Well, it didn’t turn out exactly poor. I found myself needing to charge the device before the end of the working day. If you are an addicted BBM user, for example, keep your charger nearby always.

Of course, if the 9360 had been fitted with a touchscreen, it is likely that battery life would be much poorer. Thankfully, RIM didn’t.

Performance

For the most part, the 800MHz processor delivered smooth performance with OS7 on this model. However, there were times when I felt some sluggishness in responses. I have had a brief hands-on with the 9810 (also running OS7) but with a 1.2GHz processor and didn’t notice such on that device.

Again, the 9360 is mid-tier and the 800Mhz CPU is part of the compromise for the lower cost. The occasional slowdowns weren’t enough to make me want to tear my hair out though, so I won’t call it a deal breaker.

Conclusions

I honestly find doing Blackberry reviews difficult, because there is little differentiation across models: minus the Storm and Torch series, they are the same form factor. They mostly have similar features in terms of hardware and software.

The 9360 does everything you’d expect it to do. However, it wasn’t designed to be outstanding at any of them. Most mid-tier devices are not either, so that’s not a bad thing.

If you want a Blackberry device running the latest OS and do not intend to cough out a fortune, the 9360 comes highly recommended.

I enjoy good movies. A lot. Even better, I enjoy movies on the big screen more. The big screen, the group reactions, and the company of one or more friends simply make the movie experience better.

If you are a cinema buff like me, then you will appreciate a handy app on your mobile to check movie locations, listings and special deals; right? Right.

Enter SeeNeeMa

SeeNeeMa is a home-grown application that makes checking movie listings on the go a whole lot easier.

The user interface is neat and easy – anyone can use this app.

Launch it and the home screen presents you with options to check:

• What’s Hot – currently showing movies
• Coming Soon – upcoming movies
• Cinema Info – listing of cinemas across the countyry
• Movie Reviews – weekly movie reviews
• Special Discounts – where you check which cinemas are offering special deals

That’s it. Simple. Net. Straightforward. Useful. Very.

Multi-Platform Too

Guess what? SeeNeeMa is available for several platforms, including:

• Blackberry smartphones & PlayBook
• Android 2.1 & above
• iOS (still in development)
• Java/J2ME
• Mobile Web

The version that I tested is the Android version, and it works as I have described in this review. It is possible that the different versions for other platforms work slightly different.

Verdict

This one gets a 4-star rating from me. Why did I leave out one star? If the developers, Quadtech Mobile, can add a way to book movie tickets right on the app…. HALLELUJAH! 5 Stars promptly.

Download SeeNeeMa

News that RIM’s co-CEOS Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis have stepped down is all over the place. News also has it that Thorsten Heins, one of RIM’s co-COOs, is now CEO.

I first got wind of the news on Twitter this morning, and I was shocked to find that some people were already rallying with statements like, “RIM Co-CEOs step down, RIM is burning”.

In response to that, I tweeted this:

Does a CEO quitting mean that a company is burning? Not necesarilly. We just throw words around carelessly these days. Come on guys!

Freedom of speech is a lovely thing, but that freedom comes responsibility. To think. To understand. To weigh our words before speaking.

I think that it is irresponsible and non-constructive for us to make alarming statements. They do more damage than good.

If you see specific problems with a product or company, spell them out and spell out possible ways out. That’s constructive engagement.

Just saying that something “sucks” or is “burning” is childish, insipid, and many times irresponsible.

How do you even define “burn” in this scenario? it just paints an inflammatory picture. No pun intended.

Just after I began writing this article, I ran into a tweet from @amasonic that touched on another aspect of this subject:

One of the perils of our modern world today is that ppl don’t take time to understand contemporary issues in-depth b4 forming opinions

I see a lot of that on Facebook, Twitter and even here on Mobility blog. But its worse than that. If it is just a matter of forming opinions, it might not be so bad. But people form opinions without understanding issues in detail and then recklessly broadcast those opinions.

I will always stand for responsible use of freedom of speech, and I do not suffer fools gladly. Regulars on this blog know how strong my stand is when it comes to people being irresponsible with their comments.

Inflammatory statements cause more damage than we can ever tell. RIM may be in trouble, I agree – and trust me, everyone has troubles; just of different sorts and magnitudes.

I have had trouble more than many of you will ever know, and there were times it looked hopeless. Thankfully, I deal with them. I am just glad that there were no idiots around to get on Twitter screaming, “The end has come for Mister Mobility!”

When people start saying that RIM is burning, I really do not know.

I have observed that often the more knowledgeable people are more guarded in their statements. I respect people like that. They know the implications of their words.

To you, dear friend, a BlackBerry (or any other) device may just be a mobile. But to others – many others – it is years of investments, and to even many more, its jobs and livelihood.

Think about that.

StatCounter is a global web monitoring service which tracks the browsers and OS used to access those websites on which its codes/scripts are embedded.

The statistics from StatCounter show that Symbian is still top dog in mobile web browsing, with a comfortable lead over others.

Yes; this is only StatCounter statistics. Still, note that StatCounter are not small players in this field. As at 1 June 2010, StatCounter tracking code was installed on more than 3 million sites globally.

It is interesting to see that inspite of the claims by many that the Symbian browser is “crappy” and that Symbian is either “dead” or “dying”, this old dog still holds its own.

Of course, partly responsible for this is Symbian’s huge installed base.

In response to this news, someone said, “Symbian is a beast. It just will not die!” Perhaps. Perhaps not. But the message is clear: this dude is no pushover.

Pronounced burning by its own CEO. Maligned on all sides by bloggers. Ignored by carriers/network operators. Outsourced to foster parents.

Still, Symbian has refused to die. The plucky devil’s still got some spunk!

At the moment, we have a Nokia Belle smartphone in the house here for review at Mobility Towers. So far, I have been impressed. I actually prefer a number of things about it to my N9.

Perhaps, just perhaps, Belle may still have a future if Nokia so chooses to reverse its position on this “burning platform”.

Source

The Nigerian Communications Commission has issued a statement to deny that there was any directive to GSM operators to shut down BlackBerry services in the country in the wake of public protests against the recent fuel subsidy removal.

The full statement:

THE NCC’S POSITION ON BLACKBERRY SERVICES
The attention of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been drawn to an information making rounds that the NCC had at a meeting this morning agreed with CEOs of telecommunications networks to shutdown Blackberry Services in order to deny Nigerians the use of that very important social network.

The Management hereby states categorically that there was never such a meeting held, nor was there ever a resolution to shut down Blackberry services. The Public is please advised to disregard such information.

The Commission enjoins the network operators to continue to provide all telecommunication services, including Blackberry Services without fail.

Signed
Tony Ojobo
Director, Public Affairs

In the wake of increasing co-ordinated protests around the country against the fuel subsidy removal, feelers are that the government of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria have issued directives to mobile operators to shut down Blackberry services in the country.

Mobility blog has been unable to confirm this information, but the press is awash with it anyway.

If such a directive has indeed been given, it will appear that the Nigerian government are aware that mobile is mightier than the gun in today’s world. Mobile devices were critical to some of the well co-ordinated public protests in a number of countries in recent times, including the united Kingdom, Tunisia, and Egypt.

According to The Punch’s Twitter handle, protest organisers are asking Nigerians to download the CNN ireport apps from other phones and use those to send stories and pictures if BIS (Blackberry Internet Service) is shut tomorrow Tuesday.

Some protesters were arrested today in Abuja and kept in custody at the anti-robbery unit there.

Several more peaceful protests have been scheduled in major cities and towns across Nigeria for tomorrow.

Having had a BlackBerry 9360 with me for review for the last two weeks, it is now time for it to go. I have found it an interesting device to use – like all others, it has its strengths and its flaws.

However, one flaw that bugs me now when I have to let it go is the fact that the unique PIN that I have used for communicating with other BB users on Blackberry Messenger (BBM) also has to go.

You see, the BB PIN is tied to each specific device. When the device goes, your PIN goes. See the consequent problems?

The problem of retaining your BBM contacts is easilly solved. always backup your BBM contacts on a regular basis. Back them up to your microSD card and make suire that you retain that when changing BlackBerry devices. Slot the card in your new device and restore your BBM contacts. done.

Or use BlackBerry Desktop Manager to switch devices. Your BBM contacts will be automatically transfered to your new device.

The Unsolved Problem

If, however, you have printed your PIN on your business card, letterhead or other literature, or posted it online like I recently did….. errrr… you have to print new materials or go modify your webpage/s. Gross.

The Solution

It is more expedient that the BBM PIN be attached to users’ Blackberry IDs or accounts, so that its a permanent contact that one needs not worry about. I hope that RIM effects a change to reflect this.

At the moment, this device-specific PIN is a clog in having people adopt their BlackBerry PINs as important contact information.

PS: If you added me to your BBM contact list, I’m off BBM till I have to review another BlackBerry device. I do have your details backed up, and I will show up as soon as I am BB active again.

For now, that PIN now belongs to someone else. Yes; shame.

But the Mobility BBM Group is still active, and I have granted Admin privileges to a few trusted individuals, so do keep having fun!

RIM have had a hard year in 2011. There were a number of server failures. The BlackBerry PlayBook has had dismal sales. RIM also had to rename their next generation OS version from BBX to BlackBerry 10. And now, their financial value is down over 70% in a year. A bad year indeed.

Mobility blog has a fast-thriving BBM group. Someone asked this question there yesterday: “Does RIM really need the American market to survive?”

The answer, in my opinion, is a No, and I will state why. First take a look at the following:

• There are a number of mobile manufacturers who build exclusively for the Japanese market and are doing fine. One market, yet healthy and profitable.
• Huawei has slugged its way up to the top 5 manufacturers list without being able to win the U.S. market.
• Market advisers have often said that it makes sense to focus on where one has comparative advantage or where you have a ready market.
• Motivational speakers will also tell you to go where you are celebrated. For RIM, that should mean that they focus their most energies elsewhere, if only for now.

RIM Needs To Go Radical – In A Different Way

Here is a saying of mine. For the records, I made it all up, and it reflects my often non-conformist, adventurous and radical nature:

Doing and saying what is popular may indicate a lack of creativity, courage or intelligence. Possibly all.

Every manufacturer is copying the iPhone, though they won’t admit it. In my opinion, they all lack either courage to be different or creative. Possibly both.

Some so lack this creativity that they copy its weaknesses too – hook, line, and sinker! Bummer!

Interesting enough, the iPhone didn’t become so popular by copying anyone. Go figure.

RIM, Stand Out

RIM, stick with your strengths – those great keyboards, that excellent form factor, and your security. But be creative.

For example, provide the option to choose to use a BIS plan or not for internet access on your devices.

By all means stick primarily with QWERTY keyboards. Add a Communicator form factor (side-sliding QWERTY). Keep one full touchscreen range. But let your mainstream devices be those great candy QWERTYs that people so love.

Full touchscreen slabs may be popular, but it doesn’t mean that the QWERTY market is not sustainable. It is! And for now, RIM is king there.

Stand out! Don’t conform!!

Go Where You Are Celebrated

RIM has the strongest following anywhere but the US market and need to wake up to this reality. In the UK, BlackBerry devices are still some of the most desirable smartphones. There’s also the Netherlands, Brazil, and Nigeria, among several others.

RIM needs to focus their energies in these places.

If RIM is waiting for BlackBerry 10 to turn things around for them in the U.S. and in the eyes of the U.S. media, they are probably in for a surprise. On the contrary in the markets where RIM has good mindshare, both users and the media are constantly singing the praise of BlackBerry and talking about how awesome it is. RIM needs to focus on the markets where it needs the least energy to sell.

RIM will continue to sell to their die-hard customers in the U.S. too, but that is not where they are celebrated now.

Africa, South America, Asia

RIM needs to ride on the wave and hype that BlackBerry already has in these regions. The hype is much, though Blackberry devices are not really as popular.

So many people in Nigeria think that Blackberry is the most popular phone in Nigeria right now. Even media houses and tech people (who should know better) help spread this impression though it is very untrue! That’s tremendous market advantage.

Young and mid-age people in several countries across the world are going Blackberry-gaga. That’s where RIM should be looking.

My almost 70-year old dad wants a Blackberry. His business partner has one. Almost every university undergraduate wants one. My kids want one each too.

They know a BlackBerry when they see one. Think about that. I can’t say the same for most other brands.

Come on, guys! Come and ride on this! Get on TV, in newspapers, on blogs, and on buses – and push this thing!

Push it, or go the way of the dinosaurs.

Conclusions

RIM did not achieve its great successes because of the American market. They achieved it when they started selling their BlackBerry phones elsewhere on the planet. That is exactly what they need to keep doing and pushing harder.

If you know anyone in RIM who can pass this article up, please refer them to it. I would hate to have to refer to this article a year from now with regrets.

I rest my case.

There is a growing trend of BlackBerry users now publicly sharing their Messenger PIN. Individuals are doing it. Businesses and government offices are doing it.

It is amazing, really. With nothing other than a PIN, any Blackberry user can connect with any other anywhere in the world.

Non-BlackBerry fans may not get why BBM is popular in certain circles. In my opinion, it may be restricted, but it is not a fad. It is a powerful tool – a powerful social networking tool.

Social?

Mobile and web statistics for Africa, nay Nigeria, give a pointer. Web usage in Africa is predominantly social – Facebook, Twitter, et al.

Mobile internet usage paints the same picture. Web usage here is predominantly social. So, drop an easy-to-use service like BBM on a mobile with an excellent keyboard, and the result is what we have with users getting near addicted.

There are those who say that BlackBerry is only about “pinging”. While this is not true, even if it were, it would be good enough. People love connecting. Simple.

BlackBerry may not be the world’s most vibrant mobile brand, but it sure connects people in a way no other brand does at the moment.

Of course, like every other platform, it is not for everyone, so no worries if this doesn’t float your boat.

Connect With Me on BBM

If you do own a BlackBerry smartphone and would love to connect with Mister Mobility on BlackBerry Messenger, regardless of where you are on the planet, here is my PIN: 285A12BB (PIN no longer valid). Let’s hook up!

Yes; I finally got to the point where I am convinced that BBM can be used for more than just private socialising.

Comments please!

Here are some comparison pictures of the Blackberry Curve 9300 (running OS 6) and its upgrade sibling, the 9360 (running OS7).

Specs-wise, the 9360 leaves the 9300 in the dust, but you also have to see them together to appreciate the beauty and sleek lines of the new guy, the 9360.

Left: 9360. Right: 9300

Top: 9300. Bottom: 9360. Note how slim the 9360 is.

The 9360 is sure a looker. But it doesn’t end there. It runs on an 800 MHz processor and 512 MB RAM, and has a 5 megapixel camera. Under the hood, there’s also A-GPS and NFC. Note that display is non-touchscreen – which is not necessarily a bad thing.

This is a Curve that can hang around Bolds without feeling or looking out of place. I call the Blackberry Curve 9360, a bold new Curve.

Review coming up as soon as possible.

It is December and a good time to take stock of the year ending. Looking back at 2011, I have owned 14 mobile devices this year.

As a long-time Symbian fan, I find it intriguing that of those 14 mobiles that I acquired this year, only 1 was Symbian – and I didn’t buy it. One. Go figure.

Of those 14 devices, 5 ran Android OS, 2 ran BlackBerry OS, 2 Windows Phone, 1 MeeGo, 1 WebOS, 1 Symbian, and 2 iOS.

I have come to terms with the fact that I am moving away from Symbian as my primary platform. It still meets my needs as a platform, but there are simply no new devices exciting enough to keep an adventurous person like me hooked on it.

And what’s Mister Mobility without mobile adventure and excitement?

I love something in every one of the existing platforms, but each of them also has one or two things that don’t go down well with me.

Put mass storage in Windows Phone, and I would signup right now. Same for iOS. BlackBerry ticks all the specs, but that platform lacks great cameras (one of my critical needs), as well as the fact that there isn’t much excitement there either.

Android is exciting, but at a killing level. You buy an Android smartphone today and it is almost a grandpa in another one month. That kind of excitement means that I will be cycling through Android phones at an alarming rate.

MeeGo is dead. WebOS is in a coma. Bada? I don’t know. Bada is a poor copy of Android. if I want Android, I go buy Android.

Here I am evaluating all my available options. Whatever I decide, I promise you months and years of exciting reviews and stories ahead. Of course, regardless of what platform I adopt, I will still continue to purchase devices from other platforms for review purposes, so no-one feels left out.

One thing is for sure, without exciting devices, I have lost the passion for Symbian. I used to be “Symbian Inside”. Now, I am “Symbian Over And Out“.

Etisalat Nigeria has introduced their BlackBerry Complete plan, which gives subscribers access to: BBM, Internet Browsing, One web based email, BB email, Social networks, Instant Messaging & BB App World. There is no data cap i.e. unlimited downloads.

Subscribers to this plan also enjoy 20k/sec on calls any network in Nigeria. There is no access fee from the first minute.

This new plan is available for N1,500/month. To subscribe, dial *499*3#.

Weekly Option
BlackBerry® Complete Weekly Plan gives 7-day access to same services at the cost of N500.

Daily Option
BlackBerry® Complete Daily Plan gives 24-hour access to same services at the cost of N100.