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TCL will stop selling BlackBerry-branded phones in August
Just when it seemed like BlackBerry was fading from consumer consciousness, the company partnered with electronics and appliance manufacturer TCL. The two collaborated to create BlackBerry-branded Android phones like the KEYone and KEY2. It's been four years since the partnership began, and in an unsurprising turn of events, TCL has announced that the two companies will part ways in August 2020.
This isn't the last we've heard of Samsung buying BlackBerry
How does that old song go? Everything old is new again? I'm reminded of it every time Samsung and BlackBerry get wrapped up in some will-they-won't-they acquisition intrigue like they did on Wednesday. In case you somehow missed all the fun, Reuters reported that Samsung offered a cool $7.5 billion to BlackBerry as part of a potential buyout deal. In the hours that followed, BlackBerry balked, Samsung shot the notion down and investor hope -- seen in the form of surging BBRY stock prices -- all but evaporated.
Engadget Rewind 2008: BlackBerry Storm
Smartphone makers were still reeling from the arrival of Apple's touchscreen-only iPhone when 2008 rolled around. Research in Motion (RIM), a mobile manufacturer best known for its BlackBerry line and QWERTY keyboard prowess, was at the top of its game and primed to jump into this emerging form factor. That year, it launched the BlackBerry Storm smartphone -- a direct rival to Apple's handset. As RIM's premier effort in touchscreen smartphones, it offered an interesting spin on the interface with what it called SurePress. This was a touchscreen you could depress or click; an innovation RIM hoped would bridge the gap between the company's current physical keyboard-accustomed clientele and the next generation of smartphone buyers. The Storm was RIM's attempt to solve the "problems associated with typing on traditional touchscreens" and leverage its longtime experience with clickable keys. While the phone had a sleek and solid build, a vibrant 3.25-inch display and was backed by Verizon's network, that SurePress technology ended up doing more harm than good.
This is BlackBerry's unreleased 'Cyclone' streaming box
In 2011, BlackBerry was rumored to be developing a media box to compete against the likes of Roku and Apple TV. While that device never made it to market, it looks like the company did manufacture some units, as proven by pictures posted on the CrackBerry forums. These photos were taken by user "isaac708," who claims he got 10 BlackBerry Cyclones (the device's code name) inside a box full of server stuff from a RIM liquidator. Half of those units came with a remote control, and some of them can actually connect to the internet via WiFi as well as stream videos to a TV using HDMI connection. One of the images he posted even shows the box's user interface with the YouTube and Slacker apps in full view, though Netflix, which is also supposed to be part of Cyclone's repertoire, is nowhere to be seen. While the device's fate is likely up in the air (if it hasn't been scrapped yet) due to the company's ongoing struggles, the pictures after the break should give you an idea of how it looks. [Thanks, Joel]
BlackBerry CEO hoping to avoid future layoffs, expects to be profitable by 2016
This morning's earnings report may not have been BlackBerry's favorite moment, but John Chen seems confident in his vision for the company's future -- and his ability to turn things around. Speaking with a small group of analysts and reporters, Chen mentioned that this coming year will be critical for BlackBerry, saying that it will be an investment year. We can't say we disagree; certainly the deal with Foxconn (which Chen specifies does not involve any licensing agreements, ensuring government relations remain under BlackBerry's control) will require a lot of additional effort and resources on his company's part. Chen seems adamant that this "investment" will not include layoffs, however, "if [he] can avoid it." Certainly no guarantee, of course, but Chen is confident that this quarter was just a hiccup that will help BlackBerry find future financial success, and that he expects his company to be cash flow-neutral by 2015 and profitable by 2016, and wants to do it using growth, rather than saving money through cuts. In fact, Chen plans to build up an Enterprise sales force "to take it back to the market."
Apples to BlackBerrys: John Sculley reportedly considering bid for failing phone maker
For anyone who has followed Apple's history, John Sculley is a familiar figure. He was the CEO who famously ousted Steve Jobs from the company he co-founded in 1985; he championed the ill-fated Newton; and he eventually left Apple as its profits turned to losses in 1993. Yesterday afternoon, The Globe and Mail published a report that has the potential to change that legacy. According to the piece by Steven Chase and Iain Marlow, the man who fired Steve Jobs is considering a bid for BlackBerry.
BBM for Android and iOS notches more than 10 million downloads in 24 hours
By the looks of BlackBerry's stats, millions were not only unfazed by BBM's launch hiccup on Android and iOS, but were also excited to get the app. The company formerly known as RIM says that BBM has been downloaded more than 10 million times within 24 hours since its release on the platforms. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean there are now 10 million devices out there sending and receiving BlackBerry-flavored messages: a boatload of people, including this editor, are still waiting for activation emails before they can even take it for a spin. BBM Video, Voice and Channels haven't made it to the application just yet, but they -- along with other features -- are still on the roadmap. Here's hoping the company's servers can continue handling the onslaught of users.
Apple looking to hire BlackBerry employees
On September 19, BlackBerry Ltd. announced that it was going to cut up to 40 percent of its workforce "across all departments." Now comes word via the Financial Post that Apple was quick to set up a recruitment drive about 12 miles away from the company's headquarters in Waterloo, Ontario. In the Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre on Sept. 26, located in Cambridge, Ont. on the outskirts of the Kitchener-Waterloo region where BlackBerry was born, the iPhone maker invited local talent with the aim of luring them to their Silicon Valley operations. The report further relays that invitations sent out to prospective employees indicated that most positions will be based out of Cupertino, noting that "relocation and immigration assistance will be provided" as needed. For a fascinating, in-depth and behind-the-scenes look at the downfall of the once-mighty RIM, check out this extensive piece from The Globe and Mail published just two weeks ago. Suffice it to say, the iPhone completely turned the mobile space on its head and those that were unable to fully appreciate that a new era of mobile computing was upon us were left in the dust. As for BlackBerry itself, the company, plagued by plummeting revenues, entered into a letter of intent with Fairfax Financial to go private for US$9 a share.
BlackBerry co-founders considering bid for all or part of the company
There were a number of reports last month that RIM/BlackBerry co-founder Mike Lazaridis was at least thinking about putting in a bid of his own for the company, and an SEC filing published today has now shed some more light on the matter. While an actual bid remains anything but a sure thing, the filing does confirm that Lazaridis has agreed to partner with fellow co-founder Douglas Fregin on any potential deal, which could be for "all or a portion of the assets or equity interests" of the company, according to the document. The goal of any bid, as outlined in the filing, would be "stabilizing and ultimately reinventing the company based on a plan developed by them." The filing also confirms that that the pair have enlisted the help of Goldman Sachs and Centerview Partners as they explore their options, which they say includes "a potential acquisition of all the outstanding shares of the issuer that they do not currently own, either by themselves or with other interested investors." This news follows the only formal bid for the company that's on the table, a proposed $4.7 billion deal from Fairfax Financial, which many have grown skeptical of despite a so-called letter of intent agreement that was signed by BlackBerry.
WSJ: BlackBerry expected to cut up to 40 percent of its workforce by year's end
BlackBerry hasn't been hiding the fact that it's cutting back on its workforce, but a new report from The Wall Street Journal today suggests that another particularly big round of layoffs could be in store. Citing people familiar with the matter, the paper says that the company is preparing to cut up to 40 percent of its workforce by the end of the year, with the layoffs expected to "cut across all departments" and "occur in waves." As the WSJ notes, the most recent tally of employees the company has disclosed is 12,700, which is already down from 17,000 two years ago. This latest news also comes after an report earlier this month that at least some BlackBerry board members are pushing for a speedy sale of the company, which reportedly could happen as early as November. For its part, BlackBerry isn't commenting on the specific number of layoffs, telling the WSJ only that "organizational moves will continue to occur to ensure we have the right people in the right roles to drive new opportunities in mobile computing."
WSJ: BlackBerry sale likely to be wrapped up by November
Details about an eventual sale of BlackBerry are slowly but surely starting to pick up steam. Following a confirmation from the Waterloo-based company about it being open to seeking "strategic alternatives," The Wall Street Journal is now reporting that members of the board are "aiming to run a fast auction process" which could be finalized as early as November of this year. Sourcing the well-informed people familiar with the matter, the publication goes on to say that BlackBerry has narrowed its list of potential buyers, with the sales process "expected to begin soon." We'll see how long it takes for Thorsten Heins and Co. to find someone interested in the troubled brand, but something tells us it won't be much longer before this story reaches its climax.
BlackBerry Q10 coming to Sprint on August 30th for $199.99
Whatever happens at boardroom level, BlackBerry's still gotta shift some smartphones, and now it's pushing one of its flagships over to Sprint. The BlackBerry Q10 will arrive on Big Yellow on August 30th with an asking price of $199.99 before tax -- confirming what we learned mid-way through July. As with all new Sprint handsets, customers will be able to take advantage of the network's unlimited data packages, unlike some other companies we could mention.
QNX and Panasonic link up to bring fancy in-car infotainment systems to more showrooms
For those who can't quite handle the down payment on a Bentley, there's a Porsche. For those who can't quite handle the down payment on a Porsche, there's... well, about to be something else to covet. QNX -- the same software outfit responsible for sprucing up the in-car infotainment systems in the aforesaid brands -- has just inked a deal with Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, which should deliver QNX CAR-based systems to vehicles sold in North America, Europe, and Japan. Sadly, neither company is coming clean on which automakers are lined up (if any) to swap their ho hum systems out for something a bit more modern, but we're certainly hoping that it's more than just a handful. Oh, and if any of the motorcar makers in attendance need any ideas for implementation....
BlackBerry: BBM still scheduled to hit iOS
BlackBerry announced back in May that BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) would be coming to iOS later this summer. With July steadily approaching, we still haven't heard any specific details as to when we might expect to see BBM hit the App Store. Earlier today, however, BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins mentioned during an earnings conference call that BBM for iOS will, in fact, drop "before the end of the summer." I suppose that puts the release window, at the very latest, sometime in mid-late August. While I'm not sure how many iOS users are pining for BBM, it's worth noting that BlackBerry has stated that there are over 51 million active users who use BBM on a daily basis and that the service handles over 10 billion messages per day. If you happen to be one of those folks waiting to get your hands on BBM for iOS, some of the planned features include multi-person chats, and the ability to create BlackBerry Groups to share photos, calendars and other files with groups of up to 30 people.
Samsung lures former BlackBerry UK chief for EU business unit
When Rob Orr left his role as BlackBerry's UK and Ireland chief earlier this month, we knew it wouldn't be long before another company sought out his skills. Turns out, his final destination has been Samsung, where the seven-year RIM veteran will take up a vice presidential role in the Korean giant's business-to-business telecoms operation. There's an official release from Samsung after the break, but we'd have preferred it if Orr had posted something amusing to his Linkedin.
BBM for iOS slated to arrive on June 27 (Updated)
Update: Note that T-Mobile UK has since deleted the tweet. BlackBerry has since confirmed that BBM for iOS will not be launching on June 27. Back in mid-May, we reported that BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) would soon be making its way to both iOS and Android as a free download. And now, thanks to a tweet from T-Mobile UK, it appears that BBM fans have something to look forward to on June 27. Now you might be wondering who exactly uses BBM anymore. Well, BlackBerry a few weeks ago noted that BBM continues to service more than 60 million active users per month and that BBM users send and receive upwards of 10 billion messages each day. So there is a market for it, apparently. BBM for iOS will only run on iOS 6 and will include features such as multi-person chats, voice note sharing and BlackBerry Groups. Twitter via Engadget
Sorry iPad owners, BBM for iOS will be iPhone only
RIM announced earlier this week that BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) is coming to both iOS and Android as a free download later this summer. While RIM's market share continues to plummet, the number of folks who still use BBM is rather impressive. In a post on BlackBerry's official blog earlier this week, RIM boasted that BBM services more than 60 million active users per month and that BBM users send and receive more than 10 billion messages each and every day. For iOS users excited to explore, or perhaps get reacquainted with BBM, I should point out that BBM for iOS will only work on iPhones running iOS 6. In other words, iPad owners need not apply. The news comes courtesy of Trusted Reviews which was able to get a direct statement on the matter from BlackBerry Software Portfolio head Vivek Bhardwaj. "Smartphone is our real focus and and again it comes back to what BBM is," Bhardwaj explained. "If you look BBM and the engagement and the activity, it's because it is mobile, because people are on the go." That's not to say that BBM for the iPad won't eventually see the light of day, but for the time being, BBM on smartphones appears to be the only thing on RIM's radar. Explaining the company's decision to avoid iPad and other tablets in order to focus the BBM app launch on smartphone devices, he stated: "When you start looking at tablets, computers and other screens, the usage model changes and behaviour changes. For us right now the absolute focus is getting BBM onto smartphones. As previously indicated, BBM for iOS will include the following features: The immediacy of BBM chats Multi-person chats Voice note sharing BlackBerry Groups, where BBM users are able to set up groups of up to 30 people and share calendar, photos, files and more
Rogers leak pins BlackBerry Q10 Canadian launch date as April 30th (update: pricing confirmed)
BlackBerry fans waiting for an opportunity to blend the BlackBerry 10 OS with a more familiar QWERTY form factor may know exactly how long they have left, at least north of the border. MobileSyrup received this pic tonight of what is purported to be an internal Rogers document, which lists the launch date for the BlackBerry Q10 as April 30th. A few other phones appear on the list as well, revealing the Canadian carrier will be offering the Nokia Lumia 520 and a couple of Doro's PhoneEasy models. If this date holds up it's a lot more specific than what we'd heard before -- hopefully we're not left waiting much longer for US release information. Update: Rogers is going on the record for many more Q10 details... except the ship date. It tells us that the smartphone will cost $200 on a 3-year contract, and that Rogers will be the first (but not only) Canadian carrier with the white edition. The Q10 will also be one of the few Rogers smartphones to supplement the usual AWS-based LTE frequencies with the 2,600MHz band, the other notable example being the LG Optimus G. The more eager among us can reserve the Q10 today.
Jim Balsillie sells his 5.1 percent stake in BlackBerry
Jim Balsillie, the former co-CEO of Research in Motion (now known as BlackBerry), has been until recently the third-largest shareholder in the company with 5.1 percent ownership. According to Financial Post, however, he's cut his stake in BlackBerry altogether, now reporting a grand total of zero shares. Balsillie stepped down as co-CEO in January and resigned from the board in March; this next big move away from the company will likely lead to speculation that his interest or faith in BlackBerry's future is waning, though his successor certainly would beg to differ.
Another World: Anniversary Edition comes to BlackBerry 10
Classic games publisher Dotemu has announced a port of the Anniversary Edition of Another World for the BlackBerry 10 OS, which means you can play the game on the new Z10 or BlackBerry's Playbook. This is the same version that appeared on iOS systems a little while ago..The Anniversary Edition of the game includes the ability to switch between old-school and updated graphics with just a swipe of your fingers, as well as both original and remastered soundtracks, controls made just for the touchscreen, and three different difficulty modes. Fans can pick up the game for $4.99 on BlackBerry's AppWorld ecosystem right now.