With the Z10 officially arriving in the USA this week, BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins was on location in New York City to celebrate the launch and spread the word via the US media that BlackBerry is back.
The CrackBerry team is also in NYC right now, so we were able to drop by Thorsten's hotel room on the eve of the launch and spend twenty minutes talking about the US launch and a whole lot more.
We had some fun with this interview and did it up video style - be sure to watch our edited 7 minute video above. It's a great interview with a lot of honest straight talk from Thorsten. We cover a lot of topics. Beyond talking about the importance of regaining mind share and market share in the US, I even ask Thorsten the toughest BlackBerry 10 question of them all.... if you had to choose between the Z10 and Q10 (and your answer can't be both), which one would you choose?
I want you all to sit back and watch the video, so am going to keep the write up on this one short and sweet. WATCH THE VIDEO. We'll follow up soon with our longer interview write up. Enjoy the show!
Reader comments
CrackBerry video interview with BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins!
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Thorsten Heins. You are my hero.
Wow, that's huge! Congratulations CrackBerry team, you guys definitely deserve that honor!
Well since you apparently check into CB to help fix your product then hopefully you will read this. PLEASE FIX THE PROBLEM WHERE I CAN NOT SORT MY CONTACTS INTO GROUPS. IF YOU DON'T I WILL HAVE NO CHOICE TO GO BACK TO MY OLD PHONE AND WILL OWN THE WORLDS MOST EXPENSIVE PAPER WEIGHT. THANK YOU
I support Thorsten's words. Great interview. Great project
I cannot believe I EVEN MISSED THIS!!
Awesome interview.
I love that Thor is so real... Keep pushing apps BlackBerry, the only thing people complain about now are the apps. Show them what this device can do when it comes to apps. That is all that people these days are loyal to, but with the push I've seen, I know BlackBerry realizes this.
Keep up the great work.
Great interview Kevin... You look sharp... I am so glad you cut your hair.... No more boy band look...
Great interview. Nice office, nice view, nice suits! I'm due an upgrade and my phone is getting old, but my 9360 is still an amazing phone. I was wavering as to what to get next, but I'm getting a Z10 when my contract expires in two weeks. I've had a good long play with iPhone, and it is a nice device but it hasn't got all the things I love about my BlackBerry...bbm, blackberry travel, the ease of use, great call quality, password keeper, integration of sicial networks and email and calendar. I had a play with a Z10 and was convinced within minutes...feels so good in the hand, and has all the BlackBerryness that I love. Go team Blackberry! :D
Great video! Keep up great work, Kevin and team!!
Posted via CB10
Enjoyed the interview, Kevin. Met Thorsten in NYC in January. He seems genuinely earnest and humble. When we voiced admiration for what he's done with the company he was quick to give the credit to his employees. It is easy to see why he would generate a great deal of loyalty in the company. If the Z was crappy, it would just be the end of a sad story, but this thing is a marvel of hardware and software engineering.
Thorsten Heins is my personal hero.
Nothing else I can add.
I'm the only one in my friend group who stayed loyal to BlackBerry,despite all the frustrations from time to time the old OS could bring, and can't wait to get my hands on a Q10 to flip all my friends off! :) Go Berry! Awesome vid btw.
i love this dude
I think that Heins is one of those CEOs that kind of have this genuine way built into them. That makes the company way more "people friendly" and is truly a change compared to many other company CEOs.
Wonderful.
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BlackBerry has a secret weapon, 80 million salesman! Get your phone out there show people how great it is.
This will be the greatest comeback of all time.
Time to sell like hell.
Posted via CB10
this is a straight bang on. well done Mr. Heins, well said.
Keep moving, BBRY!
That was like watching Hannity interview Sarah Palin
What a legend I think thorsten rebuilt blackberry he really is for the people unlike Steve jobsworth
Kevin you should of quizzed him on the dock and when it would be out!!
Posted via CB10
Interview was like this, school boy Kevin (who claims to be the voice of BB users worldwide) ..'Ahhh..Ahhh Mr Heins may I ask you...' in response media professional Heins 'We are the best, we have the greatest... bla bla bla...'
Kevin is pretty representative of the community, at least, the one on CrackBerry (3M+) probably a little bit of the whole 80M community...but anyway he has never been shy of criticisms towards BlackBerry when they "deserved" it. But here, is a different story, the Z10 is a remarkable device, far superior than anything out there, from an experience point of view. From a spec point of view, new devices will fill the gap it is not an issue. Mobile computing is the future of BlackBerry and BB10 is the right platform for that.
So, this is an interview in a positive spin that goes with the launch. OF course, we don't expect Kevin to bash Thorsten or to ask him vicious questions which at this point would not make any sense anyway....
Worsest interview ever. 7 minutes advertisment. No critical questions nothing. What a waste of time and opportunity missed.
Dude.
A) This was 7 minutes of a 20 minute interview. More to come. Including some tough questions.
B) In case you didn't know it, RIM is in their "quiet" period right now leading up to earnings. There is a LOT they can't talk about right now - so if you ask the "hard questions" related to numbers, etc., you won't get answers.
I hear what you're saying in your comment... but don't think you fully get how it works too. Wasn't an opportunity missed. Asked all the questions I could.
Where is the second part on the interview that you speak of Kevin?
It's pretty silly for him to keep mentioning iPhone is outdated when your software is based on gestures and UI from that very brand worse yet when it takes you this long to release an OS that could of been out nearly two years ago...
Take your iphone and shove it.
Good comeback :)
CrackBerry Meet BlackBerry. It must be a lot of fun
Great interview CB. Thorsten really comrs across as candid
Posted via a BlackBerry 10 - iPhone killer device
Great interview CB. Thorsten was great, candid. A really likeable guy.
Posted via a BlackBerry 10 - iPhone killer device
I figured Thor would go with the Z10; very well done interview
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Proud owner of a Bold 9900 (soon Z10) and a PlayBook
"Where's the back button? Where's the home key?"
- BlackBerry 10 naysayers
Nice interview and so glad to hear Thorsen saying that he is reading our comments. Thank you Kevin
Great interview...And Thorsten is correct....why compare to Apple ? I am sure this will be the start of #Applecrumble .....I have to wait until November to get a X10 because of my contract!
Really great!
as someone has written, "You can see the excitement on Thorsten's face.. he genuinely loves what his team has come up with." With this excitement I'm sure BB will make it, even if it seems do be a tough start into the US market.
Kevin is mentioning an earlier interview with Thorsten last year, can you still watch this interview somewhere (link)?
Thor,,, we need to have a beer sometime when you're in the NYC/North Jersey area...
Just played this video on my Z10 and watched it on my 70"... man that was awesome. I love this phone
Posted via CB10
good job, Kevin!!! lookin' sharp & gettin' it done,,, & what, have you gone full gangsta??? between the sign flashes, hip hop/rap articles/intros & pimpin' suit, i think you're about to get your ghetto card...
HA!!! Thor said,"we're out swingin'," heyThor,,, you been trollin' my posts??? ha!!! ;-)
I like what the CEO is doing for Blackberry, he's the "Rockstar" of Z10, instead of napping at the office, from time to time he visit places to promote the Blackberry brand, which is good all I wish he can throw an iPhone out of the window (hint : Stephen Elop) LOL
Great interview, you can feel the excitement build. Go Blackberry 10!
So tell us more about the device thats coming out quarter 4......
Thoroughly enjoyed the interview! What I liked most is that Thorsten noted that phones shouldn't be compared to Apple iPhones, which is true. I'm looking forward to playing with a Z10 very soon!
You are both awesome! Loved the interview. Put a smile on my face and can't wait until the 28th to get my white Z10 and start selling the awesomeness to others.
Kevin. Wear suits more often.
I always love hearing him talk, great how involved he is in the media. The interview was a lot of the same stuff we have heard though. I want to find him at a bar one night and really hear what he thinks and spill some secrets about apps ect haha
Posted via CB10
Great interview. I found it very comforting. Thorsten Heins exudes confidence. He is not a "jabberwocky".
You can see the excitement on Thorsten's face.. he genuinely loves what his team has come up with. To be so proud of a product. ..that's awesome! I've never seen someone more excited about blackberry than Kevin before today. :)
Really enjoyed the interview. Thorsten seems like a winner.
Great interview as usual from Thor... He is personable and charismatic. makes you feel passionate about the new company and its products.
Thor for president! Lol... ok maybe not
Posted via CB10
Really proud of how far and how fast you turned this company around. Had faith all along and was glad I stuck it thru. Either way, there was no other better alternative if it didn't, I was prepared to go down with the ship...
great interview.. glad to hear some of the questions answered here.. this wasn't a typical media interview where the interview was trying to see if blackberry is going to make it or not.. blackberry is here.. and is here to stay..
Great interview. Video off in grains. But it is very important. I like the new version.
Posted via CB10
Nice suits.
Posted via CB10
Thorsten is the Guy.
What a turn around for BlackBerry, BB10 is definitely the 3rd way and I'm very glad that BlackBerry and CrackBerry have worked so hard to push this platform forward in such a short space of time.
People with open minds and hearts will at least give BlackBerry 10 a try, and in doing so, find that change can be a very positive experience indeed.
Congratulations to all who believed.
Ya know what's interesting? Where I live, we say both Zee and Zed, and frankly Zed sounds better and more official.
Posted via CB10
Thorsten is now truly 'Mr Heins'.
He has grown from COO to a TOP CEO. What a joy in life.
Here's to you Mr Heins and to Blackberry. May you both have a wonderful innings!
S. Dey
Just got mine today. Watching the video made me regret for not getting the white one. But I'm excited nonetheless. Thanks #teamblackberry for keeping us going!
Posted via CB10
Kevin, Thorsten looks so damn exhausted. Hope u guys took good care if him. I even cannot imagine how much work it is for him right now. N don't forget the pressure - this pressure!!!
Posted via CB10
Posted via CB10
Great interview, with a great CEO! Keep moving BB, keep moving CB, keep moving guys!
Cheers from Germany
Love it. Swipe keyboard
Posted via CB10
Really enjoyed that interview Kevin. I always enjoy hearing Thor speak in interviews but this one was different. What I loved the most is Thor's honesty about BlackBerry 10 and how good it feels that blackberry kept fighting and created and released a new OS and devices. It was refreshing. I'm looking forward to future products launching And to see BlackBerry rise in the market share.
BlackBerry Z10 and 32gb PlayBook
Brilliant CEO.
Posted via CB10
+10
excellent! z10 makes great hits in Indonesia. Sales went crazy! they even plan to up the price this week officially. glad i bought mine already...
Thanks, Thorsen, for talking with us directly (well, through Kevin). :) I'm in Canada and have had the Z10 (Zed or Zee it doesn't matter--we're one family) for a month and a half. I love it--the peek into the Hub and all my messages is genius! Coming from a 9900 physical keyboard I was worried about the touchscreen after disliking the iPhone 4's virtual one. After a couple of weeks, however, the Z10 keyboard knew my style and no matter how I type it comes out right. I'm glad BlackBerry is entering the US market as I know there are a lot of Americans waiting on it. It's now the carriers' turn to step up to the plate with BlackBerry.
Good interview Kevin. I agree with Taede, Promote promote all around town. TV AD, banners, flyers, subways or train stations, I see other smartphone being promoted on train stations, and on buses here in Los Angeles. I don't see Blackberry. U.S. media loves money, give it to them and they will do the job for you. Come to Los Angeles and see, Take one of the buses here that goes from downtown on Wilshire blvd through Beverly Hill to Santa Monica and place a good graphic AD on the buses, on bus station, you will get some good attention to BB10. Again Taede is right, promote, promote promote.
Great interview. Kevins questions held nothing back, and Thorsten ws very human and seems connected to the people. We are with you as BlackBerry fans of CrackBerry World. 3-28-13
very pleased and impressed with Blackberry CEO! .. and the Z10 and Q10 are awesome phones!! .
... this is just the beginning for Blackberry and their customers!!! …. a lot more to come!!!
Nice interview! Very satisfying to watch! This guy Kevin asked all the right questions! Cant wait for the Q10!
First thing I noticed ? Even before pressing play ? Kevin is wearing a DRESS SHIRT, not a t-shirt, under the jacket. Looks good Kevin !
Thorsten Heins is the first "human" CEO I've seen...human as in how down-to-earth and close to the ordinary consumer (this goes to BB the company as well, few large companies ever bother to really listen to their consumer feedbacks). Most CEO's feel very distant and aloof with all those other rich execs but Heins is something else. Kudos to Heins and hope that he can steer BB all the way back to the top.
Good interview Kevin!
Well holy cow balls! Now this is truly an honor to see!! How may years were you trying to get a sit down like this with Jim and Mike? Just outstanding and i feel so humbled. Bravo gentlemen!! And to you too of course Thor. :)
Investigate AT&T and their level of support!!!! Great interview!!!!
Good interview that touched on BBRY's struggles, past, and current direction. Very subtle, but he mentioned that women like the touch keyboard of the q10. He's correct. I know quite a few ladies who are waiting to see that q10. Glad to hear that BB10 is not just a cheap knockoff but a new experience. I'm very curious to see what other BB10 devices are in store for this year.
Thanks to you Mr.Heins! FYI; I have money on hand to buy a Q10 so send me one. LOL. Let's get that on Sprint soon enough!
Nailed it! Both of you!
Great interview Kevin. Love how open and genuine Thorsten always comes across. Refreshing to have a company want to meet the needs of consumers instead of forcing them to adopt ridiculous habits or just accept the simplest features are not available.
TeamBlackBerry all the way!
Posted via CB10
My near 50 year old eyes chose a Z10 over a Q10 for the extra screen real estate Thorsten also sought. It is great hearing Thorsten thanking customers for keeping the faith in BB. However, as a shareholder I'd also like to hear him say the same to BB's shareholders. It's hasn't been an easy journey. I'm most interested to hear when BB will be scheduling an investor day that they cancelled last year. Shareholders are waiting for such an event to be engaged in BB's future.
Posted via CB10
So, Thorsten chose Z10. Interesting.
So even Thorsten switched to the full touch device. Dunno which I should buz now D:
Great interview, have a good vibe about this fight for the future of Blackberry.
Okay I watched the video. Great job Kevin and I have to say that I really like Thor running this company. He makes me excited about BlackBerry now and in the future.
Still a ton of work to be done.
I'm glad he's VERY in tune about his target market ... women use the qwerty keyboard in magnitude of 10:1 against men.
I'm as Canadian as they come but in the US it is Zee 10.
Posted via CB10
no it's not.
Firstly, Kevin, you presented yourself in a professional way. You were kind of acting seriously than the CEO. I like your shirt.
Secondly, Mr. Heins works really hard and he is a down-to-earth boss. He is confident in his product.
Lastly, I have just read a bad news about the launch in the US. It's OK. Today is the first day. Hopefully, the carriers will do a bit more in promoting the phone.
I heart Germans!
i want the BB PIN on his lapell!!
Hey Kevin, did he have anything to say about the PlayBook update to BB10?
Posted via CB10
When is CB gonna start working again for legacy devices? I'm on 7.1 and hardly ever get the blog to properly load.
Works fine on my 9930
Wow, it was really a good interview. Thor projects a very genuine person and you can really connect with what he says
Posted via CB10
You didn't ask him the important question. About these popular apps. C'mon man more news on Instagram, Spotify & Netflix to name a few.
Posted via CB10
Dear everyone who pronounces it as "Zee 10":
Get up to speed. It's pronounced "Zed 10". BlackBerry is a Canadian company and we pronounce it as "Zed", not "Zee". Also, the name of the product is "Zed 10", not "Zee", so in fact, it should never bee "Zee 10" regardless of where you are in the world. You wouldn't call Jay Z as "Jay Zed" now, would you?
LMAO! Well said ... but that would be funny for a fan to walk up to Jay Z and say "My man wassup Jay Zed".
@Taede
Relax Big Man. Rome was not built in a day. Remember too that only one carrier has launched. People aren't going to jump carriers when they can wait another week to get it from their carrier of choice. The iPhone 5 had a bigger response than the Z10 so far, but the customers were not satisfied with the product. We have a solid product and it will sell.
Mr. Thorsten Heins seems like Deutsche gründlichkeit at its best, hats off to him for putting BB back on tracks.
A very good video, I enjoyed it very much
Great interview. Thorsten comes across as a classy guy, and his (and his team's) performance has been excellent - (unlike the previous CEO's). I wish you the best - I have a lot shares riding on BB coming back, so I do hope you win!!
Awesome interview Kevin and Thor - go Team BlackBerry! :-)
Are you going to post the entire 20 minute interview?
I mean... man amazing interview. It was like a great conversation from heart.
Exactly, the conversation was really felt
Posted via CB10
Love the CEO.. genuine down to earth guy.. and most importantly very truthful and honest
Posted via CB10
Great interview Kevin, it was a relax session, no pressure, Thorsten really open hims self and it was really nice when he thank all of us and obviously the CB site and nation.
So people you heard the man, he's always checking our comments and feedback, so keep them coming and lets all together make a better BlackBerry !!
BB by choice !!
OK I just saw the interview and it was nice. But really it is like preaching to the choir. I was going to get it before I saw the interview and after seeing the interview nothing has changed. I will still get it. You have the perfect backdrop New York City, Alicia Keys and millions of potential new customers. As I stated in my post above HIT The STREETS. PROMOS PROMOS PROMOS. AT&T's launch has passed but you have another next week with Verizon. Promote the Verizon launch and all your carriers will benefit.
I am a little surprised Blackberry did not supply buttons for this interview, that little red asterisk on the lapel hmmm. The stock went down today and that is ok stock go down and up all the time. But at 16.00 or so Blackberry can't afford to go down more than a dollar on their LAUNCH. All I can do to support the company is buy more shares, pick up the Z10 and the Q10 so I will.
BLACKBERRY I have not seen anything and I mean anything as I travel around New York. If it is there then it is hidden. I am curious to know what your online sales for the Z10 was like today.
Promos can include but not limited to
Button.
Cards that look like the Z10 with catchy phrases
( The new Blackberry. We didn't just give it a paint job.)
(Z10 the first touch screen with no physical buttons)
(Z10 the eye catcher in a sea of touch screens.),
Tshirts,
A chance to win a device.
Get out there and promote this thing you will be happy you did.
AGREE! #TeamCrackberry!!!
Talk about a CEO trying to stay in touch with his customer base. Surely this will eventually pay off for him.
You're welcome Thorsten!
Thank you for making the comeback a reality. #TeamBlackberry will continue fighting with you!
Posted via CB10
Great interview for both parties involved! Thanks for your dedication Kevin! Written with ease on my Z10 in the CB app...
Posted via CB10
There he is folks, Canada's CEO of the year 2013
He gets it
He knows it
And he put it to action.
Posted via CB10
Ok, where to vote? He's getting mine! :)
Posted via CB10
There he is folks, Canada's CEO of the year for 2013.
He gets it, he knows it, and he put it to action.
Posted via CB10
What a genuine closing remark. I like that BlackBerry is actively watching the reaction. I would have loved to hear some teases about BlackBerry being a platform but that is just aspiration. I look forward to purchasing a Q10.
ADVERTISING IDEA for Q10's...a keyboard faceoff between goalies???
Why not do a parody a la Luongo vs Schneider...but instead...Luongo vs Tim Thomas...
After all we know the Playbook was used in Hockey commercials...what about resurrecting the recently traded Boston goalie Tim Thomas to do a faceoff against Vancouver's Roberto Luongo again in a Stanley CUP re-match..crack those crackberries boys....(maybe even bring in the Tim Hortons NFC capabilities...) ...ok ..enough of my free Advertising ideas....
Thanks Kevin / Thorsten!!
cool. what was the last time Tim Cook spoke with imore ! like never...
Hats off to Kevin and team crackberry for keeping the faith! Awesome job!
Reminds me of an innovative guru that launched the iPhone. . . But this is much better.
Posted via CB10
Just had my first experience using the New Blackberry, OS 10, Z10. I am a Verizon customer but stopped into a AT&T store to check the phone out. Watching and reading your articles (Kevin M.), I was easily able to use the phone right away. First thing I did was exit the demo, which, personally would not help any new-comers to the phone of gestures. After exiting the demo, I opened a new message and started to type. Very responsive and accurate. I then went to the browser and was quite impressed there as well. The option I see myself using a lot is the "reader".
I have one concern, however. The navigation was slow and unresponsive. I was impressed with the simple Blackberry maps on my 9930, but using the Z10 maps was tedious. I am hoping an update will fix this problem.
Besides the navigation, I am very excited to own a Blackberry Z10. But having a unexpected layoff, I am now at a halt.
Great Job Kevin! As always! Thanks to Thorsten for giving the CrackBerry Nation it's props
I am truly not a troll, but I found some humor in the fact that he said how BB10 is unique with its own hardware and software, not just another android phone, yet how many apps are android ports?
You may want to Proofread your comment.
Great interview. I'm in the U.S. and just saw the phone for the first time today. Loved it.
I really enjoyed this interview.
Thorsten is the man!!
Good job, great interview.
Lets rock n roll this!
Thorsten it was great that you found the time to meet with Kevin and do this interview.
Posted via CB10
i wish blackberry becomes no 1 again..
Awesome Interview Kevin. Seriously...
Also, I dig your new look. The jacket with nice shirt and NO tie is perfect!
Excellent Job! That honestly was the best interview I've seen of Thorstein yet.
Good interview. Well done CB.
Posted via CB10
Thanks thorsten !
Posted via CB10
Fantastic interview!! Again Im on the fence about waiting for the Q10 after Thors remarks on the design over functionality preference.
Great interview Kevin! Love it :-)
Posted via CB10
I agree taede
OK seriously Kev, what's with the suit bro? This isn't the first time either...don't tell me NYC has already changed you
Can't wait!! Come on TMO!!
My contract is up with ATT so I may switch to Verizon. On the launch of the Z10 when I call ATT I got a recording about iPhone 5. With Verizon I will have a choice of white or black and they may just push it. Whether Z10 is selling above or below expectations it does not matter. It seem the second largest carrier wants to push an old iPhone.
There are people around me looking forward to picking up the Z10. But as I travel around New York, I don't see any street advertising. Blackberry should be out in force handing out promos in front of every carrier and store that carries devices. If you leave it up the the stores you may lose out. Thousand and thousands of promos in the shape of Z10 should be handed out. Get up off your ass Blackberry and hit the streets, create the awareness that is need to have a successful launch. Promos, Promos, Promos buttons, tshirts, handouts (a Z10 card) a chance to win. You have the device now it is time to promote the hell out of it. Most people buy what they know good or bad. People need to know or they will not
I agree with you. Thorsten, BlackBerry! You need to promote, nobody knows about BlackBerry 10 on the street.
Posted via CB10
Great Video!!! Best CEO ever!!! can't wait to get my hands on the Z10... I promote that phone 24/7 and I haven't even experienced it first hand haha!!! I hope going to the store tomorrow to go test it!!!
Man you're a scary salesman!!
Test your product before promoting it ;) Good for you for keeping up the faith tho.
Great interview Kevin thumbs up. Keep it up crackberry team. Thorsten 3 wards for you and your team...YOU NAILD IT (:
Posted via CB10
Question whose fault is it if there are no demo or dummy phones to play with in two stores i went into today
That's up to the merchant. Not the supplier.
I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT AT&T MAY BE TRYING TO SABOTAGE THE LAUNCH! I WOULD FEEL BETTER IF THEY WERE, BECAUSE IF NOT, THEN THAT'S JUST SAD!!! TAKE TO SOCIAL MEDIA AND LET EVERYONE KNOW WHAT A POOR JOB THEY'RE DOING! IT'S OUR RESPONSIBILITY! #TeamCrackberry
Good interview!
#savingblackberry...you have got to be kidding me right? As a BlackBerry shareholder I have seen the stock go from a round $7 to around $16 even with calculated negative news from Mr. Hein. he and the company are doing an incredible job.
Posted via CB10
Awesome interview, Heins you have done a absolutely flawless job as CEO of BlackBerry and now with the US release of the Z10, BlackBerry is finally going to show that user interface and experience is the best on the market. Cannot wait to get my hand on my Z10 sometime next week.
Brilliant video Kev, what I would like to know is did you ask him anything about the PB and when we might be getting BB10 on it? Cheers :-)
I love to hear they want our feedback. If you think about it they have a golden opppertunity to build a user experience on a brand new platform. With how fast things are moving in this industry that means alot. Apple never takes feedback, its there way or go to hell basically. Not completely but they try and tell you how things are supposed to be done.
Heres to a good US launch, and good 6 months of sales. We need Blackberry adding employees. Get an additional 100-500 code writers in there pushing out updates. Its #mindblowing that a company 1/10th? the size of apple can produce such an awesome product. Just imagine what could be done with a bigger team.
"Where's the back button?". LOL. Awesome. Love it.
He made me feel special, as a bb supporter. Awesome interview.
Posted via CB10
Thank you Thor! Here to stay, BB all the way!!
Best decision RIM ever made was to make Thorsten head of blackberry. With him in charge BlackBerry is going to go very far. Thanks Kevin for the brilliant interview.
Posted via CB10
That was refreshing to watch. His excitement gets me excited. And I don't even know what for I've had my zed10 since launch in Canada. But I'm still excited :) woot woot
Posted from My Z10 via CB10
Did he just say he browses the forum?! Coolness!
Posted via CB10
I love the fact that a CEO, with an important phase in his companies time, can find the time to shout out to us and talk openly! Thanks TH!
Thorsten may be okay with carrier response in US, but every store I visited here in the 5th largest market, most salespeople were lukewarm at best and I only saw one measly poster for Z10: BB not pushing hard enough?!
YES! AT&T IS DOING A LESS THAN POOR JOB OF PUSHING THIS PHONE!!! THAT'S WHY IT'S UP TO US (#TeamCrackberry) TO CALL THEM OUT VIA ALL OUTLETS OF SOCIAL MEDIA! The Truth is, the sales team all have different platforms in their pockets. People push what they know. Walk in any retail store and it's a CLEAR bias in the atmosphere.
ATT screwed us ...
What's this storyline about???? http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tech/news/a467779/blackberry-boss-thorsten-h...
He's the man of my life LOL
Great Interview, I like Thorstein a lot because of his friendliness and honesty
Yes, He is very likeable and committed, he needs a new team...
man, he is such a inspirational ceo. he really connects and makes you believe (or at least want to believe) in blackberry. such a good choice to lead the company.
Awesome interview! Nice to hear the CEO's imput and a shout out to the CB community!
Good job Kevin! Keep it up!
Posted via CB10 powered by BB10
I am loving my new Z10. BlackBerry all the way baby! I feel as though my loyalty in this brand and in this company is paying off big time and now it's our time to shine!
Posted via CB10
I agree, great technology, best technology, best products... horrible marketing and ecosystems sucks. Badd business strategy
Good work. He communicates his passion for the brand convincingly. Sales will tell.
Love a CEO who engages with his loyal customers #TeamBlackBerry and #TeamCrackBerry it's good seeing a CEO a lot in front of the camera and getting as much media exposure as possible. He should come to South Africa and actually address some customers here.
Personal glory is a sure sign of demise unless you are steve jobs... get the apps and get a new marketing guy
Look no way BB can win if BB can get apps from Google like google voice, apps like Tango, Netflix... how the heck am I supposed to do video conf with nonBB users?
Alex saunders has failed to get the required apps... he can call Android a cesspool of crap but we shareholders have been crapped upon by BB.
Video chat: Faceflow! Works great even from PlayBook browser. This unfortunate gap for some apps that people NEED to have is not the fault of BB and heavens open up if a native Netflix never makes it lol.
if I hear one more person complaining about NetFlix nto being on BB10 I'm gonna virtually SMACK 'EM!
You're seriously going to want to stream Netflix on your BB10?! You don't have unlimited data (not in the USA, Canada, or Europe - unless seriously grandfathered; change your phone and most likely that's GONE) ... and you're not going to use those GB of data over HSPA/LTE, so you're going to really enjoy the app over WiFi only ... at that point you're stuck at:
Home,
Hotel,
Bar,
Family's home or friends place.
The latter two - you're either a looser (Bar), or inconsiderate amongst family/friends (in-laws is an acceptable exception). That leaves the first two ... which means you're not using BB10 as ....
A Mobile Computing Platform!
Keep netflix on the playbook its better suited there.
I'm VERY curious to see the use numbers vs all subscribers/members that netflix has on where their users are actually accessing their content to enjoy (not just browsing the content).
lol@"looser".
there is no such word in any dictionary. please educate yourself...
Actually there is, albeit it wasn't the word that he intended to use.
ok, i'll bite...
what is the definition?
he meant I am a loser.. (not looser)... people like supa_fly are extremely dangerous, these are the kinds of fans you don't want because they make you blind.
BB makes best products, but very badly run company. Boulben and Saunders are big flops... amongst many others.
errr, what? I just last week purchased a unlimited data plan sim in the uk (yup, that's Europe) so I guess tht blows your comment outta the water.
for reference, its on 3UK, also, when they get LTE up and running (which I probably wont get coverage for anyways they wont charge any current customers extra for LTE.
so basically a lot of people can and will use their device how they want and more importantly, where they want
These fan boys are like i-sheep, they will defend BB no matter what.
You are demented and uninformed... lot of people have unlimited data, you can use wifi.... why do you make excuses for poor execution and for a very badly run company... BB products are the best, the problem is BB doesnt know how to monetize that. People like you only makle this management more complacent
Who cares if its BB's fault, BB has to get them.. period. This is not a contest on fairness, its a brutal war, the most vicious war ever fought and you are assigning blames and what is fair?
Alex did a GREAT job. BB split their Dev recruiting into 2 divisions. 1 was to get the average developers on board, the other was to try to get the top 100 apps. I would say that the 2nd team didn't do as well as the first, but I guess it's also harder getting those big names to sign on until they see what kind of support the OS will get (chicken or the egg problem)
Nah, Alec didn't get the right apps for BB10. He is a failure, yes he worked very hard but he is not suitable for this job. I really like the guy but he has failed BB.
Skype coming soon and Cisco WebX is already available ;) Ever heard of PlayOn?
Yeah but so what... BB10 has to have every MAJOR app... yes 100% of all the major apps if they want to really go big.
Great job Kevin...going to be a bit of a road to get people accepting but TH is the man for the job.
Great interview. BlackBerry rocks.
Great interview!
At 6:05 he says "...design question even" and it reminds me of the movie Hackers when Matthew Lillard says "superhero-like evennnnn".
I don't think anyone will get that, but I got a chuckle when I heard that!
Posted via CB10
I have to wait until April 16th to get my Zed10, Verizion will not budge, even a couple of weeks, on my upgrade date. This will be a very looooong 3 1/2 weeks! And, yes, it will be a Zed10, not a Zee10. Even though I am in the US, the product comes from a Canadian company and the name of it is Zed10. I respect that.
I have to wait for may 4th!!! I'm going crazy! I'm still trying to figure out a way to get it sooner!!! I also agree!! Zed 10 it is
My upgrade is on April 15th so I'm right there with you. I went and played with the Z10 at AT&T today and it just made me want it even more. I'm not a fan of waiting but I know its worth it. Now the question remains, black or white?
So glad this guy is running blackberry. Great job Thornton. Keep up the good work Kevin.
Posted via CB10
I just love my "ZED"10. The OS is so smooth and way ahead of IOS. I know Thorsten knows that, so it's just a matter of getting that message out there and for BlackBerry to keep pounding away at getting key apps.
Posted via CB10
All I gotta say is
Thorsten Heins.... like a boss.
Things are looking good to BB. I like to hear him talk about BB. And I enjoy the direction the company is heading in.
Now the only thing I need is to have my work get me a couple of Z10s' for testing.
Very enjoyable interview, open, real and informative. Thor tells it like it is. New platform built in 2 years, it will be in the hands of millions. Feedback including critisim is needed for future development and he appears to understand it. Nicely done Team CB !!!!
Did Kevin get any time to play with the Q10?
Epic! Oops meant "Mind Blowing".
Awesome Interview.... I am currently using the Z10 its an awesome phone
Posted via CB10
Nice! Thanks for that Thor and Kev! I particularly like the determination towards wining but most important the positioning in the market. Not going against apple and breaking the duopoly for Carriers and Users... this is the only viable strategic positioning for BB indeed. And the very OS and UI advocate to this to the Max.
Thor you said you are listening, well if you are, get the email complications some are experiencing fixed YESTERDAY please, as BB with problems in email... well 2 years of hard work to be shadowed by minor bugs that create important issues to some users does not help. We know BB, you are on it working it but seriously I cannot repeat this enough, it needs to get here yesterday!
Love the phone, love the OS, thanks for that refreshing and robust platform. I choose BB (again) and I am quite confident I will not regret this!
Loved this interview and the fact that they are listening and caring about each and every one of us. Sometimes it takes the hard times to really appreciate the good ones. Congratulation RIM for a job well done and thank you Crackberry for keeping us updated in such a professional way.
This is great stuff. I'm all teary eyed... lol
posted via the CB app on my Z10
Love hope bb will realy win in us. Windows phonr is dead and we realy need someone who can compete to samsung and apple.. thorsten keep fingers crossed
Posted via CB10
Great interview!
Glad too hear he say that BB flows CB as well.
BB by Choice!
Awesome Vid,
So a New appstore Design, bring back pin2pin, a Website with App Reviews !!! And more give aways to tech Websites.... And more Point of Sales persons in the us phone Stores. And may be a side by side partnership with red bull !
And where is my Z10 Multimedia Loading Doc???
I Love my Z10!!!
Great interview, finally some real emotions from Heins and not just the keynote things, wish he would keep doing this. Thumbs up for Heins
I just realized that this is the first time I've ever heard Thorsten speak. I've always just seen photos of him and read his quotes. I did not know he speaks with an accent. It sounds French to me but I'll have to look up his bio.
maybe frank boulben has something to do with it,ha ha
Zerman all ze way ;) (they do the R funny as "V"ell). Point is Thor does not have such a strong accent so it is normal it confuses you because it is "polished" german accent.
Love the fact that Blackberry is here to win. I really appreciate how Kevin and the Crackberry gang have worked so hard on this launch. People should recognize that Crackberry has been a driving force in helping Blackberry get back on it's feet. You should all be very proud.
I'm so proud of Kev.
WE'RE BACK DAMNIT!
Great interview. Thor called it the Zed 10 again.
Posted via CB10
Well gee, it's a Canadian product with a Canadian product name. It's called "Zed 10", get over it or buy an iphone if you can't stomach it...
Thorstein is the shizzle, very humble yet confident CEO. good job Kevin.
Picked up my Z10 last month when the Canadian launch occurred. A BB rep was on site at AML in Dartmouth which was very helpful (i.e. reader feature in Twitter, something that I still can't find on an iPhone).
It would be great if you could get Auto On Auto Off feature on to the Z10 or Q10. Anyone who knows this feature is aware of how indispensible it is.
The other point is that I saw Mr. Heins on a BB video and as an aside he mention BB10 was coming to the Playbook, especially the Playbook LTE. Ithink this would be a fantastic enhancement to the BB Playbook LTE 32 Gig.
Good interview.
Enjoyed the video though it generated some random tangent thoughts.
Audio on Thorsten was a little dim at times even with volume cranked to the max. If the cam can support external mic I would have suggested placing the mic off camera in between Kev and Thorsten (say, hidden by the edge of the table).
The song whose clip played at the end, what's its title? That would have been an awesome place to play Swaggberry... which leads me to the next tangent, isn't it time for G7 to update Swaggberry to include Bb10?
Posted via CB10
The song is Empire State of Mind by Jay Z with Alisha Keys.
should of asked about apps that are questionable like netflix and instagram!
Do you agree with him on the z10 will be the better device? I want to know which way the Kevmeister is leaning
I love Thorsten.
Great video! Loved it as Thorsten was so relaxed and open (and honest). I am a proud BB user with a 9105, 9900 and playbook and hopefully soon a Q10 or Z10! It feels like a very exciting time to be a BB user.
Great interview! Go BB!
Humble guy
great interview,if he projected himself the way he did with you,in all the others,and i'm sure he did,bb truly has a great ceo.bb's loyal fan base shld be proud
Great work! Awesome video, love how he visits the forums from 'time to time.' he is blatantly lying, he probably visits constantly through the cb10 app on his phone. Do you think he has an account?!
Posted via CB10
Damn.... did you see how small the Z10 looks in Thor's hands?
Posted via CB10
Q10 looks even tinier... lol
Did you see how small Kevin looks next to him? I bet almost everybody would look small
Great interview Kevin
Posted via CB10
Great interview! Thanks, Kevin.
How come you didn't interview me? Don't you know who I am!?
#TeamBlackBerry is awesome....no comparison needed
Awesome interview Kevin. Nice to see a reachable CEO who understands the community and market he is catering too.
Posted via CB10
He mentions the internal "making of BB10" video shot with BB employees - is that available anywhere? I searched but did not find...
Unless it's that pre-super bowl clip floating around.
There is something about Heins that I like and definitely, it is not a sort of reality distortion field bs.
Now that Wall Street media outlets started to sound objective on BlackBerry it means they are doing all the things right with this rollout. Great execution.
At the back of this interview is an awesome product which is the reason why both of them were very relaxed, confident, and most importantly smiling. Forget the iphone. This is it. Go blackberry Go. The virtual keypad is a revolution. I am typing even faster than the physical keypad and accurately.
Posted via CB10
Very honest, exciting, and appreciative interview! Can wait until I get my pre-order VZW z10! I already have the case!
Nice job Kevin! It's nice to know that the CEO of BB reads through the user feedback in the forums. It's a big year for BlackBerry!
Great interview
Posted via CB10
" so we were able to drop by Thorsten's hotel room "
Did he know you were coming? :)
Thorsten is the best!!!
Thor thrives in this kind of setting - wicked interview, Kevin. Yet again, my confidence and excitement in BB has gone up a notch.
Should've asked why the hell that Q10 on the table was still several months from launch!
The response wouldn't have brought the Q10 to the market any sooner :)
It still should've been mentioned. Not only do I think it should've been first to market, but the HUGE delay between the Z10 and Q10 is a big mistake (and the exact opposite of what BlackBerry had been saying right up until January's launch!)
Here in the USA, Blackberry has been a tough sell (Hope BB10 changes that) and it wouldn't have made much of a difference if released earlier. People know what they want and most will wait until it comes out. I was undecided on whether I wanted the Z10 or the Q10, as of now I am just going to wait for the Q10 and compare them both before I upgrade. My 9900 still has some life left :)
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