If Chinese handset makers like Huawei and ZTE don’t cut it — due to security and “all that jazz” — perhaps the best contender to take over BlackBerry is Amazon.
There are a few reasons why this could be a good move for the online retail giant:
1. Amazon wants its own eco-system, not the one owned by Google
Amazon has its own services and would rather see its users relying on Amazon services rather than those owned and operated by Google. However, the usage of Amazon Appstore is far from that of Google’s Play Store. If you’re using Amazon’s service, chances are you are looking for a deal, or a freebie. Otherwise, you’re “on” the Play Store.
There are at least three reasons for this: 1) Google’s service is the default option; 2) Amazon Appstore lacks many apps Play Store has; and 3) Developers are not updating their apps on Amazon’s service on a regular basis. I’ve experienced the third point myself.
Also, with BlackBerry on its side, Amazon would get its own mobile OS, one that’s more secure than competing platforms.
2. Enterprise customers
By acquiring BlackBerry, Amazon gets access to the enterprise clientele along with secure services these entities, as well as government clients, require.
Right now Amazon is primarily a consumer company despite its web services/infrastructure offering. With BlackBerry’s suite of services, the online retail giant could increase its customer base, which may then turn for all their shopping needs to amazon.com or the local equivalent.
3. The two companies are already co-operating
New BlackBerry smartphones such as the Passport and Classic come with Amazon Appstore preloaded. While that’s a small and rather insignificant, we see that as a first step of getting closer together.
During the next few months, Amazon will get to know BlackBerry smartphone users better (as it’s looking at the logs), and perhaps they come to a conclusion that tighter integration with the Canadian company could be beneficial.
In any case, we see that Amazon and BlackBerry are already talking.
4. Amazon has its own phone
Which, as you may know, is not really selling like cupcakes, despite rocking an innovative 3D user interface. Perhaps for the next Fire Phone, Amazon decides to ditch Android for BlackBerry OS. Amazon seems to have what it takes — including millions of users around the world — to propel the fourth mobile platform (in addition to iOS, Android and Windows Phone).
Of course, none of this may be true. It’s just that we see that BlackBerry could use a big partner like Amazon, while Amazon could benefit from offering its own platform. Any thoughts?