BlackBerry MWC announcements focus on platforms over devices

It's really no surprise that BlackBerry made a number of platform announcements with no handset news at the Mobile World Congress. BlackBerry has been moving to its Internet of Things as well as providing industry-wide security solutions and partnering with Samsung on enterprise-grade security offerings.

Announcements at Mobile World Congress include how the BlackBerry Experience is being made cross-platform, updates to their KNOX partnership with frenemy Samsung, and a suite of new BBM customization options. 

“Flexibility without compromise is what current and former BlackBerry users tell us time and again they want from their mobile device. They want BlackBerry’s legendary security and core productivity and collaboration capabilities while still being able to choose a device that matches their lifestyle and personality," said BlackBerry CEO and Executive Chairman John Chen. Hit jump for specifics.

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Typo loses case against BlackBerry, ordered by jury to pay up $860,000 in damages

While we are flattered by the desire to graft our keyboard onto other smartphones, we will not tolerate the deliberate use of our iconic design without proper permission. - BlackBerry

Typo needs to pay BlackBerry US $860,000 in damages according to a federal judge that ruled Typo had violated an injunction barring sales of its original iPhone keyboard case and continued to sell the product even after it was ordered to stop.

Typo makes keyboard cases for Apple's iPhone that add a tactile QWERTY keyboard for more precise typing. The original Typo keyboard copied the look and feel of BlackBerry's famed keyboard, including button shape as well as the metal frets that divide the rows of keys. These are designs that have long been recogniseable parts of BlackBerry devices.

BlackBerry: We're not talking to Samsung about possibility of purchase

Debunking a number of reports that they are in talks with rival Samsung for a possible buyout. BlackBerry issued a brief statement explaining that the reports are erroneous and that they have not engaged in talks with Samsung. Below is the short and sweet statement.

BlackBerry Limited is aware of certain press reports published today with respect to a possible offer by Samsung to purchase BlackBerry. BlackBerry has not engaged in discussions with Samsung with respect to any possible offer to purchase BlackBerry. BlackBerry's policy is not to comment on rumors or speculation, and accordingly it does not intend to comment further.

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CES 2015: BlackBerry announces Internet of Things initiatives at CES

Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Las Vegas: BlackBerry didn't have a new smartphone to announce here at CES but they did lay down the foundation for new business platforms stemming from QNX used in connected cars as well as their Internet of Things technologies, focus on connected health care, possible expansion of BBM into Android wearables and the importance of their QNX connected car platform.

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