Blackberry phones are back as new 5G Android device announced for 2021
Startup OnwardMobility will be making the device, with a new keyboard designed in-house
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Blackberry is making a return to North America and Europe in 2021 with a new 5G, Android device that will feature the brand’s iconic keyboard.
Blackberry had previously been purchased by TCL in 2016, but earlier this year the company said it would no longer be making phones under that brand.
The two companies said that “as of August 31, 2020, TCL Communication will no longer be selling BlackBerry-branded mobile devices”.
Managing the famous name now is a Texas startup called OnwardMobility. The company is aiming its upcoming device at government and corporate clients, prioritising productivity and security.
“Enterprise professionals are eager for secure 5G devices that enable productivity, without sacrificing the user experience. BlackBerry smartphones are known for protecting communications, privacy, and data. This is an incredible opportunity for OnwardMobility to bring next-generation 5G devices to market”, he said.
Speaking to The Register, Franklin said that the company would not be using old Blackberry designs. Instead, it is using a keyboard design created in-house.
“Top of mind for us is not just making the most secure and productive device, but also being an everyday device,” said Franklin. “That means things like a top-notch camera, and the other specs you’d expect from your day-to-day phone. Simultaneously, we know that we must be competitive, and so is our pricing.”
Blackberry CEO John Chen said that the company was “thrilled OnwardMobility will deliver a BlackBerry 5G smartphone device with physical keyboard leveraging our high standards of trust and security synonymous with our brand”.
“We are excited that customers will experience the enterprise and government level security and mobile productivity the new BlackBerry 5G smartphone will offer”, he also said.
Blackberry smartphones were squeezed out of the market following their peak in the 2000s due to competition from Google and Apple.
This is partly because the ecosystem changed towards apps, with many developers preferring to develop for Android and iOS, as well as the development of larger, more sophisticated touchscreen smartphones phasing out the need for Blackberry’s keyboards.
In 2016, it announced that it would no longer be making its own smartphones and began outsourcing development to other companies.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments