We gave the BlackBerry Z10 a 6.9 overall rating in our review earlier this year.

It's been a rough year for BlackBerry. After a series of setbacks, its Z10 smartphone running the BlackBerry 10 operating system was released to dismal sales and a shrinking market share. 

The newly rebranded BlackBerry (formally known as RIM) is hoping to save itself by "exploring strategic alternatives," according to a press statement released today. While nothing is confirmed, BlackBerry has announced that it is open to joint ventures, partnerships or even selling the company.

In the official press statement, BlackBerry made sure to emphasize that it will still be moving forward with the distribution of its BlackBerry 10 smartphones. BlackBerry also clarified that this exploration process will not necessarily end in any transaction. 

Meanwhile, tech pundits and anonymous commenters alike are speculating about BlackBerry's future. Experts have been digging BlackBerry's grave since before the launch of the Z10, but were more hopeful after its flagship phone hit shelves earlier this year.

After today's announcement, its seems that folks are back to BlackBerry bashing, but the stock market is having a different reaction. BlackBerry's stock rose 5.7% after the announcement.