3 of the Week’s Biggest Surprises: Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO), Research In Motion Ltd. (BBRY)

Google didn’t stop there. The company also sent a platoon of high-level speakers to the event, exploring topics such as mobile search, developing software for Google Glass, and taking moonshots at very hard problems. The moonshot project got extra attention, as the keynote on the topic was followed by a five-member, two-hour panel discussion. A few other companies held multiple presentations, but I dare you to find one that matched Google’s visionary content. These were no mere product launches, but a mission statement in the Jerry Maguire vein.

3. Research In Motion Ltd sold a million phones
Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) desperately needs its recently launched BB10 platform to turn heads and empty wallets. This is perhaps the company’s last shot at staying relevant in today’s rapidly evolving mobile industry. But the launch left much to be desired, and we’ve seen reports that the new Z10 devices isn’t doing well in the wild.

That’s why a rare bit of good news came as a shock this week. Research In Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ:BBRY) shares jumped as much as 14% on Wednesday when the company disclosed a massive Z10 order.

An “established partner” has ordered 1 million Research In Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ:BBRY) smartphones, marking “the largest ever single purchase order in Research In Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ:BBRY)’s history.” No word on who the large customer is, or indeed whether BB10 devices accounted for the entire order. It’s also unclear whether these devices are going straight to the buyer’s employees or into wireless store inventories. Still, it’s big news for a struggling vendor.

The good feeling faded fast, and Research In Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ:BBRY) ended the week just 5% higher. The company reports earnings in less than two weeks, giving us the first glimpse of actual BB10 sales figures. Add BlackBerry to your Foolish watchlist and stay tuned.

The article 3 of the Week’s Biggest Surprises originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Anders Bylund.

Fool contributor Anders Bylund owns shares of Google, but he holds no other position in any company mentioned. Check out Anders’ bio and holdings or follow him on Twitter and Google+.The Motley Fool recommends Apple, Cisco Systems, and Google and owns shares of Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

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