RIM implodes: announces layoffs, 500,000 PlayBooks shipped

[*LTD*]

I love how you refuse to admit the story was wrong, correct it and just come out with some other new bashing thing.

It would have been much better for RIM if the story was correct. My referencing it changes nothing.

It seems the Playbook's existence in the market will have as much impact as its non-existence. They're pulling a BlackBerry Storm 2.

You are caught in your own bashing and now you are back pedaling.

About what? A has-been tech outfit who've been slowly killing themselves since June 2007, and for some reason insists on continuing on a failed course with a failed product?

 

[ravenvii]

"They stopped production! See, even they admit it themselves!"
"But they didn't; that report was false."
"... They're DOA anyway!"

That's EXACTLY your argument, boiled down.

The failboat is now docking. Get your ticket ready - they're going to start boarding soon!

 

[*LTD*]

Pretty much done.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/sprint-cancels-plan-to-sell-rims-4g-playbook-2011-08-12

Sprint cancels plan to sell beleaguered RIM’s 4G PlayBook

“Research In Motion Ltd.’s tablet hopes were dealt another blow as Sprint Nextel Corp said it canceled plans to sell a version of the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet on its speedier network,” Greg Bensinger reports for MarketWatch.

“The decision means the device hasn’t yet found any support from the three largest U.S. wireless carriers, which includes AT&T Inc. and Verizon Wireless,” Bensinger reports. “Without their backing, RIM will have to bear the burden of sales and marketing support for the device, as well as application development.”

Bensinger reports, “In contrast, Apple Inc.’s market-dominating iPad is advertised and supported by both AT&T and Verizon Wireless, and the tablet is displayed prominently in stores.”

Bensinger reports, “Sprint had said in January it would sell a version of the device as soon as this summer that would run on its fourth-generation network. The carrier said this week that those plans had been halted because the market for tablets has became too crowded. Representatives from Research In Motion did not respond Friday to requests for comment.”

Bensinger reports, “Rival device-makers have had little success so far in catching up to Apple after its launch of the iPad in April 2010. Estimates vary, but analysts suggest Apple has two-thirds of the market, if not more.”

-------------------------------------

Not sure how much worse it can get.

As for the part I bolded, it's only interesting for comic relief.

 

[maflynn]

That's really bad for RIM, they have no major carriers for their tablet.

 

[Tiggs]

Ouch, thats really harsh when even Sprint won't carry the playbook. How the mighty have fallen...

 

[*LTD*]

For those who want them, now's the time

Best Buy slashes up to $150 off RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook

“Best Buy hinted at possible sluggish sales of the BlackBerry PlayBook by starting a new sale on RIM’s tablet,” Electronista reports.

“The deal takes $50 off of the 16GB and 32GB tablets and a much steeper $150 off of the 64GB version, putting it at the exact same price as the 32GB model,” Electronista reports.

RIM “shipped 500,000 PlayBooks in its spring quarter and isn’t due to report the summer until September 15,” Electronista reports. “Like many companies, though, it hasn’t discussed actual sell-through customers and, unlike Apple, is known not to sell every unit it ships to stores.”

--------------------------------------------------------

Another dead-end device set for liquidation, Touchbook style.

For those of you who want a Playbook, now's probably the time to get one. However, if RIM continues to experience near-dead sales, we might also be in store for HP-like fire-sale prices. A $99 Playbook? Maybe. So keep your eyes open.

 

[Nebrie]

Best Buy slashes up to $150 off RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook

“Best Buy hinted at possible sluggish sales of the BlackBerry PlayBook by starting a new sale on RIM’s tablet,” Electronista reports.

“The deal takes $50 off of the 16GB and 32GB tablets and a much steeper $150 off of the 64GB version, putting it at the exact same price as the 32GB model,” Electronista reports.

RIM “shipped 500,000 PlayBooks in its spring quarter and isn’t due to report the summer until September 15,” Electronista reports. “Like many companies, though, it hasn’t discussed actual sell-through customers and, unlike Apple, is known not to sell every unit it ships to stores.”

--------------------------------------------------------

Another dead-end device set for liquidation, Touchbook style.

For those of you who want a Playbook, now's probably the time to get one. However, if RIM continues to experience near-dead sales, we might also be in store for HP-like fire-sale prices. A $99 Playbook? Maybe. So keep your eyes open.

Tempting, but there's rumors swirling in bb circles of an upcoming 50% off firesale.

 

[*LTD*]

Yeah, it gets worse.

http://www.torontosun.com/2011/09/06/rim-shareholder-calls-for-strategic-shake-up

Investment bank calls for shakeup, possible sale of beleaguered RIM

“Research in Motion may have a shareholder revolt to add to its woes,” The Toronto Sun reports.

“Jaguar Financial, an investment banking shareholder in the technology giant, urges a major strategic shake up, including a possible sale of the BlackBerry maker,” The Toronto Sun reports. “The bank, which invests in poorly performing companies and pushes for change, said RIM needs to appoint a special committee to examine all possible options following the collapse in the company’s share price.”

The Toronto Sun reports, “‘The status quo is not acceptable. The company cannot sit still. It is time for transformational change,’ Jaguar chairman and chief executive Vic Alboini said in a statement. ‘The Directors need to seize the reins to maximize shareholder value before more market value is lost.’”

-----------------------------------------------------

Anyone who still thinks the old rules of the game apply to the new market realities (ushered in mostly by Apple in 2007) needs their head checked.

Expect more of these little tremors to hit folks like RIM. They're the prelude to the Big One. If you're not focused all-in, 100% on the User Experience, you're due.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

http://www.torontosun.com/2011/09/06/rim-shareholder-calls-for-strategic-shake-up

Investment bank calls for shakeup, possible sale of beleaguered RIM

“Research in Motion may have a shareholder revolt to add to its woes,” The Toronto Sun reports.

“Jaguar Financial, an investment banking shareholder in the technology giant, urges a major strategic shake up, including a possible sale of the BlackBerry maker,” The Toronto Sun reports. “The bank, which invests in poorly performing companies and pushes for change, said RIM needs to appoint a special committee to examine all possible options following the collapse in the company’s share price.”

The Toronto Sun reports, “‘The status quo is not acceptable. The company cannot sit still. It is time for transformational change,’ Jaguar chairman and chief executive Vic Alboini said in a statement. ‘The Directors need to seize the reins to maximize shareholder value before more market value is lost.’”

-----------------------------------------------------

Anyone who still thinks the old rules of the game apply to the new market realities (ushered in mostly by Apple in 2007) needs their head checked.

Expect more of these little tremors to hit folks like RIM. They're the prelude to the Big One. If you're not focused all-in, 100% on the User Experience, you're due.

Before getting all hyped up check out who is making the demand and how they have been doing. Jaguar Financial stock price There stock prices has been on a downward track for well over 10 years. They were at their highest in 1996 and lowest now. That should state quote a bit.

 

[GfPQqmcRKUvP]

Before getting all hyped up check out who is making the demand and how they have been doing. Jaguar Financial stock price There stock prices has been on a downward track for well over 10 years. They were at their highest in 1996 and lowest now. That should state quote a bit.

Their stock price doesn't necessarily invalidate their opinion.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

Their stock price doesn't necessarily invalidate their opinion.

While true it does have to make you think since they are the only one saying this.

 

[GfPQqmcRKUvP]

While true it does have to make you think since they are the only one saying this.

Do you think RIMM can increase its share price in the future?

 

[*LTD*]

Do you think RIMM can increase its share price in the future?

RIM has to actually do something to facilitate that. It doesn't look like they have anything in the pipeline that's meaningful enough. What is RIM doing *right now* to reinvent their business? Not much.

http://business.financialpost.com/2011/09/07/canaccord-slashes-rim-playbook-sales-estimates/

The launch of a new line of BlackBerry 7 devices last month and the highly anticipated QNX-based BlackBerrys expected early next year have also failed to improve Canaccord’s outlook towards the Waterloo, Ont.-based smartphone maker.

Like other analysts, the two Canaccord market watchers have seen strong initial demand for the refreshed Torch and Bold models. Although after checking with store managers, they found those that sold out often had inventories in the single digits to begin with.

Early 2012 may also prove far too late for a new software platform, QNX, to help RIM regain its waning market share, the analysts said. BlackBerry’s share of the United States smartphone market has plummeted from a high of 42.1% in February 2010 to a low of 23.4% by the end of June 2011, according to market analysis firm comScore.

“With our checks indicated increased carrier support and [manufacturer] focus on [Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Phone 7] as a third competitive smartphone ecosystem versus [Google Inc.'s Android] and [Apple's iOS], we believe RIM with its QNX strategy faces a steep uphill climb to regain consumer mindshare,” they said.

“These new products have not altered trends of ongoing consumer share losses.”

At some point consumers will stop caring altogether and then there's really no stopping the slide unless the company is able to pull off something revolutionary that will really turn heads. Frankly, those two jokers (CEOs) aren't up to the task. When push comes to shove, they're your typical tech CEOs that can't reinvent their business.

 

[MorphingDragon]

RIM has to actually do something to facilitate that. It doesn't look like they have anything in the pipeline that's meaningful enough.

http://business.financialpost.com/2011/09/07/canaccord-slashes-rim-playbook-sales-estimates/

The launch of a new line of BlackBerry 7 devices last month and the highly anticipated QNX-based BlackBerrys expected early next year have also failed to improve Canaccord’s outlook towards the Waterloo, Ont.-based smartphone maker.

Like other analysts, the two Canaccord market watchers have seen strong initial demand for the refreshed Torch and Bold models. Although after checking with store managers, they found those that sold out often had inventories in the single digits to begin with.

Early 2012 may also prove far too late for a new software platform, QNX, to help RIM regain its waning market share, the analysts said. BlackBerry’s share of the United States smartphone market has plummeted from a high of 42.1% in February 2010 to a low of 23.4% by the end of June 2011, according to market analysis firm comScore.

“With our checks indicated increased carrier support and [manufacturer] focus on [Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Phone 7] as a third competitive smartphone ecosystem versus [Google Inc.'s Android] and [Apple's iOS], we believe RIM with its QNX strategy faces a steep uphill climb to regain consumer mindshare,” they said.

“These new products have not altered trends of ongoing consumer share losses.”

At some point consumers will stop caring altogether and then there's really no stopping the slide unless the company is able to pull off something revolutionary that will really turn heads. Frankly, those two jokers (CEOs) aren't up to the task. When push comes to shove, they're your typical tech CEOs that can't reinvent their business.

They're also having issues retaining their enterprise market. BB Server is being replaced by smart phones that actually are smart.

 

[rdowns]

The implosion continues…

Only 200,000 Playbooks shipped. Yikes!

Wow, quite a miss.

Research in Motion reported second-quarter adjusted earnings of 80 cents a share, on $4.17 billion in revenue. Analysts expected earnings of 90 cents a share on revenue of $4.5 billion. So, not good.

Guidance for the third quarter was awful, too. They’re looking for a range of $1.20 to $1.40 a share, way at the low end of estimates. The consensus forecast for the fiscal third quarter is for earnings of $1.37 a share on revenue of $5.3 billion.

RIM stock, down 57% from its high in February, is face-planting after the bell, down 11% to $26.27 at last check. It ended the day down 0.6% at 29.54. Update: It’s now down 16%.

RIM said it shipped 10.6 million BlackBerry phones and 200,000 Playbook tablets in the second quarter. That’s pretty grim — forecasts were for 11.8 million phones and 562,000 tablets, according to MarketWatch.

So much for all that analyst optimism that was building ahead of the report, on hopes that RIM’s new phones were catching some upgrade love. Time again for a revival of this summer’s existential angst.

 

[*LTD*]

Buyout Bait

Any takers?

By the way, there doesn't appear to be a Steve Jobs type in shining armour who will return on a white horse, ready to save the company. It's still these two clowns running the show.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Beleaguered RIM reports precipitous drop in quarterly profit, weak sales; stock plummets

Research In Motion reported a precipitous drop in quarterly profit on Thursday. The beleaguered cellphone maker was not helped by a lineup of antiquated BlackBerry dinophones and horrid sales of its “PlayBook” iPad wannabe.
The Waterloo, Ontario-based company’s adjusted net profit plummeted 47% to $419 million, or 80 cents per diluted share, on revenue of $4.2 billion.

RIM shipped just 10.6 million BlackBerry phones and only a meager 200,000 PlayBook tablets in the three months ending August 27, sharply below analysts’ average estimates.

Tiernan Ray reports for Barron’s, “Co-CEO Jim Balsillie remarked that the company had ‘successfully launched a range of BlackBerry 7 smartphones around the world during the latter part of the second quarter and we are seeing strong sell-through and customer interest for these new products.’”

-----------------------------------------------------------

Massively delusional.

Their goose was cooked the moment Apple released the iPhone and RIM responded with . . . more of the same. And they're still at more of the same in 2011, despite their sinking ship. Ballsilie and Laziridis are Masters of the Boilerplate. The weird thing is, is that they might actually believe their own baloney.

If RIM in the tablet market is any indication of what sort of competition awaits Apple moving forward into 2012, then Apple can, should they wish it, make absolutely no changes whatsoever to the iPad and still enjoy massive sell-through, unfettered. It appears that is just how far behind everyone else is.

User Experience is all.

 

[jav6454]

Any takers?

By the way, there doesn't appear to be a Steve Jobs type in shining armour who will return on a white horse, ready to save the company. It's still these two clowns running the show.

User Experience is all.

You do realize that their user base went up right? 40% to be exact.

 

[Tiggs]

You do realize that their user base went up right? 40% to be exact.

Not really relevant. Considering their declining revenue and severely declining profits(over 50% yoy) last quarter plus guiding for lower margins for next quarter, its pretty clear the RIMM train wreck is picking up speed.

HP's TouchPad user base went up tremendously with their $99 pricing but their still losing money on every one they sell. Was pretty clear a year ago RIMM was doomed when they started doing their BOGO offers.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

Not really relevant. Considering their declining revenue and severely declining profits(over 50% yoy) last quarter plus guiding for lower margins for next quarter, its pretty clear the RIMM train wreck is picking up speed.

HP's TouchPad user base went up tremendously with their $99 pricing but their still losing money on every one they sell. Was pretty clear a year ago RIMM was doomed when they started doing their BOGO offers.

Tell you the truth it is relevant. Also you need to look at some other factors. Most RIM's phones were at end of life and their replacements were being delayed a little. They did not get out there new phones until close of the end of 3Q and even now they are still rolling out on the carriers.
This puts for a rough quarter. Now if there 4Q is pretty ugly well then something is really wrong because they just dropped a bunch of new devices and from what I understand those are selling about as fast as they can make them.

Expect Apple's 3Q iPhone sells to be crap for Apple because the long delay of the iPhone5 and because iPhone4 has been at end of life for a while.

 

[*LTD*]

Tell you the truth it is relevant. Also you need to look at some other factors. Most RIM's phones were at end of life and their replacements were being delayed a little. They did not get out there new phones until close of the end of 3Q and even now they are still rolling out on the carriers.
This puts for a rough quarter. Now if there 4Q is pretty ugly well then something is really wrong because they just dropped a bunch of new devices and from what I understand those are selling about as fast as they can make them.

Expect Apple's 3Q iPhone sells to be crap for Apple because the long delay of the iPhone5 and because iPhone4 has been at end of life for a while.

http://allthingsd.com/20110912/consumers-still-love-last-years-iphone/

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1226483/

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2...ong-while-anticipation-for-iphone-5-grows.ars

And in case you've forgotten:

http://articles.businessinsider.com/2011-09-16/tech/30164304_1_iphone-twitter-blackberry-sales

RIM is great at channel-stuffing. Aside from that, they're toast. Buyout bait.

 

[thewitt]

Expect Apple's 3Q iPhone sells to be crap for Apple because the long delay of the iPhone5 and because iPhone4 has been at end of life for a while.

You are dreaming.

iPhone sales are still very strong and Q3 will show growth over Q2

-t

 

[kbfr08]

RIM needs to innovate. They're giving too little too late, and they're dying in a market they (along with HTC) created. I'd even go as far as to compare them to apple during the mid 90s.

RIM really needs to get some kick ass products out the door soon, or they're done.

 

[*LTD*]

This isn't helping

Someone needs to tell RIM that amateur hour isn't supposed to last two days.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/oct/11/blackberry-users-revolt-against-rim

 

[KingCrimson]

Someone needs to tell RIM that amateur hour isn't supposed to last two days.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/oct/11/blackberry-users-revolt-against-rim

Maybe we're all sick and tired of your bashing companies.

 

[kdarling]

Someone needs to tell RIM that amateur hour isn't supposed to last two days.

Hubris Avoidance Rule #1: never bash someone having a bad day network-wise, because karma is a you-know-what.

It's a good bet that Apple's iCloud will also suffer a terrible glitch now and again.

That's just the nature of the network beast and Murphy's Law.