Two big news stories for RIM today - a possible Motorola take-over, and a surprising jump on successors to the Storm.

According to a Reuters article written yesterday afternoon, the recent drop in price of RIM’s (and everyone else’s) stock makes them vulnerable to a much-discussed potential takeover from Motorola. The company is worth only slightly more than a third of what it was a year ago - stocks going for $60 per share as opposed to nearly $150 a share. While the Blackberry manufacturer’s value has dropped in today’s market, this would be a great move for Motorola as it has been struggling in the shift from simple cell phones to smartphones.  (Thanks, Engadget!)

On the flip-side of things, rumors are also abounding that Blackberry is working on new and improved versions of the Storm - the touch-screen Blackberry that hasn’t even debuted on the Verizon Wireless network. The drive? To compete with other superphones, such as the HTC Touch Pro. Rumored characteristics of the BB smartphone? 5 megapixel auto-focus camera, 1GB of RAM,and a “near-HD quality” screen to improve upon all of those other Blackberrys that are coming out first. Looks like the financial crisis isn’t scaring everyone. Right on RIM!

As Q2 results are released, Motorola stands atop the podium with a gold medal in hand for total U.S. sales.  This news is just in after posting a third place ranking worldwide.  While handset sales overall shot up 5.3 percent in Q2, Motorola supported a 26 percent share.  Check out the handset results in Q2 of 2008 below.

Q2 Handset Results for U.S.

According to RCRWireless (and Strategy Analytics!), there are three things one must know about the Q2 results for handset sales in the U.S.  The bullets are below:

1.  Overall, unit sales reached nearly 42 million, up 5.3 percent over the year-ago quarter, supposedly stemmed from healthy replacement rates

2.  Motorola Inc. held its #1 position with nearly 26 percent market share, with LG Electronics Company earning the silver medal for second in sales 

3.  Research in Motion (RIM, aka … BlackBerry!), surpassed some expectations by gaining a double-digit market share for the first time ever, selling 1 in 10 handsets sold in the U.S.  Of course, it did have a successful push in the consumer market (business people) — which allowed it to retain customers and attract new ones.

According to Strategy Analysis, RIM is ahead of the industry standard to transition from feature phones to smartphones.  Its BlackBerry Curve has been its big seller, and RIM is only expected to expand its line-up and be a superior provider for smartphones.  The biggest differentiator for RIM compared to other devices is its WiFi ability.

Source: Strategy Analtics 

Predictions for Q3 Results

After some research and analysis, I am confident in saying that the results won’t alter too much from Q2 to Q3.  Motorola will reign and RIM will continue to edge its way to the top with Apple. 

With only 4 weeks left until hands-free laws go into effect in Washington and California, hands-free Bluetooth products have been seeing a little bump in business, and for good reason. A Bluetooth headset or speaker is a great alternative to the dangerous handheld distraction of a typical cell phone call, and to the thought that we might have to put off a phone call the entire length of a car ride. And with just under a month to go until it will be illegal to talk on the phone without a hands-free system, now is the time to decide which system is right for you.

•  The Law
  According to http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html, 5 states, Washington D.C, and the Virgin islands have banned cell phone use while driving. In addition to this, seventeen states have special laws regarding restricted or banned cell use for new drivers, and in fifteen states school-bus drivers cannot use the phone when they are toting passengers, except in the case of an emergency. While some drivers might see these restrictions as a nuisance, my first thought is that these laws should span much more than just a few states. With so many other options, and studies and accidents to prove we drive better without a phone in our hand, it only makes sense to make the switch to a headset or speaker system. I was most surprised to find that only Washington, Minnesota, and New Jersey ban text messaging for all drivers! While the hands-free laws have just begun, it seems the trend is catching on, with an aim to keep us all a little safer while on the road.
• Headsets
  -You’ve got Options: One great alternative to handheld conversation is to use a headset. There are both wired headsets and wireless Bluetooth enabled headsets to choose from. While a wired headset would do the job in the car, one of the advantages of having a wireless Bluetooth headset is the wide range of motion you get with it. As long as your phone is within up to 30 feet of your headset, you can answer phones at the touch of a button and talk freely while continuing doing whatever you were doing before. I know I enjoy being able to do the dishes and vacuum, while talking to my best friend four states away. This brings me to another perk of many wireless Bluetooth headsets - ambient noise cancellation. The recently released Jawbone 2 has those in-the-know raving, but may be new for those Bluetooth first-timers. With its NoiseAssassin technology, the Jawbone 2 rests against your cheek and picks up on vibrations when you speak to distinguish when you are talking, and is able to block all background noise. With its sleek look and smooth leather ear loops - not to mention a color option of gold, silver or black - this headset manages to be both attractive and practical. Another headset with noise cancellation, the Motorola MotoPURE H12, is actually my headset-of-choice at the moment. This headset uses CrystalTalk technology to eliminate background noise, and is one of the most comfortable options to date. I forget I am even wearing the Bluetooth until that familiar beep comes through, and I can then enjoy easy, clear, hands-free communication. Another popular option is the BlueAnt z9i. Available in black or red, this headset lives up to the standard BlueAnt is known for- comfortable, quality, inconspicuous headsets that work well and consistently.
  -How much will it set you back? While these headsets range from $79.99 to $129.99, there is an array of inexpensive options as well. Our least expensive wireless headset is the Jabra BT2040 Bluetooth Headset, at only $29.99, which gets the job done with up to eleven hours of talk time, automatic pairing to your phone, and barely even denting your wallet. Other inexpensive options include the Motorola H300 ($39.99) which is powered by a AAA battery, ideal for those who don’t want to have to worry about having one more thing to charge, and the LG HBM-770, which provides many of the features of higher-end phones, including echo and noise suppression and last call redial, for only $49.99.
• Speakers and Car Kits
  Aren’t comfortable with having a headset on, but still want to be safe? Do you prefer speakers to earbuds? How about the idea of just hopping in your car and using it as a personal office with a built in speaker phone system? Then a Bluetooth speaker system or car kit is perfect for you! With enhanced audio and much better sound quality than other speakerphones, the BlueAnt Supertooth Light has noise and echo suppression technology that allows easy and clear speakerphone communication in the car, in your home, and anywhere else you use it, without having to wear a headset or any other device. Car kits are more useful for those who plan to only use Bluetooth in the car, and can be installed in your car and actually use your car speakers as its own. The Parrott Blueooth Car Kit 3400 LP-GPS is one of the best on the market, with large, easy-to-use buttons and GPS capability, making it the ultimate car accessory.

With so many options, it’s important to figure out what is best for you, which is why you need to get started now. In California and Washington, you will no longer be able to use your phone without a hands-free solution, and you’ll want to be comfortable with whatever you are using when the law goes into effect. So do your research, ask questions, and find the best way to keep yourself, your family, and those you share the road with safe. There’s no reason to wait!

For more information…

 Interested in more on hands-free laws? 

Studies back up the Hands-Free Trend

More on the Jawbone 2