RIM Behind 'Wake Up' Anti-Apple Flash Mob In Australia (VIDEO)

CP  |  By Posted: 05/ 1/2012 11:52 pm Updated: 05/ 2/2012 10:24 am

WATERLOO, Ont. - BlackBerry maker Research in Motion is confirming media reports that it was behind anti-Apple flashmobs that took place in Australia last week.

In a statement released Monday night, the Waterloo, Ont., company admitted that RIM Australia created the "Wake Up" campaign, which it says involves a series of experiential activities taking place across Sydney and Melbourne.

"A reveal will take place on May 7th that will aim to provoke conversation on what 'being in business' means to Australians," RIM says in the statement.

Last week, dozens of people in black clothing showed up in a coach bus and waved "Wake Up" signs at customers inside a Sydney Apple store.

Samsung — which is known for targeting Apple in its marketing campaigns — was initially blamed for the stunt by tech-focused web sites, but it denied any involvement.

RIM's "Wake Up" campaign is believed to be part of a promotion for the BlackBerry 10 operating system, which was previewed Tuesday at the BlackBerry World conference in Florida.

Loading Slideshow...
  • BlackBerry 10 First Look

    In email, when you select a message, it swoops in from the side.

  • BlackBerry 10 Preview

    A look at the "Glance" view on attachments in email.

  • BlackBerry 10 Preview

    A look at the new touchscreen keyboard, with predictions of what word you are going to type next. Hold down the letter and swipe up briefly to choose that word.

  • BlackBerry 10 Preview

    Another look at the predictive keyboard.

  • BlackBerry 10 Preview

    The phone call screen. Swipe up to dismiss, down to answer.

  • BlackBerry 10 Preview

    The phone call screen.

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WATERLOO, Ont. - BlackBerry maker Research in Motion is confirming media reports that it was behind anti-Apple flashmobs that took place in Australia last week.In a statement released Monday night, th...
WATERLOO, Ont. - BlackBerry maker Research in Motion is confirming media reports that it was behind anti-Apple flashmobs that took place in Australia last week.In a statement released Monday night, th...
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
rotary
canucklehead
10:56 PM on 05/03/2012
Anyone else see the pun? FLASH mob? Har had har
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
G FORCE
01:25 AM on 05/03/2012
CrackBerry is the worst phone ever, time to retire this crap.
Horrible Phone .
02:25 PM on 05/02/2012
I used to be a fan of BB phones for a few years. When I switched to BB 9930 (the latest bold model), I've got very disappointed with the software, battery, and apps. Eventually, I traded it for iPhone and I don't even regret it.
It seems like RIM is trying to compete with iOS and Android by pulling their BB 10 software, new iPhone-like touch phone, and even this wacky flash mob. My respect for this company has been gradually declining since 2011. And I'm not sure if their come-back is going in the positive direction. RIM is slowly following the footsteps of two giants by simply re-designing their software and hardware (and still lags behind). If it seriously considers to compete in the market and the global arena, it needs to come up with something really unique and different. Besides, new design and new look do not necessarily mean better than before. I actually experienced more issues with BB OS 7 than OS 6 which is unfortunate...
It's funny that RIM released multiple versions of their OS but never added "reboot" option to their smartphones. You always need to pull out the battery to do so.
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HurricaneDitka420
--Yo Soy Fiesta--
02:21 PM on 05/02/2012
RIM is that company from the '90s right?
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thewirah
Freedom is a dish best served cold
01:52 PM on 05/02/2012
I am not really into the whole Apple religion thing but this has to be the most pathetic marketing campaign I have ever seen.
01:47 PM on 05/02/2012
Shouldn't they spend their limited resources on something that will actually return value?

What a dumb and pointless stunt.
01:39 PM on 05/02/2012
dear RIM,

your products suck

love,

everybody
01:31 PM on 05/02/2012
if only the rim board 'woke up' and fired the two CEOs years ago, one of whom only cared about getting a hockey team instead of re-vamping an aging platform for phones
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
philp71
chris
01:26 PM on 05/02/2012
Im sure that made the Apple customers leave in droves and go buy a blackberry lol. fake protest is an new low for any company.
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DeathSquad
Founding member of A.R.L.A.
01:00 PM on 05/02/2012
Yeah, that's a great way to get customers, harass them in public.
12:54 PM on 05/02/2012
I would hate to have been one of those sign-carrying hirelings, faking enthusiasm for whatever it is they are yelling about. I wonder if they even knew.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
dexter2323
X D
12:43 PM on 05/02/2012
Desperation move by RIM. Their ship is sinking quickly.
01:33 PM on 05/02/2012
pretty much already sunk
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Edogg62
12:37 PM on 05/02/2012
Ha ha ha ha. "Damn... all we do is create inferior versions of Apple products and now it seems that everyone KNOWS that... I know..."
crakrman79
Like broken clockwork he's right twice a day!
12:29 PM on 05/02/2012
Corporations are getting so big and powerful. They control governments and mark my words these seemingly funny jests will someday be corporate armies fighting. They are like nations with no boarders.
GonzoFactor
Rationality and rationalization are not the same
12:38 PM on 05/02/2012
Just wait until a corporation uses nukes or CBW against a competitor or as corporate infighting.
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Fan Tastic
Conservative starts with "CON"
12:05 PM on 05/02/2012
threatening consumers of your rivals products is not a great marketing idea!
12:17 PM on 05/02/2012
seriously...any left over goodwill I had from before I switched to iPhone is gone! I hope they enjoy their crash