BlackBerry CEO John Chen has confirmed that the company is working on a new smartphone with a QWERTY keyboard.
BlackBerry recently launched two touchscreen smartphones without the physical keyboard, the BlackBerry DTEK50 and DTEK60. These devices were aimed at providing a secure and efficient Android experience, but they lacked the iconic physical keyboard that many BlackBerry fans have come to love.
The Return of the Physical Keyboard
John Chen recently confirmed to Bloomberg Canada that the company will release one more BlackBerry device with a physical keyboard. This announcement has generated significant excitement among BlackBerry enthusiasts who have been longing for the tactile feedback and typing accuracy that a physical keyboard provides.
“We have one keyboard phone I promised people,” Chen said. “It’s coming.”
Previous rumors have suggested that this new device will have a 4.5 inch Full HD touchscreen and a physical keyboard underneath. This combination aims to offer the best of both worlds: the convenience of a touchscreen for navigation and the precision of a physical keyboard for typing.
Specifications and Features
The device is rumored to come with a 2GHz octa-core Snapdragon processor, which should provide ample power for multitasking and running demanding applications. Additionally, it will feature 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, ensuring that users have enough memory and space for their apps, photos, and files.
Camera enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the handset is expected to feature an 8-megapixel front camera and an 18-megapixel rear camera. These cameras should be capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, making the device suitable for both personal and professional use.
The new BlackBerry smartphone will come with Android 7.0 Nougat, offering users access to the latest features and security updates from Google. This version of Android includes improvements in performance, battery life, and user interface, making it a solid choice for a modern smartphone.
Why a Physical Keyboard?
The decision to include a physical keyboard in the new device is a strategic move by BlackBerry to cater to its loyal customer base. Many professionals and business users prefer the tactile feedback and accuracy of a physical keyboard, especially for typing long emails or documents. The physical keyboard also allows for shortcuts and quick access to frequently used functions, enhancing productivity.
Moreover, the physical keyboard sets BlackBerry apart from other smartphone manufacturers, most of whom have moved exclusively to touchscreen designs. By offering a unique feature that appeals to a specific segment of users, BlackBerry can differentiate itself in a crowded market.
Looking Forward
As soon as we get some more details about this new BlackBerry QWERTY smartphone, we will let you guys know. The anticipation for this device is high, and it will be interesting to see how it performs in the market. Will it attract new users or primarily appeal to existing BlackBerry fans? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, BlackBerry continues to focus on its core strengths: security, productivity, and innovation. The company’s commitment to providing secure and efficient devices remains unwavering, and the upcoming QWERTY smartphone is a testament to that dedication.
Source, GSM Arena
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