BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) continues to demonstrate that its BlackBerry 10 devices are competitive amid its ongoing effort in exploring alternative strategies to revive its business.
BlackBerry Z30 features
The Canadian smartphone manufacturer introduced its latest flagship smartphone, the BlackBerry Z30, which had long been speculated to be a high-end phablet. The device features a 5-inch Super amoLED display, 1.7-gigahertz processor and quad core graphics. The 2,880 mAh battery of the BlackBerry Z30 allows users to use it for as long as 25 hours.
The BlackBerry Z30 is powered by BlackBerry 10.2 operating system. Some of its features include a better Hub, and BlackBerry Messenger with a new notification system. It has also the ability to show icons on a locked screen. The device will compete with the latest devices from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930), and others. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) recently unveiled its iPhone 5S with the fingerprint scanner and the colorful iPhone 5C.
BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) unveiled the BlackBerry Z30 at an event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The company described the BlackBerry Z30 as the “biggest, fastest, and most advanced smartphone” among its devices. The BlackBerry Z30 will be available in the United Kingdom and several countries in the Middle East next week.
Investors focused on potential takeout
According to Maynard Um, analyst at Well Fargo Securities, the success of the BlackBerry Z30 depends on its pricing, carrier availability, and speed of consumer adoption. Um also opined that the currently investors are more focused on a “potential takeout,” but he thinks the BlackBerry Z30 would also bring attention back to the fundamental business of the company.
The latest smartphones released by BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) received positive reviews, however, it still struggling to increase its market share because its competitors, such as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd (LON:BC94) (KSE:005930), have more money to launch extensive marketing campaigns.
There were reports indicating that the smartphone business of BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) is unattractive to potential buyers, but they are interested in acquiring its BlackBerry 10 operating system and other related patents relating to keyboards. However, it had been reported that Prem Watsa’s Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd (TSE:FFH) (OTCMKTS:FRFHF) along with a group of investors might acquire the entire company.