Blackberry looks to acquisitions and software as means of righting the ship
Although Blackberry has been getting considerable press in technology circles lately thanks to their new Android-based smartphone, the PRIV, the company continues to flounder around thanks to lackluster hardware sales. In an interview today Blackberry CEO John Chen indicated the company plans to make more acquisitions and focus on software in the near future as a way to turn things around.
Chen indicated that the key target to Blackberry’s acquisition activity is to reach $500 million in software revenue by March 2016. He noted that the company has over $3 billion in available cash and is “pouring most of that into research and development.” This in-house work comes in addition to five acquisitions the company has completed over the last 20 months. The most recent addition was Good Technology Corp., acquired in September, which builds applications for employees to better use their smartphones in a secure fashion.
Chen says, “if we don’t get a good hardware business going, we will more consider the software side.” Blackberry lost their position as number one in the market back in 2007 and has been on a slide ever since. Even the PRIV, while generating some buzz as the company’s first Android phone and re-introducing a physical keyboard, is not receiving glowing reviews and thus far only AT&T has agreed to sell the device.
source: Bloomberg
Come comment on this article: Blackberry looks to acquisitions and software as means of righting the ship
Marshmallow update coming to BlackBerry Priv in the new year
Despite the lack of a launch event, the BlackBerry Priv has finally arrived this month, although you may still have to wait a few days before the phone starts shipping out. BlackBerry has also been dishing out a few more details about the handset lately and has announced that an Android 6.0 Marshmallow update is planned for the future.
According to BlackBerry’s President of Devices, Ron Louks, a Marshmallow update will be heading to the Priv “sometime in the new year.” That may sound like a pretty wide release margin, but it is reassuring to know that ongoing support for the handset is planned. It certainly wouldn’t be a good start to BlackBerry’s Android career if the company failed to bring the latest version of Android to its only handset.
BlackBerry has also recently announced that the phone will be receiving monthly Android security updates, at least so long as you buy it through the BlackBerry shop. The manufacturer is planning to roll out updates within a month after Google releases them, at least in Europe. Carrier branded handsets may have to wait a little longer, and we can assume that the same will be true for the Marshmallow update.
See also: BlackBerry Priv to receive monthly Android security patches
Do you think that BlackBerry is setting itself up for success with the Priv? Are you planning to buy one?
BlackBerry can bypass carriers to deliver Android security fixes
Multiple Android phone makers are promising monthly security updates, but there’s a big gotcha: they typically have to get approval from carriers, which means you’ll wait weeks before those updates arrive. BlackBerry won’t be making that compromise with the Priv, however. It’s not only planning to deliver monthly security updates, but won’t always have to go through carriers to do it — the company claims it can “directly patch” every Priv model, even if it’s locked to a specific network. The smartphone maker will work with its partners on pushing fixes when it can, but it’ll skip the queue and deliver an out-of-cycle patch if there’s a major vulnerability.
Source: Inside BlackBerry
BlackBerry Priv review: Android alone can’t save the company
Sports fans often say that their team could pull itself out of a losing streak if only it’d play that exciting but untested, kid who’s usually consigned to the bench. Gadgets fans sing a similar hymn about BlackBerry, opining that it would have remained relevant if it’d adopted Android to run on its phones. Now, several years too late, we’re going to see what the long-deposed world champion can do with the world’s most popular operating system. The result is the Priv, a premium Android smartphone-cum-hail-Mary that’s offering two things other companies can’t: Privilege and Privacy. It’s also packing a slide-out physical keyboard, a 5.4-inch curved display and, naturally, the company’s famous security software. But the device has something else that we’ve not seen in a BlackBerry phone since the launch of the Q10: the expectation that the device might actually be worth buying. Slideshow-337031
Source: BlackBerry
Tizen has taken the #4 mobile OS spot from BlackBerry
While the Samsung-centered have already been playing around with Tizen for some time now – arguably since the Gear 2 released – the world at large still has very little knowledge of the fledgling platform, if any at all. Still, great strides have been made in India, for example, where Samsung claims it has the country’s second largest mobile OS as far as budget devices goes. Today however, a milestone has been reported by Strategy Analytics, who has found that, as of Q3 2015, Tizen is now the fourth largest mobile OS, which puts it ahead of BlackBerry.
To many, this accomplishment might seem like a non sequitur given the appeal of Android, however at the very least it gives further insight into why BlackBerry is releasing an Android handset. Likewise, other challengers such as Firefox OS have been around for years yet have ultimately failed – so far – to make major movements.
On Tizen & BlackBerry
While the above chart reflects data accurate as of Q2 2015, the changes in market composition regarding BlackBerry OS and the “Others” category is unlikely to have altered significantly within the past few months. Most likely, there has been a 0.3%-0.5% shift, still less than a single percentage point. To this end, the “success” of Tizen is a relative one to say the least.
It is possible that Q4 data will indicate a slightly larger shift however, givent hat Samsung is preparing a major European roll-out for its Tizen-based Z3 with 11 different countries involved. Given that trends in Europe are changing these days, there is definitely potential for the new mid-range device to see some adoption. At the very least, it may appeal to those consumers who have grown tired of premium pricing for the Korean conglomerate’s more readily available flagships.
The news is also relevant given the other Samsung-related stories that have graced headlines this past week. One such story was no less than the OEM’s Vice Chairman and co-CEO proclaiming that the company has to make major changes to survive: the eventual, larger success of Tizen could ultimately stem into a much larger money making enterprise, especially given that the ultimate goal is to use it on a host of different lifestyle products and appliances.
Samsung Z3
Likewise, another big story this week was a bold claim that Samsung will be exiting the smartphone market within the next five years. While it’s a possibility to be sure, the rising success of Tizen would also serve as an indication as to why the Korean OEM would want to stay.
Still, perhaps the most significant aspect of this report is that BlackBerry has continued to slip in market share, something that not only makes the new Priv essential to the company’s business, but also underscores the nature of Waterloo’s recent and serious statement. Somewhat ironically however, even if new-found success is found via Android, it is clearly not going to help re-establish the OEM’s BB OS market share, rather it may ultimately see it decrease even more significantly.
BlackBerry Priv to receive monthly Android security patches
In wake of the recent Stagefright vulnerability in Android, many OEMs have been committing to monthly security-focused updates for their devices. Companies such as Samsung, LG and Google have all committed to putting a bigger focus on security patches, and now we can add BlackBerry to that list as well.
BlackBerry has just released some detailed information as to how it plans to keep its upcoming Android-powered handset, the Priv, up to date with the latest security patches as they become available to the public. Specifically, the company says it will release monthly updates to users who have purchased the Priv through shopblackberry.com. If you happen to purchase your device from a carrier or authorized retailer, though, you might need to wait a bit longer. Only the carriers who agree to this monthly security update schedule will push out the patches in a timely manner. As of right now, we’re not entirely sure if the carriers are on-board with this update schedule.
BlackBerry will issue a hotfix if need be
Additionally, BlackBerry has detailed its plans to issue a “hotfix” to Priv devices if need be. This means that if a certain critical vulnerability is discovered that can’t wait for the monthly update cycle to roll around, BlackBerry will issue a hotfix to the affected devices. “While BlackBerry will work with its go-to-market partners on approval and delivery of hotfixes, BlackBerry has the ability to directly patch all PRIV variants and will do so when necessary to protect users and enterprises,” the company states. Of course, the ability to issue timely hotfixes largely depends on the severity of the vulnerability and the complexity of the fix.
BlackBerry also says that businesses can manage updates through the BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES), which will let IT professionals control when these patches are rolled out.
It’s no surprise to see BlackBerry commit to monthly security patches for the Priv. The company has proven itself time and time again that it’s putting a huge focus on security, and we don’t think that will change with its new Android handset.
BlackBerry’s Priv should have timely updates
Most hardware manufacturers producing Android devices drop the ball when it comes to keeping their devices’ software up-to-date. That’s why Motorola and HTC are often favorites among consumers looking to get a device with software that will be updated and in a timely fashion. Both companies have promises that can be broken, but that’s better than those that decide to say nothing about the status of software updates for their devices. BlackBerry, which is entering the world of Android with the Priv, wants to be up there with Motorola and HTC as a company getting software updates with security patches and bug fixes to its users faster than anyone else.
BlackBerry is putting its security research team to work to ensure that its Priv’s firmware and software is invulnerable. This will be done by delivering quick security updates (with Google’s help) and hotfixes.
Android Monthly Security Updates
BlackBerry will release these monthly updates to users that have purchased PRIV through shopblackberry.com and to PRIV resellers (carriers and other authorized dealers) that have agreed to participate in our regular monthly update program and facilitate rapid approval of our monthly updates for over-the-air (OTA) to subscribers.
Hotfix
Depending on the severity of the problem, complexity of the fix, and timing relative to the monthly update cycle, BlackBerry will opt to perform a hotfix, where the code to address only the specific critical problem is pushed to customers. Because a hotfix is typically limited in scope, the balance between a longer testing and approval process and the risk from the critical flaw makes this approach an important addition to helping keep users safe and secure. While BlackBerry will work with its go-to-market partners on approval and delivery of hotfixes, BlackBerry has the ability to directly patch all PRIV variants and will do so when necessary to protect users and enterprises.
Enterprise-Managed Updates
By controlling when and to which devices and users that patches are delivered, IT can avoid expensive software incompatibilities and ensure that the security issues most important to the business are mitigated. In the mobile world, enterprises have lost this control. BlackBerry aims to bring back this control through BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) and OTA management systems.
All of this will help to make the Priv one of the most secure mobile devices in the world. If that advantage and the inclusion of BlackBerry’s signature physical keyboard don’t resonate well with consumers, don’t expect the company to stick around in the hardware business much longer.
We’ve already seen HTC fall short of its promise multiple times, and they’ve been working with Android for years now. Do you think BlackBerry will fare a bit better and execute on pushing timely software updates?
Source: BlackBerry
Come comment on this article: BlackBerry’s Priv should have timely updates
The first Blackberry device to run Android be available at AT&T Nov. 6th
One of the more intriguing phones of 2015 was recently announced just over a week ago, the Android powered Blackberry device called the PRIV. AT&T is the first U.S. carrier to pick up the PRIV and will make it available nationwide starting Nov. 6. The current pricing options are for AT&T’s Next financing program, which allows you to pay for your device in installments, as well as a Two-Year Commitment plan. The total installment price works out to be $740 which is $40 more than buying the phone direct from Blackberry at $699.99.
|
Next 24 |
Next 18
(24 months) |
Next 12 (20 months) |
Two-Year Commitment |
| $24.67 | $30.84 | $37 |
$249.99 |
Or if you prefer the two-year contract method, you can get the phone for $249.99 up-front, but there are different costs associated with that plan. If you get a device on the Next plan, you will qualify for a monthly $25 dollar discount which works out to be $600 over the course of two years. If you consider the Two-Year Commitment price at $249.99, plus $600 in extra fees, the Next plan may be a better fit for you as it should save you over $100.
The PRIV is the first Android powered Blackberry and it comes with a curved 5.4″ display, 3410 mAh battery, 18MP camera, 32GB of memory expandable up to 2TB, a full sliding QWERTY keyboard, and extra security from Blackberry.
You can finally have everything you loved about BlackBerry with the capabilities of Android OS. This smartphone is a powerhouse with sleek design, seamless productivity, and advanced security features on the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network – Jeff Bradley, Senior VP Device Marketing and Developer Services AT&T Mobility
If you want to learn more head on over to AT&T.com.
The post The first Blackberry device to run Android be available at AT&T Nov. 6th appeared first on AndroidGuys.
BlackBerry Priv goes on sale November 6 at AT&T for $249
BlackBerry’s Android-powered Priv smartphone has been a long time coming, and we’re finally getting a good idea as to how much the device will cost and when it will be available to the public. AT&T has just announced that it will be the first U.S. mobile carrier to sell the BlackBerry Priv, with sales starting on Friday, November 6th. The device will be sold with a two-year contract for $249. Well-qualified buyers can also make monthly payments on the device for $0 down and $24.67 per month for 30 months, $30.84 per month for 24 months or for $37 per month for 20 months.
If you need a refresher, the BlackBerry Priv is the company’s first ever handset running Android. It will come with a 5.4-inch Quad HD curved AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of on-board storage and a non-removable 3410mAh battery. It will also run Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and feature a slide-out keyboard for a faster, more accurate typing experience. If you’d like the full list of official Priv specifications, those can be found here.
See also: BlackBerry Priv pre-order opens in US, UK and Canada; ships Nov 6
Are you planning on ordering the BlackBerry Priv when it becomes available? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
AT&T will carry the BlackBerry Priv on November 6th for $249
If you’ve been looking out for official carrier availability for the BlackBerry Priv, AT&T has announced that they’ll be the first carrier to sell BlackBerry’s first Android device. The Priv will be available on November 6th, which is only a few days off.
You can pick up a Priv on AT&T’s Next installment plans, or pay $249 on a two-year contract, reflecting that relatively high $699 price that BlackBerry is asking for the phone.
History really does repeat itself, especially when it comes to AT&T and BlackBerry. AT&T was the first carrier to sell a BlackBerry back in 1999, and they’ve had a pretty strong relationship ever since. AT&T sold the first GSM-enabled BlackBerry and exclusively sold the BlackBerry Torch, and even with BlackBerry’s last attempt at selling a device (the Z10) AT&T was the first carrier to sell that, too. Maybe that’s a good sign for BlackBerry going forward.
source: AT&T
Come comment on this article: AT&T will carry the BlackBerry Priv on November 6th for $249
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