According to media reports, BlackBerry has stated that it has no plans to develop handsets for its own operating system, BB10. However, the Canadian tech giant will continue to issue updates for existing devices.
Tech giant to abandon BB10 OS, announces plans for two new mid-range Android devices
The company's OS has not been able to compete against Android and iOS which seems to have influenced the decision to opt for the Android platform, by releasing two new android phones in the nearest future.
Blackberry CEO, John Chen.
The company's OS has not been able to compete against Android and iOS which seems to have influenced the decision to opt for the Android platform, by releasing two new android phones in the nearest future.
BlackBerry also admitted that it made a tactical error in the pricing of its first Android phone, the Blackberry Priv - a lot of media reports did agree that the Priv's price was too high, including TechCabal'sOsarumen Osamuyi, who got to review the device (I can't understand why we still haven't gotten a unit, but let me pim).
“The fact that we came out with a high end phone [as our first Android device] was probably not as wise as it should have been,” BlackBerry CEO John Chen told Abu Dhabi paper The National.
ADVERTISEMENT
“A lot of enterprise customers have said to us, ‘I want to buy your phone but $700 is a little too steep for me. I’m more interested in a $400 device’,” he added.
The company's sales fell by almost $200m in the three months to the end of February. Chen had previously blamed the company’s poor sales figures on delays in negotiations with mobile networks about its Priv handset - apparently that is not a tenable excuse anymore.
In an attempt to remain relevant in the industry, John Chen says the company will launch two mid-range Android handsets this year. According to the BlackBerry boss, one will have a physical keyboard, the other a full touch-screen.
Chen still believes his company has a chance for differentiation based on BlackBerry’s long history of strong security and integration in corporate environments and is why the coming is making another attempt to grab some more market share for itself.
ADVERTISEMENT
Let's see if the introduction of these two mid-range phones will prompt a turnaround in the fortunes of the company. Watch this space. ;)
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
Yahaya Bello stripped of police protection as IG withdraws officers attached to him
No need to run when EFCC invites you, Cubana Chief Priest advises Nigerians
Immigration places wanted Yahaya Bello on watchlist, unveils his passport details
Oyo govt justifies demolition of Yoruba Nation agitators’ building
NAFDAC raids popular supermarket in Abuja for selling counterfeit products
Iranian morality police crack down on women who don't wear headscarves
FG sets up committee to compensate landowners affected by Lagos-Calabar road project
Kano Gov remains a bona fide member of our party - NNPP debunks suspension
We need ₦3.2trn to pay electricity subsidy in 2024 - FG
Pulse Sports
Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami
Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe
Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024
ADVERTISEMENT