Today, a Pacific Crest analyst claimed that new operating system, BlackBerry 10 could be DOA (Dead on Arrival).
Crest analyst, James Faucette said “We believe BB10 is likely to be DOA, and expect the new OS to be met with a lukewarm response at best and ultimately likely to fail.” Analyst further mentioned that the BlackBerry 10 has an unfamiliar user interface, a lack of compatible technology, and few software applications. So it’s hard to say how many of those users will still be there when BB10 is finally launched.
Although, the above statement is in direct conflict with other predictions. Last week, RIM said wireless operators had started lab testing BB10 devices worldwide, indicating that the system is on track to ship during the first quarter. Two other analysts came out this week with some very, very positive reactions to the platform and some positive reactions to the company’s prospects. Two firms, Cormack Securities and Scotia Capital have raised their respective ratings on RIM’s stock. Paradigm Capital’s Gabriel Leung also came to the company’s defense by saying that RIM has “significantly improved its ability to attract developers to build apps for the BB10 ecosystem, which we view as a key catalyst for success.”
But RIM dismissed Faucette as “not a fan” and as just one voice in a varied landscape of people looking at the new platform. RIM CEO also stated that the platform has received the FIPS 140-2 certification, which would allow government agencies to deploy the devices along with enterprise management platform as soon as the new smartphones are launched.
The company said earlier this month that its new BlackBerry smartphones were being tested by 50 phone carriers around the world. RIM aims to have the new devices on store shelves in the first quarter of 2013.
Source:Bloomberg
Pic: Justin Sullivan