BlackBerry Explains Why The Passport Has A Square Screen | TechTree.com

BlackBerry Explains Why The Passport Has A Square Screen

Before you completely write off the idea, hear out what BlackBerry has to say.

 

In a world dominated by rectangular smartphones, it may seem odd that BlackBerry is choosing to go with a square screen on its upcoming Passport smartphone. But before you write off the idea, the struggling Canadian company has offered an explanation for why it's using an ancient form factor in 2014.

BlackBerry argues that the rectangular shape of most smartphones is great for watching video and for chat messengers. However, when it comes to reading and editing documents and doing anything related to work, they're pretty lousy.

We actually agree with BB on that point, especially when a large portion of the screen's real estate is taken up by an on-screen keyboard. The Passport even fixes that issue by offering up a physical QWERTY keypad, but we're going to save our judgements on how useful the square screen is once we get to use the device.

The unusual form factor of the BlackBerry Passport might just work for the suit-and-tie audience the company seems to be going after, but for all else, it's pretty much a waste. The other big issue with the device is that it sidelines video watching and messaging all in the favour of being a better phone at work.

[See also: BlackBerry Upcoming 'Passport' Is A 4.5-Inch Square-Screened Oddity]

However, the idea could still work with enterprise customers, a lot of whom have separate devices for work and play. Given BB's strength's in making devices for those looking for security and productivity, we'd say the Passport should be right up their alley, but the only problem is no one else might want it.


TAGS: BlackBerry, Passport, Enterprise, Mobile Phones, BB 10

 
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