Contrary to reports Blackberry sales upbeat in 2012

CEBU, Philippines - While some industry analysts reported that Blackberry has been performing behind other players, the smartphone manufacturer expressed optimism and even considered 2012 as an “amazing” year and will be more “exciting” come 2013 as they will globally launch a brand new operating system in two new devices.

Research in Motion (RIM) country director Cameron Vernest told the Cebu media in a press briefing that their stock prices show contrary to what most analysts say about Blackberry lagging behind.

He cited that Blackberry ranked second among all smartphone brands in the Philippines for the third quarter of 2012 according to Canalys, a research firm.

“The year 2012 has been a fantastic year for us and this 2013, it only gets better as we evolve and upgrade. This is a fresh start for Blackberry. We want to drive that premier experience for our Blackberry customers and make it more fun for them to own a Blackberry. It’s what the device is for,” he stated.

Aiming to enhance the customer experience by providing them with wider product choices, the smartphone manufacturer will unveil the Blackberry 10 operating system as its newest platform on January 30 that will come in touch and qwerty devices.

Although he is excited to personally discuss the features of the new products, Vernest could not further reveal the capabilities and highlights of the BB 10 until the global launch will be held.

However, he cited that the innovative features will include virtual keyboard functionality, multi-tasking capabilities, great virtual input, Blackberry hub, time shift for the camera and seamless integration for a unique mobile computing experience.

Last year, Vernest noted that milestones for the company include the appointment of Thorsten Heins as the new president and chief executive officer of RIM along with a new senior management team.

Also, Blackberry has reached over 79 million Blackberry customers around the world, over 60 million Blackberry Messenger users globally and over 90 percent Fortune 500 companies using Blackberry with around 650 carriers and distribution in 175 countries for both touch and type Blackberry product portfolio.

Vernest cited that the company acknowledged the significance of the Asia Pacific market with the Philippines as one of the top priorities for RIM taking into account Filipinos as hyperconnected people in the world.

The company also started a campaign in the Philippines dubbed as “Action Starts Here” that inspires consumers to stay connected with their barkadas using Blackberry smartphones.

It is supported by 10 of the brightest names in Philippine show business who are real-life friends and long-time Blackberry users.

They are grouped into three namely the “It Barkada” composed of  Solenn Heussaff, Isabelle Daza, Liz Uy, Tim Yap and Raymond Gutierrez, the “Action Couple” with Borgy Manotoc  and Georgina Wilson and the “Blackberry Bros” represented by Gerald Anderson, Enchong Dee and Rayver Cruz.

Blackberry also offered up to 35 percent off on Blackberry smartphones and unlimited local and international messaging with BBM for P99 per month.

With BBM as its top features, the Blackberry brand introduces a BBM evolution which is the BBM voice that allows users to make a voice call with any BBM plan.

Vernest said that Overseas Filipino Workers and their families need not to worry with international call charges since BBM voice functions for free so long there is a Wi-Fi connection for both parties.

Meanwhile, he said that the company will continue to support the developer community in the Philippines and capitalize on the skills of Filipinos to develop mobile platforms especially for Blackberry. 

Evident to such are the activities like PinoyBBDevHackathon conducted last August 2012, Blackberry Jam Hack last October and Blackberry Port-A-Thon Meet-up this January.

Also, RIM extended the BlackBerry Academic Program in the Philippines and started in Cebu through Southwestern University last April 2012 in which the program is integrated in the academic curriculum as an IT elective course last November with 35 students currently enrolled.

According to Vernest, the provide aims to bring students “closer” to the industry as they gain further knowledge of concepts related to mobile computing. (FREEMAN)