BlackBerry 10 was expected to launch in early 2013, but according to an analyst, RIM will not launch BlackBerry 10 devices until March. RIM really cannot afford another delay, but oh well.
Jefferies analyst Peter Misek writes in a research note that the launch won't happen until March.
Even if BlackBerry 10 launches early next year, can it recover some of what it lost to iOS and Android? Mr. Misek believes there will be a third platform besides iOS and Android, but he is unsure of whether BlackBerry will fill that void.
RIM is in a very tough spot. Even if BlackBerry 10 is as good as they claim, getting all those devices to market will be a challenge.
Jefferies analyst Peter Misek writes in a research note that the launch won't happen until March.
“We had hoped for a January launch but now see a March launch as more likely,” he writes. That would mean no sales of the next generation phones in the February quarter. “Also, our checks point to a tough November quarter, with replenishment rates decreasing as channel partners are cautious on holding RIM inventory. We think the business uncertainty means parties are unlikely to acquire or license from RIM until BB10 launches.”
Even if BlackBerry 10 launches early next year, can it recover some of what it lost to iOS and Android? Mr. Misek believes there will be a third platform besides iOS and Android, but he is unsure of whether BlackBerry will fill that void.
“We still believe a third ecosystem [in addition to iOS and Android] will emerge, but the probability of BB10 filling the role is wholly dependent on whether RIM can convince Samsung, Huawei, and ZTE to license,” he writes. “Baidu, Huawei, and others are pursuing their own operating systems. We also see Win 8 as somewhat of a threat but conflicting reviews, less-than-stellar developer feedback, and a desire by Microsoft to make hardware directly make Win 8.”
RIM is in a very tough spot. Even if BlackBerry 10 is as good as they claim, getting all those devices to market will be a challenge.