The ThinkDigit Weekly Poll Results are in, and we analyse the split, hoping to spot some trends.
Research In Motion has had a rough couple of years, with its fortunes falling from being the top enterprise-level mobile manufacturer, to being a fast diminishing footnote in the smartphone OS market share wars. The company has tried stopping this trend in its tracks several times in the recent past, embracing new form factors like full-touch mobiles, and tablets, while at the same time, introducing new software and native apps, like the BlackBerry 7 OS and the voice-capable BlackBerry Messenger 7 service.
Nothing has helped them much however.
The Canadian manufacturer’s last major hope is a complete refresh of the hardware and software of its BlackBerry devices, with the introduction of the BlackBerry 10 OS and its accompanying devices. BB10 OS was first announced back in 2011, and was due to be launched in June 2012. After a series of delays, we’ve finally come to the moment of truth – today will be the day that RIM shows off its BlackBerry 10 OS and devices to the world, at its New York event.
RIM’s BlackBerry devices have enjoyed their fair share of popularity amongst Indian users. While initially being popular with the corporate crowd, the brand is now also associated with the younger demographic, who are eager to join the BlackBerry Messenger ecosystem with their friends. The current BlackBerry devices are also available across a wide range of price points, making them more accessible.
In light of the upcoming launch, we decided to ask our readers, subscribers, and Facebook fans, what they felt about RIM’s chances of making a comeback in the market with its new BlackBerry 10 OS and devices. We’ve received over 1,000 responses, and the results are in.
Unfortunately (for us and for RIM), the results couldn’t be less clear. 52 percent of the readers (529 votes) said “Yes,” RIM would make a comeback with BB10 OS. 48 percent of the readers (490 votes) said “No,” RIM would not be able to. As we can see, the results are quite evenly split between the two camps, leading us to the conclusion that public opinion on this issue is quite uncertain.
RIM’s announcement today could change the company’s fortunes, however, even after the unveiling of the new OS and devices, no matter what the critical response, it is the sphere of user perception that will make or break the new lineup. Once again, only time will tell how well BB10 OS and devices will be accepted. Stay tuned for more details from the announcement event today.
Check out the poll results in graphical form below. You can also see previous poll results here. Do also share your views on our new poll (on our homepage), where we ask you: “In terms of reliability and service, would you trust domestic value brands like Micromax, Karbonn, Spice instead of international brands like Samsung, Nokia, Sony, etc.?”
