[conite]

First, I don't believe that the board of directors gave Chen an order to get out of hardware when he started. Remember?

Whether it was Prem or the entire Board doesn't really matter, as Prem WAS the board.

[conite]

Perhaps but that was not my point.

Posted via CB10

But the app gap does matter - a lot.

Most of those government agencies use mission critical apps (that are either iOS or Android). The trick is to make sure access to other apps is restricted, and that devices can't be altered without getting locked out.

[markmall]

But the app gap does matter - a lot.

Most of those government agencies use mission critical apps (that are either iOS or Android). The trick is to make sure access to other apps is restricted, and that devices can't be altered without getting locked out.

I'm sure that the U.S government could create it's own app.

Posted via CB10

[conite]

I'm sure that the U.S government could create it's own app.

Posted via CB10

I'm sure they can build their own phone too.

[Chuck Finley69]

This is part of the issue though. If I'm running the Department of Defense and an under secretary wants to download an app to buy purses, I would be inclined to say "no, and if you ask twice you're fired."

These industries should be using dedicated phones where the app gap doesn't matter so much.

Posted via CB10

That's what a locked system can do. If your MDM or EMM solutions don't allow for the downloading of any type apps other than employer apps. You can have a locked down Android or IOS device per company security policy.

[jakie55]

Wow! I just plowed through a bunch of pages. A simple answer to the simple question.... yes I would buy the phone! The logistics were not part of the question. As to Chen being savior or the devil incarnate, I have this response.
The two cofounders were, respectively, a brilliant emgineer, and a salesperson. They met a need, and flourished until 2007, when another brilliant idea overtook them. The BlackBerry of the 2005 - 2013 has been described as a byzantine empire, with numerous factions working against each other. The BBOS team did not make it easy for the BB10 team. BB spent a bunch of money on both BB7.1, and BB10. The defensive rear guard actions of the cofounders, and Heins, who was a less than effective project manager in the company virtually guaranteed the demise of BlackBerry. The fact that we have a company in the tech industry, still involved with communication, is remarkable. We could quite easily had the same situation as Palm and WebOS. Televisions anyone?

[markmall]

Whether it was Prem or the entire Board doesn't really matter, as Prem WAS the board.

I don't think either did.

Posted via CB10

[markmall]

I'm sure they can build their own phone too.

Master Chen says it's easier to build apps than phones.

Posted via CB10

[conite]

Master Chen says it's easier to build apps than phones.

Posted via CB10

My point is that they can do anything they want. And they seem to be quite happy with managed iPhones and Androids running iOS and Android apps.

[conite]

I don't think either did.

Posted via CB10

You think in the 6 weeks of negotiations between Chen and Prem that they didn't talk about what Chen was to do immediately on arrival? Chen himself said that one of the first things he did was develop the plan to eliminate devices. Not to mention the fact that Prem specifically headhunted a software turnaround specialist.

[kvndoom]

I can tell you're not emotionally invested in this CEO by your photo. You are Chen's brother.

Posted via CB10

Darn! Saw right through me! 😀

[Dunt Dunt Dunt]

I don't think either did.

Posted via CB10

It's clear you don't agree with Chen and don't think he followed the best course.

But at this point, the current board is happy enough with his "vision" that they extended his contract.

And it's clear that the US Government and other regulated industries don't need something "else".... or they would have supported either BlackBerry, Silent Circle or even Boeing in their attempts at "secure" devices.

[kbz1960]

I'm sure that the U.S government could create it's own app.

Posted via CB10

Yes. That work with iOS or android because no one codes for BB10

[Chuck Finley69]

Master Chen says it's easier to build apps than phones.

Posted via CB10

But if there was a true advantage for security with BB10, wouldn't it make sense for governments to support or even purchase BB10 to operate as proprietary OS and then operate strictly for the government and lockout all consumers?

If the governments continue to support Android/IOS, doesn't that speak to level of security accomplished via locked down systems that have obsoleted the old BlackBerry model?

[co4nd]

But if there was a true advantage for security with BB10, wouldn't it make sense for governments to support or even purchase BB10 to operate as proprietary OS and then operate strictly for the government and lockout all consumers?

If the governments continue to support Android/IOS, doesn't that speak to level of security accomplished via locked down systems that have obsoleted the old BlackBerry model?

I think you hit the nail on the head. I think what also speaks loud is practically all real security breaches are due to direct attacks on servers or personal computers on a network. Android and iOS devices don't seem to be a problem

[eshropshire]

Wow this thread reminds me of the scene in City Slickers when Billy Crystal is trying to explain how to record TV on a VCR.

[Chuck Finley69]

Wow this thread reminds me of the scene in City Slickers when Billy Crystal is trying to explain how to record TV on a VCR.

VCR to Betamax. The original Android to BB10 argument.

[eshropshire]

VCR to Betamax. The original Android to BB10 argument.

I will discuss that as soon as I figure out how to set the clock.

[kvndoom]

I will discuss that as soon as I figure out how to set the clock.

Why bother? It's just going to start flashing again as soon as the next storm passes through. 😝

[irishcorker]

It is a full-time job! One that has consumed my productivity for the past 72 hours!

I think that if the extra letters/symbols were to get to me, by then the Athena will be out so I'll be obsessing over the next BB device.

Great, now I have to move Arabic symbols back onto the cons list... (no offense to anyone in UAE who sees value in them!)

The yellow Arabic letters on my red Passport's keyboard are very discrete and I don't even notice them any more, the yellow is more muted than what shows up in the image, too., although the contrast might be a little different against a black keyboard.

I am going to get the Passport Silver Edition (love my Passport very much) and if I have to get it with the Arabic symbols, too, I won't hesitate. Besides, the smaller extra symbols appear about the same to me as the ALT numbers and symbols on my Priv's physical keyboard, just are located to the right and down instead of to the right or left and up as on the Priv. With absolutely no disrespect meant to Conite for his opinion, I can't imagine why anyone would think there was a difference in the two and get tired of looking at them, and no one has ever complained about getting tired of looking at the Priv's ALT keyboard symbols. I don't even notice them on my Passport any more.

The Arabic should not be a con on your list, maybe more in the neutral column. Who knows? Maybe you can learn another language. I am thinking of studying Arabic just out of curiosity.Attachment 436225

[Mojarch]

I'm sure they can build their own phone too.

I am sure they can build their own telecommunications and network too(some isolated special network)

Posted via CB10