TCL plans to create foldable devices, one is a phone that bends into a smartwatch

TCL might be known as a TV maker, but the brand has also been making phones through its BlackBerry Mobile and Alcatel phones. And it looks like the company has plans to get into the foldable device game. CNET got access to company renders and patent image filings that show a number of foldable device concepts. These include two tablets with one clamshell-like inward folding display and another that folds outwards; two phones that also have inward and outward folding motion from the center; and one phone that folds into a smartwatch.

According to CNET, these images are still preliminary renders, and these could still change. TCL might not even produce these at all. But an executive from the company has told CNET that it plans to release its first foldable device in 2020. This was said before these images surfaced, so there might be more than one device coming out next year.

TCL brings Roku TVs for the first time in Canada

For the first time ever, TCL is launching its portfolio of Roku TV models in Canada. Top of the line is the Roku TV 6-Series, which brings 4K high dynamic range performance with a “stealth metal design.” It supports Dolby Vision, open HDR, and HDR Performance Package Pro to give you better brightness and contrast as well as richer and more detailed colours. TCL credits this to a mix of technologies like its own Contrast Control Zones, Wide Color Gamut with NBP Photon, iPQ Engine, and HDR Pro Gamma. The 6-Series comes in a 55-inch (55R617-CA) and 65-inch (65R617-CA) models with the former retailing for $849 and the latter for $1,249.

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BlackBerry unveils all-touch Motion smartphone with IP67 rating

There’s a new BlackBerry device in town and this one is a product of the company’s licensing agreement with TCL. The all-touch BlackBerry Motion makes its appearance at GITEX 2017, an electronics trade show in Dubai. The Motion features a 5.5-in Full HD display, Android 7.1 (with Android 8.0 coming in 2018), 4GB of RAM, and the largest battery on a BlackBerry-branded handset at 4,000mAh. This sizable battery supports QuickCharge 3.0 support. But one of the more important features is that this is the first BlackBerry device with IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. It can be submerged in up to 3.3 feet for as long as 30 minutes.

We don’t have word yet what processor it uses but rumour has it that this is running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor. The phone also comes with a fingerprint scanner on the home button in front and has a new Locker feature that will let you store documents and photos in an internal storage area and will need a PIN code or your fingerprint to access it. There are also four customizable Convenience Keys now including Home, Car, User, and Office. The device is coming to the UAE and Saudi Arabia this month with “select global markets” following. It’s priced at Dh1,699 in UAE, which is approximately CA$580.

Source: PhoneArena

The BlackBerry KeyOne is coming to Canada next month

The TCL-manufactured BlackBerry KeyOne will be making its way to this part of the world next month. It’ll be coming to Canada first on May 18^th and will be available through Bell, Bell MTS, Rogers, SaskTel, and TELUS Business for $199 with a two-year contract. It’ll be making its way to the US as well at the end of next month for US$549. They will be selling unlocked versions in the US but Sprint will be offering the device later this summer.

The KeyOne takes inspiration from the BlackBerrys of old with its own physical keyboard. It’s an Android 7.1 Nougat-powered smartphone that runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 625. It has a 4.5-inch touch display, 12-megapixel camera, and 3,505mAh battery. The KeyOne also comes with BlackBerry’s suite of productivity apps.

Source: The Verge