Ok, thanks.
Printable View
Ok, thanks.
OT: Nice relaxing Saturday morning tune.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Gn9A-kdsRo
Cortana for Android leaked early, so we put it on a BlackBerry
Brittany Hillen - Jul 17, 2015
Last month it was announced that Cortana would be arriving for Android in July, and though it has not yet been officially debuted, an apk of what is said to be the official Cortana for Android app has leaked online. The download is still live at this point, and those who have used the personal assistant on a Windows Phone will find that it operates the same way: you can view recent headlines, issue voice commands, adjust what it knows about you, and more.
We installed the apk on a couple of Android devices, as well as a BlackBerry Q10, and it works without any issues on all of them. There's no way at this point of knowing whether it is the official app we'll be seeing in the next couple of weeks, but it certainly appears that way.
Attachment 363063
The leak surfaced via Suomi Mobiili, which has a download link. They don't say how they came about getting the apk, nor do they have any further details on the official app's launch. It is just a touch under 20MB, and though it definitely isn't the final version, it is quite polished (there are tiny issues here and there such as showing a piece of code in the weather card where the zip code should be).
It isn�t known on what day, precisely, Microsoft is planning to release the app this month, but this recent leak may spur it to get the official version out ASAP. Microsoft previously stated it will be releasing the app as part of a beta program, though it didn�t say how long the beta would last.
Attachment 363064
article....excuse if repost...
Analyst Price Target Update on BlackBerry Limited
by Jason Weyman
July 17, 2015
BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ:BBRY): The mean estimate for the short term price target for BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ:BBRY) stands at $9.4 according to 18 Analysts. The higher price target estimate for the stock has been calculated at $14 while the lower price target estimate is at $6. The company shares have dropped 19.36% in the past 52 Weeks. On January 14, 2015 The shares registered one year high of $12.63 and one year low was seen on July 10, 2015 at $7.61. The 50-day moving average is $8.86 and the 200 day moving average is recorded at $9.79. S&P 500 has rallied 7.62% during the last 52-weeks.
Blackberry Limited (NASDAQ:BBRY) has received a hold rating for the short term, according to the rank of 3 from research firm, Zacks. The shares could manage an average rating of 3.05 from 21 analysts. As per the data, 2 analysts has given a sell rating on the shares of the company. 2 analysts rated it as strong sell. 2 market experts have marked it as a strong buy. 1 analysts recommended buying the shares. 14 analysts have rated the company at hold.
Company has received recommendation from many analysts. Macquarie maintains its view on BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ:BBRY) according to the research report released by the firm to its investors. The shares have now been rated Underperform by the stock experts at the ratings house. Macquarie lowers the price target from $8.5 per share to $8 per share on BlackBerry Limited. The rating by the firm was issued on July 1, 2015.
BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ:BBRY) witnessed a decline in the market cap on Thursday as its shares dropped 0.64% or 0.05 points. After the session commenced at $7.84, the stock reached the higher end at $7.9 while it hit a low of $7.74. With the volume soaring to 3,999,350 shares, the last trade was called at $7.78. The company has a 52-week high of $12.63. The company has a market cap of $4,121 million and there are 529,657,000 shares in outstanding. The 52-week low of the share price is $7.61.
BlackBerry Limited, formerly Research In Motion Limited, is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services, it provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to information, including e-mail, voice, instant messaging, short message service (SMS), Internet and intranet-based applications and browsing. The Companys technology also enables an array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services through software development kits, wireless connectivity to data and third-party support programs. In September 2014, the Company acquired Movirtu, provider of virtual identity solutions for mobile operators that allows multiple numbers to be active on single device.
Here's another classic for our friends this morning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRp_dUo5K1c
Hopefully !! (and a nice weekend to you and all)
Notable Session Mover: BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ:BBRY)
July 17, 2015
by Vanguard Staff
A notable mover in today’s trading session is BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ:BBRY) as the stock opened the most recent session at 7.75 and at the time of writing the last Bid was at 7.79. In the current trading session the stock reached as high as 7.87 and dipped down to 7.73. BlackBerry Limited, a NMS listed company, has a current market cap of 4.12B and on average over the past 3 months has seen 8785440 shares trade hands on a daily basis.
There are a number of sell-side research firms which offer projections on earnings and future direction of the stock. Wall Street analysts have a consensus short term price of 8.81 on the equity. On a trailing twelve month basis, the company’s earnings per share stands at -0.49. The consensus analyst estimates according to Thomson Reuters First Call for the next quarter is -0.07. The current year EPS estimate on the stock is -0.23 and the EPS estimate for next year sits at -0.14.
On a technical level the stock has a 50 Day Moving Average of 8.80. Based on a recent trade, this puts the equity at -11.44% away from that average. In comparing the stock’s current level to its extended history, the stock is trading -38.32% away from its 52-week high of 12.63 and +2.37% away from the stock’s low point over the past 52 weeks, which was 7.61.
The price to earnings ratio, or the valuation ratio of a company’s current share price compared to its per-share earnings sits at N/A. This is an important indicator as a higher ratio typically suggests that investors are expecting higher future earnings growth compared to companies in the same industry with lower price to earnings ratios. When calculating in the EPS estimates for the current year from sell-side analysts, the Price to current year EPS stands at N/A. Investors looking further ahead, will note that the Price to next year’s EPS is N/A.
again...sorry if it has been posted already... (from June 22, 2015)
enjoy the Saturday morning read....
Should BlackBerry Switch to Android's OS?
Analyzing Pros and Cons
Why BlackBerry Might Adopt Android as Its Operating System
By Puneet Sikka • Jun 22, 2015 11:52 am EDT
Adopting Android could be a good move for BlackBerry
BlackBerry (BBRY) could finally be adopting Google’s (GOOG) Android operating system after considering this move many times. According to a June 12 report from Reuters, BlackBerry could use Android in its upcoming smartphone. This could be a good move for BlackBerry as the company has been reduced to a niche smartphone player.
This struggle for BlackBerry also reflects in the company’s market share. According to a report from IDC and as the chart below shows, BlackBerry’s share in the worldwide smartphone operating system market is a mere 0.3%. Android completely dominates this market with a share of 78%. Apple’s (AAPL) iOS and Microsoft’s (MSFT) Windows Phone are other players in this market, with shares of 18.3% and 2.7%, respectively.
Attachment 363072
Android will give BlackBerry a much larger reach
Android should help BlackBerry provide a much bigger audience compared to its current BlackBerry 10 operating system. Users prefer Android because of the number of apps available on its app store. According to a report from AppFigures, Google had about 1.4 million apps in its app store in 2014 compared to about 1.2 million apps on Apple’s platform. Amazon (AMZN) is placed third on this list with, about 300,000 apps on its platform.
BlackBerry has already partnered with Amazon to offer its apps on BlackBerry 10 devices. However, having Android on its operating systems will make its smartphones much more attractive.
BlackBerry Can Focus on Its Software Business if It Adopts Android
BlackBerry has transformed itself into a software-focused company
In the previous part of this series, we discussed how adopting Google’s (GOOGL) Android could help BlackBerry (BBRY) increase its presence in the smartphone market. However, over the last few quarters, BlackBerry (BBRY) CEO John Chen has been working to transform the company from a hardware-focused business to an enterprise software company. Chen has been straightforward in admitting that BlackBerry can no longer compete with the likes of Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone and Android-based smartphones in the consumer market.
Attachment 363076
BlackBerry’s hardware business issues remain
BlackBerry has started to focus on growing its software business. Adopting Android would free up resources for BlackBerry that would otherwise go into developing the BlackBerry 10 (BB10) operating system.
BlackBerry even announced laying off an undisclosed number of employees from its smartphone business, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal. This announcement came from BlackBerry after a month of announcing that it plans to close down its Sweden (EFA) office, potentially laying off 100 employees. Although these restructuring plans have helped BlackBerry improve its profitability, as the chart above shows, the underlying issues of its hardware business remain.
BlackBerry is now relying on its partnerships to grow its software business. A few weeks ago, BlackBerry announced that it’s partnering with Google to integrate its BES 12 mobile device management software with Google’s Android for Work program. If you want to learn more about BES12, please read BlackBerry’s enthusiastic about its latest software release, BES12.
BlackBerry has also forged partnerships with enterprises such as Boeing (BA), and Salesforce.com (CRM) for its BES12 solution.
Why It May Not Be a Good Idea for BlackBerry to Continue with BB10
BlackBerry has made efforts to grow its presence in the smartphone market
In the previous part of this series, we discussed how adopting Google’s (GOOG) Android operating system could help BlackBerry (BBRY) focus on its more profitable software business. If BlackBerry does go ahead with Android, it will replace its BlackBerry 10 (or BB10) operating system. BlackBerry has made efforts in the past to renew its relationship with carriers and distributors in order to increase its presence in the smartphone market.
In early May, the company renewed its ties with T-Mobile (TMUS) to sell its Classic smartphone. A few months ago, BlackBerry signed new agreements with Ingram Micro and Brightstar. Both of these distribution companies buy devices from companies like Apple (AAPL) and BlackBerry and then resell them to consumers in regions where mobile players don’t have a tangible sales presence.
BlackBerry has also strengthened its relationship with carriers such as Verizon (VZ) and AT&T (T). AT&T launched the BlackBerry Passport and the Classic smartphone on February 28. Meanwhile, Verizon started selling the Classic in the first week of March. However, all these efforts hardly moved the needle for BlackBerry. BlackBerry is still not among the top five smartphone players in the world, as the chart below shows.
Attachment 363077
BB10 OS will have few monetization opportunities
Another issue that BlackBerry faces with BB10 OS is a lack of monetization opportunities. BlackBerry users who migrate from BlackBerry 7 or prior operating systems to BB10 OS don’t need to pay a service access fee (or SAF). To learn more about this issue, read Why BlackBerry’s service segment revenues continue to decline.
Keeping these issues in mind, we can see that BlackBerry is likely better off adopting Android.
If BlackBerry Adopts Android, Its Security Standards Could Suffer
Android accounts for 94% of mobile threats by platform
In the prior parts of this series, we discussed how adopting Google’s (GOOG) Android could benefit BlackBerry (BBRY). However, at the same time, BlackBerry would take on the higher security risk of Android compared to its own operating system. Android is considered to be the least secure platform.
According to an April 2015 report from Symantec (SYMC) and as the chart below shows, Android accounted for 94% of all mobile threats in 2014. Symbian and Mircosoft (MSFT) Windows were found to have zero mobile threats on their platforms, while Apple’s (AAPL) iOS accounted for 6% of mobile threats. This 94% share of threats is too high despite the fact that Android is the dominant player in the smartphone OS market.
Attachment 363078
BlackBerry has made acquisitions to enhance its security
This comparative lack of security for Android shows that BlackBerry could do more harm than good to its image as a secure player by adopting Android as its operating system. BlackBerry continues to make efforts to enhance its security features. The company has made several acquisitions for that purpose. In BlackBerry Boosts Security Portfolio with WatchDox Acquisition, we discussed how, after acquiring Secusmart and WatchDox, BlackBerry now offers a complete portfolio for enterprise security, including secure voice, text, emails, messages, and files.
All these efforts to maintain its high security standards could have been a waste if BlackBerry adopts Google’s less secure Android operating system.
By selling software and services and licencing IP, maybe ?
I mean what I read above is hardware related right ?
ATM they have to maintain HW as a cash (liquidity) feeder for the lower cost.
SW and Services will naturally pull the devices # up.
AFAIK, that's the plan.
And, if you ask me, either Android rumor or the Slider are anecdotal in the big scheme.
Thought I would add another chart to your findings Corbu!! Here is that period when the stock dropped in the Spring of 2014.
Attachment 363095
Is this our annual monster drop for no reason? We started this current sell-off long before the quarterly report hit the news. Looks like a planned dumping by someone ....................
hum ...
While Sybase trails its larger competitors, John S. Chen, the chief executive of Sybase, highlighted the company’s strength in dealing with investment banking customers, stock exchanges and insurers. Last year [2009], Sybase sold about $800 million worth of database software and increased its software licenses 22 percent during the recession.
$1.1 billion ?
EDITED :
As shown in the video, seems you're correct (missing the CALs revenue, probably ?).
Attachment 363097
+
So there's aSAP plans to pay $65 a share for Sybase through a tender offer, a 56 percent premium to Tuesday’s closing price of $41.57. A report by Bloomberg News on Wednesday about the merger talks sent Sybase shares up 35 percent, to $56.14. SAP will also assume Sybase’s debt of $400 million.+/- 50% debt.+/- 40% debt.
+
Nowhere a "leader". [and a small IP portfolio]Sybase trails Oracle, I.B.M. and Microsoft by a significant margin in the database market, according the research firm Gartner. Sybase closed out last year with 3 percent of the market, compared with 43 percent for Oracle, 24 percent for I.B.M. and 19 percent for Microsoft.
+
Not really significant, say offsets the debt, at best.Cash as of end of FY 2009 : $381.4 million
So, if we do the maths again ... we can imagine where the value comes from : competitive advantage, small opex costs, agility and proper (re)positioning. Sounds familiar ?
The price one would be ready to pay is not based on current valuation (unless you buy a bankrupt company for a penny), it worth what it can add to his business in terms of future growth. Those interested won't trial the risk of a missed/bid takeover offer. They'll play the tender offer (as SAP did with Sybase), with a great premium. And as much as I read Chen's comments - the "no thanks, not at this price, try again" - I've no doubt the deal has to be almost initiated by BlackBerry, to begin with.
We must understand they talk with large candidates - say - on a weekly pace.
Sources :
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/13/te...3sap.html?_r=0
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R132yi1nnGE
I strongly suggest we all view this video, especially the "strategic partners" part around 1:00. And (at the end of the video) replace "I.P based devices" by whatever extension of IoT you'd like ... ;)
It can be a big win for them if they can say, "we now have the means to do what others have not been able to do....and that is provide a Secure Android ....Based on our patents, know how, etc....
Also, been noticing some of the moves JC makes has been +/- a couple of days, or right after the date of a new reporting quarter...
I won't add to the Android thing. Sorry.
But if you ask me what I'd expect, it's basically adding Google Services to the Android Player (and/or Hypervisor). That's the only way they could pretend a secure Android going on.
That sounds good to me !!
I too have no idea which way this "rumour" will go....
....but even with that route you mention, officially obtaining Google Services through their hypervisor would be a big win for them.
(Market perception and would then eventually lead to increase revenues).
some reactions from other CB members:
http://forums.crackberry.com/ask-que...sport-1029497/
Yes...
...and do people forget all the products/offerings announced during CES2015?
or is it expected to sell those offerings in 5 mins right after being announced?
My hope is they brand it under QNX, a Secured Full Android co developed with Sammy. And they can keep improving the BB10 thus keeping core crowd happy :)
BlackBerry could spend a half-billion to compete in Internet of Things, says Cormark
BlackBerry (TSX:BB, Nasdaq:BBRY) is one of many companies looking to win in the Internet of Things space, but acquisitions could hasten its progress, says Cormark analyst Richard Tse.
Tse spent time recently with BlackBerry CFO James Yersh. He says the meetings were quite timely, with the company�s Q1, 2016 results just in the rearview mirror and its annual security summit imminent. The analyst says the company�s transition from a device maker to software player is one of considerable scale, he sees progress on several fronts. Importantly, he thinks BlackBerry could be feeling expansive enough to make a considerable investment in them.
One space Tse thinks BlackBerry might pay to play in is The Internet of Things.
�There�s no denying this represents a big opportunity for many players, not just BlackBerry; yet, BlackBerry has all the necessary assets and its arguable presence with QNX in automobiles sets up a base for this opportunity,� says Tse. �To us, it sounded like we could see the company expanding its presence in and outside that vertical. And consistent with the company�s recent conference call comments, we believe acquisitions could be a big driver here � we wouldn�t be surprised to see the company spend +$500 MM when it comes to pivoting harder into this market.�
Tse also sees progress in software and in the company�s BES business, where enterprise sales are increasing.
In a research update to clients Friday, Tse maintained his �Buy� rating and one year target of (U.S) $14.00 on BlackBerry. Shares of the company closed Friday at $7.77.
BlackBerry could spend a half-billion to compete in Internet of Things, says Cormark - Cantech Letter
OT: Cortana.
Besides the fun, pretty useless on BB10. No 'assistant' only 'fancy search engine', as Bla1ze stated.
Posted via CB10
That would be a nice option I think
Branding their "android version" phones as QNX, and doing away with that negative BB stigma that currently exists....
This way the market will differentiate right away when it comes to devices....
Also, since QNX is affiliated everywhere, AND has a better reputation, maybe it would be a better buy in/adoption from the market...
Say, is anyone tracking the data on who amongst all these geniuses have been the closest with our stock?
THAT would be an epic post!
Safe weekend gents!
Here's what I'm thinking for security summit.
Full Android on hypervisor.
Blackberry Guardian type thing running in Android to check for malware when installing apps.
Full GPS.
Android for Work pre installed. BBM pre installed. Maybe samsung Knox too.
BlackBerry type Hub and VKB.
Marketed as most secure Android phone on the market.
Posted via CB10
Kind of Off-Topic:
I'm disheartened about the rumors of BlackBerry going down the Android path with Google. Even if BlackBerry can secure an Android from malware, I loathe the idea of Google's data mining happening on a BlackBerry phone. If I have to log into a Google+ account for a BlackBerry, I'm leaving the platform (even if others start flocking to it).
For me it's just simple risk management: for those who say that Google's business model depends on keeping my info secure and private, I'll agree... but I choose not to risk what would happen if Google management changes stances or they do suffer a breach or leak. They already view us as their products, not their customers. That's enough for me to avoid them.
I'd much rather see Microsoft and Cyanogen and others succeed in breaking Google's grip on Android apps by providing alternatives to Google Play Services. I wonder if BlackBerry has evaluated giving that option any support, or if it's too far off.
Posted via CB10
On the matter of Android and BlackBerry...this issue goes back to 2010 shortly after BlackBerry had acquired QNX. Again, from the book 'Losing the Signal'. To paraphrase a section from page 201:
Lazaradis wanted QNX fronted by The Astonishing Tribe. Chief Technology Officer David Yach wanted to run the current Java on top of QNX to support existing apps. Alan Brenner and other developers wanted to keep the BlackBerry interface on top of an Android operating system with QNX at is core.
The latter idea would allow a quick roll out of new BlackBerry device with access to a large app pool. Unfortunately all previous BlackBerry apps would not work on it.
Lazaridis didn't want any Java on the new OS and he was extremely concerned about Android and open-source code because he was convinced businesses would reject it. In early 2011 after months of debate Lazaridis finally settled on QNX for BB10.
OT: Interesting.
Scientist to study why ‘rock snot’ on the rise
http://thechronicleherald.ca/novasco...ects-on-salmon
Lol...I was so looking forward to reading it too.
Classically Posted.