O2 bails on BlackBerry PlayBook, blames ‘end to end customer experience’

By on Jun 16, 2011 at 9:31 AM
mobile June 16, 2011

Citing issues with the user experience, O2 UK announced on Thursday that it “will not be selling” the BlackBerry PlayBook. The wireless carrier began notifying customers who had signed up for more information about its change of heart on Thursday. The carrier officially stated: “unfortunately there are some issues with the end to end customer experience,” but didn’t delve further into its reasons for the decision. We suspect it could be the lack of a native email client, an addition that RIM has said it will add in a future update, but we also noted that it felt like an “unfinished product” in our recent review. O2 did say that it could offer the product at a later date, and that it will work with Research In Motion on its BlackBerry PlayBook products in the future.

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  • BoLdBuRrY

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    • Anonymous

      Norm did it first.
      Norm was better.

      Also: watagatapitusbery?!

      • Anonymous

        WHAT?! o.0

    • Applesucksfatties

      Dude.. do us all a favor and try speaking english.  This gangsta ghetto bullshit you post is getting old.. bruthaaaaa

    • Applesucksfatties

      @google-62fe04bcd77ee15f11fe8532e9ac130a:disqus and the other 6 people that like Blabburry’s drivel that he posts….. PLEASE, DON’T ENCOURAGE HIM!!!

      • Steve Jenkins

        Its just too funny. Its too ridiculous to take seriously. So i just laugh.

      • Applesucksfatties

        Agree…   I think he has his “script” saved in a Word doc and just pastes it into every article about RIM, Playbook, or Blackberry.  

  • B4385732

    Sooooo O2 couldn’t get money out of a tethering plan and cut the leash…thank you O2…sounding a little like ATT

    • Anonymous

      Glad someone noticed the real reasons. :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=685475105 David Lundquist

    OMG Give it a break:  Actually the huge issue for O2 is that Blackberry was suppose to deliver a product that allowed them to sell another dataplan…. instead Blackberry delivered the exact opposite, a bridge software that allows customers to use their 3G without a new data plan..

    This is the same story at dozens of BlackBerry’s cellular network partners.

    • Anonymous

      Sounds to me like RIM is battling against their only distribution points. Not a very smart business plan, wouldn’t ya say?

      • Anonymous

        May not be good business, but it’s great for the end user.  I absolutely love the fact that I get free tethering on my browser anywhere I want.  After the last update this Bridge browser flies too.  It was admittedly horrendous at first, but it is really blazing fast now.
        I’m not a stock holder, so I don’t give a shit what happens as long as I continue to get free internet on my PlayBook!

    • Jimmy K

      Bingo.
      There’s no money in this for the carrier, other than to push out a device like BestBuy.

      I bet as soon as Blackberry releases the 3G version with a few minor tweaks, O2 will be more than happy to sell it.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GP2WYAHXS6CRUREISWBGPUSUGE Michael

    So basically the carriers are starting to say what the consumers are saying as well. That Blackberry’s PlayBook isn’t standing up to the hype everyone was hoping it would.

    • Steve Jenkins

      What hype? Everything that is great about the Playbook (no strings attached internet browsing, multitasking, and performance) gets hated on simply because they dont have native apps at release! When the native BBM, Email, Calendar, and Contacts come to the Playbook what will the haters have to say then? The hype the Playbook SHOULD have is non-existent b/c of haters. You want flash, BB gave it to you. You want performance? BB gave it to you. Cutting Edge UI? BB gave it to you. Keep drinking the kool-aid. Oh, not to mention an affordable way to have data without an extra charge! While people hate on RIM, cellular carriers are hating on the consumer! 

      • Anonymous

        No, the consumer is hating on the PlayBook. They aren’t selling because there’s no demand. 

      • Steve Jenkins

        I agree the consumer is hating on the tablet. But why? When’s the last time consumers were listened to so closely with the demand for flash, completely new UI/OS, and balance between portability and power, for a reasonable price? Motorola xoom tried, but it still doesnt tether friendly and the problems with flash on the xoom are widely known and accepted amongst consumers, not to mention the sky high price tag. Apple just finally came around with the release of iOS5 (still at least 3+months away for non-developers) and it still has no flash, no tethering (there is a bug in iOS5 that displays mobile hot spot and tether option, but def. not for FREE!), and the same UI. I agree that if its not broke dont fix it, but geez, RIM put out a great tablet experience and the native apps are just detractors from the real issue, carriers dont like the idea of a free data experience, and they are using the kool-aid drinkers to hide their true motives. 

      • Perspective Penis

        ugly little troll

      • Anonymous

        There is more demand than any tablet in existance other than the iPad.  So, don’t give me that bullshit about demand.  The PlayBook is selling great if you don’t compare it to the iPad (which is selling in a class of it’s own).

        I own both the PlayBook and iPad 2 and can say that I use the PlayBook WAY more than the iPad.  In fact, yesterday was the first time I touched my iPad in over 3 weeks.

      • Anonymous

        @google-62fe04bcd77ee15f11fe8532e9ac130a:disqus If you are complaining iOS doesn’t offer “free” tethering, complain to the carriers. It’s the carrier’s rule (US). And it’s a rule because the iPhone is so popular.

        If the Playbook gets more popular, you can expect US carriers to begin monetizing a feature that they’re currently collecting zilch on. 

      • http://www.droiddoes.com/ iNorm

        I’m going to be honest here. I tried it at a Best Buy and it sucked. I’d even prefer an original Galaxy tab over it. No calendar on release? Seriously? It’s a glorified 500 7 inch web browser. Complete waste.

      • Steve Jenkins

        I unfortunately have to agree with you that the in store demos of the playbook suck, but I also have had terrible experiences with the in store demos of the iPad (and as everyone knows its not a bad device to say the least). I blame this on the fact that almost all stores I’ve been in are running release day firmware/OS on most of these devices. In store demos cannot be expected to act as normal use of the device. How many people that have tablets let anyone that comes by play with their said device and open all the apps, tools, browsers, etc, and then just let them run all day without closing anything? No device is perfect, but I take in store demo’s with a grain of salt because of these factors.

      • Anonymous

        It actually does have a calendar.  I think it’s Tumblr that has one that syncs to your google calendar and others.  I don’t see how that differs in any way from a native calendar.  In fact, when I had my Droid X, I used a 3rd party calendar anyways.

      • Anonymous

        It actually does have a calendar.  I think it’s Tumblr that has one that syncs to your google calendar and others.  I don’t see how that differs in any way from a native calendar.  In fact, when I had my Droid X, I used a 3rd party calendar anyways.

      • Anonymous

        It actually does have a calendar.  I think it’s Tumblr that has one that syncs to your google calendar and others.  I don’t see how that differs in any way from a native calendar.  In fact, when I had my Droid X, I used a 3rd party calendar anyways.

      • Anonymous

        You want apps, BB… Oh wait, they don’t have even 1/20th of the apps the iPad has.

      • Applesucksfatties

         yeah… but the other 95% apps that iPad has are useless time wasters.   100+ fart apps anyone?  how about a bunch of useless games?   Playbooks are for people who get stuff done, iMaxis are for those that want to look “cool” in the local Starbucks sipping on their mocha.   iDouches…….

      • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GP2WYAHXS6CRUREISWBGPUSUGE Michael

        Cutting edge technology? Really? the iPad One has more more fluid, and seamless flow to it then this piece of work. The UI is dead on Palm’s WebOS, nothing cutting edge there. An affordable data deal? Jail-broken iPhones, and Android devices and Wi-Fi tether to ANYTHING that has a wi-fi receiver. not just a specific phone.

        I’m going to have to agree with iNorm on this one. I’ve been in the market to get a new tablet. I’ve played with a good amount of them. The iPad 2, the Xoom bought are leaps and bounds ahead of anything RIM was trying to do with the Playbook. I was very interested in the Playbook. I’ve was loyal Blackberry user from the day i got my 8100 to the day i sold my 9700 [8100, 8310, 8900, 9530, 9700 all in the mix]. Blackberry has no connection with the mass consumers. They are stuck in 2001 where they think everyone just wants push email and BBM. I’m sorry but everyone else out there has Enterprise class security, Push Email, Push notification, and “BBM-ish” chat clients. If they want to stand out. The playbook isn’t the device doing it.

      • Hiryu7

        You make it sound like you’re this very important BB user with all your devices. “Leaps and bounds”? Big wow, an opinion after all is only an opinion.

      • Anonymous

        I’m sorry, but I have an iPad 2 and a PlayBook and the PlayBook’s UI is definitely prettier and more fluid.  And I’m sorry again, but the Xoom is not even close to as good as the PlayBook.  The Xoom is one of the most unstable devices I have ever used!

      • Anonymous

        I’m sorry, but I have an iPad 2 and a PlayBook and the PlayBook’s UI is definitely prettier and more fluid.  And I’m sorry again, but the Xoom is not even close to as good as the PlayBook.  The Xoom is one of the most unstable devices I have ever used!

  • Batteman87

    Is that smoke I smell?

  • Max

    Oh noes! Yet another company decides to move into 2011 and beyond, leaving RIM and you few BB Morons alone in 2001. Darn. Oh well. Hey, I think I saw a pair of parachute pants on Ebay for you guys. Maybe pick up a cherry Trivial Pursuit and Simon game while you’re there and BBM all 2 of your friends over for a game or three! Fun times!

    • Anonymous

      Lol

    • Hiryu7

      Just because they don’t like the same thing as you they are morons? How arrogant, big wow, are you that important that your opinions matter?

  • TommyR

    I am starting to hate this BGR site, I mean I come here for honest tech news and I get something equivalent to Fox News, skewed in one direction. I have a Playbook, I love it, does it have the same “gee wiz!” factor as an iPad, no, but I use it everyday, I carry it with me all day, my kids love it, etc. To say that it is a failure is ridiculous. What idiot would want only one provider of anything? Is there not room for a more portable, very secure, integrated business device? I like Apple products as well, I have a iMac at home, 3 iPods shuffles but you can’t convince me that Apple is good at everything andheaven forbid you criticize the Almighty Apple.

    • Anonymous

      They were just reporting on what a carrier had decided. Easy there

    • Cornbread

      Dude I’m a bit of a BB fan boy, but am not so blinded to think the Playbook is anywhere near the iPad. That’s just ridiculous. You give Apple props but RIM doesnt deserve any for PB. No email? Huh?

      • sirpaul

        iPad is lame simpletons tablet.

      • Anonymous

        I’m sure you’re enjoying yours then. 

      • sirpaul

        I don’t have a tablet. I’d rather save some money and get a slate. And if not something like the PlayBook would be preferred.

      • Anonymous

        Ya how dumb a tablet that’s easy to use. You’re right people want hard to use stuff that take weeks to learn. And where it take days to learn how to change the brightness on the device. Get real seriously

    • Anonymous

      Nowhere in this article does is talk about Apple. I think your a closet ihomo. It’s okay, we accept you.

      • TommyR

        Yeah, that’s it, I won’t stoop to your level. It’s just that this site is focused on bashing RIM, any and every chance it gets. It is getting tiresome. 

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_JNKVTT7PJMXPYP2GVCIERBQQCU Andrew

      It’s funny how many people are quick to bring up Apple product because their products stink.  Even with the writer didn’t mention Apple.  All they are doing is reporting what the carrier is saying.  Why do haters always try to deflect to Apple?  I don’t get it.

      • Applesucksfatties

        @Andrew – funny how it is okay for iNerds to come out to a RIM article and bash RIM products… yet, when a BB user bashed an iCrap product, it is wrong.   I don’t get it.

      • http://profiles.google.com/jlog74 Jace Loggins

        Hmm, I don’t see that much on here. Instead it’s just a bunch of stupid children bashing anything Apple, and labeling anyone with an Apple product as a trendy moron. Unfortunately, Apple haters are the equivalent of a hipster d*uchebag: ragging on anything popular and espousing the virtues of something that is supposedly “different” or “unique”, when in fact, like you, they are neither.

        Those who define themselves by avoiding the mainstream are, in fact, guided by the mainstream: we’re talking about personal electronics here, not ending world hunger or something actually important. Why do you care?I have a BB and an iPod Touch, and an HP laptop, as well as a MacBook Pro. The Blackberry experience is beyond awful. It is AWFUL. Why should my opinion on Blackberry be discounted because I also own Apple products? I’ve been using a Blackberry for 4 years. 

      • Applesucksfatties

        @google-d5f91c2ea327cfec00202910b5287cdd:disqus – Easy turbo… sounds like you got your iUndies in a bundle.   Don’t let me stop you from taking your MacBook Pro and iPod to Starbucks…

      • http://profiles.google.com/jlog74 Jace Loggins

        Sorry, troll buddy, I don’t take either to Starbucks – instead I take my BB. You’ve done a great job of proving my point: why are you so obsessed with what other people are buying, using, taking to Starbucks? Why do you care?

    • Hiryu7

      This is not journalism reporting, BGR choose to cherry pick what they want to report. And it’s very unprofessional that they make an arrogant comment after all their headlines. Like the saying goes with Media and Bloggers “Believe half of what you see, none of what you hear”.

  • Guest

    ummm no Todd, it’s because they have no data plans to make money from.  They will sell future models guaranteed.

  • Anonymous

    Hahaha. The Playbook was a BM on arrival. Good on you O2. Hopefully other carriers will follow.

  • Anonymous

    I really like my PB, but launching without a native email app was stupid and whoever did that should have been fired.  If I did not have a BB already, I would not own a PB.

  • caz ed

    O2 arent going to support webOS and it’s lookalike (it failed before!!!! under their belt)

  • Anonymous

    RIM is dying… RIP…

  • Steel

    We attempted to contact RIM for comment, but only CEO Lazaridis could be reached.  Hence, the response was completely unintelligible.

    • Applesucksfatties

      Did you try calling him on the iCrap 4 without the protective sleeve?  If so, you probably just dropped the call due to bad reception…

      • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_JNKVTT7PJMXPYP2GVCIERBQQCU Andrew

        He also tried emailing him but he only had his playbook available.  Thus not being able to receive the email.

      • Anonymous

        unless he has a blackberry to bridge the playbook with…just saying

      • Applesucksfatties

        He probably was an impatient iNerd and didn’t realize that email is coming to the Playbook.  Although I’m sure he just pulled out his iMaxipad and wasted some time with one of 500 iFart apps…

  • Anonymous

    personally, im not sure why people who dont own a playbook or blackberry feel they are the experts on the devices. clearly rim products are geared to a more professional grade class (even though they are attempting to branch out). to say rim is dying means one doesnt understand that rim makes it money through enterprise services, which is by no means doing anything but improving.

    but yes, i guess if you wanna play angry birds and listen to music, other manufacturers might be better

  • Anonymous

    Exactly.  BGR chose to write “We suspect it could be the lack of a native email client, an addition that RIM has said it will add in a future update, but we also noted that it felt like an “unfinished product” in our recent review.” and they failed to mention that it could have something to do with the free tethering that RIM has allowed.  At least they could have mentioned both possibilities.

  • Anonymous

    Exactly.  BGR chose to write “We suspect it could be the lack of a native email client, an addition that RIM has said it will add in a future update, but we also noted that it felt like an “unfinished product” in our recent review.” and they failed to mention that it could have something to do with the free tethering that RIM has allowed.  At least they could have mentioned both possibilities.

  • Anonymous

    O2 doesn’t stock the iPad 2 either. I guess there must be user experience issues with it as well.

    • Anonymous

      You would be correct. So many people want an iPad 2 that some carriers and retailers can not get them whatsoever, hence the issue is that users can’t buy them to experience them.

      Keep trying, one day the Apple bashing will pay off in a big productive way for your life.

      • Anonymous

        They don’t stock the device, it’s not a matter of them offering the device and being sold out. I can only assume there is some form of mental retardation that has impaired your ability to discern language.

        I also own Apple stock so I don’t see where you get the Apple bashing idea from. Do you own stock in the company or do you just use the products as some kind of boosterism for your sad life?

  • SheriffBart

    I’ll be BGR was foaming at the mouth with glee  when another “It’s just not as good as Apple” article was about to post. 

    • Anonymous

      Why does it bother you? So BGR. Engadget and Gizmodo all believe Apple builds the best end to end solutions for media players, computers, phones and tablets, big deal, why get your panties in a bunch over it. Just use what you want to use and get over it. Just do like us Mac users use to do and soak up the fact that we were “smart” enough to use something different.

      • Anonymous

        apple built its business off of retarded people who couldnt figure out pcs and needed a “simpler” option. scratch that, retarded is the wrong word – it assumes apple users are as smart as mentally challenged people. saying people were smart enough to switch to a simpletons os sounds kinda stupid

  • Anonymous

    I just can’t figure out why apple fans come onto RIM posts to make stupid ass comments.  What are you scared of?  Why are you afraid that RIM might have actually made a decent product?  Why do you give a shit?

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