BlackBerry is back! Texas startup set to rebuild popular smartphone in 2021 that will include 5G, a physical keyboard and security level
- BlackBerry announced in February the end of its partnership with TCL
- TCL produced the smartphone, which meant it had to be stopped
- A Texas startup has received the license and will release a 20G model in 2021
- It will also have the iconic physical keyboard and security level
The BlackBerry smartphone is back from the dead as a startup is set to re-launch the popular device early next year.
OnwardMobility, based in Texas, received the license for the handset from its original maker and announced the release of a 5G model in 2021.
The redesigned BlackBerry is said to come with a new physical keyboard design that ‘will reflect the market values from a keyboard-type experience and input experience’, according to a report by The Register.
The company positions it more for workers on the go, but is set to incorporate standard features such as a top-class camera and government-level security.
Scroll down for videos
OnwardMobility, based in Texas, has received the handset license from its original maker and announced the release of a 5G model in 2021. The restored BlackBerry is said to come with a new physical keyboard design
Blackberry first hit the market in 2000, which became the must-have for professionals because it allowed smartphone users to easily write and send emails.
And 20 years later it was over.
BlackBerry shared a tweet last February with statement from TCL Communications, which had the license to develop and distribute the phone, ending its four-year partnership.
“However, we regret to share that by 31 August 2020, TCL Communications will no longer be selling BlackBerry branded mobile devices,” BlackBerry wrote in a statement.
About a decade ago, BBM was one of the most popular mobile messaging apps on the market, after being launched in 2006 for a full three years for similar ‘mobile-first’ platforms such as WhatsApp.
For TCL, the end of its deal with BlackBerry may reflect its current course after pioneering its own line of branded phones that it has refurbished in recent months.
TCL, a Chinese company best known for selling smart TVs, announced its intentions at the Consumer Electronics Show in January to launch a new line of phones called TCL 10 Pro, TCL 10L, and TCL 10 5G .
However, the death is what OnwardMobility has allowed to revoke the license and bring the smartphone back from the dead.
Peter Franklin, CEO of OnwardMobility, said: ‘Enterprise professionals are envious of secure 5G devices that enable productivity without sacrificing the user experience.’
‘BlackBerry smartphones are known for protecting communication, privacy and data. This is an incredible opportunity for OnwardMobility to launch next-generation 5G devices with the support of BlackBerry and FIH Mobile. ‘
BlackBerry shared a tweet last February with statement from TCL Communications, which had the license to develop and distribute the phone, ending its four-year partnership. Pictured is the BlackBerry Key2 released in 2018
Both companies did not share too much with the announcement, but Franklin sat down with The Register to provide some insight for the release.
on-mind for us is not only to make the safest and most productive device, but also to be a daily device, ‘he said.
‘That means things like a top-class camera, and the other specs you’d expect from your entire phone. At the same time, we know we need to be competitive, and that’s our pricing. ‘
OnwardMobility will perform product planning and market development for BlackBerry smartphones in North America and Europe.
.
