[3hb78ftg]

This is an example of another Iphone zombie writing a review about the Z10 after only 2 hours of use. I've quoted the article as well and would like to add that this guy got creamed in the comments section.

BlackBerry Z10: A boring beta meant for no one (review) | VentureBeat

It took about two hours for my initial excitement over the BlackBerry Z10 to disappear.

At first, I was impressed by how comfortable the Z10 felt in my hand and the ease with which it juggled multiple tasks at once. But it didn’t take too long before the BlackBerry 10’s crummy apps, limited functionality, and instability sent me running back to the iPhone and Android (yes, I always have two devices on me).

The phone feels like a beta product, not something that BlackBerry (formerly Research in Motion) has been toiling away at for years. After several delays, BlackBerry simply has no excuse — especially when this is the device that must save the troubled company.

An even bigger problem became clear the more I used the Z10: Who is this thing for? It’s not going to win over gadget geeks with its minuscule app selection (70,000 at launch, but few that you’d actually want to use), and the BlackBerry faithful will likely be better served by the upcoming Q10, which features a traditional physical keyboard. And I can’t imagine that anyone would latch on to its fairly boring interface and lack of personality.

It’s a phone built out of desperation and hubris — not for anyone, or any specific need, in particular.

BlackBerry 10 Z10 Source: Devindra Hardawar/VentureBeat
The good: Classy design, great feel caters to business folk

The BlackBerry Z10 isn’t a complete failure, as it manages to impress at first glance (hence my enthusiastic first look at the phone). From afar it looks a lot like the iPhone 5. Up close it bears a simplicity that’s exceedingly rare as smartphone makers obsess with screen size and design bling. It looks like an expensive device that only business people should be using — which is great for maintaining BlackBerry’s image but somewhat damning when attracting typical smartphone buyers.

With its rounded corners and soft-touch rear cover, the BlackBerry Z10 feels more like an expensive leather briefcase than your typical smartphone. It’s also comfortable to hold and navigate with one hand thanks to a reasonably-sized 4.2-inch screen. BlackBerry could have tried to spar with big-screen Android phone makers, but the smaller screen size shows a certain amount of restraint that I can’t help but appreciate. (It’s also slightly bigger than the 4-inch iPhone 5, so BlackBerry can still hold that over Apple.)

The BlackBerry 10 has a few other things to like as well, though it still has a long way to go. It relies on a gesture-based interface that quickly becomes intuitive — swipe up from the bottom of the screen to show your running apps, swipe from the left edge go backward, and swipe down to reveal more options. A helpful gesture — swiping up, then right — sends you to the BlackBerry Hub, which puts all of your e-mail, texts, Twitter updates, and other communication alerts into a single interface.

Few apps stood out on the Z10 (more on that below), but its browser is worth mentioning. It’s fast, renders web pages accurately, and it even supports Adobe Flash. BlackBerry clearly put a lot of thought into the browser’s rendering engine, which feels as zippy as Chrome on Android and the latest version of the iOS browser.

The phone also sports BlackBerry Messenger, which for some fans may be the only reason they’ll need a new BlackBerry device. At this point, modern messaging apps and services like iMessage and Kik are far more useful than BlackBerry Messenger. But for business people who’ve lived with BlackBerry phones over the past year, it’ll be tough to give up BBM.

Just like the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, which runs an operating system that serves as the core of BlackBerry 10, moving between multiple applications on the Z10 is fast and seamless. It’s powered by a fast 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and 2GB RAM, so it’s certainly no hardware slouch either.

Call quality and reception was impressive, though that’s something BlackBerry should have mastered by now. Its touchscreen keyboard is fashioned after the physical BlackBerry keyboard, and it’s also helped by some impressive predictive text technology (though BlackBerry hasn’t confirmed this, I believe it’s powered by SnapKeys, the folks behind the excellent Android keyboard).

But despite those few positives, the Z10’s problems make it impossible to recommend.

The bad: No compelling features or apps

For a device that should remind us why BlackBerry is a smartphone brand that matters, the Z10 is surprisingly average.

It has 70,000 apps, but few that you’ll actually want to use. Apps for popular services like Twitter work, but these are riddled with bugs and errors. Twitter would often just stop refreshing my timeline and mentions, and sometimes I had to reboot the app to get it working again. It’s also still missing popular apps like Spotify and Instagram. Don’t expect to keep up with the cool kids with this phone.

Core applications are surprisingly lacking as well. For maps, the Z10 relies on a modified version of Microsoft’s Bing Maps, which doesn’t have nearly as much location data as Google Maps. Simply using the maps application was a pain — it would often take forever to load, and it had issues finding my location. It’s inexcusable for a modern smartphone platform to have unreliable mapping — just look at the backlash against Apple Maps.

The Z10 is all about productivity, except it doesn’t always work properly. My Gmail account stopped updating for days on end, apps crashed frequently, and the phone often got stuck in landscape orientation. All of this led to me completely rebooting the Z10 far more often than I would have liked.

Battery life is somewhat disappointing as well. Sometimes the Z10 would last for a typical workday, and sometimes I had to charge it in the middle of the afternoon. I was never able to figure out what was draining the battery on certain days. At least the battery is removable — it’s an increasingly uncommon feature in smartphones, but something that BlackBerry road warriors should appreciate.

Boring and soulless

What bothered me the most about the Z10 was perhaps more aesthetic than functional. It’s simply boring. The home screen is uninspired (down to generic-looking icons), BlackBerry Hub feels like a messy block of text, and I’ve yet to find an app that truly felt interesting.

I’ve always felt that one of Android’s biggest problems over its first few years was that it didn’t really have a soul. It wasn’t until former WebOS designer Matias Duarte joined up as Android’s director of user experience that Google’s mobile OS finally got a swift dose of personality.

The BlackBerry Z10 doesn’t have that problem. It definitely has a soul, but it’s one of a buttoned-up and humorless corporate drone. Forget about attracting new users: With an image like this, BlackBerry will have trouble holding onto its 80 million users.

I have a feeling BlackBerry knows just how boring BlackBerry 10 currently is, otherwise it wouldn’t have named Grammy-winner Alicia Keys its global creative director. Right now it’s unclear if Keys will have any actual creative input or if she’s just a celebrity name to make younger buyers pay attention. But hopefully her mere presence will be enough to inspire the company.

BlackBerry already has a strong hardware lead in Todd Wood, its VP of design, but the company needs a strong software designer like Duarte to give BlackBerry 10 some character. Judging from some of the most popular apps on iOS and Android, consumers are beginning to recognize the importance of good design. It’s not something that BlackBerry can avoid for too long in its software.

The verdict: This phone isn’t meant for you — or anyone

The BlackBerry Z10 isn’t the worst phone I’ve come across, but I can’t in good conscience recommend it to anyone. BlackBerry still has a lot of work ahead of it in terms of software updates and attracting developers. And maybe along the way, it can also figure out who the heck needs this phone.

BlackBerry-faithful should keep an eye out for the keyboard-equipped Q10. Pricing and availability of that model still hasn’t been announced.

The Z10 won’t be the phone that saves BlackBerry, but at least the company has finally gotten the ball rolling on its next-generation devices.

Hopefully by the next round BlackBerry will figure out who it’s actually serving.
Read more at BlackBerry Z10: A boring beta meant for no one (review) | VentureBeat

Mr. Devindra Hardawar of VentureBeat; I'm only going to say this once...

[dbmalloy]

Look at the source...so why bother....does not matter in the long run as most average users do not pay attention to said articles.... If BB produced and markets a quality product with the current user base... it will at least be profritable....

[njblackberry]

And yet it is oddly accurate.

[katesbb]

I'm just not sure why he thinks a keyboard will change the things he dislikes? It's still going to be the same "boring and uninspired" OS look and feel.

[LoganSix]

For maps, the Z10 relies on a modified version of Microsoft’s Bing Maps,

Aren't the maps from TomTom?

[scorpiodsu]

They also highlighted some good things about the device as well. But I say that any good that is mentioned is easily ignored because the author seemed to be harshly critical when pointing out the negative from their perspective. In my opinion, I wouldn't acknowledge the tone of either the good and bad, just the actual content.

[TheStoof]

Some people just don't see the benefit in having everything in one place. Having to go to half a dozen apps for your daily news/updates is fine....

[Chris Marsch]

great text and conclusion - and besides: the review was not written after only 2 hours... just read careful what you have quoted (hint: first sentence)

[geoffsdad]

Why does it appear that the negative postings, with negative articles, is slanted 75/25 on Crackberry. Not that Twitter is any kind of authoritative resource, but the tweets seem slanted the other way. When I want to feel better about BBRY, BB10, and the Z10, I goto Twitter. Must seem that way because of the very limited ability for discussion on Twitter.

[Masahiro]

If you think it's a bad review, why link it? You're only helping the author.

[web99]

The verdict: This phone isn’t meant for you — or anyone

That is quite a bold conclusion based on what he presented. I could understand if the author said that the Z10 was not for him, but to extrapolate it to everyone? Come on!

[katesbb]

The verdict: This phone isn’t meant for you — or anyone

That is quite a bold conclusion based on what he presented. I could understand if the author said that the Z10 was not for him, but to extrapolate it to everyone? Come on!

Well to be fair, I wouldn't recommend it to the casual, ordinary phone buyer either. At least not without warning them about the lack of apps, the different UI, etc.

Someone saw my PlayBook the other day and wondered if they should get one for their husband, and I had to say no - not unless he knew about it already and specifically wanted one. As much as *I* enjoy it, I realize the average buyer is looking for apps and something familiar they can just pick up and use right away without any learning curve.

[Emu the Foo]

Look at all the comments. They pretty much all hate him. His Facebook is also filled with hate. I'm sort of surprised because of so much bb love but also cuz they aren't all bb users. They just want a fair trial

[richardat]

great text and conclusion - and besides: the review was not written after only 2 hours... just read careful what you have quoted (hint: first sentence)

He also mentions when talking about his gmail "days on end".

[mandm1229]

His comment about the phone being being souless..... I feel the same way about iPhone. Its just a app player in my opinion. I had a 4 for a year and a 4s. I felt like a drone by using that.

But people can voice their opinion how they feel. I think this is a bad review. 2 hours with a device is not enough time. Now if it were at least a week.

BlackBerry is not for everyone and i agree that somone looking for a lot of apps should look elsewhere for now. But the phone is not worth being written off entirely

Sent from my BlackBerry 9930 on Verizon Wireless.
BlackBerry By Choice!

[BoldtotheMax]

I mean the guy made some very valid points, however he had such a strange hold on the negativity hence all the hate he has gotten. If not for that was pretty well written IMO.

I personally can't wait till these come to the States so I can test one out, but I am a realist through and through. It will take a lot to sway me from my current device or the ones coming out in the s4 and really digging the new HTC One.

Sent from a galaxy far away!

[Houshinto]

Wow, this reviewer must be some sort of Uber-Hipster who really thinks people give a damn about having aesthetic orgasm rather then a stylish functional phone.

How this guy even thinks he's in any way fit to be reviewing anything tech related is beyond me.

[Zirak]

Yawn. Another thread that I don't usually respond to except that the comments are getting worse and worse every day.
Is it a device for everyone? NO.
Did BB say it was a device for everyone? Actually they said it was not.
As for phones, like everything else. Just because it is popular, does not mean it is the best.

[Rello]

I mean the guy made some very valid points, however he had such a strange hold on the negativity hence all the hate he has gotten. If not for that was pretty well written IMO.

I personally can't wait till these come to the States so I can test one out, but I am a realist through and through. It will take a lot to sway me from my current device or the ones coming out in the s4 and really digging the new HTC One.

Sent from a galaxy far away!

I feel u there. They're gonna price these at $199, and when the Galaxy S4 and IP6 come out its gonna be extremely hard to justify that price when the specs are essentially 1 year+ old and its a 1.0 OS

hope it doesnt take too long for the rumored Aristo to come out...

[justinlee]

Having read Devindra Hardawar's review I have to say i totally agree with him. The Blackberry Z10 is a complete failure and before you say it no i do not own an iPhone as i do not like them.

The Blackberry Z10 is boring, and the hype around the new OS (BB10) is undeserved to say the least. It's sluggish, and the touch screen is not as reactive as most other handsets. You may not notice this, but use the Z10 then use a HTC or Samsung and you will notice the difference almost immediately. When watching Youtube i also found it got stuck in landscape mode, or it simply would not go into landscape mode in the first place.

I have to say that if your defense of the Z10 is BB10, BBM, and email then you are fighting a losing battle. Do you really believe BB10 is better than Android? Come on wake up! As for BBM who needs it when you have Whatsapp? With regards to email i have moved from Blackberry to the HTC One and again i find email is actually better on the HTC.

It is true that not everyone is interested in apps, but let's be honest there are a lot of apps out there, which are very useful indeed and the apps on Blackberry just do not cut it. It may have had 70,000 apps on launch, but as a former Blackberry user (i still have my Bold 9780) i can vouch that the majority of apps for Blackberry are just garbage. I was waiting for the release of the Z10 and was advising everyone to go for it. That was until it came out and i used it for a few hours. Having made the choice to go with the HTC One i can safely say i definitely made the right decision.

Now, as for the eagerly awaited Blackberry Q10... Yes, you guessed it another total let down. In my opinion the Q10 is just a revamped Bold 9900, which added BB10 OS. In fact i think the Bold 9900 is a better handset!

Blackberry had the chance to do something amazing with the release of the Z10 and Q10, but I agree they have failed. There is just nothing inspiring about these two smartphones. Nothing that would make an iOS or Android user move over to Blackberry.

As for the word suggestions you flick up when typing, Blackberry say that it 'learns' your typing style. Try using a HTC or Samsung, they do they exact same thing, it's just that you tap the words instead of flip them up.

To sum up the Z10...
1. Boring
2. Sluggish
3. Glitchy
4. Poor touch screen
5. Nothing exciting about BB10 operating system
6. Poor apps
7. Blackberry HUB? Who cares!

To sum up the Q10...
1. As above
2. Essentially a revamped Bold 9900, but with BB10.

I know there will be many that run to their keyboard to try and shut this response down, but you have to remember that this is my opinion and not only mine I might add. If you like the Z10/Q10 then that's cool. I on the other hand am glad that I did not choose to upgrade to either.

Maybe the next handset Blackberry release will be the one everyone has been waiting for, but if their latest efforts are anything to go by i doubt it.

To end this on a brighter note if anyone is looking for unlock their Blackberry themselves for FREE to go the website link i have placed at the bottom of this post. I unlocked my 9780 the other day and it worked like a charm

freemyblackberry.com

[D_March]

I disagree justinlee. I did get a good laugh at the more responsive screen bs though.

Posted via CB10

[Gator99]

Hey kid.....go play some where else.

Posted via CB10

[SirJes]

Lmfao...that is my reply to this review and those who agree with it or took it seriously

Posted via CB10

[justinlee]

Loooooool!!!! You people are hypnotised by the red flashing light on your Blackberrys. Are you all just mad because you got the Z10 and are now pissed because you signed up to a 24 month contract and don't wanna admit you made a bad decision?

Unlike you i went for the HTC One. Now that was a good choice. Forget about your Z10's and Q10's they are highly average. Use the HTC One for a week then tell me you wanna go back to your Z10. Jokers!

[Bilaal]

Having read Devindra Hardawar's review I have to say i totally agree with him. The Blackberry Z10 is a complete failure and before you say it no i do not own an iPhone as i do not like them.

The Blackberry Z10 is boring, and the hype around the new OS (BB10) is undeserved to say the least. It's sluggish, and the touch screen is not as reactive as most other handsets. You may not notice this, but use the Z10 then use a HTC or Samsung and you will notice the difference almost immediately. When watching Youtube i also found it got stuck in landscape mode, or it simply would not go into landscape mode in the first place.

I have to say that if your defense of the Z10 is BB10, BBM, and email then you are fighting a losing battle. Do you really believe BB10 is better than Android? Come on wake up! As for BBM who needs it when you have Whatsapp? With regards to email i have moved from Blackberry to the HTC One and again i find email is actually better on the HTC.

It is true that not everyone is interested in apps, but let's be honest there are a lot of apps out there, which are very useful indeed and the apps on Blackberry just do not cut it. It may have had 70,000 apps on launch, but as a former Blackberry user (i still have my Bold 9780) i can vouch that the majority of apps for Blackberry are just garbage. I was waiting for the release of the Z10 and was advising everyone to go for it. That was until it came out and i used it for a few hours. Having made the choice to go with the HTC One i can safely say i definitely made the right decision.

Now, as for the eagerly awaited Blackberry Q10... Yes, you guessed it another total let down. In my opinion the Q10 is just a revamped Bold 9900, which added BB10 OS. In fact i think the Bold 9900 is a better handset!

Blackberry had the chance to do something amazing with the release of the Z10 and Q10, but I agree they have failed. There is just nothing inspiring about these two smartphones. Nothing that would make an iOS or Android user move over to Blackberry.

As for the word suggestions you flick up when typing, Blackberry say that it 'learns' your typing style. Try using a HTC or Samsung, they do they exact same thing, it's just that you tap the words instead of flip them up.

To sum up the Z10...
1. Boring
2. Sluggish
3. Glitchy
4. Poor touch screen
5. Nothing exciting about BB10 operating system
6. Poor apps
7. Blackberry HUB? Who cares!

To sum up the Q10...
1. As above
2. Essentially a revamped Bold 9900, but with BB10.

I know there will be many that run to their keyboard to try and shut this response down, but you have to remember that this is my opinion and not only mine I might add. If you like the Z10/Q10 then that's cool. I on the other hand am glad that I did not choose to upgrade to either.

Maybe the next handset Blackberry release will be the one everyone has been waiting for, but if their latest efforts are anything to go by i doubt it.

To end this on a brighter note if anyone is looking for unlock their Blackberry themselves for FREE to go the website link i have placed at the bottom of this post. I unlocked my 9780 the other day and it worked like a charm

freemyblackberry.com

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