BlackBerry teases first look of KEY2 LE

The BlackBerry KEY2 LE looks to have a similar textured back as the KEY2

TCL Communications’ BlackBerry is set to unveil the low-end successor to the KEY2 at the upcoming IFA 2018 in Berlin, Germany. And the company just released the first official teaser for the KEY2 LE, showing off what we assume is the rear of the device. It looks to have a textured, polka dot-like back and comes in a grey black colour that seems like a nod to its more expensive brother. Some of the rumoured specs of the device include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor, 4GB RAM, and either 32GB/64GB internal storage. Battery is expected to be on the smaller side at 3,000mAh.

Almost time for a new introduction. #IFA18 pic.twitter.com/9KPX5GrgvY

— BlackBerry Mobile (@BBMobile) August 24, 2018

Source: Deccan Chronicle

Android Oreo Go edition Alcatel 1 comes to Canada

If you want an optimized Android experience without having to spend an extravagant amount, you’d want an Android Go device. Luckily one is headed your way. TCL Communications just announced that its Android Oreo Go edition Alcatel 1 is coming to multiple carriers in the country. Starting at $89.99, you can get the phone from Bell, Koodo, Lucky Mobile, TELUS, and Virgin Mobile. It’ll also be coming to PC Mobile and SaskTel later this year.

The Alcatel 1 features a FullView 18:9 Display to give you a 5-inch screen in a 4.4-inch form factor. It features a unibody design with a soft suede finish. You get 1GB of RAM, 8GB internal storage that’s expandable up to 32GB via microSD, 5-megapixel front and rear cameras, and a 2,000mAh battery. As an Android Go device, you have access to popular Google apps that run quickly and smoothly, including Google Go, Google Maps Go, Gmail Go and more. The Google Play Store will also suggest third-party apps tailor-made for Go edition devices, including Facebook Lite, Skype Lite and more.

TCL launches latest BlackBerry smartphone called the KEYone

TCL, who now owns BlackBerry's IP, has launched the latest flagship device called the KEYone at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. A QWERTY keyboard and 4.5-inch multi-touch display.  The Android-powered KEYOne has a 3505 mAh battery with QuickCharge 3.0  technology and USB-C charging to allow a 50 per cent charge in up to 36 minutes. The device also features a 12MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera.

The KEYone features a hardened version of Android N, has a resilient metal frame and also boasts a battery that's good for two-days on a single charge. Fast charging is boosted by the system shutting off some functions to store up more power faster. This enterprise-focused device might just entice BlackBerry loyalists of old to consider shifting from whatever they moved on to.

The BlackBerry KEYone will be available globally beginning in April and will be priced at or under €599 EUR/£499 GBP/$549 USD (Canadian pricing and carrier availability to come later).

CES 2017: TCL communications promises 'BlackBerry's Legacy' is in good hands

Photo by Android Authority

Las Vegas - TCL Communications who has bought up brands and IP from Palm, Alcatel and BlackBerry and says it is the fourth largest handset manufacturer in North America announced  it will reveal a new BlackBerry handset at Mobile World Congress as the future of BlackBerry Mobile (TCL made the DTEK50 and DTEK60, rebranded Alcatels and  BlackBerrys last two Android handsets and now owns the global rights to do whatever it pleases with BlackBerry mobile products).

The demo of the smartphone pictured above, which still has no name, was once referred to as Mercury.It is the first of many products expected this year for TCL.

"Offering carriers and retailers exceptional quality and value, backed by TCL’s world-class R&D and manufacturing capabilities, the TCL Communication portfolio will be anchored by the Alcatel and BlackBerry handset brands while continuing to evolve in 2017. This will include additional mobility offerings to be announced in the first half of the year that will allow the company to further address consumer demands. Among the first products in this portfolio is the latest BlackBerry smartphone, focused on three core features: security, productivity and reliability."

How these new devices will fare in the market is anyone's guess. They could be pushed towards businesses but would have to be priced affordably for volume sales. Also, is a QWERTY keyboard on a smartphone still a thing?