BlackBerry Priv (Photo : Facebook)
BlackBerry smartphones will stop being issued to the United States Senate's staff members after over a decade of use. The news was reported to US Senate staffers last week. It resulted from Blackberry reportedly discontinuing mobile devices that run on BlackBerry OS 10. However, Blackberry clarified that the company's latest operating system will also support Android devices.
The Canadian company cleared up some other issues. It stated that it will keep supporting the BlackBerry 10 platform and is working on software updates, according to The Christian Science Monitor.
US Senate staffers will have a few options when the inventory of BlackBerry devices runs out. They can choose between Apple's iPhone SE and Samsung's Galaxy S6.
However, the US Senate will continue to support BlackBerry phones for those who do not switch to iOS or Android devices. The US Senate's Sergeant at Arms (SAA) reports that it currently has 610 mobile devices.
BlackBerry smartphones have been dropping in popularity greatly due to iOS and Android devices dominating the market. However, BlackBerry has been able to keep the plurality of its government handset contracts.
The company used to rule the mobile device market due to its security, email, and physical keyboard. This was before the era of social media, instant messaging, and SwiftKey.
BlackBerry's latest devices are running Android. Last year the company launched its first Android-powered smartphone named Blackberry Priv.
Priv only sold 600,000 units during Q1 2016. BlackBerry CEO John Chef told The National that the low sales figures were due to the phone's high price.
BlackBerry reportedly has plans to launch three new Android smartphones during the next year. That includes two with full touchscreens, and one with a QWERTY keyboard.
The company is clearly shifting from smartphones and tablets to mobile device-managing software for businesses and governments.
BlackBerry's software and licensing revenue was $166 million for fiscal Q1 2017. Meanwhile, the revenue for devices was $152 million.
Chen told reporters in June that he tries to convince the world that his company is not just about phones. However, he admitted that is the topic he is most often asked about.
In related news, President Barack Obama recently told "Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon that he got rid of his BlackBerry phone, according to Engadget. However, for security purposes he cannot use the new phone to make calls, send texts, play music, or take photos.
Here's a review of BlackBerry Priv:
