BlackBerry: This is the start line, this isn't the endgame
The launch of the first device to run the BlackBerry 10 operating system, the Z10, has been encouraging for the future of the platform, according to Rob Orr, managing director of BlackBerry in the UK.
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"To have such an array of partners, enterprises, developers, content businesses, fans, analysts, distributors — we had everybody there. It was a really positive day, there was a really good buzz and energy. I'm very pleased," Orr told ZDNet.
BlackBerry decided to launch in the UK first as there was a positive response from retailers ahead of the launch. Analysts have been cautiously optimistic about the handset's prospects, although questions remain as to whether the device can attract new customers as well as please existing fans.
"We've got good strong relationships with carriers in the UK and they got themselves into a strong position very quickly. The UK is a very important market for us so when everything is lining up in your favour, you put your resources [in] to make sure that happens," Orr said.
"The UK launch has been great, the feedback from end users and enterprises, all segments of the market, has been positive. It's good to have done what we've set out to do, and this is the start line, this isn't the endgame," Orr said.
He added that developers are responding well to the new platform, with more than 1,000 apps a day coming through the app store.
Orr's comments were echoed during the BlackBerry Jam Europe keynote address in which the company said certain retail locations had sold out of the devices since launch, although no details on how many units had been supplied to these stores was available.
The Z10 went on sale in BlackBerry's home territory of Canada on Tuesday.