There may actually be a new BlackBerry device slated for release in 2021; with the CEO of the brand’s new parent company giving Asian media a small hint of what’s in store.
While there is no distinct launch timeline, OnwardMobility CEO, Peter Franklin, revealed to Nikkei Asia the brand will work with FIH Mobile, a subsidiary of manufacturing powerhouse Foxconn to develop and build its upcoming BlackBerry handset. Doubling down on prior reports, the device is set be a 5G-powered global flagship, with a QWERTY keyboard, and an elaborate camera set up.
This is the first news about OnwardMobility and its device plans since the brand’s introduction in summer 2020. Franklin has detailed that the company is currently working on its global distribution plan, talking to carriers and other customers with an aim to have a product available for the North American and European markets later this year. A long term goal for the company is to have its products manufactured in the U.S.
OnwardMobility expects it will be able to thrive during the current pandemic times, which have relegated many employees to home offices, where teleworking has bolstered the instances of data leaks other cybersecurity threats. Franklin noted the brand aims to have a focus on top notch security. While BlackBerry’s original parent company, Research in Motion (RIM) is well known for its cybersecurity apps and services; OnwardMobility plans to work with another security company to further flesh out its software to make upcoming products appealing to corporate clients. Additionally, CEO expects the old school physical keyboard of BlackBerry devices may help those working from home increase productivity.
Whether the once again rebranded BlackBerry will be able to make a dent in the current mobile climate remains to be seen. The former top toy for the business minded saw a fall from grace with the inception of the iPhone. RIM would dabble in the Android space for a few more QWERTY devices, but eventually put its focus on software. The Chinese brand TCL, owned the BlackBerry license for a time, and also released several mid-range handsets, but gave up its rights in late August 2020.
