BlackBerry OS Devices To Stop Functioning From January 4

Blackberry, the king of yesteryears, has confirmed that the company will be discontinuing support for its classic Blackberry OS devices starting January 4th.

At the time of termination of services, devices running BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier software, BlackBerry 10 software, and BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier software through either carrier or Wi-Fi connections will no longer reliably function.

These devices will lack the ability to receive over-the-air provisioning updates and as such, this functionality will no longer be expected to reliably function, including for data, phone calls, SMS, and 9-1-1 functionality.????

Also, applications (BlackBerry Link, BlackBerry Desktop Manager, and BlackBerry Blend) will have limited functionality.

“As a reminder, the legacy services for BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, BlackBerry 10 software, BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier versions, will no longer be available after January 4, 2022,” the company said in a statement.

“As of this date, devices running these legacy services and software through either carrier or Wi-Fi connections will no longer reliably function, including for data, phone calls, SMS and 9-1-1 functionality.”

The termination of these service offerings and infrastructure will also impact functionality for applications such as Enhanced Sim Based Licensing (ESBL) / Identity Based Licensing (IBL), BlackBerry hosted email addresses, BlackBerry Link, BlackBerry Desktop Manager, BlackBerry Blend, BlackBerry Protect (allows consumers to lock, locate or wipe BBOS, BlackBerry 10 devices remotely.

There is no impact to the new BlackBerry Protect which is an AI-based endpoint security solution). 

However, BlackBerry Android devices will not be impacted by the end-of-life of infrastructure services unless they are receiving redirected email sent to a BlackBerry hosted email address, or assigned an ESBL or IBL.

Prior to the end-of-life date, users of BlackBerry hosted email addresses or using email redirection for these addresses, will need to move to a new email address. If any iOS or Android device, including BlackBerry Android devices, have an ESBL or IBL license assigned, the customer will need to obtain a standard license to cover their use of BlackBerry Enterprise services with that device.

Those still using a device with BlackBerry OS can check out BlackBerry’s FAQ section for more information.

For those unaware, in 2015, Blackberry stopped using BlackBerry OS on its own phones and tablets and switched to Android as its mobile device OS.

In recent years, the company has moved from a hardware to a software company providing intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world.

Kavita Iyer
Kavita Iyerhttps://www.techworm.net
An individual, optimist, homemaker, foodie, a die hard cricket fan and most importantly one who believes in Being Human!!!

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