Even Barack Obama may get rid of his BlackBerry

Leader of the free world, future owner of a Samsung Galaxy or comparable Android smartphone.
Leader of the free world, future owner of a Samsung Galaxy or comparable Android smartphone.
Image: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
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The White House is testing alternatives to the long-time favorite smartphone of President Barack Obama, reports the Wall Street Journal. If Obama does switch to an Android-based phone, from BlackBerry, it would be a major blow for the ailing Waterloo, Ontario-based company.

Two models reportedly being tested by the White House are from Samsung and LG. Samsung has been working to make its phones uniquely attractive to business and government customers with its SAFE devices, which it claims are secure from intrusion.

One reason a presidential switch to a new phone could be particularly devastating for BlackBerry—and a boon to whichever handset maker follows—is the fact that Obama appears to be no less addicted to his smartphone than the majority of his constituents.

Here’s a brief tour down memory lane—thanks for the memories, iconic presidential BlackBerry.

While shopping at a bookstore in Arlington, Va., Obama refers to a list of books stored on his BlackBerry.
While shopping at a bookstore in Arlington, Va., Obama refers to a list of books stored on his BlackBerry.
Image: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
Obama checks an important presidential email while attending an NCAA basketball game.
Obama checks an important presidential email while attending an NCAA basketball game.
Image: AP Photo/Patrick Semansky
Obama drops his BlackBerry on concrete in Tennessee.
Obama drops his BlackBerry on concrete in Tennessee.
Image: AP Photo/Charles Dharapak
Obama laughs at an email in June 2010. Perhaps it was from then chief of staff Rahm Emanuel.
Obama laughs at an email in June 2010. Perhaps it was from then chief of staff Rahm Emanuel.
Image: AP Photo/Charles Dharapak
About the only time Obama is without his BlackBerry is during speeches. Here he is handing it to aide Reggie Love.
About the only time Obama is without his BlackBerry is during speeches. Here he is handing it to aide Reggie Love.
Image: AP Photo/Charles Dharapak