BlackBerry CEO John Chen has been trying hard to turn the fortunes of the beleaguered company whose helm he took over in November 2013. With a new focus on the enterprise space and a smartphone market share that has dwindled to nearly nothing in many markets, many have wondered if BlackBerry would even stay in the hardware business. But Chen has so far indicated that the company remains committed to offering devices to its clients. In an interview with The Jakarta Post, Chen even hinted that he was open to releasing a BlackBerry phablet.
BlackBerry recently launched the BlackBerry Z3 in Indonesia and has plans to release additional devices later this year. The BlackBerry Bold 9900, first launched in 2011, making a comeback and the BlackBerry Classic, a device that blends classic BlackBerry hardware (including a QWERTY keyboard of course) with the new BlackBerry 10 operating system, will launch in October. More devices, including the oft-rumoured BlackBerry Windermere, are also planned. Recognizing that it might be too late for a tablet, Chen saw more potential for a phablet as this market is still growing. As he explained,
“If we will do another thing, we will probably go to phablet. I think if you look at our strategy and if you look at where the market goes, there is definitely a good market for something between a phone and tablet.
I think the phablet could be early, the tablet is already late. That is not a bad thing, because you can bring new technology. But, if I have the opportunity I will go to phablet. […] we will build what the market wants.”
Recent market research confirms that there is a growing appetite for larger-screened devices. More than a third of smartphones shipped in Q1 2014 had a display measuring at least 5 inches. More than 10% had a display measuring at least 5.5 inches.
With Chen focused on growing BlackBerry’s market share, a BlackBerry phablet could appeal to customers looking for a larger-screened device.
Sources : The Jakarta Post // PC Pro