BlackBerry: A flash in the pan of digital technology

During my flight back to the Netherlands, the film “BlackBerry” took me down memory lane, recalling my first encounters with digital technology. It was an enthralling reminder of a time when BlackBerry handsets played a key role in mobile communication, marking a watershed moment in the history of digital innovation. The film effectively illustrated the influence and growth of technology as it occurred, offering as a riveting perspective on how far we’ve come in this digital age.

BlackBerry is a well-known mobile communication brand that was founded in 1984 by the Canadian corporation Research In Motion (RIM). The defining moment for BlackBerry, however, occurred in the early 2000s. That’s when BlackBerry unveiled the BlackBerry 850, a game-changing device. This device smoothly combined mobile phone functionality, email capabilities, and personal data assistance, allowing users to access their emails and calendars instantly (Powster, n.d.).

Because of its extremely secure message processing and management features, BlackBerry quickly became the preferred choice for corporate communication. What distinguished it was “BlackBerry Messenger” (BBM), an encrypted instant messaging network with a large user base.

“Good enough is the enemy of humanity” — BlackBerry

The official trailer of BlueBerry

Why did BlueBerry fade out?

Nevertheless, as the smartphone industry heated up, especially with the rise of Apple’s iPhone, BlackBerry began to lose market share. Its closed operating system and very limited selection of apps proved to be competitive disadvantages. Despite ongoing efforts to develop, BlackBerry steadily slipped into obscurity.

What is the position of the digital technology nowadays?

An American filmmaker Cage once said “I use technology for communication, but I don’t have a BlackBerry or an iPhone. I use an outdated cell phone, but I’m fine with it” (n.d.).

It emphasizes the idea that, while many people rely on cutting-edge communication devices like BlackBerries and iPhones, there is a certain appeal in simplicity. Using an old cell phone is an intentional choice in this example, stressing that efficient communication does not necessarily require the latest technology. It serves as a reminder that the essence of communication is the connection and the message itself, not the channel through which it is delivered. This sentiment demonstrates that, in our increasingly tech-driven society, returning back to fundamentals may be an intentional and mindful choice.

On the other hand, it is worthwhile to evaluate the advantages that current cell phones such as BlackBerries and iPhones bring to communication. These gadgets provide not only communication but also a variety of tools and programs to boost productivity, creativity, and convenience. They offer email, social networking, multimedia material, and a variety of communication venues all in one convenient bundle. Furthermore, they frequently have advanced security features, which might be critical for securing sensitive information in a world where cyber threats are common. While the filmmaker’s use of an obsolete cell phone may suit their personal wants and preferences, it’s important to recognize that modern smartphones have evolved to become effective communication and productivity tools that meet a wide range of purposes in our society. How do you think about it?

References:

Nicolas, Cage (n.d.). “I Use Technology For Communication, But I Don’t Have A Blackberr. .” eWrtingCafe. https://ewritingcafe.com/nicolas-cage-i-use-technology-for-communication-but-i-dont-have-a-blackberr/

Powster. (n.d.). BlackBerry | Official Website | May 12 2023. BlackBerry | Official Website | May 12 2023. https://www.blackberrymovie.com/