BlackBerry: No plans to release new BB10 phones in Japan

By Trevor Mogg February 8, 2013

It’s one of the biggest markets in the world for mobile phones but BlackBerry has decided not to launch its new BlackBerry 10 devices there.

While the BlackBerry brand doesn’t have much of a following in the country – its share of the mobile market currently stands at a measly 0.3 percent – the mobile maker clearly sees no value in investing in an advertising campaign in a bid to boost its profile in the Asian nation.

“Japan is not a major market for BlackBerry and we have no plans to launch BlackBerry 10 devices there at this time,” BlackBerry spokesperson Amy McDowell confirmed in a statement, adding “However, we will continue to support BlackBerry customers in Japan.”

For Japanese consumers, the iPhone is currently one of the most popular smartphones, with data from research firm Kantar Worldpanel Comtech showing that Apple’s device accounted for 66 percent of all smartphone sales in the country in the final quarter of last year.

BlackBerry launched its new BlackBerry 10 platform at a special event in New York at the end of last month. The first BB10 handset to hit stores – or at least, stores in the UK and Canada – is the all-touchscreen Z10, with early reports suggesting strong consumer interest. The phone will arrive in the US some time next month once carrier testing is complete.

The Q10 device, which features a physical keyboard, is set to launch in a number of markets in April, though US consumers may not see it until the following month.

Once the leader in the smartphone market, BlackBerry has fallen behind in recent years with the iPhone and Android devices coming to dominate. At the least, the Canadian mobile maker is aiming to secure third place with its new platform, a goal which will involve doing battle with rival Microsoft and its Windows Phone platform, among others.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Contributing Editor

Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…

Mobile

BlackBerry Key2 LE: Everything you need to know

The BlackBerry Key2 LE is back home at Verizon, but only for business types

BlackBerry Key2 LE Hands On

The BlackBerry Key LE is a lower-cost version of the Key2, doing away with some of the more high-tech features seen on the expensive sister phone, and cutting costs by using different materials for the body, to create a more affordable but still distinctly BlackBerry smartphone.

You can check out our Key2 LE review to learn more about what it's like to live with the phone, but in the meantime, here are all the technical specs, details, and availability options.
Updates
The BlackBerry Key2 LE is available to buy at Verizon, but only to business and enterprise customers, according to reports. Verizon's selling the Key2 LE for $450 without a contract, or for $100 if you sign up for a two-year plan. The phone does not show up on Verizon's non-business store, so there does not seem to be the option to buy the phone for this price without a business plan.

Mobile

How to turn off Activity Status on Instagram

Instagram on an iPhone.

Instagram is a popular social networking site that allows users to communicate through text, photos, and videos. One of its features is the app's Activity Status, which lets users know when someone was last active on the app or if they are currently online.

Mobile

Grab a 4-pack of Apple AirTags while they’re on sale

Person holding an Apple AirTag.

If you're one of those people who always keep misplacing their stuff, then you may want to take advantage of Walmart's offer for the Apple AirTag. Four of the Bluetooth trackers, which will make sure that you never lose anything again, are available for just $80, following a $19 discount on the bundle's original price of $99. There's no telling how long this lowered price will last, so if you think you'll find some use for these tracking devices, it's highly recommended that you proceed with the purchase as soon as possible.

Why you should buy the Apple AirTag
The Apple AirTag is highlighted in our roundup of the best Bluetooth trackers as the top choice if you're invested in the iOS ecosystem. In addition to a quick and easy one-tap setup to link the tracking device to your iPhone or iPad, the Apple AirTag uses Apple's Find My network to keep track of your things. Precision Finding with Ultra Wideband technology will lead you to your Apple AirTag, with the help of the millions of devices in the Find My network that will work together to locate your missing item when you activate Lost Mode.