Edmonton Scam Alert: How I lost $1150 to a Fake Armani Leather Jackets Seller

After a long day at work, and knowing that I wouldn't be able to cook upon getting home so I decided to grab a Tuna sandwich at Subway Restaurant (Ellerslie/111 St. Edmonton). As I walked toward my vehicle, a young man by the name Antonio in a Hyundai Tucson vehicle stops in front of me. Below is our conversation:

ANTONIO: Excuse me, my English is not very good. You look European, do you speak Italian? I need directions to Edmonton International Airport. I have a flight to catch in 4 hours.
ME: Sorry I don't speak Italian nor am I European but I can show you how to get to the airport as requested. By the way I can see you have an Iphone, why don't you use Google Map for directions?
ANTONIO: In his thick Italian accent, he replies. I am not used to using my phone for directions. In fact, I just hosted a seminar at Harry Rosen at West Edmonton Mall. But I need to catch my flight back to Milan Italy tonight. He continues: If you don't mind can I park my car so that we can figure it out?
ME: Still holding my Tuna Sandwich, I replied, sure, you can park and I'll show you how to use the Google Map to get directions.

Antonio parks his Grey SUV with plate (K-5.....) in the park lot across from 'SAVE ON FOODS' Grocery store at Ellerslie/111 St., Edmonton. He was a well dressed gentleman, super friendly and perhaps I showed the sympathetic side of me as I willingly prepared to help him catch his flight, but in the end I became his victim. As he hands me over his Iphone to help me with Google Map, he starts to tell me about himself as an Italian Fashion Designer, how Harry Rosen flew him from Italy, about his day at Harry Rosen, how he was there to help lunch the 2015 Armani Calfskin Leather Jackets. His intro was so captivating and convincing that I never for once had any reason to doubt him even though my fingers were still on his iPhone, trying to figure out Google Maps as his phone setting is in Italian language.

Two fancy bags from Antonio

His palatable speech about his fashion accolades switches gears the moment he realizes that I was able to help with the Google Map setup. In short a lot were said but I'll keep it short. Antonio convinced me to sit in the passenger seat of his SUV, that he had some of the Leather jackets to show me from the seminar. Holding my poor and now cold Tuna Sandwich, I sit as he brings out 2 brown shopping bags labeled ' EA COLLECTION ITALY STYLE,' each containing 3 leather jackets of different styles and sizes. He continues to talk sweetly as he unpacks individual jacket from the bags. He mentions names like Halle Berry Edition as well as David Beckham Limited Edtion. He adds: Nobody on this planet has access to these jackets as they'll be released in three weeks. At this point my head exploded!( I am sure anyone in my position with a guy as presentable as he was would react alike...). Now at this juncture, he switches gears again!

Antonio's next step was to sell the jackets to me, and here's why. He says to me, each jacket is at least $2500. To prove that he was a good accountant, he tries to remind me that all SIX jackets would cost me about $16,000 if I was to buy them at the store. Now here's where the story gets even more interesting. Antonio says that Harry Rosen gave him the jackets for free for honoring their invitation, although that he would love to take them to Milan; but the issue is the $3500 custom tax that he's going to pay to bring them to Italy. He says to me: Sampson, you have been really helpful to me especially in helping me figure out how to get to the airport, now is my turn to return the favour. Listen Sampson, I want you to take all SIX jackets and give me $2500. Basically 5 is free, you only pay for ONE jacket. He adds: I only need the $2500 to pay for my rental car and other miscellaneous expenses before I can board the plane to Italy. To further convince me, he quickly shows me his European passport, takes my phone and types his information including his office in Italy as well as Harry Rosen Store Manager (Mr. Mike Canzanella) in case I wish to inquire on the authenticity of the jackets. He even brought out a lighter to test the jackets as I sit there in his SUV and watch the presentation with absolute enthusiasm-- I continue to nod my head non-stop assuring him that everything he has said about himself and the jacket is nothing short of the truth. Yes, I gave him the benefit of the doubt.

As a businessman, I was already doing the maths in my head, how much profit I'd make if I bought and sold the jackets on eBay...I was extremely overwhelmed. At the same time, I thought I was dreaming, but then again I took a closer look at the Tuna sandwich that I had been holing in my hands for about 30 minutes as my stomach rumbles but the excitement outweighed the angry and hungry sounds from my stomach . To cut long story short, I told Antonio how luck I was to have met him, that I did not have $2500 to spend on the jackets. In fact I told him that I can't afford the jackets, that I have invested my money in my construction projects for the month. While I was expressing myself to Antonio another voice in my head was calling me stupid; asking me questions like: how are you going to say no to such a great deal? Are you crazy?....While these questions were battling  in my head, Antonio steps in. He goes: You know what Sampson, it's your lucky day. I am gonna cut the asking price in half. In fact give me $1300, as he hands both bags to me in a gentlemanly manner. At this point I was lost for words. I had about $650 in my wallet, so I told him to follow me to the TD Bank across the street to withdraw some cash.

The six fake leather jackets

Antonio was swift about it as he reminds me that he has a flight to catch. All along he hasn't given me any signal to doubt him. So we drove to the bank. As I approach the ATM machine, he follows me. I expected him to wait in his car while I withdrew the cash, I felt a bit uncomfortable, but the look on his face once again assures me that all is well. While he stands there as I withdraw the cash, I realize that the limit on my personal account was $500. So I let him know right away. He says to me to try entering bigger numbers like $800 that I might get lucky, I replied: This is my account, the limit is set, there's no getting lucky here... I can only afford $500 + the $650 = $1150. He goes, use your credit cards or other debit cards for cash..he smiles as he talks, once again assuring me that he's only doing me a favor. Although I had my Business Card in my Wallet but a voice tells me to NOT use it. SO I gave him my final answer in an angry fashion ... $1150 or forget it!  Antonio saw that I was getting upset for asking me to use my other cards to get more cash for him, he takes the $1150 from, gives me a friendly hug and says to me 'thank you brother for saving me... I am sure with this money I can pay for my rental car and fly back to Milan. He continues: I'm coming to Edmonton back in March to launch my Spring collection, I hope to see you when I return. The amazing thing about Antonio is that the more he talks, the more I trust him but it all changed the moment he drives away with my $1150 cash. He almost crashed his car as he speeds off. He was so fast that I was unable to get the plate number, I could only see K-5-----.  From there I realized he scammed me.

As I get home with the 2 bags, I managed to eat my Tuna Sandwich, I unpacked the bags, googled "EA COLLECTION ITALY STYLE" only to realize that the first 4 links that popped up were scam related; with my encounter 90% similar to those of the other victims. Usually with a guy with an Italian name needing directions to the airport. I have come to understand that a scam like this has been existing in Edmonton after it happened to me. I felt stupid losing $1150 to such a man within an hour; after reading my story I am sure some people would call me names like: stupid, dumb, foolish, and much more, but that's fine. I am a very smart man, it's hard for people to deceive me but then again I am only human--- I make mistakes too, and perhaps mistakes only makes me wiser and smarter-- it's part of my daily life experience!

It is critical to note that I did not publish this blog for your pity or for anyone to sympathize with me because I know I won't recover the money unless there's a miracle, but rather to use this medium to reach out to everyone out there. This scam is continually perpetuated all over the world; especially in the U.S and Canada. I am not the first victim, and I am sure I'll NEVER be the last. I encourage everyone; including the Police and the general public to keep their eyes open for guys like Antonio as Christmas is around the corner. This heartless and jobless criminals will approach you someday, they will do whatever it takes to convince you, and when they do please be prepared to defend yourself and be sure to contact the police as fast as you can. I wish I had be warned prior to my encounter with Antonio, he would have regretted approaching me in the first place! I have lost my hard earned $1150 to him, but it is not the end of my life, the good news is I am doing well, financially-- with my construction business, sometimes I make that in one day, so I don't see it as a loss, it was God teaching me a lesson, reminding be to be careful, and perhaps it could have been worse. Also, using this as an avenue to reach out to the public reminding people to stay safe is quite fulfilling. Money comes, money goes but life must go on.

In view of this, I encourage TD Bank with the address: 933 James Mowatt Trail SW Edmonton, AB. Phone #: (780) 448-8668 to release a video footage of me withdrawing $500 from my personal account and giving it to Antonio on Tues. October 7th between 8pm & 9pm to the Police upon request. The video camera would show me handing Antonio the cash from the ATM as well as additional cash from my wallet. Guys like Antonio need to be exposed to make Edmonton and other great cities in the world a better place to live.

My name is Sampson Diji. The above situation is not fictitious. It happened to me as described above on Tuesday Oct. 7, 2014. 

Should you have any info on guys like Antonio, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

PS. For more information on other victims and their heartbreaking stories, google:
"EA COLLECTION ITALY STYLE"

Stay safe folks!

Forbes Reveals the Highest Paid Hip-Hop Artist in The Universe

These days  it's hard to tell who is really making the millions of dollars in music. The reason being that today's artist have failed to keep REAL music alive. Sometimes I wonder: How these Hip-Hop heavy weights make multiple million dollars in an industry that does not gain as much respect and loyalty like it used to? Are they REALLY making the money in the name of music, or are they doing something else on the side? Hang on tight folks.I promise to subsequently break it down for you... just be patient with me. In the meantime, I present you with the 2013 TOP 10 wealthiest HIP-HOP ARTISTS in the world.

1. P.DIDDY ($50 MILLION)

2. JAY-Z ($43 MILLION)

3. DR. DRE ($40 MILLION)

4. NICKI MINAJ ($29 MILLION)

5. BIRDMAN ($21 MILLION)

6. KANYE WEST ($20 MILLION)

7. LIL WAYNE ($16 MILLION)

8. WIZ KHALIFA ($14 MILLION

9. LUDACRIS ($12 MILLION)

10. PITBULL ($11 MILLION)

As you read through the list, I hope the same questions that ran through my mind also did yours. Questions like: When last did someone like P.Diddy release a hit song? How is it that a powerhouse like JAY-Z didn't top the list? How is it possible that these guys make so much money from rapping? How the hell did Nicki Minaj make this list? Where's Snoop Dogg, Master P, Eminem ETC? 

Well, to succinctly answer your questions, the truth is; none of the aforementioned names make enough money from music. Think of athletes like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Floyd Mayweather, Tiger Wood, and the list goes on. They do not necessarily cash in the millions by engaging in their core fields, one word is enough to quantify the major source of their income. 'ENDORSEMENT' deals! Virtually every hip-hop artist mentioned above, as well as the ones I didn't mention are in the same endorsement deal, knowingly or unknowingly. The smarter ones do not just depend on the endorsements,  they also invest their money in other business ventures.

P. Diddy is one of the smartest businessmen out there. Not only does he manage Bad Boy record, his clothing line 'SEAN JEAN' still rakes in some dollars. And if you're one of the people consuming CIROC VODKA or popping it in the club, well Diddy would like to say 'Thank You' because his most financial success actually comes from Ciroc Vodka. JAY-Z on the other hand, is no stranger in the business environment. He made a lot of money from live shows, Roc Nation, Roca Wear and others are still raking in a couple of millions. Perhaps don't forget about the $5 million deal with Samsumg. Dr. Dre needs no introduction, I am just shocked that he dropped to the #3 spot this year. He maintained #1 last year! I hope you folks are still purchasing 'Beats by Dre?' Just Saying...

Notwithstanding, who would have imagined Nicki Minaj cashing in more money than her boss Birdman! Well, thanks to her live shows, American Idol, Pepsi endorsement and much more. Lest I forget, she's the ONLY female to make this list. Much props to Barbie! Birdman and Lil Wayne are no surprise with all that YMCB anthem. It is important to note that Birdman is not only involved in music, producing and publishing, he is also into OIL business with his older brother SLIM. And for your information, it takes a lot to have YMCMB artists: Nicki Minaj, Weezy, Drake and Birdman to make the list. Drake on the other hand, is #11 with ($10.5 MILLION). I'm proud of my fellow Canadian!

I could spend the entire hours describing how these folks make their millions, but one thing I hate to hear is that they make all that millions with the rubbish music they put out there these days.However, I would like to use this avenue to encourage everyone to consider becoming business owners. Living paycheck -to-paycheck is never going to make a difference in your life especially if you wish to make a difference in your community. Let these guys' story inspire you for the better!

If you wish to add more comments regarding this post, maybe there is something I forgot to mention, or you know these artist better than I do, feel free to comment and enlighten others. Connect with DIJI NEWS on twitter for more @  https://twitter.com/mrdiji   

The 5 World's Billionaires: Who Are They?

According to Forbes, the list of billionaires across the globe now boasts 1,426 names, with an aggregate net worth of $5.4 trillion, up from $4.6 trillion. About 210 new billionaires joined the club this year only! The U.S. leads the list with 442 billionaires, followed by Asia-Pacific with 386, Europe with 366, the Americas with 129 and the Middle East & Africa with 103; totaling to 1,426 billionaires in the world.
From economic point of view, increasing asset prices are the driving force behind the rising wealth of the billionaires  around the world. Many newcomers are from the fashion/retail/clothing industries;  thanks to ardent consumers like you and I who spend a lot of money clothing.

Meanwhile, DIJI NEWS is only interested in presenting the top 5 wealthiest people on the planet, according to Forbes; for your reading pleasure. DIJI NEWS hopes that the contents herein are informative, resourceful and interesting to our visitors. Below is a list of the 5 wealthiest people in the world!

1. Carlos Slim Helu: March 2013 Net Worth $73 Billion

 Carlos Slim Helu is the world's richest man for the fourth year in a row. Mexico's Slim made $4 billion more this year than he did last year.  Slim is a Mexican business magnate, investor, and philanthropist who has been ranked by Forbes as the richest person in the world since 2010.  The 73 year-old Slim has extensive holdings in different Mexican companies through his conglomerate, Grupo Carso industrial and retail agent.as well as his financial arm,Grupo Financiero Inbursa. These and more have amassed tremendous interests in the fields of communications, technology, retailing and finance. He is presently the chairman and CEO of telecommunications companies Telemex and America Movil; which in 2010 was Latin America's largest mobile-phone carrier, accounted for around $49 billion of Slim's wealth by the end of 2010. As of March 2013,  the 73-year-old Slim  is worth $73 billion. Wow, 73 years old with $73 billion in his pocket -- now you do the calculation!

2. Bill Gates: March 2013 Net Worth $67 Billion

His full name is William Henry Bill Gates III, but popularly known as Bill Gates. Mr. Gates needs no introduction as far the computing world is concerned. But more succinctly, Gates is an American programmer, inventor, business mogul and philanthropist. He is the former CEO and current chairman of Microsoft, the world's largest personal-computer software company, which he co-founded with his buddy Paul Allen. One good thing about Bill Gates is that he invests a lot of his fortune in the eradication of deadly diseases like polio and malaria. According to Forbes, Gates has already given more than $28 billion to aid the project. Most of Gates' fortune is generated from private equity, bonds, and stocks. It's important to keep in mind that Gates has  5% worth of stock in Microsoft, perhaps his 2013 net worth of $67 billion, a $6 billion increase from last year, didn't come from Microsoft. Although rumor has it that Carlos Slim is at the verge of dropping to #2 spot before this year runs out; if that happens Bill Gates is likely to climb to the #1 spot, once again. Fingers crossed? 

3. Amancio Ortega - March 2013 Net Worth $57 Billion

The name may be strange to a few but those in the fashion industry probably know Ortega than the whole universe knows Barack Obama as U.S President! Amancio Ortega is a Spanish fashion executive and founding chairman of the Inditex fashion group, best known for its ZARA brand. Although he's stepped down as the chairman of the company since 2011, but Ortega still owns nearly 60% of its shares. And in case you were wondering why Warren Buffet's name hasn't shown up yet, well Ortega came in at #3 as 2013 biggest gainer, whose net worth jumped $19.5 billion from 2012. According to market analysis, this number will continue to increase as long as ZARA's year-over-year net profits from global sales continue to maintain its competitive position in the retail industry. Having stepped down as the chairman, Ortega is not splashing his fortune on strippers and exotic automobiles like Birdman (lol), rather Ortega is investing his fortune in real estate. Ortega is know to have a handful of real estate properties across the global, estimated to be worth $4 billion. Among his properties is the iconic Torre Picasso, a 43-story skyscraper in Madrid Spain which he purchased from billionaire Esther Koplowiyz in 2011.

4. Warren Buffett: March 2013 Net worth $53.5 Billion

When you think of Warren Edward Buffett or simply Warren Buffett, another name that comes to your mind is Bill Gates, right? Buffett is also as an American investor, business magnate, and philanthropist. He is the primary shareholder, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway; a struggling textile company in which Buffet invested his hard earned money on back in 1962. Buffet once called Berkshire "the dumbest stock he ever bought, but the firm has long since shed its textile assets and today serves as Buffet's famed investment vehicle.  Although Buffet was once ranked as the world's wealthiest person in 2008, but his February 2013 negotiation with Brazilian billionaire Jorge Paulo Lemann's 3G Capital to snap up iconic ketchup maker H.J. Heinz Co. for $23.2 billion might bring him back to the #1 spot. Apart from accumulating wealth, the 82-year-old Buffett is also busy expanding his philanthropy. According to Forbes, in July 2012 alone, Buffett donated $1.5 billion to the Gates Foundation; bringing his lifetime giving to nearly $17.3 billion. As of March 2013, his net worth is estimated  at $53.5 billion. However, this is the first year since 2000 that Warren Buffet has not been among the top 3. 

5. Larry Ellison: March 2013 Net worth $43 Billion

Lawrence Joseph Larry Ellison or just 'Larry Ellison' is an American business mogul, co-founder and CEO of Oracle Corporation, one of the world's leading enterprise software companies in the industry. Ellison is currently (as of 2012) the  third wealthiest person in America. Historically, he is known to have dropped out of the two universities he attended in America, but today, he is making billions of dollars! His fortunate can be attributed to his 22.5% stocks in Oracle. But more recently, Forbes reports that Ellison has been investing heavily in the real estate business. As reported in June 2012, Larry bought 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai from David Murdock for $500 million or more. He's also active in the Los Angeles mansion market. In fact rumor has it that Ellison, a big admirer of NBA basket franchises, might be purchasing the Sacramento Kings to prevent it from going to Seattle.  Ellison also has a charitable heart like the aforementioned billionaires. According to Forbes, he has donated about $445 million, mostly via Oracle stock, to his Ellison Foundation, which supports research on aging and age-related diseases. As of March 2013, his net worth is estimated at $43 billion.
Conclusively, Amancio Ortega is this year’s biggest gainer, adding $19.5 billion to his fortune in one year, knocking Warren Buffett to the #4 spot.  The year’s biggest loser is Brazilian Eike Batista, whose fortune dropped by $19.4 billion. He is now the 100th wealthiest in the world,  dropping from the 7th spot from last year!

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$4.6 Million Lamborghini Veneno to challenge Ferrari and McLaren

When millionaire tractor maker Ferruccio Lamborghini wanted to build a better, faster sports car in Italy than rival Enzo Ferrari when he established Automobili Lamborghini in 1963, he never mentioned that someday a big spender would drop a whopping $4.6 million on what's been acclaimed "the most expensive car ever built!" Well, I forgive the legend for not mentioning 'cost' but his dreams as well as those of his rivals have been long fulfilled.

The all new Lamborghini Veneno was manufactured in honor of  Lamborghini's 50th anniversary, and was introduced by CEO and Chairman Stephan Winkelman  at the Auto show in Geneva. Lamborghini Veneno is the "fastest, most powerful road Lamborghini we've ever built." Mr. Winkelman added as he aroused the audience in Italian language -- his charming accent alone almost had everyone begging the company to produce more of the Veneno that was only meant to be on display. I hope Blackberry CEO Thorsten Heins was inspired by Mr. Winkelman on how to present a new product to the market .. just saying :)

And in case you are wondering what Veneno means. Well, historically, Veneno is known to be a speedy animal from the 1900s. In fact, Veneno is the name given to one of the strongest and most aggressive fighting bulls ever, also famous for being one of the fastest bulls in the history of bullfighting. In other words, Ferrari and McLaren had better watch out because there is a new beast in town!

The Veneno is based around the Aventador body made entirely of carbon fiber. It's powered by a 750 hp, with a 6.5-liter V12 engine, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 355 km/h through a seven-speed transmission. Geeez, I'm shivering! Lamborghini reports that the Veneno's  design is "consistently focused on optimum aerodynamics and cornering stability" as well as optimal engine cooling, however the new super car has been indisputably criticized to be a bit exaggerated, possibly over-styled, and obviously overpriced! Well, I'm sure there's a number of you readers who agree/disagree -- all I can say is she is a thing of beauty!

Meanwhile, only THREE production cars will be produced, and in case you were hoping to write Lamborghini a cheque, well, sorry my friend, ALL three have been sold even before Kanye West and Birdman could finish taking a lick! The three cars sold to customers each features a single color of the Italian national flag; together a trio logy in green, white and red accents and thus representing each a unique piece. The one seen here that was displayed at Geneva is owned by the company, and will be retained by the factory for the museum. The THREE production cars will cost $4.6 million each. TWO are destined for the USA ....maybe one for Justin Bieber or Jay Leno? Well, you never know!

My Opinion on this baby

At a whopping $4.6 million, I think the Veneno is more like an exercise in one-upping the Ferrari LaFerrari and McLaren P1 than anything else. With ONLY 750 horsepower on tap from a returned V12 borrowed from around $400,000 Aventador, the world's most expensive car (Veneno) looks a bit pricey when compared to the $1.4 million McLaren P1's 903 horsepower rating and the estimated $1.8 million LaFerrari with 950 horsepower. But like I mentioned earlier, if you can afford her, she's all yours. Nobody really cares. I was once pulled over here  in Canada for driving 130 km/h on a posted 100 km/h zone ... makes me ponder over the usefulness of a racing car like the Veneno in north America if you're only limited to 100 km/h on the freeways. On a brighter side though, if this baby were a woman with such back-side (see pic above), I'm sure I'd find her quite irresistible ... let's be honest, she's a thing of joy!

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Business: Coca-Cola Shares Drop As Global Sales Decline

Coca-Cola Co reported fourth-quarter revenue slightly below analysts' estimates, hurt by a weaker-than-expected performance in Europe.

The world's largest soft drink maker, with brands such as Sprite, Fanta and Minute Maid, on Tuesday said revenue rose 4 percent to $11.46 billion. Analysts were expecting $11.53 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Worldwide sales volume climbed 3 percent, but volume in Europe fell 5 percent. JPMorgan analyst John Faucher, for example, was expecting volume to rise 3.5 percent, with a decline of just 1 percent in Europe.

Volume fell 5 percent in Germany, more than some analysts had expected. Volume declined 4 percent in China, also weaker than some expected, with the company blaming issues including the economic slowdown.

Coca-Cola's business is being hampered by ongoing issues in Europe's economy, which is dampening consumer confidence and sparking some aggressive price competition on drinks.

Coke is also seeing tougher competition from PepsiCo Inc., which is working hard to improve its North American beverage business. Pepsi has increased marketing spending with a focus on core brands like Pepsi-Cola, and analysts say the renewed effort is working.

In North America, where top rival PepsiCo Inc. (PEP) is trying to upgrade its drinks business with increased spending, Coca-Cola posted a 1% increase in sales volume. The company said that its market share as measured by volume and value continues to increase. Reports NASDAQ.

PepsiCo is due to report quarterly earnings on Thursday.

Coke said fourth-quarter net income was $1.87 billion, or 41 cents per share, up from $1.66 billion, or 36 cents per share, a year earlier.

Excluding restructuring charges and other one-time items, earnings were 45 cents per share, topping analysts' average estimate by a penny.

Coca-Cola shares were down 0.5 percent at $38.40 in premarket trading. However, gross margin fell to 59.6% from 60.1%, partly due to a 4% increase in concentrate sales. ~ NASDAQ 

Credits to:  ~( REUTERS)

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Alicia Keys: BlackBerry's new Global Creative Director!

                                     BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins AND Alicia Keys

 

Today, January 30th, 2013, RIM changes its name to 'Blackberry.' as announced by Blackeberry CEO Thorsten Heins as he unveils blackberry 10 in New York. Just keep in mind that from this day forward RIM does not exist, blackberry has been approved by the board of directors as the official name for the corporation.

 

 The all new blackberry is available in TWO versions:  Blackberry Z10 and blackberry Q10, respectively. The Z10 is a rectangular touchscreen device with no front button and a textured rear backing. The Q10 is a traditional BlackBerry with a physical keyboard. However,  the Z10 is ONLY  available to the consumers for now,  and perhaps available in Canada on Feb. 5th for $149 under 3-year contract!

 

Both models  are  expected to stack up nicely with the specifications of rival smartphones, including display resolution, pixel density, memory, and a 4G LTE connection. BB10 will launch with 70,000 apps, the most applications available during launch, compared to the available iOS and Android apps in the market. Below are the full specs of BlackBerry Z10:

 

Size: 130x65.6x9mm

Screen: 4.2-inch display with a 1280 x 768 pixel resolution

Memory: 2GB RAM; 16GB or 32GB  (hot-swappable MicroSD)

Processor: Dual Core 1.5GHz

Talk time: up to 11hours

Camera: 8MP/1080p; 2MP/720p

 

LEST WE FORGET

 

Blackberry10 is one of the worst-kept secrets in tech. The devices also represent what is arguably RIM’s last chance to show the world it’s still able to keep up with the brutally fast pace of innovation in the smartphone industry.

 

RIM is gambling its survival on the much-delayed BlackBerry 10, hoping to claw its way back into an industry now dominated by Apple Inc's iPhone and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's Galaxy. The timing may be just right. The new phone hits the market just as the iPhone's remarkable run is showing some signs of slowing.

 

 

 However, it's important to note that if BlackBerry 10 devices are only marginally successful, RIM risks continuing on a downward slope. And if they‘re a flat-out failure, then RIM slips back to square one: Stuck with selling BlackBerrys nobody wants, cutting costs and exploring new lines of business – as well as more drastic alternatives such as breaking up or selling the company.

 

STRATEGIC MOVE

 

BlackBerry has announced a new position, "global creative director," and hired its own in-house celebrity to fill the role: Alicia Keys. Keys was apparently chosen for renewing her "long-term relationship" with BlackBerry after straying during its bling-less doldrums, as she illustrated with a long anecdote about renewing her romance with the newly "fly" platform. Though Keys says she'll be working closely with BlackBerry and is "fascinated by technology," her role is more similar to that of another celebrity: Will.i.am, who was named "Director of Creative Innovation" of Intel.

 

Alicia Keys, meanwhile, says she'll be taking the BlackBerry to the Super Bowl and will use it to create a music video for every city she visits on her next tour.

 

 Blackberry also announced that it will run an ad during the upcoming Super Bowl XLVII. During the Super Bowl, BlackBerry will be integrated into a number of pre- and post-game on-site, digital and social activities. The ad will be a great opportunity to show the re-invented BlackBerry to  millions of consumers on the largest advertising stage of the year, about its new platform.

  

Conclusively, now that the phones are her, I am sure you're NOT expecting Apple and Samsung to fold their hands. The ardent competitors will surely find a way to strike back with more innovative products for the consumers. What does this mean to blackberry? Despite the delays and some dark days for the company, the question is: Does blackberry 10 have the viability to help RIM -- ooops, blackberry bounce back? Do you think the Z10 is better than iPhone5 or GALAXY S III?

 

DIJI NEWS  wishes 'blackberry' good luck for taking the bold move.

 

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