Struggling smartphone maker BlackBerry says it is examining "strategic alternatives," which could involve putting itself up for sale. The Canadian firm said it had formed a committee to consider "possible joint ventures, strategic partnerships or alliances, a sale of the company or other possible transactions." A statement issued by BlackBerry said the board's committee would seek ways "to enhance value and increase scale" to help deploy its products based on its new BlackBerry 10 platform, which was launched only seven months ago. "We continue to see compelling long-term opportunities for BlackBerry 10, we have exceptional technology that customers are embracing, we have a strong balance sheet and we are pleased with the progress that has been made in our transition," said president and chief executive Thorsten Heins. The announcement comes with BlackBerry marginalized in a smartphone market dominated by makers using the Google Android operating system and by Apple's iPhone.