A new BlackBerry phone will be launched in 2021. It’s going to be 5G-capable and have a physical keyboard.
Smartphones from the Canada based company were among the first to become popular among the users, especially the corporate customers, before the market was taken over by Android and Apple phones.
The revival is possible thanks to a US based startup named OnwardMobility which has experience in building security solutions for customers in government and business.
The new phone is slated to be a “feature-rich 5G-ready” model with productivity-enhancing features. It is apparently aimed at business customers, who demand safety alongside smart features.
“Enterprise professionals are eager to secure 5G devices that enable productivity, without sacrificing the user experience. BlackBerry smartphones are known for protecting communications, privacy and data.”
Peter Franklin, CEO of OnwardMobility
The latest development comes just over six months after previous BlackBerry app licensee TCL Communication announced it would end the sale of BlackBerry-branded devices from August 31.
The smartphone is set to make its debut in North America and Europe. There’s no clarity regarding if or when they will reach other markets.
OnwardMobility has partnered with Foxconn’s subsidiary, FIH Mobile to manufacture the latest BlackBerry mobile, the firm said in a statement.
More details on the new BlackBerry phone’s features are yet to be released. However, it is said that the smartphone will come with a redesigned “clean-sheet keyboard” and a long-term support promise.
It’s also said that the 5G BlackBerry phone will have a competitive pricing. This means that it wouldn’t be competing with the likes of Samsung Galaxy Note 20 or the upcoming Apple iPhone 12. Instead, it will be a mid-range offering.
It’s not the first time the BlackBerry brand attempts a comeback in the smartphone market. After the expansion of Android smartphones, the brand faced a tough fight, and finally signed a licensing deal with TCL Communication in December 2016 which will end on coming August 31st making way for OnwardMobility.
“Enterprise professionals are eager to secure 5G devices that enable productivity, without sacrificing the user experience. BlackBerry smartphones are known for protecting communications, privacy and data.”
