BlackBerry

John Chen says that consumers are still a focus at BlackBerry

posted by Alan F. / Feb 02, 2014, 12:51 PM

John Chen says that consumers are still a focus at BlackBerry

If you're a die hard BlackBerry fan, the kind that can't imagine using any other keyboard than the one on the BlackBerry Q10, you might have been concerned by the appointment of John Chen to replace Thorsten Heins as CEO of the Canadian manufacturer. With the reputation as someone who has turned around a troubled company (Sybase) and dressed it up to be sold to a much larger one (SAP), the fear was that Chen would concentrate on areas like the enterprise, BES and let the consumer handset business die in its sleep.

But Chen recently confirmed that the consumer smartphone business is still a top priority at Waterloo, despite the challenges of taking on a rather entrenched duopoly in iOS and Android. With the enterprise business, BlackBerry has BES although the CEO recently said that the company has lost users since BlackBerry 7 was retired.

Hand in hand with the enterprise business is BlackBerry's reputation for security. Chen says that no platform is as secure as the BlackBerry OS. And while this once might have been more important to the businesses and government agencies who are transmitting confidential information on a smartphone and storing it on the device, the NSA 'scandal' has brought the issue of security to the general public. That could benefit BlackBerry's consumer sales.

"People who love their BlackBerry have always appreciated that their device allows them to get things done. And central to our productivity focus is our keyboard. BlackBerry has invested years of research and development to create the world’s best mobile keyboard, and that will continue to be a central focus for us...One critical challenge we have been addressing is the company’s broad approach on both enterprise and consumer markets...doesn’t mean we are turning our back on the consumer--far from it--but it’s important we narrow our focus on our core strengths. I believe in the values of this brand and I’ve assembled the right team and strategy with the strong confidence that we will rebuild BlackBerry for the benefit of all of our constituencies."-John Chen, CEO, BlackBerry

With some research firms reporting that BlackBerry had 0% of the U.S. smartphone market in the fourth quarter, keeping the faith is going to be hard for those die-hard fans that the company still has left. Chen earlier said that the company is working on some high-end models for the U.S.market that are not covered by its 5-year pact with Foxconn. This is where BlackBerry has fallen flat on its face before. If it can come up with a device that can challenge the competition specs wise, perhaps BlackBerry's strengths in the physical keyboard and security areas can help it bounce off the bottom of the consumer smartphone market. This seems to be what John Chen is counting on.

source: FastCompany via BerryReview

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30 Comments

1. rdaex

Posts: 152; Member since: Oct 24, 2012

They dont have 0%. Stop reporting that. I know people who use BB devices, and BB10 specifically. They may have less than 1%, but it is NOT 0.

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 2:26 PM 0

2. Finalflash

Posts: 4063; Member since: Jul 23, 2013

Well 0% might be for market share of devices sold during the quarter which is understandable seeing as how no one wants to buy sinking ships. Until he makes the ship float again it likely will stay around 0% (margin of error and all of course). With 900 million smartphones sold last year alone, and even if BB had 9 million sold they would just be 1% and hence, a rounding error. Still there is no hope for the company if he can't fix it within a year or two because by then everyone will have moved on to newer more exciting gear. The smartphone market would be a completely higher level and they can't catch up to others who are fine now and pushing their limits as we speak.

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 2:32 PM 0

7. thealphageek1

Posts: 942; Member since: Feb 02, 2013

I think you're underestimating the just how loyal the "die-hard" (myself included) BlackBerry faithful are. We have faith in BlackBerry and believe that the company can be turned around. For me, I know that I will always use a BlackBerry as my main, go-to device. And the same can be said for the BlackBerry faithful. Especially with the addition of all the amazing features that the 10.2.1 update has brought forth.

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 4:21 PM 1

21. Glim12808

Posts: 394; Member since: Oct 26, 2011

I keep reading about this "loyal and die-hard fans of Blackberry" all year long! So where are all of you, that you may save BB from dying! The time for talking is long past! Now is the time to act! Stop with all the BS already and just do it!

posted on Feb 03, 2014, 2:02 AM 0

22. thealphageek1

Posts: 942; Member since: Feb 02, 2013

I don't know what "BS" you are referring to. If you bothered to hit up BlackBerry-centric sites(not sure if you do),then you would know about the "loyal and die-hard fans of BlackBerry". BlackBerry is not dying. Far from it. Sure, they are not big in the consumer space now, but they still have the commanding lead in corporate-government-security space. And they are acting. There are many places outside of the US where BlackBerry is still big(Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and South Africa, as well as Mexico, to name a few). But you would already know this, if you would bother to do a little research outside of phone arena. So calm the f--k down!

posted on Feb 03, 2014, 6:07 AM 0

28. NokiaFTW

Posts: 2072; Member since: Oct 24, 2012

In India, the only big market where they had a stronghold previously, their marketshare has dropped from around 10% in 2012, to barely 2% in 2014. So you can imagine their situation in markets where they previously didn't have any traction.

posted on Feb 04, 2014, 12:09 AM 0

3. Martin_Cooper

Posts: 1774; Member since: Jul 30, 2013

Another delusional CEO? This company is gonna die sooner than I thought.

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 3:48 PM 1

4. rodneyej1

Posts: 3576; Member since: Jul 06, 2013

I hope BB can seriously come up... Only two popular platforms on the market is boring, and is going to get played out really quick... We need more differentiation.. We need more quality choices, and I think that BB is a good start.. It's already #4..

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 3:49 PM 2

8. XperiaOptimusOne unregistered

WP is #3 and it can barely compete with the big 2 let alone BB.

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 4:21 PM 1

11. rodneyej1

Posts: 3576; Member since: Jul 06, 2013

I don't care about competition, popularity, and who sales the most.. That has nothing to do with whether a platform is good, or bad.. We just need more alternatives that are quality platforms with worth while ecosystems.. I would never suggests to someone to buy something because it can compete.. The only thing that's really important is finding something that works for you, and that you enjoy.. And, if consumers were to walk into the store and see more unique options they might find something that suits them better than what's simply popular, what everyone has, and what is only available... It's called adult decision making when buying products... Three choices sucks... Why do so many Androids fans minds judge everything by competition, and numbers? That's not the only way to reason everything... People need to be taught to be themselves, not just another number.. And, when you follow the crowd that's just what you are,, just another number... Anyone who consciously chooses BB is thinking for themself and not just another follower.. I can respect that more, even if BB has .5% market share... Exclusivity is much cooler.

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 5:29 PM 4

5. darkkjedii

Posts: 31601; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

Just get in the lab BB. Apple did, and came strong with iOS. BB has a ton of life, just get on it.

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 4:10 PM 3

9. thealphageek1

Posts: 942; Member since: Feb 02, 2013

+1 to you, jedii. All BlackBerry has to do is get in the lab and come with some really compelling hardware. The BB10 OS is already great. People just need to try it.

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 4:24 PM 0

15. darkkjedii

Posts: 31601; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

I think it's a great platform myself, but I'm so deep in the iOS Eco system, I just can't justify the money for BB10 rite know. With android as my backup OS, it's like my plate is full.

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 7:15 PM 0

19. networkdood

Posts: 6330; Member since: Mar 31, 2010

Poor darkk is trapped by Apple....

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 11:34 PM 0

23. joey_sfb

Posts: 6794; Member since: Mar 29, 2012

One master one discipline. The way of the sith.

posted on Feb 03, 2014, 8:30 AM 0

12. rodneyej1

Posts: 3576; Member since: Jul 06, 2013

Agree❕... BB is pretty much in the same position that WP was in a few years ago.. These things just take time, especially when you are up against major competition.. But, like Microkia did, they must stand strong, and keep moving forward.. I don't know why, but my gut tells me that it's not over for BB.. Times change, and sometimes those on the bottom can work their way to the top.. ......................... The best example of this is Hyundai.. Think back to the 1990's, and look at the products, and position that Hyundai was in... Toyota, and Honda we're laughing, and not worried about Hyundai then, but now?.. Even Lexus, and Mercedes are looking out... Times change.. And, times will always change.. A lot of people seriously need to humble themselves about their platforms of choice... 10 years ago Motorola was on top with the razor, killing Samsung, now look.. Lol❕❕

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 5:42 PM 2

13. thealphageek1

Posts: 942; Member since: Feb 02, 2013

Agreed! BB needs to stand strong and remain persistent, like Nokia/MS has done. I believe they can do it. And for the sake of choice and competition, we should all be rooting for them.

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 6:07 PM 0

16. rodneyej1

Posts: 3576; Member since: Jul 06, 2013

Exactly..!

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 7:42 PM 0

14. darkkjedii

Posts: 31601; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

They have the foundation, just throw in everything.

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 7:13 PM 0

17. rodneyej1

Posts: 3576; Member since: Jul 06, 2013

Yep.. And, did you see the comment I posted for you.. You really burned that dude bad a few articles back.. He couldn't keep up.. That's usually what happens to those here on PA who nitpick, complain, and are unnecessarily negative.. I had to compliment you for your maturity, constructive criticism, and accurate, less biased, realistic feedback... We're all biased, to some degree, but some of these guys are just plain immature..

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 7:46 PM 1

26. darkkjedii

Posts: 31601; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

Yes I did, I remember the article. Thanx for backing me. Lotsa idiots troll this site, but I don't mind checking them at all. +1

posted on Feb 03, 2014, 6:06 PM 0

6. XperiaOptimusOne unregistered

I'm optimistic about Chen taking over, but then again I felt the same optimism when Hein took over years ago now look where they are.

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 4:13 PM 0

10. Martin_Cooper

Posts: 1774; Member since: Jul 30, 2013

No one has pulled out a surprise like an iphone since iphone came out. If BB doesnt pull out an iphone in the next year they are dead. Now you will tell me look what android did, thats another story, LOTS of big companies so it was only natural. BB is alone and it needs to pull out an iphone. If you know what I mean.

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 4:57 PM 0

18. apiskula

Posts: 578; Member since: Jan 25, 2013

Listen Blackberry nobody wants your garbage anymore. Focus on severance packages and go out of business. The consumer is no longer interested in your garbage

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 10:35 PM 0

24. thealphageek1

Posts: 942; Member since: Feb 02, 2013

If no one wanted a BlackBerry, they wouldn't have an installed user base of over 80 million, they wouldn't own 98% of phones used in the Pentagon, they still wouldn't be big in emerging markets, where every mobile OS and OEM (save Apple) is aiming for. Go troll elsewhere, please.

posted on Feb 03, 2014, 8:45 AM 0

20. networkdood

Posts: 6330; Member since: Mar 31, 2010

Blackberry is done - let us not kid ourselves on this - it can live on as a software app for the other OSes...

posted on Feb 02, 2014, 11:34 PM 0

25. thealphageek1

Posts: 942; Member since: Feb 02, 2013

Another fandroid troll. Please go elsewhere with your falsehoods.

posted on Feb 03, 2014, 8:47 AM 0

27. apiskula

Posts: 578; Member since: Jan 25, 2013

If you think Blackberry is going to live on your crazy. They are done as they had their day. Get a real phone

posted on Feb 03, 2014, 9:40 PM 0

29. thealphageek1

Posts: 942; Member since: Feb 02, 2013

They are still living. This belief that they are dead comes from the US market, mostly. In the US, it is believed that you can't survive without the consumer market, which isn't true. BlackBerry became what is was through the prosumer/enterprise market. That's their focus right now, and rightly so. I can't wait to see what you have to say when they pull through this. You will most likely still have excuses. And my BlackBerry is a real phone, unlike the crop you most likely use.