By: Chuck Miller
phones, Uncategorized

Is a BlackBerry Venice phone worth my upgrade?

Okay, cards on the table.  I have been a loyal BlackBerry phone user for as long as I can remember.  So much so, in fact, that I purchased my current phone, the BlackBerry Q10, the day it came onto the market (and purchased it at full retail price, so as to guarantee I would not lose my Verizon unlimited data plan).

And yes, I know that 96% of the world’s smartphone users prefer an iPhone or a Samsung or an HTC or the like.  That’s fine for them.  I prefer a phone with a physical keyboard, a phone that gives me top-notch security and Internet integration and everything else that BlackBerry is famous for using.

And now comes news that in November, a brand new BlackBerry phone – code-named “Venice” – is on its way.  And in addition to its BB10 operating system and its responsive tactile interface…

It has a few extra treats.

Including…

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThat’s right, kids. It has a slide-out feature for the keypad.  This from Twitter user Evan Blass:

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

And the new version operates with an Android Lollipop interface.

And it has top slots for micro SD and SIM card slots.

And it promises to have an 18-megapixel camera with image stabilization.

And it promises to offer crystal-clear phonecalls.  I mean, it is a cell phone.

Oh my Lord…

Okay, Chuck, gadgets are gadgets.  And yes, my Q10 still runs like a champ.  I don’t need to upgrade to a new phone.

But here’s the thing.  I appreciate BlackBerry for what it is.  It’s not a toy.  It’s not a gadget.  It’s an operating system that does what I need it to do – no more, no less.  And if it has to integrate with Android to remain productive, while still maintaining its prime BBM operational skills, then that’s fine too.

So I’m going to keep an eye on this Venice phone… and see if it really, truly, optimally will be my next cell phone.  I mean, I could continue rocking the Q10, that’s still working well for me.

But come on… a phone with external card slots… and a keyboard slider… and Android Lollipop… and touch screen interface… and BBM architecture…

I think it might be time to stockpile those Verizon gift cards again.  Hee.