Research in Motion revealed its new Blackberry 10 operating system on Wednesday, but results from a new poll say it will be a hard sell for RIM to convince users to switch from their iPhone or Android smartphone.
"A healthy 47 percent of consumers were intrigued by certain features found on the new BB10 phones, according to a poll from mobile app developer Bite Interactive," writes CNET.
"But only 13 percent would consider buying one, and just 1 percent plan to get one right away. Specifically, one in two of those polled said they definitely would not buy a BB10 device, while one in four said they're unlikely to buy one."
Android users were more likely to say they'd consider a Blackberry. One in five Android users said they'd be open to a Blackberry device, while only one in ten iPhone users said they'd consider switching.
That makes sense, as iPhone users tend to be loyal, and those who aren't happy with Apple can grab one of myriad Android devices. That leaves little room for Blackberry, which must compete in a marketplace where Android already has the flexibility and market share to fend off RIM's advances.
Still, if 1 percent of all smartphone owners in the United States actually went out and bought a Blackberry right now, that would be more than a million units sold. Whether that would be enough to get RIM back in the game is an open question, but if investors and users don't see Blackberry 10 as a winner, it's unlikely RIM will be able to make a comeback yet again.
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