It may not have quite the punch of Apple's iPhone 6 launch, but BlackBerry's attempt to re-ignite interest in its platform by bringing out an updated version of one of its most popular smartphone designs got some surprising reactions from app developers.
The BlackBerry Classic includes both a physical keyboard and trackpad made famous by the company's earliest model, but adds a larger screen and, of course, longer battery life.
Although BlackBerry's BB10 operating system pales in comparison to Apple's iOS and Google's Android in terms of developer mindshare, there were at least a few loyalists on Twitter who seemed ready to give the firm another chance.
We at @s4bb are getting our apps ready for the brand new @BlackBerry Classic launch. Stay tuned! http://t.co/E56Vr1ViPt
— kozen (@kozen23) December 18, 2014
The return of the trackpad on the #BlackBerryClassic should be great for apps #INeedMyBB http://t.co/8DSwWmVxsc pic.twitter.com/hMTsfjkGVi
— Toby Clench (@tobster619) December 12, 2014
The concept of a "classic" smartphone even appealed to some mobile and design experts' sense of nostalgia.
Always wanted this combo: the great hw design of my old Blackberry Bold 9900 + the new BB10 sw. http://t.co/LVnqIK5qMj
— Ludvig Linge (@ludviglinge) December 18, 2014
Although BlackBerry has partnered with Google and Amazon to create more opportunities for Android apps on its devices, Twitter commentary around the BlackBerry Classic suggested the company hasn't gone far enough.
Where's the Android version? RT @thefonecast: BlackBerry launches new 'Classic' smartphone with QWERTY keyboard http://t.co/wZlfhKlXS0
— Terence Eden (@edent) December 18, 2014
If the new BlackBerry Classic ran Android, I'd buy one
— Jason Cartwright (@jasoncartwright) December 18, 2014
And, of course, there were plenty of jokes at BlackBerry's expense amid the launch, although a few wondered if other iconic names might eventually take a similar route.
BlackBerry Classic.... soon iPhone Classic, now smaller. ;-)
— Hubert Figuière (@hfiguiere) December 18, 2014