Tag: blackberry

BlackBerry Key 2 LE Launched in India
Optiemus Infracom is the licensed manufacturer for BlackBerry smartphones in India. The company launched the Evolve smartphone in August which will go on sale on 10th October in India and today the company has launched the BlackBerry Key 2 LE. The Key 2 LE is an android phone with a physical Qwerty keyboard.

Specifications:

The smartphone has a 4.5 inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen and it has an aspect ratio of 3:2. The dipslay has a resolution of 1080 x 1620 pixels and a pixel density of 434 ppi. Below the screen is the 4 row BlackBerry keyboard with capacitive touch. The keyboard can be used as a trackpad to scroll through the screen and the spacebar on the keyboard doubles as a fingerprint scanner to securely unlock the device. Under the hood, it runs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 Chipset which is an Octa-Core CPU clocked at 1.8 GHz along with the Adreno 509 GPU. In terms of storage and memory, the device has 64 GB of inbuilt storage and 4 GB of RAM. It also has an expandable card slot which accepts microSD cards of upto 256 GB.

In the optics department, the smartphone has dual 13 MP + 5 MP rear cameras with Dual-LED flash and an 8 MP selfie camera. The rear cameras can record 2160p or 1080p videos @30 FPS and the front camera can record 1080p videos @ 30FPS. Talking about connectivity, the device has Wi-Fi 802.11 ac with dual band, Bluetooh 5.0, GPS, NFC and a USB Type-C connector for charging and data transfer. The device has a non-removable LI-Ion battery of 3,000 mAh and supports Quick Charge 3.0. It it is available in three colours: Atomic, Slate and Champagne. The smartphone runs on Android 8.1 Oreo with BlackBerry’s added security applications.

The device also has programmable keys to quickly switch between favourite apps.

Security features:

Blackberry has always been renowned as a brand that makes highly secure phones. The company now has incorporated their proprietary security suite into Android. It is a bundle of different applications that the company has developed for additional security features.

Some of the apps included are: Redactor, Locker, Firefox Focus and BlackBerry Privacy shade.
- Redactor and Privacy shade can hide certain areas on screen under a black mask that the user might want to hide.
- Firefox Focus is the latest mobile browser from Mozilla. It can block trackers on websites that collect information about the user for showing display ads, remembering user preferences, etc.
- DTEK app monitors other installed apps and let the user know when their data is at risk and provides preventive measures.
- Blackberry Locker is an application to securely hide pictures, videos or other data file on the device.
Price & Availability:

The BlackBerry Key 2 LE will be exclusively available on Aamzon from October 12. The smartphone has a price tag of Rs. 29,990.
October 8, 2018
WhatsApp and Facebook End of Support, Leaves Blackberry Upset

Blackberry is not doing so well, proof of that is the fact that WhatsApp and Facebook are officially killing App support for the platform. Previously known as RIM, Blackberry has not seen a good record in the past few years. With almost all their devices not doing well, either due to price or specifications.

The news which is about a month old has left Blackberry in disappointment. The apps are supposed to end their support end of 2016 leaving any Blackberry users fending for themselves, as no more updates will be available post that. However, devices like the company’s Priv, that work on Android will not be a part of this end of service, and will continue to enjoy updates at the same time as any Android device.

In a blog post, Lou Gazzola, senior manager in charge of BlackBerry’s App Ecosystem and Developer Outreach team, said they are disappointed as they know so many users love these apps (Facebook and WhatsApp).

We fought back to work with WhatsApp and Facebook to change their minds, but at this time, their decision stands (but let them know how you feel on social media, using the hashtag #IloveBB10Apps) Our commitment to BlackBerry 10 and to developers has not changed – we know our developer community continues to be one of the strongest proponents of BlackBerry 10 and they are creating thousands of apps every month

Source

March 26, 2016
Registrations for BlackBerry Priv Begin

BlackBerry has opened registrations for its newest smartphone, BlackBerry Priv and interested customers can sign up for the device here.

The phone, to cost $630, is the device BlackBerry is making its comeback with in the tech-world. It will also be the first BlackBerry phone to run on Android. Earlier this month, the company CEO, John Chen officially showcased the Priv (albeit in a slightly fumbling manner) in a video.

It has been officially confirmed that Priv will have a slide-out keyboard feature and a curved display that is reminiscent of Samsung’s Galaxy S6 Edge. Some of the specs have also been confirmed and they include a 5.4 inch screen, 3410 mAh battery and Schneider-Kreuznach certified camera. Watch this space for more updates on the BlackBerry Priv.

October 15, 2015
Can BlackBerry Make a Comeback with the Priv?

It’s been a while since BlackBerry has made any sort of major statement in the mobile world. There was a time when BlackBerry had so much going for it as it stood apart from the typical smartphones on the tech circuit. BlackBerry loyalists loved a great deal of what the QWERTY-centric phone was providing.

Pretty soon people started expecting more -more apps, more services, more everything, which BlackBerry was having a tough time providing. But you can’t say the company didn’t try. The BlackBerry Bold range were a great set of handsets by the company. It did have most of your favorite social media apps such as Facebook, Twitter, BBM chats. It also looked great and had a distinctive BlackBerry feel to it with finger-friendly QWERTY keyboard that was more premium than the Curve.

BlackBerry Bold

The problem the Bold lineup was facing was that it lacked a lot of native apps. Around 2010, the iPhone did not face this problem and neither did the Android devices, which is what made many people trade in their BlackBerry devices for an iPhone or an Android phone. After the influx of Android devices, BlackBerry got pushed to the sideline. It was no longer ‘cool’ to own a BlackBerry. By 2011, BlackBerry was almost out of sight.

In 2013, BlackBerry made a comeback with the Z10 and Q10 which ran on the BB10 OS. The reactions towards the devices were mixed but overall it was fairly positive. While the Q10 had the traditional QWERTY keyboard, the Z10 went full touchscreen. This move was expected from a company that was literally trying to save itself. But it did not quite work well. The phones came equipped with BB10 OS. Now while the Z10 could make full use of the new OS but didn’t, the Q10 didn’t even have a chance. Quite evidently, the new OS was made for a full display. Yet the Z10 had the same problem as its predecessors – lack of native apps.

BlackBerry Z10

Jumping to present day -we see that BlackBerry is trying to make a comeback again with the new Priv. Much has been said about the Priv, which is like a hybrid of the Z10 and Bold. Judging solely on the renders of the device that have been seen, the Priv looks great. It looks attractive and the slide-out keyboard does not seem to hamper the device’s sleek look which is still distinctively BlackBerry at heart.

BlackBerry Priv

The phone features a full touchscreen display and a slide out keyboard to please fans of both types. Yes, there are still people out there who love the feel of a keyboard even though almost every device today is based fully on touch. Along with this, images of the Priv also suggest that the device has a curved display much like the Samsung Galaxy Edge. Furthermore, the phone is going big on security -a feature BlackBerry is already known for. There is a special security app for the device that monitors it for any threats. Also, it will also be the first Blackberry phone that will run on Android.

The specs of the Priv sound good, too. It will come with a Snapdragon 808 processor and 3 GB of RAM with 32 GB extendable storage. It features a 5.5 -inch curved display with a 1440×2560 pixel resolution and 537ppi. Finally, the Priv has an 18 MP primary camera and a 5 MP front. With a reasonable price tag, we could see BlackBerry right back into the game. Only time will tell if people are ready to go back to BlackBerry or if the company is a little too late.

Would you be willing to give the new Blackberry Priv a try? Tell us in the comments below.

October 9, 2015
Leak : Android-Powered BlackBerry Priv’s Camera, SoC and More

BlackBerry Priv’s leaks are coming faster than the company perhaps expects. New images have surfaced courtesy N4BB that show close-up shots of the display and the camera, revealing and confirming some specs of the Priv that we have already mentioned earlier.

The first image shows that the Android-powered phone will be powered by an SoC (either Snapdragon 808 or 810) with 64-bit processor. The next image confirms the primary camera sensor. The Priv will feature an 18-megapixel Schneider Kreuznach primary camera and is capable of shooting Ultra HD video in 4K @30 fps. It will also feature a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.

We also know that BlackBerry is going big on security and privacy, which is why the device is called Priv (privacy and productivity). Another image shows a new app that is called BlackBerry Safeguard that shows the security status of your device based on its settings and the apps installed. As the image below shows, the app will also allow you to see how other apps are using your information, set a pattern lock, scan your device for malicious software, and more.

Other features previously mentioned include a 5.4-inch curved display with a Quad HD resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, and 3 GB of RAM. The phone is expected to come with Google’s Android OS, but it is not clear yet as to which version of Android it will feature. The design of the Priv brings back some elements of the BlackBerry Z30 that users grew to love such as the glass-weave back plate. The hint of carbon fiber styled back also sets this device apart from other Android phones.

The Priv might have a November launch, though BlackBerry is expected to make an official announcement on it later this month.

Image Source: [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://n4bb.com/blackberry-priv-64-bit-4k-video-confirmed/”]NFBB[/tw-button]

October 7, 2015
BlackBerry Releases First Official Images of the Priv

BlackBerry has released official images of what the upcoming Priv smartphone looks like. It seems companies have grown tired of unofficial leaks and have decided to provide the details themselves knowing that images and specs are destined to come out weeks before a launch.

On Tuesday, BlackBerry revealed the first official photos of the security-focused Android device, the Priv. “Priv users will enjoy choice, innovation, security, privacy and productivity. In other words, no compromises,” BlackBerry said in its blog post along with the images. The photo below shows the device’s slide-out keyboard feature and also a curved display that is reminiscent of Samsung’s Galaxy S6 Edge.

Along with this, BlackBerry has revealed two other photos that show a side profile of the Priv, both open and closed.

The side profile shows a slender device that has managed to stay that way despite having a traditional slider feature.

The company has not revealed the prices or a specific release date, however, it is likely that the Priv will come out towards the end of the year. The company also said that more images, specs and features will be known in the coming weeks. From what we know already, the Priv will have a 5.5-inch curved display and is rumoured to come with an 18-megapixel camera, a hexa-core 1.8GHz Snapdragon 808 processor and 3GB of RAM. However, you can expect official details soon enough.

Image Source: [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://blogs.blackberry.com/2015/09/priv-by-blackberry-first-official-images-2/?linkId=17428680″]Blackberry[/tw-button]

September 30, 2015
Blackberry CEO Fumbles While Demonstrating the Android-Powered Priv

Blackberry CEO, John Chen, had an awkward time showcasing the new Blackberry Priv in an interview. The Priv is an Android-powered slider smartphone that combines the best of Google’s mobile OS with Blackberry’s security and productivity.

At a hands-on interview with the Priv, John Chen found himself fumbling through the device. Presumably, the CEO was not prepared for an impromptu demo such as this. Throughout the demo Chen repeatedly stated that the Priv “runs on Google,” and found it quite a task to open Chrome tipping that the handset is a demo unit.

Now, we understand that the Android operating system is a new area for the company, and it is also understandable that hands-on demos do tend to make you stumble a little (remember Satya Nadella’s faux with Cortana). Chen’s failure to name Google’s operating system is perhaps symbolic of the company’s current difficulties.

We had mentioned in an earlier post that the Blackberry Priv is expected to feature a 5.4-inch QHD (1440×2560 pixels) display, a 1.8GHz hexa-core 64-bit Snapdragon 808 SoC, 3GB of RAM, and an 18-megapixel rear camera.

While the company is confident of the success of Priv once it is out in the open, it is still hard to tell whether consumers are ready for a hybrid smartphone such as this. The phone is expected to hit the stores later this year.

September 28, 2015
New Reports Suggest Cyanogen Has More Users Than Windows Mobile

Cyanogen – commonly known as, the modified version of Android, has managed to spread its sphere of influence above both Blackberry and Windows mobile users; suggests new reports.

Reports also suggest that while the Windows Mobile’s market share is at 2.7% and Blackberry’s at 0.3%; Cyanogen alone has worked up a feat of 3%. It is said that with Cyanogen getting huge funding and hiring new talent, their chart doesn’t seem to be coming down anytime soon.

Their OnePlus deal having ended, they now look forward to partnering with bigger Chinese vendors. With their approximately 50 million users, it looks like Cyanogen is here to stay.

Source: [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.idc.com/prodserv/smartphone-os-market-share.jsp”]IDC[/tw-button]

August 10, 2015
Android Might be Just What BlackBerry Needs to Get Back in the Game

BlackBerry was synonymous with BBM and had the reputation of being a reliable business phone. This had loyalists from all over the world, tied to its device, despite all the ups and downs the company went through. However, the market soon saw a wave of smartphone companies like Apple, Samsung and Motorola, which ultimately washed away the resilient giant.

Sales dropped and profits dwindled because let’s face it, there are more options now, that overshadowed BBM and we also underwent a touch screen revolution. Thus, Blackberry has allegedly come up with a solution to get back on track. We might see them collaborating with Android in a bid to increase revenues and turn a new leaf.

BlackBerry is known for its strong security system and that was something that Android was lacking. Therefore, the collaboration will benefit both these parties. Yes, this means that BlackBerry will have to vouch for not just their own platform but also for Android. However, the gain is more than the loss they might go through. Reuters reported:

“From the standpoint of marketing, this is a great way for BlackBerry to get visibility. It really doesn’t hurt them much, and the upside is high,” said Rob Enderle, who runs technology consulting firm Enderle Group.

BlackBerry has been focussing on its software and device management system as its market share dropped to less that 1% due to its low demand of the devices. In order to execute this turnaround then, the company will have to come up with a strong and efficient device, that will be able to collaborate with Android. “BlackBerry doesn’t have much to lose. There’s little downside and they just need one hit phone to justify the handset business,” said Brian Colello, Morningstar analyst.

The company has said that it is ready to have a test run with Android. Its upcoming device, the BES12 will be able to secure not just BlackBerry devices, but also others that run on Android, iOS and Windows operating systems. This attribute should impress potential corporate and government clients. Ramon Llamas, an analyst with technology research firm IDC told Reuters:

“In order for BES12 to succeed it has to be viewed by all as platform agnostic, and what better way to demonstrate that other than by doing it yourself.”

BlackBerry has a history of delivering outdated hardware at a premium cost. While the Android partnership will help, BlackBerry needs to ensure it stays with the times and gives customers a product which is worth their money.

Let’s hope this change spells good fortune to the company that once created its own era and revolution.

June 13, 2015

BlackBerry Tries Its Luck Again, Launches BlackBerry Leap For Rs 21,490

BlackBerry first announced its comeback to the touch phone segment when it introduced the Leap at the MWC 2015. A refreshed version of BlackBerry Z3, the handset was first scheduled to be launched in India on 7th May and was priced $275 (Rs 17,500) internationally. Finally, after a good amount of waiting, BlackBerry has finally launched the Leap in the country.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Sunil Lalvani” author_title=”Managing Director, BlackBerry India”]

The BlackBerry Leap was designed specifically for the young power professionals who see their smartphone device as a powerful and durable productivity tool that also safeguards sensitive communications while on-the-go. With BlackBerry Leap, we continue to provide products and services that meet the needs of our consumer and enterprise customers.

[/quote]

The new mid-segment smartphone from BlackBerry features a 5-inch HD screen and is powered by a 1.5GHz Qualcomm MSM 8960 processor, along with a 2GB RAM. It comprises of 16GB of internal memory and 128GB expandable via microSD. Camera specifications include an 8MP primary camera and a 2MP front camera and runs on a 2,800mAh non-removable battery. Leap runs on BlackBerry 10 OS (version 10.3) and supports Android apps too. These apps can be downloaded from either the Amazon Appstore or BlackBerry World. Connectivity options include 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy and EDR, GPS, FM radio and 4G (FD-LTE 1800MHz only).

This device is due for sale from 12^th May and is priced at Rs 21,420. The handset will be available on all Blackberry exclusive stores from tomorrow.

To get a clearer idea of the specs, refer to the table below:

Specification	BlackBerry Leap
Display	5.0 inches 720 x 1280 pixels 720p full-touch
Processor	Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus
RAM	2GB
Internal Memory	16GB
Expandable Up to	128GB
Primary Camera	8MP
Front Camera	2MP
Battery	Non-removable Li-Ion 2800 mAh
Operating System	BlackBerry OS 10.3.1
Price	Rs 21,490

May 11, 2015

BlackBerry Will Not Manufacture Sub-$200 Phones: Company’s India Head

Lately, BlackBerry has been witnessing a revenue dip in its smartphone segment. It recently released Leap and Classic, to catch up with the present smartphone market, but the Canadian firm’s future success is uncertain. Hence, BlackBerry has chosen to restrict the yearly rollout of its models and focus on enterprise business for maximum profits.

BlackBerry India Managing Director Sunil Lalvani said they will roll out the company’s key handsets, but for a niche segment. “The focus going ahead is the enterprise business, which today contributes a significant portion to the company’s revenues,” commented Lalvani. He further stated that they will not manufacture sub-$200 phones in future like other smartphone manufacturers are doing these days.

BlackBerry’s market share in the Q4 last year explains the actual position of the company. According to research firm IDC, the market share of BlackBerry was 0.4% in last quarter 2014 (October-December), which was 8.1% during the same period in 2011.

Lalvani comments on the firm’s goal for the coming years were –

Going ahead the focus will be on increasing the bottom line and not the top line. So, in aligning ourselves to this view, we will not sell a huge number of handsets and hardware to boost our revenue figures but concentrate our effort on our high-margin enterprise and software services, which will drive profits.

A couple of days back, an innovative idea was introduced by the smartphone maker that will sort the problem of managing multiple SIM cards. BlackBerry proposed a Virtual SIM card for the Indian users which gives the benefit of nine SIM cards in one. Talks are on with regulatory authorities and telecom operators to launch the Virtual SIM in India, and it has also partnered with Idea Cellular for its services. The same is expected to arrive by year-end.

May 9, 2015
BlackBerry’s Virtual SIM Allows Users Operate Multiple Mobile Numbers via Single SIM

Once a reputed brand name, BlackBerry has lost a major chunk of market share to budding and established smartphone makers. The instant messaging pioneer is pushing itself to handset and software domain to reclaim its lost status. Recently, the company launched a software in India that allows customers to use nine different mobile numbers through a single SIM card.

Termed as WorkLife, the software offers customers to differentiate personal, professional data usage and segregates the usage details as per categories. Customers can use one number for personal use, other for foreign travels, third for business contacts and so on. It will be extremely useful for those on roaming or foreign trips as the virtual SIM will get you connected to a local virtual operator. Users can pay for the bills in the local tariff rate rather than paying for international roaming.

The Managing Director of BlackBerry India Sunil Lalvani said about the same –

The software precisely distinguishes between work use and personal use of an iPhone, Android or BlackBerry smartphone by introducing separate lines managed by the company.

The Canadian tech giant has tied-up with Idea Cellular as its first partner and is looking to join hands with more operators in India. The primary goal of the partnership would be to help manage telecom expenses, protect employee privacy and control company assets.

Lalvani further added to its statement that it will allow enterprises to interact with 25 people in one go through video and audio. Certainly, it’s a major move to lure business sector with advanced messenger service. As per Economic Times, the virtual SIM will arrive in India by year end.

BlackBerry’s share has been seen a tremendous decline in the first quarter of 2015. It is planning to establish itself once again in the Indian market and has launched the latest device BlackBerry Leap in India. It will go on sale starting next week.

May 8, 2015
BlackBerry Leap Set to Arrive in India on May 7

BlackBerry bounced back into the touch segment with the launch of Leap at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2015. The Canadian firm didn’t go for a flagship, instead revealed another conventional piece to join other devices in the mid-range segment. The same smartphone is now arriving in India on May 7. The Leap is a refreshed version of the BlackBerry Z3, which launched last year and was priced internationally at $275 (approx. Rs. 17,500).

Coming to the specifications of the device, BlackBerry Leap sports a 5-inch HD screen with 1.5 GHz Qualcomm MSM 8960 powering the phone. It has 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal memory onboard. It comes with a MicroSD card to extend the storage space up to 128GB. The 9.5mm thick device runs on the company’s own BB OS 10.3.5, which has Siri-like Assistant to help users.

On the camera front, an 8MP rear shooter is fitted at its back along with a 5MP front camera. A 2800mAh battery fuels up the phone for well over a day, claims the company. The price and availability details will be announced at the launch.

May 1, 2015
Blackberry Launches SecuTablet, a Samsung Galaxy Tab S With Advanced Security Features

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S devices had one of the best displays in the market. They are great portable entertainment companions. But what if they could also be used for carrying confidential or classified information? BlackBerry has taken up the task and is ready to bring out a device called SecuTablet that is basically an updated Galaxy Tab S.

Blackberry is known world over for its superior security technology. During the last year’s Sony Pictures hacking crisis, it was the old BlackBerry phones in the storage that came to rescue to establish secure communications. Now in the age of portability and mobility, the people handling sensitive information will also have to be on the move. The security of such information can be essential to businesses and governments.

The SecuTablet is basically a Galaxy Tab S with a Security bundle to keep data safe.

SecuTablet can be used as a regular tablet. It lets you access the usual Android apps and features. The tablet is the result of cooperation between BlackBerry’s SecuSmart wing and IBM. They have added a bundle of security features that keep the users data safe and prevents it from falling into the wrong hands. It also encrypts voice and data communication through a built-in Secusmart Security Card

The SecuTablet will not be available in any store near you. The device with its advanced security features comes at a price of $2,380. The device is currently being tested by the German government and may soon find takers in other governments and enterprises. Security of data and information has become a major concern amongst institutions and citizen’s alike after revelations by Edward Snowden. It’s no surprise that BlackBerry is trying to cash in on the concern with its advanced technology considering its smartphone business hasn’t been doing so well lately.

March 16, 2015
BlackBerry Teases Keian, a Slider Touchscreen Smartphone with Curved Dual Edges

Now that was a real surprise! The Canadian smartphone maker BlackBerry showcased Leap, another regular touchscreen smartphone with ordinary features, and then they uncovered Keian that took our breath away.

The company posted a picture of the new Keian from its Twitter handle:

What a Surprise! Ron just pulled out a dual-curved, all-touch display with a Keyboard – yes a slider device! #MWC15 pic.twitter.com/8VaPUZHo3j

— BlackBerry (@BlackBerry) March 3, 2015

BlackBerry Keian is a unique handset that holds the edgier elements of the Galaxy S6 Edge and retains the nostalgic QWERTY keypad, but with a difference. Keian embeds a slider keypad for the BlackBerry lovers who still appreciate the physical keypad. It’s an all-in-one device with Bold-like QWERTY keypad and a trackpad, and a touch screen that was seen in the Torch series.

The overall look of the phone is a bit chaotic as they have compiled highlights of multiple high-end phones in one. The effort looks good, but we cannot be sure of the device until the internal specifications are made clear by the company.

For now, BlackBerry has just teased the image of the phone and hasn’t spoken about its features. It can be said that this handset could be a flagship by the company and might pack some top-notch features. After the lukewarm response that the Passport got in the market, the company might be looking to unveil a new form factor to boost sales. A return of the physical keyboard on the new generation devices feels like a positive and we have to wait and see what features Blackberry managed to add to this new handset.

Meanwhile, the company’s other prominent launch is the BlackBerry Leap. It has a 5-inch display, 1.5GHz Qualcomm processor, 2GB RAM and a non-removable 2,800mAh battery. With 8MP rear camera and 5MP snapper, the camera quality is remarkable.

Stay tuned for more updates from MWC 2015.

March 3, 2015

Tag: blackberry

Specifications:

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Price & Availability: