In a discussion with Engadget, Franklin aspired to address a few of these concerns. And even when he declined to offer specifics, he laid out an enthusiastic– and in some methods unexpected– vision for the BlackBerry of the future.
Thats the sort of angle that opens doors, but doesnt usually translate to mass-market success. Over time, however, the teams top priorities came to consist of performance, as evidenced by the number of times the word plastered on the OnwardMobility site.
While OnwardMobility aspires to push brand-new hardware at organization and federal government customers, Franklin has actually devoted to constructing this brand-new phone with normal consumers in mind. “The only method to be effective with federal government and enterprise is if customers desire to use it too,” he stated. “If your company makes you utilize this phone and you do not like it, thats not where we want to be.”.
OnwardMobility is targeting a launch in the first half of 2021. OnwardMobility But heres the thing: OnwardMobilitys meaning of a phone customers wish to use appears totally various from TCLs, or any of BlackBerrys earlier licensing partners. Franklin explains the gadget the company prepares to deliver in the very first half of 2021 as a consumer-first “international flagship” (his words, not mine) with a “world-class video camera” and support for both sub-6 and mmWave 5G networks. And then theres the keyboard. OnwardMobility validated in its press release that the new BlackBerry would indeed have a physical keyboard, however Franklin– a fan of the timeless Bold 9900– wouldnt elaborate much on the phones design..
Obviously, that may be because the design isnt set in stone. According to Franklin, the group is collaborating closely with its partner FIH Mobile and has strong opinions about the device it desires to make, however still yearns for feedback. “We want to speak with the users,” he said..
With all that stated, there is at least one element of BlackBerry production that Franklin appears especially adamant about. Security stays the biggest concern for OnwardMobility, and a huge part of completely securing a smart device in 2020 is protecting its supply chain.
Not so for the BlackBerry: Franklin firmly insists that the companys forthcoming phone will be manufactured completely outside of mainland China. Making a phone outside of China is one thing, but Franklin appears to be chasing after an even more enthusiastic goal.
While OnwardMobility is excited to press brand-new hardware at company and government consumers, Franklin has committed to constructing this new phone with regular customers in mind. According to Franklin, the team is working together carefully with its partner FIH Mobile and has strong viewpoints about the gadget it desires to make, but still craves feedback. With all that said, there is at least one element of BlackBerry production that Franklin appears specifically adamant about. Not so for the BlackBerry: Franklin firmly insists that the businesss upcoming phone will be manufactured entirely outside of mainland China. Making a phone outside of China is one thing, but Franklin seems to be chasing an even more enthusiastic objective.
