BlackBerry highlights TV shows and movies that still inexplicably feature BlackBerry devices

Published On: Fri, Jan 22nd, 2016

Technology | By admin

BlackBerry highlights TV shows and movies that still inexplicably feature BlackBerry devices

BlackBerry may be slowly falling into a pit of despair as its market share shrivels, but it appears there’s one place where it’s still beloved: Hollywood.

We’ll pause while you scratch your head. Ready?

According to BlackBerry, its devices were featured at least 199 times “on each of the ‘big four’ American TV networks, multiple cable channels and both Netflix’s and Amazon’s original programs.” We will not remark upon the fact that there is apparently someone’s whose job it is to watch and count. No, we will not.

Of course, there appears to be no clear data on how that compares to, say, iPhones or Android-based devices. And the post doesn’t mention whether these uses involved any promotion deals (in which companies pay to have their products featured.)

Still, what in the name of Hollywood is going on here?

Reading through BlackBerry’s own triumphant analysis of its spotlight moments, there seem to be two main reasons their phones are still featured.

BlackBerry notes that on TV, we’re most likely to see their gadgets on “crime and government themed dramas.” So, okay. Your character carrying around a BlackBerry means you’re totes serious about security and all that jazz. Also, you work for the guvmint.

The other use, though, sees to be quite a bit less flattering than BlackBerry seems to realize.

That is, people using it as a period piece. You know, like you show it to let people know that, hey, this thing is happening in the mid-to-late 2000s.

For instance, BlackBerry highlights that its gadgets are widely used in the movie, “The Big Short.” (Nominated for 5 Oscars!) Of course, the movie takes place in 2007-8 during the financial meltdown. Characters using a BlackBerry provide a visual clue that this must be 2007 because humans are still using BlackBerry phones!

Along with the financial meltdown, Apple also started selling a little gadget the summer of 2007 called the iPhone. But, nevermind.

Still, it’s good to know there’s a place BlackBerry employees can go to relive the glory days. Even if they do have to pay $ 12 for a movie ticket to experience it.