In today’s video, the King of Commodities returns with killer insights on the quiet war being waged by the Federal Reserve between inflation and deflation.

Rick calls what’s presently happening “counterfeiting engaged in by the U.S. government.”

It’s incredibly provocative.

Please note, though… Today’s interview is the final one we’ll be broadcasting from Rick here at Wall Street Daily.

All future interviews with Rick will exclusively air via our sister publication, Oil & Energy Daily.

Ahead of the tape,

Justin Fritz
Executive Editor

The topic is gold, which Rick likely knows more about than anyone on the planet.

In this exclusive interview, among other topics, Rick explains why mining companies are presently incredible value plays for the first time since 1992.

Do NOT miss this interview. Your financial wellbeing depends on it.

Ahead of the tape,

Justin Fritz
Executive Editor

We’ve been waiting for a 3-D display technology that really wows us for a while now.

And after seeing this new technology from Lancaster University… we’re still waiting.

It’s called Tilt Display. Essentially, it involves nine screens that, well… tilt, in an attempt to better show an image’s multiple dimensions.

But as you can see in the video above, having nine flat screens tilt in different directions just isn’t enough to create a realistic image.

Lancaster University’s Jason Alexander explains why he developed the technology…

“When I looked at a map of Bristol I could see that I had to walk from A to B, but I didn’t know whether that was a hilly route, whether I had to go through a valley or these kind of things. So I thought there must be a better way to render this on to a screen rather than just having a visual display.”

Our response? There already is a “better way.” It’s called the terrain layer in Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) Maps. Although the app doesn’t show peaks and valleys in great detail, it’s far superior to what you’d get if your phone came with Tilt Display.

After you see the video for yourself, I think you’ll agree that current 3-D technology actually does a better job of rendering objects in three-dimensional space.

Now, Alexander is hoping to team up with a manufacturer to create Tilt Displays of difference sizes – and with more screens.

Until then, we think this advanced 2-D technology has more potential.

Remember to cast your vote in the survey at the end, though. As this lets us know the types of stories our readers dig most.

Let’s jump right in…

Tech Trend #1: Nuance Introduces a Siri for Everyone Else

The Siri personal assistant application was one of the main selling features for Apple’s (Nasdaq: AAPL) iPhone 4S. And while having a voice-controlled application with an actual personality is a novel idea, its popularity quickly cooled off. Part of the reason is that the Siri could only be integrated into native applications in the iPhone operating system.

Nuance Communications (Nasdaq: NUAN) – the company behind the voice recognition technology that allows Siri to understand your voice – could change that, though. The company already offers a voice-control app called Dragon Go!, and it provides useful features that Siri doesn’t offer. Now it’s created new voice-control software that not only understands natural language like Siri can, but it can also be incorporated into existing mobile applications.

Nuance is offering the software development kit (SDK) to banks, insurance companies and other businesses so they can bring advanced voice features to their applications. It’s also offering development assistance. And while the software won’t be available to smaller application developers at this time, I’m convinced that it will trickle down once it begins to catch on.

Now, according to The Verge, “Nuance doesn’t believe that [the software] competes directly with Siri.” It’s tough to agree, though, when you consider that the company named the app Nina. Cute.

Another great feature about Nina is that it can also unlock your phone using your voice. Something that I find a bit more secure than a numeric password.

Granted, Apple has a new unlock mechanism in the works that could be even stronger. WSD Insider subscribers have been tuned in to the technology – and the company that develops it – for over a year now. Gains are currently at 173%. Go here to find out more.

Tech Trend #2: Starbucks Cozies Up to Square

Starbucks (Nasdaq: SBUX) just dished out $25 million to put Square’s payment technology in its coffee shops. Square offers a credit card reader that attaches to iPhones and iPads. It also provides a new way for consumers to pay for their caffeine fixes without credit cards at all.

Using GPS technology, your mobile phone can alert Starbucks that you’re in the shop. When you walk up to the register, the cashier can identify you in the system and process the payment without any further steps. No credit cards involved.

This is a step away from NFC payment technology, like Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) Wallet, since it doesn’t require consumers to take their phones out at all. That also means, however, that it doesn’t come with the built-in security measures NFC offers. For instance, as Reuters’ John C. Abell says, “NFC is specifically designed to work only over tiny distances – a few centimeters – the better to avoid mishaps that might occur if you were just walking past a terminal.”

We’ll have to wait a while to see if consumers catch on to the new format, though, since Starbucks won’t be using Square’s location awareness features right away.

Tech Trend #3: Competitors Getting Grumpy Over Microsoft’s Surface Tablet

In June, Acer founder, Stan Shih, expressed that Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) wouldn’t stay in the tablet-making business for long. And its new Surface tablet was just a way to build interest in the new operating system.

I told you at the time I wasn’t convinced – and with good reason.

Well, now it seems that Acer doesn’t even believe it anymore. The company’s CEO, JT Wang, told the Financial Times, “We have [told Microsoft to] think it over… It will create a huge negative impact for the ecosystem and other brands may take a negative reaction… It is not something you are good at… so please think twice.”

The problem with Wang’s statement is that Microsoft actually created a unique tablet that had the tech world buzzing after the company unveiled it. That’s something many hardware makers have failed to do.

My advice to Mr. Wang: Instead of giving Microsoft anymore not-so-friendly advice, get to work on creating your own killer Windows tablet that gets us even more excited. This is what competition is all about, no?

Cast Your Vote!

Let us know which topic interested you the most…

That’s all for today. Have a great weekend!

Good investing,

Justin Fritz

Remember to weigh in on the proceeding survey to let us know which story has you most tuned in.

Enough exposition. Here’s this week’s Briefing…

Tech Trend #1: Major Development for Google Wallet

Long-time Wall Street Daily readers know that we’re particularly tuned in to the mobile payments space. More specifically, technologies like Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) Wallet that use Near-Field Communication (NFC) to allow your smartphone to replace your credit card.

One of the biggest drawbacks of Google Wallet, however, was that it only supported direct purchases using a MasterCard (NYSE: MA) from Citigroup (NYSE: C). Everyone else was forced to put cash on a Google prepaid card before using the application. Compared to a competing app launching soon, Isis, which partnered with all major credit card companies.

Google must have realized this limitation, however, as it’s introduced a cloud-based version of the app that supports all major credit cards. The catch is that it stores your credit card information in the cloud, not on the uber-secure NFC chip. Although a special ID number that’s used by the app to facilitate purchases will still be stored in the chip.

Of course, the Isis players – Verizon (NYSE: VZ), AT&T (NYSE: T) and T-Mobile – are blocking the app. Surprise, surprise. But I’m sure there will be a way around that soon.

Tech Trend #2: Once Blind, But Now They See

I’m not someone who gets woozy around needles. But a needle to the eye? That’s enough to make anyone a bit jumpy.

However, it could be worth it for some people, since scientists have discovered an injection to the eye that could soon help restore sight.

Researchers at the University of California-Berkeley are testing a chemical called AAQ. Essentially, it can cause neurons to activate when exposed to light, something that could reverse some of the most common causes of blindness.

They tested the chemical on blind mice, and according to Popular Science, “Mice that received AAQ injections later shied away from light and their pupils contracted, which indicated their brains were receiving light signals.”

The only problem is that the effect only lasts a few days. Hopefully after further tests, scientists can figure out how to maintain sight a bit longer. (Because the only thing worse than an injection to the eye is multiple injections to the eye every week.)

Tech Trend #3: Cut $80 Off Your Smartphone Plan With Republic Wireless

Back in November, I discussed Republic Wireless’ move to revolutionize mobile networks. In short, it offers a $19 a month mobile plan that includes unlimited voice and data. It does so by asking users to rely heavily on Wi-Fi networks whenever possible. When there’s no Wi-Fi available, the user’s phone defaults to Sprint’s (NYSE: S) cellular network.

At the time, I was convinced that the super low price would attract a lot of attention. I was right. The company behind the service, Bandwidth.com, reported an overwhelming response to the beta test of the plan, saying that the initial inventory of phones sold out in hours.

Now the company has reopened the beta test to new customers. Only this time, it’s offering a newer, more capable smartphone – the Motorola Defy XT. So the company should have no problem attracting a slew of new beta users this time around, too.

The only catch? You need to pay $249 up front for the device. That’s a little steep, considering you can get better smartphones for less money. But there’s no contract with Republic Wireless. And at $19 a month, you can easily make up for the extra dough in a few months’ time.

Would you be willing to ditch your high-priced plan for a cheaper (albeit, new and experimental) mobile carrier? Let us know in the comments below, or on Facebook or Google+.

Cast Your Vote!

Let us know which topic interested you the most…

That’s all for today. Have a great weekend!

Good investing,

Justin Fritz

Remember to cast your vote in the survey at the end. Not only does this let us know which story has you tuned in most, but you’ll also get to see what other Wall Street Daily readers are into.

Now on to this week’s topics

Tech Trend #1: Samsung Ousts Apple

There’s no question that the story that got the most attention this week was Apple’s (Nasdaq: AAPL) earnings. The company missed estimates (something it rarely does), which has pushed investors to sell off shares.

Louis Basenese mentioned yesterday that Apple’s stock price might not head higher any time soon, either.

One reason is that Apple is a two-hit wonder. As Louis said, “iPhone and iPad sales now account for 72% of revenue, up from 65% last quarter. So the only way for its stock to keep climbing… is for Apple to keep introducing new product categories. Then it must instantly dominate those new markets.”

Louis then quoted North Shore Asset Management’s Michael Obuchowski to back up his point: “Pressure is mounting… Because everybody else has a much faster design cycle, Apple has to come up with a new phone that’s competitive not just when it comes out, but will stay competitive for a long period of time. That’s going to be increasingly difficult.”

Well, Samsung (LON: BC94) is proving just how difficult competing against this aggressive design cycle can be. A new report from Strategy Analytics indicates that Samsung shipped 50.5 million smartphones in the last quarter and now claims 34.6% of the market. Apple, on the other hand, sold 26 million iPhones – or about half as much as Samsung – and has 17.8% marketshare.

True, looking at shipments versus actual sales isn’t exactly a perfect comparison. But as Business Insider’s Seth Fiegerman says, “The data does suggest that demand for Samsung’s phones is well ahead of Apple’s right now.” And it’s a situation that Apple’s likely not going to find its way out of any time soon.

Tech Trend #2: Nintendo 3DS Sales (Unsurprisingly) Disappoint

Over a year ago, I discussed why Nintendo’s (PINK: NTDOY) handheld 3DS device – which was experiencing slower-than-expected sales at the time – would continue to disappoint. Well, it turns out I was right.

The company reported a loss of almost $1 billion thanks in part to disappointing 3DS sales. Granted, much of the loss can be attributed to foreign exchange rates. But as PC Magazine says, “Nintendo has… struggled to gain interest in the 3DS, even after slashing the price to $170 from $250 just four months after its release.”

Let’s see if the Wii U can pick up the slack.

Tech Trend #3: Google TV Service is Here

Back in February, I expressed my excitement over the possibility of a Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) TV service attached to is fiber-optic rollout in Kansas City. I was hoping Google would (finally) introduce an a la cart TV service that lets you pay for only the channels you want – something that would certainly make pay-TV companies shake in fear.

Wall Street Daily readers couldn’t agree more. Like Allan, who said, “I wish it was happening tomorrow. The stranglehold the cable providers have enjoyed as local monopolies will finally be over. I hope we get access to every digital TV station in the world. Leave it to Google to continually find ways to take it to the next level.”

Well, Google has finally announced pricing plans for its TV and internet service. And sadly, a la carte isn’t happening. (Yet.)

However, along with Google’s paid plans – which include internet that’s 100 times faster than current speeds – it’s also offering a free internet plan that matches the speeds you’re likely getting at your house now. Sure, it includes a one-time cost of $300 to get started. But considering how much cash this could save you (the service is guaranteed for seven years), I don’t see anyone having beef with that initial cost.

So cable companies shouldn’t relax just yet.

Cast Your Vote!

Let us know which topic interested you the most…

That’s all for today. Have a great weekend!

Good investing,

Justin Fritz

Remember to cast your vote in the survey at the end, though. This lets us know the types of stories our readers dig most.

Let’s jump right in…

Tech Trend #1: Leap’s Laying the Groundwork for a Successful Launch

In May I discussed how Leap Motion’s technology could quickly become a threat to Microsoft’s (Nasdaq: MSFT) Kinect. That’s because Leap’s gesture recognition technology is capable of tracking movements from multiple objects at once, including each individual finger. The Kinect doesn’t boast that type of precision.

That’s why I’m convinced that Leap’s technology could more effectively bring gesture control to a wider range of interfaces, not just gaming. And based on the company’s latest move, it seems that Leap also realizes this potential…

The company just hired Andy Miller from venture capital firm, Highland Capital Partners. What’s key about Miller, though, is that he used to be the head of mobile advertising at Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL). So he knows a thing or two about successfully building a company’s image, which should help Leap hit the ground running once its product goes to market.

Tech Trend #2: Merck’s Knocking People Out With its New Insomnia Drug

As big pharmaceutical companies fall off the patent cliff, it’s more important than ever to release game-changing new drugs. And Merck (NYSE: MRK) might have one ready soon…

In July 2011, the company began clinical trials for a new insomnia drug to compete with previous leaders in the space like Ambien and Lunesta. This new drug, suvorexant, is unique because it “blocks a tiny group of receptors that keep the body alert, rather than boosting the brain’s complex sleep system,” Bloomberg said today.

As a result, during its phase III studies, “about 90% of the patients didn’t feel sleepy the day after they took the drug,” Trefis said last month. Such side effects are a huge problem with current sleep therapies.

After GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) wasted $4.07 billion last year trying (and failing) to develop a new insomnia drug, Merck has certainly taken a gamble with the new trial.

However, as Bloomberg said this week, “Merck’s clinical trial has lasted a year, more than any other sleep drug, which the company says may mean it’s possible for patients to use the drug for longer than current therapies.”

If approved by the FDA, it could generate $900 million a year for the company, according to Barclays (NYSE: BCS) analyst, Tony Butler.

Tech Trend #3: New Apple Patent to Put Android Makers on the Defensive

Last week we learned that the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) will meet with mobile phone manufacturers in October to arrange a better system for settling patent disputes and working on licensing agreements.

That meeting can’t happen soon enough now that mobile patent litigation’s heaviest hitter, Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL), just received some killer new intellectual property.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted Apple 25 patents today. But the one that stands out in particular relates to the iPhone’s graphical user interface for displaying electronic lists and documents.

That’s essentially another way of saying that Apple has patented a way to show information on a digital display. Not good for Android developers.

As Wired says, it “may sound snoozy, but the patent – which covers graphical user interfaces ranging from email to Camera Roll to menu lists to the multi-touch interface in general – looks like a dangerous weapon for Apple as it battles Android handset makers.”

I give it no more than a month before we see Apple put it to good use in the courtroom.

Cast Your Vote!

Let us know which topic interested you the most…

That’s all for today. Have a great weekend!

Good investing,

Justin Fritz

Please be sure to cast your vote at the end, as this allows us to get to know what our readers want to see.

Here are this week’s topics of interest…

Technology Trend #1: Intel’s Chip Strategy Taking Shape

We already know that Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is developing groundbreaking computing technology at breakneck pace. Take its processor lineup, for example. In May 2011, it developed the world’s first 3-D transistor to be used in its “Ivy Bridge” microprocessor (now found in new Ultrabook laptops). This processor costs less, runs faster and uses less power than traditional chips.

Then, by September, Intel was already laying the groundwork for its next chip, “Haswell,” which is efficient enough to run on solar power alone.

The problem is, as these chips get more advanced, it becomes more difficult to produce them on a large scale. Intel’s planning ahead, though. It announced on Monday that it’s buying a 10% stake in ASML Holding (Nasdaq: ASML), which makes equipment for chip manufacturers.

Intel’s goal is to speed up production of a chip-making process that allows semiconductors to maintain power as they get smaller. It will also work with ASML on transitioning to a new chip-building process involving larger silicon wafers. Simply put, this would speed up the production time for semiconductors, and reduce costs by 30% to 40%.

Technology Trend #2: A Potential Reprieve From the Patent Litigation Frenzy

In February, Matthew Weinschenk discussed how the seemingly endless patent lawsuits are stifling innovation. Well, there might be a solution on the way…

According to BusinessWeek, “In October, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) will hold ‘a high-level roundtable discussion’ with both standards organizations and mobile device manufacturers in hopes of removing barriers to continued mobile innovation.”

In other words, companies will be working with the ITU to arrange a better system for settling patent disputes and coming to licensing agreements.

Some of patent litigation’s heaviest hitters are joining the festivities, including Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL), Motorola, HTC (TPE: 2498), Samsung (LON: BC94) and Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT). So here’s hoping that they finally come to some understanding.

Technology Trend #3: Amazon Phone in the Works?

You’ve no doubt heard talk that Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) is working on its own smartphone. Both Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal have discussed the possibility. It makes sense, since it’s the next natural move after entering the tablet space with the Kindle Fire last year. But the company hasn’t officially confirmed the rumors.

However, it did just make a new hire that certainly boosts the likelihood of an Amazon smartphone launch in the near future. The company scooped up Richard Williams, Director of Business Development for Microsoft Windows Phone. Williams has now signed on as Director of Amazon’s Appstore.

He’s not the only smartphone-related employee Amazon took from Microsoft, either. The company hired another Windows Phone director, Brandon Watson, back in February.

Does an Amazon phone sound intriguing to you? Or are you already a diehard iPhone or Android fan? After voting, let us know how you feel about Amazon’s potential plans in the comments or on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus or LinkedIn.

Cast Your Vote!

Let us know which topic interested you the most…

That’s all for today. Have a great weekend!

Good investing,

Justin Fritz

In May, comScore reported that e-commerce retail sales reached $44.3 billion in the U.S. alone in the first quarter. Not only is that an increase of 17% over the same quarter in 2011, but comScore also says it’s “the tenth consecutive quarter of positive year-over-year growth and sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth.”

On the other hand, total U.S. retail sales dropped 0.2% in April and May – the first time we’ve seen a consecutive drop in almost two years, says The Wall Street Journal.

The trend isn’t exclusive to the United States, either. For instance, China is currently raking in $23 billion through online retail, and that number is expected to grow 29% a year, according to A.T. Kearney’s 2012 Retail e-Commerce Index.

The reason for the shift should be obvious, given that online shopping is more convenient than braving overcrowded malls and dealing with rude employees.

But just in case you needed reassurance, take a look at the chart below. It shows which purchasing platform consumers prefer (in-store, online using a computer or mobile) based on five different categories. And online purchases using a computer beat in-store purchases in three categories, including ease of use and convenience.

Frankly, though, the important question isn’t why consumers are changing their shopping habits. It’s how you can profit as companies begin to re-strategize around this trend. (By the way, some WSD Insiders are already sitting on double-digit profits by playing the shift. Go here to find out how.)

Enter, Burlington-based Demandware (NYSE: DWRE).

The All-In-One e-Commerce Solution

You may remember that Louis Basenese alerted Wall Street Daily readers to Demandware’s potential ahead of the company’s IPO in March. Here’s a quick review of what the company’s all about.

Demandware is a leading provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS) e-commerce solutions.

Essentially, SaaS allows businesses to outsource all their e-commerce needs, including the design, implementation and management of their online retail sites and mobile applications. Or, as the company’s website says, its “leading cloud-based digital commerce platform empowers retailers to create tailored and effective shopping experiences for consumers.”

With that in mind, the benefit Demandware’s solution provides to retailers is clear.

Consider that the costs of implementing an e-commerce platform don’t stop at the development stage. Companies must continually maintain the infrastructure and keep up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends.

Demandware does it all, allowing retailers to reduce costs and push products online faster, while keeping up with consumer demand at the same time.

So it’s not surprising that the company boasted 91 customers by the end of the third quarter last year, including brands like New Balance, Crocs (Nasdaq: CROX), Hugo Boss, L’Oreal, Barneys New York and Lands’ End.  The list continues to grow, too. In the most recent quarter, the company brought on leading retailers like Pacific Sunwear (Nasdaq: PSUN), Ecco, Oreck and TaylorMade, jacking up its total client list to over 110.

It’s also important to note that Demandware implements a subscription-based model that hands the company a cut of its partners’ total gross revenue that’s funneled through Demandware’s platform. Meaning the company can capitalize on the mounting increase in e-commerce spending without providing additional services or increasing costs.

Talk about a win-win!

The strategy is certainly paying off, too. Sales increased 54% in 2011 and subscription revenue for the first quarter of 2012 is up 46% year-over-year.

And based on new research from Gartner, Demandware’s outlook will only continue to improve.

Businesses Turning to the Clouds

Last month, Gartner projected that spending on enterprise application software will increase 4.5% this year, hitting $120.4 billion.

Now, most analysts are harping on how this projection falls short of Gartner’s previous estimate of 5% growth – a change the firm attributed to uncertainty in the economy.

But here’s the key takeaway from the research we should be focusing on: As businesses prepare for a potential slowdown, they’ll be turning to SaaS solutions more than ever.

Gartner’s research vice president, Tom Eid, says, “After more than a decade of SaaS and cloud service use, adoption continues to grow and evolve within the enterprise application markets. This is occurring as tighter capital budgets demand leaner alternatives; popularity and familiarity with the model increase; and interest in SaaS and cloud computing grows.”

If that’s still not enough proof for you, consider that consolidation in the industry is picking up steam, as well. For instance, Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL) has recently scooped up two cloud-computing companies for a combined $3.3 billion. And SAP (NYSE: SAP) agreed to acquire a cloud commerce developer for $4.3 billion in May. This follows the company’s purchase of another cloud-based company for $3.4 billion in December.

Bottom line: As more consumers make the shift to online spending, retailers will have no choice but to respond with advanced e-commerce platforms to meet the demand. And SaaS solutions from companies like Demandware offer a solid place to start.

Remember to cast your vote in the survey at the end. Not only does this let us know which story has you most tuned in, but you’ll also get to see what other Wall Street Daily readers are into.

Now, on to this week’s topics…

Tech Trend #1: Microsoft’s Tablet Plans Getting Clearer

During a last week’s Friday Briefing, I mentioned that Asus’ (TPE:2357) founder, Stan Shih, said that PC makers shouldn’t be worried about Microsoft’s (Nasdaq: MSFT) new Surface tablet. He claimed that even though Microsoft designed the hardware for the device – a first for the company – its hardware-making days were only temporary. So its PC and tablet partners should see it simply as a way to build interest in the new operating system. If you recall, I didn’t share the same opinion.

Now it looks like I’m not the only one. Patrick Moorhead, president of Moor Insights & Strategy, told CNET: “If Microsoft had seen compelling enough plans from [PC makers], they wouldn’t have needed to do this.”

Also, according to “a source at a large company that’s part of the ecosystem,” as CNET puts it, “[PC makers] are pissed off and they are looking for strategies now to not only counter the iPad but counter Surface.”

To top it off, Fast Company points out that a few patents are in the works that are connected to the company that indicate that Microsoft’s foray into the hardware space isn’t just a passing fad. The patents in question involve allowing multiple user accounts on a single device (something current tablets and smartphones can’t do), advanced display and navigation features, and remote control abilities.

Still think Microsoft’s hardware plans are going to be short-lived?

Tech Trend #2: The Biggest News for Google This Week Isn’t What You Think

At this week’s Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) I/O developer conference, the company unveiled its new Nexus tablet and showed off Google Glass. But while everyone is focusing on what the new tablet means for Google’s future as a hardware maker, I’m most excited about another announcement made during Wednesday’s keynote.

Android’s director of product management, Hugo Barra, said that the company now ships one million devices a week that have Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology built in.

As long-time Wall Street Daily readers know, we’ve been discussing the growing mobile payments trend, which involves making purchases with a phone through an embedded NFC chip, for a while now. But one of the biggest obstacles to widespread mobile payment adoption is the fact that not many devices with NFC are in the wild yet. But with a million rushing out to consumers on a weekly basis, mobile payment adoption should pick up steam in short order.

Tech Trend #3: Is RIM a Glutton for Punishment?

Yes, I’m back to talking about Research in Motion (Nasdaq: RIMM). Again. But the constant stream of boneheaded moves makes it tough to keep the company out of my sights.

Last time I wrote about RIM, it was handing its ex-CEOs an outrageous sum of cash, right after it announced that it was on a mission to cut costs.

Now, just two weeks later, the company has two more strikes against it. First, it announced dismal earnings yesterday, reporting a first quarter loss of $0.37 per share, more than five-times worse than analysts were expecting. Shares have plunged more than 19% on the news.

On top of that, that its new BB10 operating system – which was originally meant to launch this year – is now scheduled to hit in 2013. Why? According to the company, “the integration of these [new] features and the associated large volume of code into the platform has proven to be more time consuming than anticipated.”

This is probably the worst thing that could have been announced, considering the new operating system was the company’s only saving grace. But a 2013 launch gives plenty of time for Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) to launch the iPhone 5 along with the new iOS 6 operating system. At that point, no one’s going to be talking about BB10 anymore.

CEO, Thorsten Heins, is more optimistic, though. He says, “I am confident that the first BlackBerry 10 smartphones will provide a ground-breaking next generation smartphone user experience.”

Are you going to wait around and find out? Let us know in the comments, Facebook or Google Plus.

Cast Your Vote!

Let us know which topic interested you the most…

That’s all for today. Have a great weekend!

Good investing,

Justin Fritz