Death of Blackberry Unlikely: Blackberry Classic Release May Not Be Enough To Bring Back Old Customers, ‘Few More Quarters Needed’ To Forecast Growth
BlackBerry Classic Release Date. The Blackberry Classic unveiled on December 17 at an event in New York City and it’s touted to make a difference in the smartphone market since it offers some of the more conservative features and enhancements that Blackberry users look for. Analysts, however, say that the Blackberry Classic may not be convincing in the broad-range versatile phone market that rivals like Apple and Samsung have a hold on. But it is also too early to say that the death of the Blackberry is in the offing. Or at least in the near future.
While the Blackberry Classic and previously released Balckberry Passport may not be enough to win over customers who have migrated to Apple and Android OS phones, Blackberry is also planning to release apps that can be used on the iPhone and Android based phones.
After reporting net losses, Blackberry CEO John Chen has said that the results for 2014 have not been ‘satisfying,’ despite a strong attempt for a turnaround. The Waterloo, Ontario-based company appointed Chen to restructure the mobile handset division and Chen says there may still be a chance for an upturn in the company’s financial figures as it hopes to release more smartphones that reflect improvements on old classics like the Bold 9900.
With a twist on innovation coupled with the Blackberry’s signature QWERTY keyboard, there is still a demand from ‘die-hard’ users who are still acclimated to Blackberry’s ‘old feel’ and business users who swear by its ease of use.
At any rate, CEO Chen said he doesn’t know how to make the Blackberry ‘sexy’ and he also says he doesn’t believe in ‘sensationalizing’ it, since the Death of the Blackberry is unlikely. Observers have lauded Chen for his ‘unique’ approach in improvement the financial status of the company. He feels it will take at least a few more quarters before a change is noticed.
“John Chen comes across with candor. He clearly had a period where he was learning about BlackBerry but once he had a foundation he made a series of promises that he has continued to keep. Reducing the firm’s cash burn, pivoting it into more of a services and software company, and clearly focusing the firm back on its loyal customers who have unique work and security requirements,” Datamation.com reports.
