BlackBerry, The Company, For Sale

Despite the fact that there are still many that like the BlackBerry keyboard and are loyal to their BlackBerry smartphone, more consumers still prefer Android and iPhone devices.  While they have successfully update their phones, BlackBerry continues to lose market share.  "BlackBerry had 4.4% of the U.S. market in June, down from 10.7% in the same month last year, according to comScore MobiLens data."  And so it seems management is exploring other strategic alternatives, namely selling the company.  A shame for a great company that once owned the business marketplace. 

Is there a company that sees a future for BlackBerry and willing to inject more capital to find new innovation?  Truth is the future of BlackBerry is very much dependent on innovation.  Samsung has successfully gained share through its technological and marketing efforts.  Apple, like BlackBerry, is reeling the heat of competition and the need to refresh and update its phones to remain a preferred choice.  And both Samsung and Apple have the benefit of a broad app library because of Android and iOS respectively.  BlackBerry's library is still catching up.  In fact, my friend did recently get a new BlackBerry only to discover that it did not yet have a Starbucks app.  Frankly, it did not make him happy.  And enough missteps could have him and others switching back to another phone. 

3D Without Glasses

If you are like me, you are not a fan of the 3 D experience in movie theaters.  Besides the fact that it costs more to watch, it does not deliver a valued experience.  I partly blame the glasses, uncomfortable for me, especially because they need to be worn over my regular glasses.  But the filmmakers' use tends to be extraneous adding little to the film plot or experience and meant more as an a ha moment.  Most times it seems over used and sometimes, one wonders why it is even presented in such a format. 

Other seem to agree as 3D movies and revenue are down this year.  But there may be hope if the 3D experience can be improved.  First, get rid of the 3D glasses and that is where technology is headed.  According to this recent article, "Researchers have developed a way to create a 3D image through a single lens, without moving the camera. ...  It could also provide a cheaper method to create 3D films for the big screen."

I also believe that the value of 3D can be enhanced when combined with large IMAX screens to create a truly immersive viewing experience.  Consumer like me would be more apt to pay a premium price for a truly premium experience.  Of course, this new technology could one day lend itself to the television as well as to tablets and other devices.  And that would be quite impressive.