President Obama got rid of his BlackBerry
President Obama has had to use a BlackBerry since the moment he took office. However, he’s finally moving on with less than a year left in his term. The Commander-in-Chief tells Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon that he was given a new (and currently unnamed) smartphone this year to replace his increasingly rare BlackBerry. Not that there’s much reason to celebrate. The President notes that his phone is so locked down “for security reasons” that he can’t call, play music, send texts or take pictures. It’s like one of those “play phones” you’d give to a 3-year-old, he says.
A switch wasn’t entirely unexpected, especially when the White House has been considering a move like this for 2 years. While BlackBerry devices are still secure, they’ve been less and less of a mainstay in government. Android and iOS have enough available security measures (such as strict device policies and end-to-end message encryption) that they’re usually up to the job, and sticking to BlackBerry’s proprietary operating system might not be easy when app developers are leaving the platform. Even so, this is more than a little symbolic — when one of the world’s most important leaders is swapping devices, you know the mobile industry has moved on.
Via: BGR, The Verge
Source: The Tonight Show (YouTube)
PayPal to Discontinue Apps for Windows Phone, BlackBerry, and Kindle
PayPal recently announced that it plans to pull support for its apps on the Windows Phone, BlackBerry, and Amazon Kindle Fire mobile platforms, as the company doubles down on its new and updated apps for iOS and Android (via CNET). Users on the three operating systems in question have until June 30 to access the PayPal app.
In the blog post announcing the impending sunset of PayPal’s app on Windows Phone, BlackBerry, and Kindle, the company mentions that on each platform users will still be able to access the money transferring service, through various internet browsers on PayPal’s mobile web experience. PayPal said it hopes this move will help it put all its focus on “creating the very best experiences for our customers.”
It was a difficult decision to no longer support the PayPal app on these mobile platforms, but we believe it’s the right thing to ensure we are investing our resources in creating the very best experiences for our customers. We remain committed to partnering with mobile device providers, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers.
In addition to internet browsers, those with BlackBerry devices can still send peer-to-peer PayPal payments through the BlackBerry Messenger app, and Outlook users can enable the PayPal add-in feature to deliver payments within the email client.
PayPal’s announcement comes a few days after Microsoft confirmed the company is scaling back its mobile phone business. Both Windows Phone and BlackBerry devices have been in a last place competition behind Android and iOS for the past few years, with Windows devices dropping from 2.5 percent of the worldwide smartphone market share in Q1 2015, to 0.7 percent in Q1 2016. BlackBerry fell from an already-miniscule 0.4 percent to 0.2 percent in the same time frame.
The closing of the BlackBerry, Windows Phone, and Kindle Fire apps will allow PayPal to renew focus on its popular iOS and Android applications, which it hopes to “innovate and make enhancements” to as the digital payment landscape continues to evolve. In the same blog post, the company reminds customers that they will have to update to version 6.0 of the PayPal app [Direct Link] between June 3 and June 30. The updated app includes a renewed priority on sending and requesting money along with a cleaner aesthetic.
Tags: BlackBerry, Windows Phone, PayPal, Amazon Kindle Fire
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PayPal is killing its Windows Phone, BlackBerry and Amazon apps
On June 30th, PayPal is forcing all its Android and iOS users to update their apps to version 6 if they haven’t yet. Notice how Windows Phone, BlackBerry and Android Fire users aren’t included in that list? That’s because the company is killing its apps for those platforms on the same day. PayPal didn’t explain why it decided on shutting down its non-Android and non-iOS applications. In her announcement post, PayPal VP Joanna Lambert only mentioned that everyone can still access the mobile website and that it’s still possible to send P2P payments via BBM or to send money from their inbox on Outlook.
The announcement post also said:
“It was a difficult decision to no longer support the PayPal app on these mobile platforms, but we believe it’s the right thing to ensure we are investing our resources in creating the very best experiences for our customers. We remain committed to partnering with mobile device providers, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers.”
Whatever the service’s reason is, you can say goodbye to those apps — we doubt the company will change its mind before the end of June.
Source: PayPal
Creative pushes for US bans on several smartphone makers
Creative has a long history of wielding its patents against other tech companies (just ask Apple), but its latest effort might top them all. The US International Trade Commission is investigating Creative’s complaints that seven smartphone makers (BlackBerry, HTC, LG, Lenovo/Motorola, Samsung, Sony and ZTE) violate its patents. Allegedly, all of the companies are imitating Creative’s hierarchical menu system for media playback, much as the iPod supposedly duped Zen players a decade ago. If successful, the ITC dispute would ban the sale of at least some of these companies’ devices… and given the sheer scope of the complaint, you’d probably notice the absences on store shelves.
None of the companies involved have commented on how they’ll respond to the move. Also, it’ll be a while before there’s a conclusion — as with any other ITC case, the Commission will have to review any initial decision. However, Creative’s strategy is already fairly clear. It’s gambling that at least some of its targets will settle rather than risk seeing some of their most important products banned in the US. It’s not as though there’s a simple fix, either — the media interface that Creative describes is both very generic and near-ubiquitous, so avoiding it would require a major software redesign.
Via: Reuters
Source: US ITC
[Deal] BlackBerry discounts both the Priv and Passport for Valentine’s Day
BlackBerry will be holding a special offering in honor of Valentine’s Day. And the good news is, you’ll have some extra time to decide if you’re unsure whether the deal is for you.
The latest deal from BlackBerry is active now and will run through February 24. Both the BlackBerry Priv and BlackBerry Passport will be discounted during the period.
During the sale period, the BlackBerry Priv will cost you $650, down $50 from its original listing price. The newest BlackBerry Passport is also on sale. It costs only $399, which is down $100 from its original listing price of $499. You can claim either offer at BlackBerry’s online shop linked down below. The deal will be valid in the United States and the United Kingdom. Those in the United Kingdom will see similar prices as the states. Both U.S. models come unlocked and can be setup on the carrier of your choice.
If you decide to go for the BlackBerry Priv, you’ll get an accessory bundle with your purchase totally free of charge during the same sale period. This bundle includes a leather smart flip case and a sync pod for transferring data between devices.
The sales aren’t of the greatest generosity, but it’s something. If your loved one needs a new smartphone, we recommend the Priv, but the Passport isn’t a bad choice either.
Come comment on this article: [Deal] BlackBerry discounts both the Priv and Passport for Valentine’s Day
BlackBerry laying off 200 employees between Canada and the US
We all thought BlackBerry could make a comeback with the Priv, but things still aren’t looking good for them. BlackBerry has now laid off hundreds of employees from Canada and Florida.
Those affected are specifically from their home Waterloo offices and Sunrise, FL location. The total will be around 200 employees combined.
“As BlackBerry continues to execute its turnaround plan, we remain focused on driving efficiencies across our global work force. As a result, approximately 200 employees have been impacted in Canada and Florida. For those employees that have recently left the company, we know that they have worked hard on behalf of our company and we are grateful for their commitment and contributions.”
BlackBerry has also recently shut down their “Built for BlackBerry” certification program for BlackBerry 10 apps last month. These recent cuts could mean BlackBerry is heavily moving away from native app development and focusing more on Android, which explains the need for less in-house employees. However, it could also mean they are badly hurting for cash. I am hoping it is not the later.
Source: MobileSyrup
Come comment on this article: BlackBerry laying off 200 employees between Canada and the US
Layoffs at BlackBerry affect 200 workers, including BBM co-founder
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BlackBerry is a company in transition as it looks for ways to remain relevant in the highly competitive smartphone marketplace. While it’s latest smartphone, the BlackBerry Priv, has demonstrated BlackBerry’s desire to explore the Android ecosystem, it’s remained resolute that it isn’t going to move away from its homegrown BlackBerry 10 platform. Actions speak louder than words, however, as a number of layoffs at BlackBerry have apparently hit its headquarters in Waterloo, Canada and office in Florida. Here’s the statement given by BlackBerry regarding the layoffs:
As BlackBerry continues to execute its turnaround plan, we remain focused on driving efficiencies across our global workforce. This means finding new ways to enable us to capitalize on growth opportunities, while driving toward sustainable profitability across all parts of our business. As a result, a small number of employees have been impacted in Waterloo and Sunrise, FL. It also means that BlackBerry is actively recruiting in those areas of our business that will drive growth. For those employees that have recently left the company, we know that they have worked hard on behalf of our company and we are grateful for their commitment and contributions.
The number of layoffs was originally thought to be as many as 1000 people, but the number is apparently close to 200, with layoffs allegedly affecting the BlackBerry 10 device teams. One notable layoff was BBM founder Gary Klassen – it’s not entirely clear what this move signals for BlackBerry, but it’s not likely to be the last personnel shuffle we see in the coming months.
What do you think about the layoffs at BlackBerry? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: MobileSyrup via engadget
The post Layoffs at BlackBerry affect 200 workers, including BBM co-founder appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Report: Blackberry lays off a third of its Waterloo staff
Citing multiple sources, Mobilesyrup reported Friday that Blackberry has laid off roughly 35 percent of its workforce in Waterloo, Canada — where the company is headquartered. That translates into about 1000 people losing their jobs. According to Mobilesyrup, the BB10 and Devices divisions suffered the deepest cuts with 150 members of the latter team getting sacked. A small number of workers from Blackberry’s Sunrise, Florida office were also let go.
Blackberry has issued a statement confirming the layoffs:
As BlackBerry continues to execute its turnaround plan, we remain focused on driving efficiencies across our global workforce. This means finding new ways to enable us to capitalize on growth opportunities, while driving toward sustainable profitability across all parts of our business. As a result, a small number of employees have been impacted in Waterloo and Sunrise, FL. It also means that BlackBerry is actively recruiting in those areas of our business that will drive growth. For those employees that have recently left the company, we know that they have worked hard on behalf of our company and we are grateful for their commitment and contributions.
The layoffs aren’t a complete surprise, however, given that the company has recently begun transitioning to the Android OS in favor of its BB10 operating system.
Source: Mobile Syrup
BlackBerry Priv makes way to Australia via Optus
BlackBerry is expanding availability of its Priv handset all the way to Australia.
Starting today, the BlackBerry Priv can be purchased in Australia through Optus. Optus will let you set yours up with a postpaid plan. The other option would be to purchase the device at full retail price and pay on a month-to-month basis for talk, text and data. BlackBerry has already made the Priv available in the United States as well as Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Canada, India, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Although we received word from BlackBerry of the Priv’s expansion, the listing is yet to be posted on the Optus website. It should be posted soon. In the meantime, you can view the variety of plans at the Optus website.
Hopefully more countries are on the way!
Source: BlackBerry
Come comment on this article: BlackBerry Priv makes way to Australia via Optus
February security patches make way to the BlackBerry Priv
Last month we were shocked at how fast the BlackBerry Priv got its security patch update. This month, the update began hitting units in half the time.
So far, BlackBerry has been really on top of things when it comes to updates. Just yesterday, Google published the factory images for February’s monthly security patch updates. Only hours later, BlackBerry rolled out theirs. Security is one of BlackBerry’s highlighting focuses with its transition to Android, and it doesn’t want to depress users about delayed updates either.
The update includes this month’s security patches, which will hopefully keep Priv units out of harm’s way until March. All unlocked Priv units should receive the update within the next few days. Carrier variants are expected to get it sometime next week. If you don’t get the notification right away, be patient. You can try going into settings under ‘About Phone’ and then ‘check for new software updates.’ Let’s hope BlackBerry continues pushing timely updates in the future.
Source: BlackBerry
Come comment on this article: February security patches make way to the BlackBerry Priv
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