Last night some stories were floating around stating that BlackBerry CEO, John Chen would "consider dumping" the handset business if that portion of the company remains unprofitable. Fact of the matter is, that's not the case — "my comments were taken out of context," he says.
Chen says he has no intention of selling off the handset business, and that the focus of the company is trying to make the business profitable.
From Inside BlackBerry
Yesterday, Reuters published an article that said I would consider selling our Devices business. My comments were taken out of context.
I want to assure you that I have no intention of selling off or abandoning this business any time soon. I know you still love your BlackBerry devices. I love them too and I know they created the foundation of this company. Our focus today is on finding a way to make this business profitable.
BlackBerry is not a handset-only company. We offer an end-to-end solution and devices are an important part of that equation. That’s why we’re complementing our Devices business with other revenue streams from enterprise services and software, to messaging. We’re also investing in emerging solutions such as Machine toMachine technologies that will help to power the backbone of the Internet of Things.
We will do everything in our power to continue to rebuild this business and deliver devices with the iconic keyboard and other features that you have come to expect from this brand.
Rest assured, we continue to fight. We have not given up and we are not leaving the Devices business.
So long story short — don't worry! BlackBerry isn't getting out of the device business and will "continue to fight." So you can keep using your BlackBerry and go about your business!
Reader comments
John Chen: BlackBerry isn't selling or leaving the handset business any time soon
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Lets hope not otherwise they should have kept their name as Research In Motion, rather than renaming the company as the same name as it's flagship device line.
Here in India a few liners of the 'clarification' was seen in the newspapers today where as the earlier version was pumped up with bold headings!
Good John.
Now you know to keep your mouth shut regarding anything that scumbag shit-bird analysts can take and turn into a bear raid.
Thorston should have taught you those lessons.
Wooww...I can't believe that
Posted via CB10
This brand is dead as a smartphone.
Posted via CB10
Good
URBANINDO
Interesting how he said " Anytime soon " He could have said, Not ever under my watch , but clearly what he said implies that the Door is Open.
Most likely he would consider it " IF" and only if they are not able to make a profit in that segment.
Well BB needs to issue better clarifications.Here in India many newspapers have published what is purportedly chen's earlier statement but not his clarifications! So the damage IS done
Chen is the man, man!
Posted via CB10
BlackBerry can't recovery forever. I did mentioned early BlackBerry moving too slow. Can't see any excellent product. If I m BlackBerry CEO, I will change BlackBerry hardware design and OS within 6 months and add on additional Health product and Robotic.
Posted via CB10
Great news, I can look forward to upgrading to the latest & greatest BlackBerry handset when my current contract expires.
Posted via CB10
This is so much garbage. Reuters needs to print a retraction. How does anyone with a straight face admit they were wrong and yet not have to make one bit of an apology. Reuters reporter whoever you are you should be publicly flogged. This kind of reporting is both damaging and its plain spiteful. Its about time these media guys came clean and admitted they dont like reporting news they instead like distorting news and making things as far from the truth as possible to get a good headline in. So sick of this kind of reporting. I fail to see how destroying a companies credibility serves anyone. It once again brings up the question are they out to destroy blackberry and at first i was skeptical thought it was outlandish and made no sense but after hearing some of the things in the past few months that have been reported I am starting to second guess my initial observation. It really makes no sense why this is being reported when it simply isnt true. Its like getting kicked in the teeth and breaking them all off then someone saying. Aww its not that bad and by the way here is some glue to fix them. What???? Crazy.
Have to be careful in every word you say, their are ppl out there that want to destroy BlackBerry at any cost. I have a z30 and love the phone.
Long live Chen *+ BlackBerry!
BlackBerry by choice. Powered by BlackBerry 10. I choose BlackBerry. Keep moving.
Man... the PR for BlackBerry is so bad... so so bad... been a gone show for so long. Stuff like this is ridiculous.
tremendous loss if blackberry dumps the device business.
Posted via CB10
Well then stop talking for fuck's sake! When you're struggling for stay alive let alone stay afloat, less talk and more action is advisable!
If you make ANY statements, be concise and to the point, not ones that can be taken out of context!
Better yet just shut up and don't say anything until there is something worth saying...so more doing and less saying!
Even in this latest statement...it concludes with "we don't plan to leave the handset making business anytime soon...". I got to shake my head...to me that sounds like "yes we will but not yet"!
Is that supposed to reassure me as a consumer?!?! Honestly, better hire a PR person to talk to the media...and you shut up and get back, if you can, and try to salvage this multi-layered clusterfuck that is BlackBerry!
Cartman says: Screw you guys I'm going home!
But some people wants talking. they want a preview of what's up for them. It's just that what they said at this time was vague that lead to be misunderstood.
BlackBerry by choice. Powered by BlackBerry 10. I choose BlackBerry. Keep moving.
Mr. Chen is just doing what he is paid for. For more ask Prem Watsa and other major shareholders.
Go Chen! :)
C0038297E Quote of the Day (BBM Channel)
Remember: "Trust, but verify." Ronald Reagan
I believe that blackberry continue to live on!
Posted via CB10
Hi;
for my part i,m wondering everyday as somebody sees my device (a faboulus Z30) howcome people are not informed about Blackberry the only thing we hear is bad news as if everybody wants the company down.could we imagine that a little advertising around here would be helful since not all people have a F-1 in his backyard??
Great news, thanks for the confidence.
Posted via CB10
Yah!!! Woohoo woot woot
Rocking the Z30 Regina SK Canada
This news needs to be loud and clear because that is where some of these people are getting miss unformed information from and why i here a lot of people talking about why they are not buying a blackberry because they are going to be closing down and I here thees kind of talks coming from a lot of sales people working in these big corporate company. Such as Best Buy Roger stores and Walmart. These kinds of talks can kill sales if people don't know to much about blackberry and want to buy one. Let them know Chen!
Posted via CB10
Don't worry??? Yeah right, Adam...
Good 'ol attention-grabbing headlines. I hate the lie-by-omission mainstream media.
From a Z30
Relieved. I generally expect garbage from Reuter's but this one blew up the Internet. Thanks for the clarification good sir.
*sighs*!! That's good news now! :D
Posted via CB10
The god damn media really did a bad move this time. Good job Chen! Correct them and tell those idiots you really mean business!
Posted via CrackBerry 10 (CB10) application using my BlackBerry Q10.
The most of the users don't care or even read this or previous article.
They only care to find the phone which serves better for their needs!
Sent from my Z 30
The first big mistake Mr. Chen made, in the sense that can be used out of context by the always (since early 2000)hostile US media against BlackBerry.
I think he worked too hard and was really tired, e.g. packing and unpacking . He merely slipped tone. No way, by this time he thinks about stopping the device business. He did quickly clarified. But damage has been done.
BlackBerry will die in 0 value if handheld business stops.
When people ask me about BlackBerry's future. I always say that depends on how many BlackBerry 10 devices are sold and whether BlackBerry can stop losing money on making and selling BlackBerry 10 devices. The only other relevant business is enterprise. But without BlackBerry phone the BES business will collapse immediately. The QNX car and bbm are irrelevant so far.
Overall Mr. Chen has realized the importance of device business and he is making it profitable. He has been doing great in front of media since he took office. We shouldn't blame him for this one mistake.
He was very clear. I'm not sure how the media gets away with this crap.
Powered by BlackBerry
He mentioned 'iconic keyboard and other features.'
Seems to be no high end touch screen on the near horizon. :/
Posted via CB10
"I have a plan...not to be dependent on *hardware*"...yeah a non reversal on Playbook speaks volumes, long term Chen will outsource such and his mantra is SOftware..thats his business experience/s.
Oh well I can't get the complete link to paste. Type Chen in Foxbusiness.com search.
Posted via CB10
http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2014/04/10/blackberry-chen-plan-to...
Posted via CB10
Chen interview on Fox Businesses
http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2014/04/10/blackberry-chen-plan-to...
Posted via CB10
Thanks BlackBerry for reassuring us, BlackBerry lovers! God bless BlackBerry! #KEEPMOVING towards the right direction... #MOREPOWER
Posted via CB using my Z10
A highly watched news channels where I am just broadcast on television the misunderstood statement of John Chen.
There goes more bad publicity for BlackBerry.
The news channel in question is TVA
http://tvanouvelles.ca/
Posted via CB10
Chen needs to stop talking about losses.
Shamefully, Mr.Chen plays an important role in BBRY breakup &sell scenario.
the mainstream news media posts sensationalist out of context articles for the EXACT same reason Crackberry did it. it generates clicks, which are more important than journalistic integrity.
waiting 24hrs to get the whole story and then post an article can be a huge loss of revenue.
it's very off putting for Kevin to come on here and say "it's ok that we did it because the comments cleared things up." that is such a cop out!
when i ask someone that's in the market for a new phone why they don't get a blackberry, 9 times out of 10 the first thing that they say is "blackberry is going out of business." i've been hearing it for well over 2 years.
the media, from blogs to national print media, has perpetuated this perception. and Crackberry has now shown itself to be complicit. it's a damn shame.
blackberry has demonstrated an ineptitude in marketing and media relations. i like the idea that someone posted. blackberry should only give interviews and exclusives to media outlets that have demonstrated a willingness to give the whole story and not ones that put up click bait.
BlackBerry don't actually make their handsets...
BlackBerry may design their handsets but use contract manufacturing.
They're not a handset manufacturer, same with all 'handset manufacturers'.
To say BlackBerry will leave the handset business is a misnomer unless they cease ALL manufacturing with ALL partners.
I need a Z30
Posted via CB10
Mr. Chen needs some communication coaching!
He uses negative, aversive phrasing, something like this:
"DON'T think of a hippopotamus, DON'T think of a pink one with purple pok-a-dots, smiling with missing front teeth, RIGHT NOW!"
"BlackBerry is NOT a dead, rotting, stinking, broken, kicked mule ANYMORE, it's NOT I tell you.
Use only words that describe what you want and like Mr. Chen, not what you don't want and don't like.
So as usual, someone jumped the gun, and shot off their mouth before looking further into things.
Good going.....
Posted via CB10
Some "mistakes" are intentional.
Woohoo. Still have some mixed feelings though.
Posted via CB10
Great to hear cause I want o upgrade to the z30 or a newer blackberry than the z10.
Z 10 STL 100-4 / 10.2.1.1925
Strong words, now let's see the actions that speaks ((( LOUDER ))) Bring it!
" Initiated from my QNX10 "
I find it disgusting that news media would report something JUST for the sake of sensationalism and making headlines/getting viewers at the risk or damaging or hurting a company, and subsequently their employees.
Blackberry should have to ability to sue some of these media houses for their irresponsible statements, but I guess that will never happen since they have never been sued for other sensationalism's for many other things and many different topics in the past.
Posted via CB10
I need apps for my BlackBerry Z10 and Z30 so I bought an Android device to download apps for my BlackBerry phones. Due to my bad experience by using Android device, such uncomfortable, inconvenience, low productivity and stupid ergonomics. I even hate it.
If BlackBerry going to bankrupt. I still buy BlackBerry phones, new phones and new bb10 Playbook.
Posted via CB10 by Z30
As much as I admire John Chen but he ought to know better. SMH. Just "Shut Up and Sell" or at the very least be very careful what you say to the media.
Sometimes I'm beginning to wonder if BlackBerry is just suicidal or simply coursed.
There's a very high percentage of media personnel who seem to have deeper interests in Apple/Samsung too thanks to the stock market. Seems obvious to me that if BlackBerry is given the slightest opportunity then the lost market share of their competitors will be affecting the depth of many of these media people's pockets. Sadly, in this land called USA I've seen so much of this saying "money talks and bullshit runs the marathon."
Posted via CB10
Mr. Chen will really have to watch his words. There's a lot of hate in the media and among tech circles towards BlackBerry and they will pick up and run with the slightest hint of trouble blowing it into epic proportions.
I agree, but if you watch the video, he was clear.
Powered by BlackBerry
They need to not dump the all touch phones either.
Posted via CB10
On CNBC a few minutes ago "Blackberry CEO says the company would consider exiting the handset business"
This, along with a stock chart showing BBRY down in the red!
Maybe those reports of our death are not so exaggerated after all...sigh
Posted via CB10
Here we go again. I just watched the CNBC video footage twice. Never did he say what you just said here?
The quote is from the CNBC sidebar widget where they show news headlines. I took a picture of the TV screen but could not upload on this forum thread. Didn't want to create a new post just to upload the picture.
I'm not sure what you mean by "Here we go again". If you're accusing me of an agenda, rest assured that your opinion is of no significance to me.
Posted via CB10
Sorry about that. I can see how it looks that way. I meant CNBC is stirring up quotes out of nothing.
Peace! It's all good
Posted via CB10
Dem fi watch dem luu statement, but mi still nuh trust dem it seems like a di playbook liad statement deh reach di fone now, One month later we are sorry to inform you that we will no longer update the bb10 handset
Taste the Fruity Goodness of a BlackBerry
This is why I was on Crackberry last night telling people to watch the video before making judgments.
Crackberry, I can't believe you hired this new writer to work for you. Did anyone actually approve his story before print last night? If this is the kind of stuff we can expect moving forward, I for one will not be following Crackberry everyday as per usual.
Powered by BlackBerry
Sadly we cannot trust the media to tell the truth about anything. It is all just ad dollars and what gets people to read and tune in.
Posted via CB10
Oh come on Mr. Chen?!!?!
Posted via CB10
Backpedal...
This is the result of articles like Mr. Sabri! A little bit of research goes a long way.
Posted via CB10
Some "mistakes" are intentional.
Thanks to this bbry is down today. :(
Posted via CB10 on my Z10
Unless you are on t-mobile - then they are no longer fighting to keep you on a blackberry handset.
Posted via CB10
I'm glad he got out in front of this.
It just shows how eager some members of the press are to jump on a sentence and run with it. Chen was stating a basic business reality, and out of the entire, fairly optimistic interview he gave, this was the one sentence that critics isolated.
It's all about short selling on the stock...
Posted via CB10
Am I wrong or is this a PR type mask and we patronized a bit
Posted via CB10
Was there ever an instance of some big shot saying something they probably should not have without the obligatory "out of context" comment soon after ?
He will sell it off in two maybe three years unless there is an insane turn around.
Posted via CB10
Chill people!...kick back and enjoy the show. A few % of the device market for a software & services company sounds pretty damn good. So I can have my BlackBerry coffee maker linked to my "get up" alarm? what?...the future is Mr. Chen's focus, not dwelling on yesterday
Posted via my fancy BB10 pager thingy
Correction Not Microsoft.
The case comes before Judge Lucy H Koh
Posted via CB10
There is a false market going on.
There is a significant court case to come in Mayregarding anti competition.
Google, Apple and Microsoft are involved.
The argument is that each company is carving up the communication market.
January 2014 Apple, Google, Adobe, Intel, intuit, Lucasfilm and Pixar face a High - Tech Employee Anti- trust Litigation.
They have been accused of breaching Section 1 of the Sherman Act.
Wage suppression. No poaching agreements
There is a class action to follow in May 2014.
Report this Crackberry .
I smell a rat.
Posted via CB10
Thank goodness
Vtecberry Z10
Chen needs to talk less and advertise more.
While refreshing - his straight talk needs to be held more in check. There is a reason why major companies avoid too much straight talk.
It should be obvious without being said, that Blackberry will exit the hand set business, if it cannot be profitable at it.
This was an avoidable body blow that Blackberry did not need to absorb.
Posted via CB10
Hi all,
As said above when there is anything bad to report on BlackBerry, the frigging Dutch media is all over it. So after reading it. I'll just walk over to my stressdummy hit it a couple of times and then surf to here to see the real story. Stress gone :D
Hope they keep making full touch phones. But they are making the Z3 so I'm hopeful full touch will stay.
Posted via CB10
We all do know this could have been avoided, by not saying anything but fortifying that they will remain in the handset business for as long as it takes.
I'm glad he clarified his position. I would hate to have to switch to one of those other substandard platforms. I just hope that BlackBerry continues to produce high end touch, keyboardless phones, even if it's less than than the keyboard platform. I prefer the touch screen over the keyboard.
Posted via CB10
Ya back peddle. Already shot mouth off put out a fear into an already jumpy crowed. Need some of the positive Thorsten Heins energy again
Too late:
http://www.rethink-wireless.com/2014/04/10/blackberry-exit-handsets.htm
Nortel story repeated.
Announce in advance that you may go out of business/market,
all your customers get scared and don't buy from you,
bring in US CEO and break up and sell the company.
This is horrible management and marketing.
Zafirosky, the last CEO of Nortel, who was parachuted from Motorola in 2007, did the same thing with Nortel.
While he was at it, George Bush made him chief IT advisor for the president in 2007.
I only find it a funny coincidence.
Posted via CB10
You can't fix it Chen.
What has been said can't by unsaid.
Sorry no redo.
Posted via CB10
I'm getting fatigued from all these post.
BBM Channel: The Group Ride C00055B7C
Ahh well.. too late. It's better to stay away from media. You know how media works. Its better to face media when you have something good or data to back-up your position
Posted via CB10
I never had a blackberry. I don't know what they're like. I'm not sure if I'll ever look one, but I think BB needs a partner and a new hipper brand device in order to survive. Something new that will excite the tech world again. Label as "the new blackberry" with new logo, new phones designs with current Gen style, colors instead of black, etc. Consumer oriented besides corporate. If BB stick to the old ways, they are doomed!
John Chen Is confusing the market and BlackBerry users. He should not be talking about a "possible" sale of the handset business. Stick to the plan. Get the new Q20 launched properly, reintroduce BB 10 with all its virtues, and go forward.
Posted via CB10
it will be a long battle.
Posted via Z30 BB
"BlackBerry CEO Sets 2-Year Goal to Cut Device Reliance"
By Hugo Miller and Scott Moritz - Apr 10, 2014 10:15:44 AM
BlackBerry Ltd. Chief Executive Officer John Chen said, “I don’t have a plan to get rid of handsets, I have a plan to not be dependent on handsets.”
BlackBerry Ltd. (BBRY ▼-0.53% 7.92)’s John Chen is giving himself two years to overhaul the smartphone maker and offset declining handset demand with sales of software that connects computers with all manner of machines, from cars to heart monitors.
Chen, who took over as chief executive officer in November, is stepping up BlackBerry’s reliance on business customers instead of the smartphones that made the company famous. In the worst-case scenario in which he misses his goal of generating cash flow by this fiscal year, Chen said he’ll have six to eight quarters to replace declining hardware sales with higher-margin software revenue.
“I don’t have a plan to get rid of handsets, I have a plan to not be dependent on handsets,” Chen said yesterday in an interview at Bloomberg’s headquarters in New York. “All I need to do is replace the handset revenue, and this company will be very different.”
The shift is the key to Chen’s goal of returning the money-losing company to profit by the fiscal year that ends in March 2016. Chen is in a race against time with device sales continuing to slide -- 77 percent last quarter alone from a year earlier. His plan to create fresh revenue streams from its QNX software and BBM instant-messaging services has been welcomed by investors who’ve driven the stock up 23 percent since he took the helm after a failed sale process.
QNX Purchase
BlackBerry bought QNX in 2010 for $200 million from Harman International Industries Ltd. and set about building a new smartphone operating system, BlackBerry 10, on the software. It’s already widely used in cars and industrial settings like coal mines and hospitals. Now Chen wants to make it more prevalent anywhere machines need to communicate with other machines.
“This is where the industry is going,” Chen said. “It’s all about device interaction. This is why it’s so important to be agnostic.”
Chen said that by replacing single-digit phone margins with software margins that are routinely 70 percent to 90 percent, BlackBerry can be profitable with the same level of revenue. Chen reiterated yesterday that he expects the Waterloo, Ontario-based company to stop losing cash by the end of this fiscal year.
The company is focused on supplying both software and hardware to customers in regulated industries such as finance, government, health care and law who need security, risk management and high productivity, Chen said. About 80 percent of BlackBerry’s installed base of smartphone customers are in a regulated industry, and an even higher percentage of customers dependent on its servers are in such a field, he said.
Restoring Value
Emphasizing this core base of users and technology that caters to them “will be the best way to capture and reverse the decline of our value,” he said.
Chen took over after a plan to sell BlackBerry and take it private had collapsed. He said that he’s focused on making BlackBerry competitive again, not selling the company at a distressed price.
“I’m not running the company for a sale,” Chen said. “I’m running the company to generate value, to grow the business.’
He pointed out that he ran Pyramid Technology Corp. for five years before he sold it and Sybase Inc. for 12 years before SAP AG (SAP ▼-0.39% 58.51) bought it for $5.8 billion in 2010.
Today, BlackBerry shares fell less than 1 percent to $7.93 at 10:13 a.m. in New York, giving the company a market value of $4.2 billion.
Chen inherited a company that had already been losing smartphone market share to Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. for years. As recently as late 2010, BlackBerry claimed 19 percent of the global smartphone market, according to IDC. By December of last year, it had slipped to 0.6 percent.
SEE FULL ARTICLE AT BLOOMBERG.COM
Posted via CB10
For every negative article out there about BlackBerry existing handset business, we need to leave a link to Chen's clarified statement in the comment section.
Why do we have to clean up the mess for BlackBerry? Because we as a community are passionate and have the power to do so.
CB10
NOW is the time for the MARKETING to begin.!!
Git er done for christs sake!
No marketing - goodbye BBry.
Via what's really, a BOLD X....on X.II.I
JC behaviour is that of a politician not a businessman I don't trust him at all.
There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Chen needs to whatever it takes to make MONEY. That's the name of the game here. So, we all support BBRY, it may mean that things may pan out to your liking, but in the end.. they have to survive and thrive.
There will be future devices. Of that I am sure. The cash bleed will stop in a few months.
They'll exit the handset business if they only make antique keyboard devices. You need to offer both, even though nobody will buy them.
Posted via CB10
"This just in" Blackberry is the new darling of the press!!!!
Blackberry could make a line of toilet paper, except that they don't take no crap!
Go Chen Go!
Posted via CB10
Why does he keep hitting on the keyboard so often. Makes it seem like that's all they are going to make after the Z3. I know they've discussed other high end models, but he just says "keyboard" over and over again every time he speaks.
Corporate giants Google and Apple are working to destroy the competition. I wouldn't mind betting that news outlets received back handers to push negative media and exaggerations on the public. What was previously known as the best 'smart' phone? A blackberry. But now the entire mobile phone market is a smartphone market, therefore the competition for the new players has to be snuffed out. Who wins the battle? The companies with the most money, and that unfortunately aint blackberry. Sad but true :(
Posted via CB10
I would have disagreed a few weeks ago. Now that I have learned of the collusion between the tech giants, I am absolutely believing this.
Posted via CB10
More like "sad but complete hogwash"...
Wrong. Google and Apple are obviously bigger players, so even if you did not agree with the rest of my opinion, it cannot be complete hogwash. Just pointing out the obvious for you! :)
I have put a Comment on the Globe and Mail article suggesting that they read Chen's blog post and update their story.
Reporters need to do their research and also should ask for a confirming statement from the company. One case of using a grabber headline in a desperate search for news on a slow news day.
Glad he corrected either what was printed or what he WAS thinking of doing.
Posted via Verizon Z10 - OS v10.1.2.2174
BlackBerry 10 isn't going to gain traction without a marketing push, which won't happen at least until the FoxConn deal is bearing fruit. I'd personally hold off until an official Google Services/Google Play agreement is implemented, assuming that's something that's being worked out.
They're not selling now: there's not much BlackBerry can do to make things worse so I don't think this confusion is a big deal.
BB has already announced that they have no intention of pursuing Google Certification (which would require dumping BB10 for Android), which is the first step required to get access to Google Play.
I don't know that BB would have to "dump" BB10 to seek GPlay Services certification. Google did, after all, just certify a Cyanogen mod.
Cyanogen is Android - full Android, and no other OS. BB10 is NOT Android - it contains *parts* of Android inside another OS. That would not pass Google certification for a number of reasons. BB is well aware of this, and always has been.
Remember that BB would also have to pre-install the full suite of Google Apps as well - that's part of what's required for Play Store access. That would effectively kill BB World, BB Maps, and other BB services. Getting Google Play makes little sense for BB's ongoing business.
If the option is shut down devices altogether or kill off BB Maps etc I think the choice is pretty clear.
It's good to see that Chen has clarified he's previous statement though he needs to be more careful about what he says to the press. If his statement was taken out of context or not time will tell. Know matter what, he has almost certainly given the shear holders a heart attack and damaged further consumer/corporate buyers confidence in the company. Let's hope for his sake he can correct this situation buy bolstering sales.
Posted via CB10
When Chen speaks he has to be clear and concise, with no chance of interpretation, can't always blame the other guy.
Z30 on 10.2.1 in Canada
And the horrific BlackBerry communications issue continues!
Posted via CB10
Unfortunately Mr. Chen, it's not your decision...the market, board, and investors will dictate that decision when the time comes.
Your passion while appreciated; and your expertise while undoubtedly rare may prove to not be enough.
I'll remain loyal to the end jumping from and giving each new device a chance as they've each been great so far.
Unfortunately, very little of the general public agrees. Whether it's marketing, carriers, BlackBerry 10 late to the game, it just seems this may be an impossible hill to climb with respect to making BlackBerry devices profitable.
Posted with my BlackBerry Q10 on VZW from Philly
As expected, mr chen's words were taken out of context. For some reason I can't understand, everybody wants to be the first to report the end of BlackBerry. Sheesh!
Posted via CB10
BlackBerry have PR issues. They have good products and good talents but dont know how to sell or how to tell their customers their stories.
It's what's best for the company. If the handsets don't profit, then they won't be around very much longer..
Well Mr Chen,
If you are staying in the hardware business
you might want to improve certain aspects of this business.
Prime example - design has to be improved.
Marketing - if you can't market the product how does it sell? Outsource the marketing contract.
Price - competitive prices beat the competition for prices.
Posted via CB10
BlackBerry isn't going to be out of business..dont believe rumours...it comes often..lets not take it to our ears
Posted via CB10
Damage Control 101
Zed30
Chen's follow-up correction is very reassuring.
Cheers. :)
Posted via CB10
I tried both apple and android. Came back to BlackBerry. People are surprised when they find out I have a BlackBerry. Really surprised because of the features. I wish it were marketed better. Hopefully Chen can get these back into the hands of corporate America and make it the business standard again.
Posted via CB10
I agree with you, I recently made a switch from android to bb10 and no one knows why. They all thought I was "weird", and I say, don't judge a book by its cover, the bb10 os is definitely revamped and cannot be compared to bb7, until they try it, the snares will continue....
Posted via Z30
Good. He understands that BlackBerry devices are -- at least for now -- a large part of why enterprises buy products and services like BES 10/12. And, BlackBerry devices are the only reason why I continue to support BlackBerry.
Thank God, I was even thinking this morning which phone I would switch to if there were no BlackBerry's available. I wasn't really liking the thought as I'm not a huge fan of any other phone on any other platform.
Posted via CB10
I like his quick response to the mis-information that is being spread. I really appreciate the quality of my device (Z10) and hope that BlackBerry has not given up on a premier all-touch device. I look forward to something like the rumored Z50 for purchase next year.
Chen is more of an upfront and straight to your face kinda guy but come on man for gods sake be a bit diplomatic when you giving an interview. You never know how people interpret your words or misuse them against you.
This is just like adding more salt to the wounds. Not of any help just makes it worse
Posted via CB10
Screw the media and the negativity! BlackBerry till the end!
It's interesting to see that analyst, news etc are insisting on a handset exit, and even Chen himself early on, had hinted towards leaving the hardware, but since then, he has had a look around and decided hardware is important to blackberrys future, a similar view shared by TH. The kicker is why? What do they see ahead that everyone is missing? I'm anxiously anticipating something.
Posted via CB10
And this is why the media needs to be held accountable for what they report. Very poor taking his comments out of context. Seems like anything to do with BlackBerry, the media makes it up as they go along.
Thankfully Chen is on the ball and putting these things straight.
Posted via CB10
Unfortunately the amount of people outraged or bothered by this is getting smaller and smaller. What's Chen supposed to say?
Mr Chen, here is my advise to you, do with it what you will. STAY AWAY FROM THE NEWS MEDIA! You mean to tell me that a highly respected and intelligent CEO like you doesn't know that 99% of news outlets today are no better than The National Enquirer??? They don't make any money from printing that "John Chen says BlackBerry isn't going anywhere!".
Take the money that's spent on you doing and interview with you and sink it into some advertising of your devices. I'm getting dam tired of being BlackBerry's means of free advertising and hearing back from those that I show my device off to "how come BlackBerry doesn't tell anyone about this device?".
In the corporate world, time is money. How much of my money (yes it's my money when I spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars on BlackBerrys) does BlackBerry squander away having CEOs do interviews just to give news outlets more ammo to dump on BlackBerry once again.
I would be the world's worst financial adviser and even I can see the things killing this company... False advertising by news outlets and zero advertising of their amazing products by BlackBerry!!!
Posted via CB10
Nice rant and so true!
And you guys posted this story which clearly showed it was out of context. saddening crackberry.
Complete with a cherry-picked "quote".
If any site should have known better, it should have been CB.
Corrected or not, the damage has been done.
Hang your heads in shame.
CDN
We don't know what the context was, nobody has told us. What's clear he did make the statement.
Good old US Media.. still trying to kick BlackBerry down. Engadget, Verge ect.. all jumping on the opportunity.
Posted via CB10
Bullsh*t like this makes me stand behind the company even more.
Don't encourage this. It's such a sleazy way to try to defeat competition. We all know who owns these media companies and the single best thing you can do is support BlackBerry. That's exactly when THEY want you not to do.
I'm ordering my white Z30 today.
Posted via CB10
Who owns these media companies?
(prepares to break out tin hat)...
It's not about the media ownership. It's all about RELATIONSHIP. Reuters, Bloomberg, The Globe and Mail, Cnet, Engadget, The Verge, BGR, Phonearena, Techcrunch and ALL media controlled by Rupert Murdoch have a "SPECIAL" relationship with BlackBerry's direct competitors and potential acquirers.
GOOGLE and APPLE.
Is the media the reason why Blackberry has 3% of the market? I started using a BlackBerry 9 years ago with a 6230. People used to ask, "what's that?" I stayed with BlackBerry through the years as they became the premier mobile device company, everyone had a BlackBerry and no one asked "what's that?" I got a Z10 last March, guess what questions I hear yeah "what's that?" The media has NOTHING to do with BlackBerry's demise. Blame Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis for their lack of vision when they thought the iPhone couldn't compete. Blame Frank Boulben for non existent marketing. Blackberry is relegated to niche status because of their leadership, Chen is awesome but he can't make Blackberry what it was, no matter who he sues or statements he makes. Blackberry needed him 4 years ago to remain relevant.
I believe if Chen sends his comments formally to each publisher whom took Chen out if contexts can be be sued if they do not respond with a retraction piece immediately.
Posted from a Blackberry Z10
f@ck the media. This story is still posted at the Globe and Mail. Idiots.
I'm relieved!
Posted via CB10
Never trust media! Chen and Watsa will do what is best for both blackberry and shareholders.
I even said in my forum thread in the general section let me make this clear about blackberry hardware business that john Chen said he isn't leaving the hardware business blackberry will always make handsets but I strongly believe they should adopt the apple model and just design the phones and have Foxconn deal with the hardware bb10 software and qnx and bbm and bes should be their primary focus...anyone can slap on the latest hardware it's the software that counts....look at the s4 when it came out fully.loaded hardware and everything but it's such a laggy OS with tons of bloatware and overheats. People just get the oh blackberry is coming out of the handset business that makes no sense bb10 needs to run on hardware if blackberry makes it or Foxconn who cares....we will always have phones.
It's like watching the Anchorman. People reading the Reuters news without watching the full interview would think that Chen is exiting the handset business. Reuters needed a headline to increase traffic to their site. I pity the people who get suckered into this. Same people who read this are now in panic mode dumping their stocks due to this speculation.
Z30STA100-5/10.2.1.2947
Nice to see Chen on the aggressive. Keep the for sale or other signs off the screen. This is important. As I know with my z30, I do not need the best, latest phone to do my work. I do need the best end to end solution. So far so good.
Posted via CB10
Good luck with iPhone 6! I would never buy a apple. Such junk!
Posted via CB10
+1000
Posted via CB10
How about an Apple?
I love apple.
I love blackberry.
Apple is cheaper than blackberry.
I prefer apple.
CB10
I don't get why people think in the original message he was going to abandon The device market. His original message seemed to be a direct message to stakeholders who may have been concerned with John Chen being stubborn and investing and focusing time in something that is already dead and won't turn around (ex the handset division) . He was just saying he's open to other ideas. I'm glad he came out with this though
Posted via CB10
Chen needs to do some sort of "state of the union" speech on live TV and tell everyone to "stay calm and keep buying BlackBerry phones...we're not selling off the handset business" ;)
Posted via Q10
This is already getting out of hand. Chen makes the comment and now all the media is running with it as gospel this may actually cause more harm than good. Blackberry may simply ditch handsets nobody wants
http://t.co/r4J9BwTAwc
Posted Via my Z30
I don't usually comment much about executives, but this fella, I like.
Makes his opinion known, gives regular statements that are clear cut and let's you know if the waterfall is going to be dropping gold or shit on you.
Much better than the previous, whats-his-name
Smoked by my BBQ10
Seriously, I love everything about my z10 but on average consumers change phone once a year and BlackBerry haven't came up with a flagship phone since z10 launched. And don't even mention z30, that phone look hideous. If my z10 breaks at some point this year I have no choice but to move to iPhone 6.
Posted via CB10
This is very true for the segment of consumers living in the western nations.
Posted via CB10
I think you're the first person to say that about the Z30.
I own both and love both but if you owned a Z30 I think you would realize that it is the flagship device.
Posted via CB10
Thank goodness... How can Reuters be so unprofessional. First they do the damage and then dont print a retraction. They should be liable for damages
For something John Chen actually said?
LMFAO... I see you haven't changed your trolling ways.
Posted via CB10 from my amazing Q10
I missed you, man.
Irrecoverable damage :(
Posted by the Z30
Yup. That's just like if a husband says he's gonna get a divorce from his wife then the next day says his comments were taken out of context.
John Chen just alienated the business community even more.
Knowing BlackBerry this means they already made a decision to leave handset division.
BB10 will come to PB yes sure it will bal bla bla
Posted via CB10
A lot of BB owners are hanging in, but the new/lost buyers are in serious jepardy if Chen doesn't get the weak link (Link) fixed for we stand alone (vs BES) owners.
That may be the negative tipping point in my opinion.
Good
From my White Z30
I watched the interview on Reuters & it was very clear for me ...nowhere John Chen said he would be dumping handset business he only said that he would definitely make handset business profitable at some point by taking various measures
US media channels are as corrupt as Wall Street. They want to see BB fail and wont stop until they have undermined it to the point of full collapse. It's criminal and should be treated as such. Start black balling these "reporters". Just dont talk to them. These articles serve no value to the company.
What?! Why would the media want to see BB fail? Blackberry's current market share or lack there of isn't the media's fault
That's not at all what he was saying, don't spin it.
Posted via CB10
Perfect time for a Full on Z30 product commercial.
Posted via CB10
EXACTLY!! IT NEEDS TO BE MARKETED PROPERLY !
Posted via CB10
Yes he just repeated what I read yesterday
Posted via the Android CrackBerry App!
Thank Christ.
Posted via CB10
Dunno if it's Christ that we should thank, but SOMEONE definitely should be. :) :)
Amen
John Chen is the messiah to most people here, so it works.
Hmm amen!!!
Stay Classy CrackBerry Nation!
And don't Samsung overcome it copies all features and try to release any new play book and smart phone with new personal voice assistant and new hardware
Hiitu bb10
Too bad all those potential BlackBerry users (who were thinking about purchasing BB), don't actually read CB. But something tells me that vast majority of them trust Reuters and alike. Thus, probably, by this moment those potential users have already changed their minds thinking 'BlackBerry devices look nice, but I don't wanna buy handsets from a dying company...'
I hope I'm wrong though.
long live the berry
Chen is awesome. Quick to correct things. I'm betting he will be much more careful inhis interviews.
With all the loyal following, I think BlackBerry will be happy if the handset division breaks even. I see no reason why this can't happen.
Go BlackBerry.
Tools not Toys my CrackBerry brothers!
Including the PlayBook then!?
PlayBook UK BBM Channel C001CB4A1
Enough with the PlayBook stuff. CB posted a article stating they abandoned it totally SMH
Yeah!!! Still think I'm going to wait on the purchase of a z30.
Posted via CB10
I just got the Z30 and it's fantastic.... I didn't want to wait just in case BlackBerry doesn't produce another all-touch for a while.
Posted via CB10
Yes actually if blackberry abandons the race then apple products have no competition
Hiitu bb10
Yes they do its called ANDRIOD lol. Its market share is higher then Apple's is. I don't even think Apple considers BlackBerry competition.
Troll
Posted via CB10
Really, he's a troll for stating what's obvious? Blackberry isn't competition and they haven't been for 3 years.
A troll for reporting fact huh lol. With less then a 3% market share I hardly call that competition lol, Its more like a bug that that smashed with their boot numerous times. Apple's competition is Android and that's it.
I'm sure they're keeping an eye on the rising market share of Windows Phone too. You troll. Lol.
You are wrong on do many levels!
Go and do your homework you naughty boy.
Posted via CB10
They don't.
Posted via CB10
OMG... I'm shocked that BGR didn't post this potential flamebait first thing this morning. I'm sure it will be coming soon...they NEVER pass up an opportunity to post something potentially negative about BBRY.
Ps. When people wonder why BB10 handset sales are so low, you need to consider that the misinformation spread in the media (specifically tech blogs) certainly doesn't help their case.
Posted via CB10 from my amazing Q10
Thank God, I wouldn't know what kind of handheld will level BlackBerry. And I had them all! No more android or apple for me again. Keep up the good work
Sgietman
+1
Posted via CB10
Great. Now make me a new Z10 so I can upgrade my phone!
Posted via CB10
Make the Z50 so a lot of us can update!
Yes, I'd love to see a Z50 device appear!
Posted via CB10
See, that's the best part of the CrackBerry community. Even if we fall prey to blogging a out of context headline (that story was updated by the way), it gets straightened out in the comments right away by the community. Harm done? Not on CB.... elsewhere, maybe.
But I'm super glad to see that John Chen immediately took to getting a message out there to clarify things. Second round of posts in the headlines for him. He's getting pretty good at blogging! Maybe he'd do a weekly column around here to keep us all in the loop. :)
Google news search "Blackberry" 1000 stories about them exiting the device buisness, nothing on the first page about Chen clarifying his statement. Damage is done to the rest of the world who still thinks BlackBerry only makes OS 7 devices.
Posted via CB10
Well, the blog post just hit. That'll be an interesting test to watch and see how many people report on the update from Chen. Hopefully a lot.
It's the same concept about Presidential Debates. Tell some lies/stretch the truth, the masses of people who watch take it at face value, 2 days later only the hardcore followers read/see the follow-up stories about the lies/truth stretches.
"Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator, and change has its enemies."
Chen needs to make sure the outlets that report his "Statement" are rewarded with exclusive stories and/or hardware/software so it begins to generate a culture that "looks" for the good news to report about Blackberry. There is no penalty for news outlets to report the negative news. They must find a way to reward those who report the positive.
Now THAT is a good idea!
Posted via CB10
+1
Chen should at least give the interview to ppl/news agencies/media who r not gonna take your words out of context...
Posted via CB10
Brilliant!!!
He didn't specify how he was drawn into the "out of context" remark or, indeed, what the context was though. Maybe his blogging is improving but his interview savvy isn't?
Hmmm, and interesting proposition. Would he fire himself if he initiated a leak? :)
That's a great idea...CB can ask him to atleast do a Quarterly or yearly blog.
Posted via CB10
Why would he do anything for you when you continue to publish leaks against his wishes and to the detriment of BlackBerry?
Are you so entitled?
Kevin-I only wish that here on CB the "#1 BlackBerry fan site" the bloggers would at least do their homework before putting something taken so out of content on their front page. I am not a blogger- but first thing I thought when I read that here is...what did the rest of the interview say?
I saw tiny little sites that did their homework before reporting on it and they read the whole interview and didn't have the same headline! just sayin......
Yeah well he's reacting because no matter what the eventual long term plan is his out of context message will potentially impact short term in many ways.
Posted via CB10
I don't suppose that all the media sources that announced JC's initial comments ' out of context' will now announce his latest correction statement.
Not likely.
Can Reuters be sued next please for bad reporting? I'm sure this isn't the first time Reuters have twisted things.
Posted via CB10
+100
Posted via CB10
+1
Posted via CB10
They reported exactly what was said. They can't be sued. If people only read the headline and not the article then it's them who should be sued
Posted via the Android CrackBerry App!
Reuters are on one of the world's premier media outlets.
Note, Chen did not deny what was reported, only the context.
Plus "any time soon" is hardly stunningly reassuring.
If I have to use an iphone for business I will be pissed!!!
Posted via CB10
Millions of people do worldwide.
Which is your mobile device of choice ?
Posted via CB10
Why? I use an iphone for work and it is actually a much better business tool than some people on this forum want to acknowledge. It supports exchange email, my BBOS 7 doesn't. It is extremely fast. It comes with visual voicemail which makes checking voicemail a breeze. And the keyboard is actually a joy to use. I am much faster on it than the previous bold I was using.
Please never abandon this business!!
Posted via CB10
Why? Because it would hurt a fan boy's feelings?
Chen has to build on what will make the company money and abandon what loses money. Plain and simple.
+10000.
Only site that didn't report Chen selling or thinking about selling
http://utbblogs.com/under-the-bridge/is-chen-dumping-blackberry-handset-...
Posted via CB10
Awesome article! Definitely will be returning to that site more often to get more logical reads on Blackberry news. Thanks.
Add Mobile Syrup to that short list
"BlackBerry’s CEO says ‘we will be in the handset business, but it’s a matter of what level of integration’".
http://mobilesyrup.com/2014/04/10/blackberrys-ceo-says-we-will-be-in-the...
Posted via CB10
Screw the media!
Exactly. Chen should just shut his mouth and get to work.
Yeah... he shouldn't be out in the media trying to squash this "BBRY is dead" mindset perpetuated by the media (and tech blogs specifically), he should sit at his desk all day reading advice from tech blog trolls and just keep his mouth shut.
/end sarcasm
Posted via CB10 from my amazing Q10
Great, but I love my Z30. I first owned a Torch 9800 and never really used the keyboard much. I really hope BBRY sticks with the all touch form factor as well. The Z30 is an outstanding device.
I agree, I love my BlackBerry Z30 too! I also had the Torch 2, which was also a great deal device, and I did use the keyboard a lot. The Z30 's large screen and virtual keyboard with auto-correct and predictive text in any language makes it a killer!
Posted via CB10
I should clarify. I used the keyboard exclusively on my Torch as I really didn't like the onscreen keyboard. What I mean is that I am not a heavy user for messaging so the screen real estate is more important to me. The Z30 (as my Z10 just previously) has a fantastic on screen keyboard and I can't imagine going back to a physical keyboard.
Long live z30! I recently switched from my laggy Samsung/android device and I'm glad I made that move, the bb10 os is much more intuitive and fluid than I previously thought (I'm also still using bb7 for work so I have a good comparison), I bet if blackberry could challenge an android user to try a switch for 1 week and give them a rebate to take their Android away, that would generate some new crackberry fans, no turning back for me!
Posted via CB10
Not for me I just purchased a Note 3 after being a BB user for 7 years. I would never go back to BB after using the Note 3. I have used the Q10, Z10 and Z30 and the they don't compare to the Note 3. Maybe the low end Android devices are laggy but not the flag ship models. My friend has had his Note 3 for 6 months and it still runs as smooth as it did on day 1. But people should choose devices based on their needs.
And android has all the malware and advertising crap that is non existent on BB. Every app forces access to your contacts pictures etc. As long as BlackBerry exists I will be a z30 or better user.
Posted via CB10
I used the Note 3 and prefer BB10 over it. The apps on the Note just won't stop crashing but I'm not going to lie, the OS is smooth but it's too scrambled. You got widgets and apps everywhere. Just not very organized. I think I prefer cards over widgets.
Powered by my BlackBerry (Z10). Join my #BBM Channels C001227CF, C00476C37, C003829C9, C002454C9,C002190AC, C00120CE3
Great to hear that.
Posted via CB10
You mean the backtracking after he made a stupid comment?
No backtracking after he let it slip that it is necessary that they try and figure out how to survive if they can turn the hardware business around. There are a lot of factors that make the likelihood of turning BB10 & BBOS into a viable business. So you know that Chen and Company are considering the options.
But admitting that can in fact hurt any chance they have at a turn around. And can also affect their Services sales as many companies link the two together right now.
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