One of the first big names in smartphones could be entering its last chance for survival.
BlackBerry maker Research in Motion’s former co-CEO and longtime board member Jim Balsillie is departing, and new leader Thorsten Heins says the company might be in store for even bigger changes than previously thought.
The company’s sales dropped 25 percent last quarter, and shares have lost 75 percent of their value in a year of failed consumer product rollouts and growing competition from Apple and Google. Heins, who took the reins at Canada’s troubled conglomerate just two months ago, now admits that selling RIM for parts could be an option if the company can’t retain its corporate customers. Microsoft and Nokia have reportedly expressed interest in the company.
But for now, Research in Motion’s remaining top dogs appear focused on the rollout of the BlackBerry 10. No pressure, gadget; the future of the whole company may depend on you.
Video by Jim Festante
