By the end of the year, BB10 phones will be in that list of gas guzzlers. According to the theory presented in the article, the problem isn't as much the price of the phone, as the expensive service plans needed to support modern ecosystems. He believes emerging markets can't handle it, and so, will turn away from consumer smartphones.
If he is correct, what of BB10 in emerging markets? He does not mention BB, but he makes it sound like BBs are only popular in emerging nations precisely because they are the types of phones that are undesirable in developed nations.
It is an interesting read, worthy of discussion on its own merits. It speaks to the digital divide throughout the world. As technology advances, the divide gets deeper. Advanced technology is simply not accessible for most of the world. Yet, technology is advancing faster, not slower.
Will emerging nations be able to afford modern smartphones? Will the carriers make them available in those markets? Is it even worth it for manufacturers to try to sell advance phones in those markets? Much to consider.
How do you know BB10 will be a "gas guzzler" in terms of bandwidth? Blackberrys have a reputation of being very data efficient compared to other smartphones.
They also have a reputation for not being a full featured ecosystem. BB10 is supposed to change all that.
BB10 is suppose to change the ecosystem, not the data hogs of the Android/iOS/WP7(8)
but as long as BB10 is tied to the NOC still it will still enjoy 4:1 compressions, and Carriers will still be able to grant permissions to specific apps to have "free" data access like the $5 BBM social network plans available in some countries.
You're just looking for ways to read it negative for RIM, as per usual
I agree with D_G, this could be a good sign for RIM if they can maintain their efficient network people will start turning en masse towards them. If this article is anything to believe of course.
The article fails to mention BlackBerry at all. Odd since of all the smartphones, BB is the only one that would seem to be what this Orange exec implies is needed.
