Research In Motion's decision last month to replace long-time co-CEOs Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis with COO Thorsten Heins crystallised the challenges that remain for the BlackBerry maker. The vendor is struggling to retain its market share in the U.S. and U.K., deliver its BlackBerry 10 platform on time and with perfect execution, and then convince consumers, operators and developers alike that RIM is a company that will survive and is worth betting on. But RIM is not alone when it comes to smartphone challenges. Apple has yet to find a route into the emerging markets, Google has the headache of integrating Motorola Mobility into its empire, and Microsoft has to persuade consumer and the developer community that it's a mainstream player. How will the platforms rise to meet the challenges they face in 2012? Here's what you can expect. Special Report
