A New BlackBerry Phone?!

[Morty2264]

Has anyone else checked out that rumoured BlackBerry device article here on AC? Our friends over at CrackBerry are even communicating their desires for a new phone with the companies involved! So cool!

I am admittedly cautiously excited - I'm optimistic, but ready for anything, you know? One thing is for sure - I'll be checking these out in the store if and when they launch!

What are your thoughts on a new BlackBerry device with Android software (again) in 2020?

 

[Golfdriver97]

This article: https://www.androidcentral.com/blackberry-back-and-im-both-optimistic-and-cautious

 

[Golfdriver97]

Skimmed the article, here are my thoughts.

Blackberry had it's day. They are going to need to pull out all the stops to make a device that people will buy. If they want to survive, they need to do the following (in my opinion):
1. Regardless of the diehards, get rid of the physical keyboard. Sure the purists want that, and I understand, but this is a business. A business needs to sell a lot of phones to be profitable.

2. Stick to only 2 phones. A flagship and an entry level. Something to get in the hands of everyone, and make updates easier.

3. Support the device (updates) for a minimum of 30 months.

4. Open any software to other devices. Let people get a feel for what they can do.

That is just my take. I don't really have a positive outlook for this brand. Simply for the reason that Samsung is well entrenched in the top spot for OEMs. It will be quite an undertaking to topple them. Even if some other PC OEM were to release a phone, it would still be an undertaking.

 

[Morty2264]

Skimmed the article, here are my thoughts.

Blackberry had it's day. They are going to need to pull out all the stops to make a device that people will buy. If they want to survive, they need to do the following (in my opinion):
1. Regardless of the diehards, get rid of the physical keyboard. Sure they purists want that, and I understand, but this is a business. A business needs to sell a lot of phones to be profitable.

2. Stick to only 2 phones. A flagship and an entry level. Something to get in the hands of everyone, and make updates easier.

3. Support the device (updates) for a minimum of 30 months.

4. Open any software to other devices. Let people get a feel for what they can do.

That is just my take. I don't really have a positive outlook for this brand. Simply for the reason that Samsung is well entrenched in the top spot for OEMs. It will be quite an undertaking to topple them. Even if some other PC OEM were to release a phone, it would still be an undertaking.

I do agree with you on all of your points. They need to make a phone that's a hefty contender.

I am a physical keyboard enthusiast but I do see what you are saying about what the overall market desires in a smartphone. Of course, they could make the flagship-level phone with a full touchscreen and the mid-range or entry-level phone with a physical keyboard. The way they manufactured the Z10 and Q10 is kind of what I'm thinking with regards to that.

 

[Golfdriver97]

I am a physical keyboard enthusiast but I do see what you are saying about what the overall market desires in a smartphone. Of course, they could make the flagship-level phone with a full touchscreen and the mid-range or entry-level phone with a physical keyboard. The way they manufactured the Z10 and Q10 is kind of what I'm thinking with regards to that.

You interpreted correctly. They can't focus on the 10% (and I think I am being generous) of the market that wants a keyboard, and expect it to sell like the Note/Galaxy S line of phones. I was thinking the lower tier can have the keyboard to satisfy those who want one.

 

[Kizzy Catwoman]

There are still a lot of businesses that like the security from Blackberry phones and they may like to have a new Blackberry on the block, so to say. The physical keyborad is still great if they can keep the original Blackberry implementation. Those keyboards were so accurate and comfortable to use.

 

[Laura Knotek]

I have zero interest. The device is going to have a physical keyboard, which I haven't used in over 8 years. At this time I have no desire to return to a nostalgic form factor that provides no benefit to me but simply takes up extra space, adds extra weight, and adds an additional point of potential hardware failure.

I suspect this device will be as much a failure as all the other attempts to revive a design that has been rejected by all but a few nostalgic people who have been unable to adapt to change.

 

[Golfdriver97]

I suppose an optional keyboard accessory might work, but Samsung tried it and it bombed.

 

[Golfdriver97]

There are still a lot of businesses that like the security from Blackberry phones and they may like to have a new Blackberry on the block, so to say. The physical keyborad is still great if they can keep the original Blackberry implementation. Those keyboards were so accurate and comfortable to use.

I honestly think most of them have moved on to Apple or Samsung. Sure there may be a few that might flock back, but I wouldn't be surprised if the IT Admins say no due to reasons like not wanting to change or waiting to see how this phone pans out.

 

[anon(50597)]

I have zero interest. The device is going to have a physical keyboard, which I haven't used in over 8 years. At this time I have no desire to return to a nostalgic form factor that provides no benefit to me but simply takes up extra space, adds extra weight, and adds an additional point of potential hardware failure.

I suspect this device will be as much a failure as all the other attempts to revive a design that has been rejected by all but a few nostalgic people who have been unable to adapt to change.

I had to look twice because I thought I wrote this! lol.

Honestly, after multiple failures I'm shocked someone is dumb enough to try this again.

 

[Morty2264]

You interpreted correctly. They can't focus on the 10% (and I think I am being generous) of the market that wants a keyboard, and expect it to sell like the Note/Galaxy S line of phones. I was thinking the lower tier can have the keyboard to satisfy those who want one.

It's unfortunate but those of us who love physical keyboards - myself included - are in the minority. BlackBerry needs to try and market their devices to as many people as possible - not just the niche market.

Now, say they did a slider like the Torch with an option to keep it closed and use the virtual keyboard instead... That would be cool. It may have to be horizontal though. Vertical may make the phone too large.

And then you gotta think about things like weight and whether or not that physical keyboard would be able to withstand pressure. And good luck making a case for a Torch model... Blah.

 

[Morty2264]

I suppose an optional keyboard accessory might work, but Samsung tried it and it bombed.

But do you think if BlackBerry tried it, it would perhaps succeed a bit more, particularly because they're the reigning physical keyboard champs? I'm not sure, of course, but the thought just came to me as I was re-reading this thread.

 

[the_boon]

Skimmed the article, here are my thoughts.

Blackberry had it's day. They are going to need to pull out all the stops to make a device that people will buy. If they want to survive, they need to do the following (in my opinion):
1. Regardless of the diehards, get rid of the physical keyboard. Sure the purists want that, and I understand, but this is a business. A business needs to sell a lot of phones to be profitable.

2. Stick to only 2 phones. A flagship and an entry level. Something to get in the hands of everyone, and make updates easier.

3. Support the device (updates) for a minimum of 30 months.

4. Open any software to other devices. Let people get a feel for what they can do.

1. Worst idea ever. Every BlackBerry phone that didn't have the keyboard failed miserably (Z10, Z30, Leap, DTEK, Motion)
People who buy a Berry do it largely for the keyboard. Ain't no one asking to type on BB glass. If you're gonna tap glass, there are tons of better options out there.

2. Sure, flagship Priv style slider at $799 and budget KEY2 LE at $349 would be ideal

3. Yes, important

4. That would go against their philosophy of "most secure device". Probably not gonna happen, which is fine if the device gets better support than what TCL provided (which was crap).

 

[the_boon]

Those keyboards were so accurate and comfortable to use.

Which you can't say about touchscreen 'boards.

"I love typing out long emails on my glass slab!"

-Said no one ever

 

[Laura Knotek]

Which you can't say about touchscreen 'boards.

"I love typing out long emails on my glass slab!"

-Said no one ever

Typing emails is no longer as important a use case for smartphones, especially with people working from home due to COVID-19.

My guess is that how people work will not revert to the way things were 10 years ago ever again.

 

[Morty2264]

Typing emails is no longer as important a use case for smartphones, especially with people working from home due to COVID-19.

My guess is that how people work will not revert to the way things were 10 years ago ever again.

You have a point in that regard. People who are now working from home may use their laptops/computers for work purposes. When I was working from home, I used both my phone and Chromebook to answer work emails; but still did the bulk of lengthier emails on my Chromebook.

Now that you can get lightweight and small laptops like a Chromebook, it's easier to keep work "close" to you. Having your phone for work-related purposes is still super convenient, but as you've said, people are using technology differently than they did ten years ago. I have mixed feelings.

 

[the_boon]

I have zero interest. The device is going to have a physical keyboard, which I haven't used in over 8 years. At this time I have no desire to return to a nostalgic form factor that provides no benefit to me but simply takes up extra space, adds extra weight, and adds an additional point of potential hardware failure.

I suspect this device will be as much a failure as all the other attempts to revive a design that has been rejected by all but a few nostalgic people who have been unable to adapt to change.

One would think that a moderator of CrackBerry forums would have some level of interest!

And we know you wouldn't buy it anyways even if it didn't have a keyboard, because who buys a SlabBerry? If it's gonna be like any other piece of glass, what's the point?

Also, a keyboard doesn't take up more weight, the KEY2 LE (156g) is most likely lighter than the slab you're using.

And the few who cling to their Berry's/keyboards don't do so because they can't adapt to change, but because they CHOOSE to use a different input method that's more tactile and accurate.
It's almost an insult to say we BB holdouts can't slab.

Keep tapping on glass! It takes a certain level of open-mindedness to appreciate the keyboard. It's not for everybody, but it deserves to exist for the few who prefer it.

 

[Laura Knotek]

One would think that a moderator of CrackBerry forums would have some level of interest!

And we know you wouldn't buy it anyways even if it didn't have a keyboard, because who buys a SlabBerry? If it's gonna be like any other piece of glass, what's the point?

Also, a keyboard doesn't take up more weight, the KEY2 LE (156g) is most likely lighter than the slab you're using.

And the few who cling to their Berry's/keyboards don't do so because they can't adapt to change, but because they CHOOSE to use a different input method that's more tactile and accurate.
It's almost an insult to say we BB holdouts can't slab.

Keep tapping on glass! It takes a certain level of open-mindedness to appreciate the keyboard. It's not for everybody, but it deserves to exist for the few who prefer it.

I haven't used a keyboard device since 2011, but I would consider a Blackberry device if it didn't have a keyboard and had a top of the line display and camera. The Motion never appealed to me since it had similar hardware as a Moto G device. Bring LG or Samsung specs to a Blackberry and I'll take a look.

 

[the_boon]

Bring LG or Samsung specs to a Blackberry and I'll take a look.

Why not buy the LG or the Samsung then?

You mean you'd make the switch just for the notification LED and rubber back?

It can't be for the BB software can it? As you can subscribe to the Hub and app suite from any Android...

 

[Laura Knotek]

Why not buy the LG or the Samsung then?

You mean you'd make the switch just for the notification LED and rubber back?

It can't be for the BB software can it? As you can subscribe to the Hub and app suite from any Android...

I might actually prefer the ergonomics and appearance of the Blackberry. I loved the curved rubber back on the original Moto X.

I've never used any Android OEM exclusively. So far I've had: Moto, Asus, LG and Samsung. I'd consider any brand with high end features. That does include brands I haven't yet used like Blackberry, Sony, HTC, Pixel depending on the features and the design.