BlackBerry, FIH Mobile, and OnwardMobility have actually signed a contract to provide a new BlackBerry-branded smartphone in the very first half of 2021..
The new handset will support 5G connectivity, come geared up with a physical keyboard, and offer class-leading security, a distinct mix of features for enterprises and governments..
But obviously there is one feature that tops all of them.
Historically, companies, federal governments, and enterprises were happy-enough with their BlackBerry smart devices offering safe communication services, a physical keyboard, and other benefits premium handsets featured at the time. It is not going to be easy to make a 5G BlackBerry mobile phone popular..
Many individuals these days are used to touchscreen handsets, however not to physical keyboards, it is not like the latter are less comfortable to utilize, individuals are just fine with virtual ones. There are not so lots of loyal BlackBerry owners left, which implies that OnwardMobility might have to address a niche market. If OnwardMobility and FIH Mobile handle to come up with a special selling feature, it will have to be a function that will outshine abilities used by tens of smartphones offered today..
” Assuming they remain in the ₤ 500– ₤ 800 area, they are going to facing phones like the iPhone 11, and gadgets packing six cameras and the current Qualcomm chipset,” Ben Wood, an analyst with CCS Insight, informed The Register. “Thats a very, very difficult space, and theyre going to require something amazing.”.
Obviously, there is such a feature.
( Image credit: BlackBerry) FIH Mobile is a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group, the worlds largest contract maker of electronic devices. One essential thing to keep in mind about FIH Mobile is that its owns a former Nokia production center in Hanoi, Vietnam. Bearing in mind stress between the USA and China, Foxconns base of operations, producing BlackBerry 5G smartphones in Vietnam makes a lot of sense, specifically considering that natural clients for BlackBerry handsets are governments and corporations operating in numerous managed industries..
Federal governments tend to impose extra policies quickly, lifting them is a various matter and might take years. if at some point the US government and its allies in Europe choose not to utilize mobile phones made in China for delicate communications, this is where OnwardsMobility and FIH Mobile might win big..
FIH particularly kept in mind in journalism release that it would manufacture the 5G BlackBerry gadgets under stringent guidelines to guarantee component, gadget as well as supply chain integrity..
Not using Chinese parts is fairly simple: there are display screens and chips produced in South Korea and Taiwan, there are smaller sized parts made elsewhere. Making sure a very stringent stability and an end-to-end secured supply chain is complicated. Far, OnwardMobility and FIH have said absolutely nothing about following United States Department of Commerces NIST SP 800-193 platform firmware resiliency guidelines or the latest global Common Criteria standard (ISO 15408, CC Version 3.1) for making safe items..
While not stated directly, it is entirely possible that the two companies have plans to construct BlackBerry smartphones following all the security requirements. Accreditations of production facilities take some time, however OnwardsMobility and FIH have months prior to statement of the very first BlackBerry 5G handset (which is most likely going to occur at Mobile World Congress 2021) and over half of a year prior to shipping it.
If this is the case, the two business might capture a very financially rewarding market segment by offering special items including extended security..
” As an exclusive provider to OnwardMobility, were devoted to delivering new BlackBerry 5G gadgets to market, utilizing our deep know-how in design, manufacturing, element supply and logistics management,” said Dr. Wen-Yi Kuo, Executive Director, FIH Mobile..
Another win for Foxconn.
At present, FIH Mobility produces Nokia-branded mobile phones established by HMD Global. The deal with BlackBerry and OnwardMobility provides FIH Mobile a new market and an extra brand name segment to address, which decreases dependence of Foxconn on Apple, its biggest consumer, a win for the company..
Sources: OnwardMobility, The Register.
The handset.
Under the terms of the contract, OnwardMobility will prepare and sell the upcoming 5G BlackBerry smart device, FIH Mobile will produce the device and engineer, whereas BlackBerry will provide business and government level security innovations for the upcoming handset. The item will be available in North America and Europe, so for other markets BlackBerry may choose another making partners..
Journalism release issued by the three companies does not divulge any details about the upcoming BlackBerry 5G mobile phone aside from stating that it will feature a QWERTY keyboard, a 5G-enabled mobile platform, usage Googles Android operating system, and support improved security technologies. The PR states that the product will become available in the very first half of 2021, which might indicate that advancement of the handset is well underway..
” Enterprise experts are eager for safe and secure 5G gadgets that enable productivity, without compromising the user experience,” stated Peter Franklin, CEO of OnwardMobility. “BlackBerry smartphones are known for securing interactions, personal privacy, and data. This is an unbelievable opportunity for OnwardMobility to bring next-generation 5G gadgets to market with the backing of BlackBerry and FIH Mobile.”.
( Image credit: BlackBerry) Uneasy service.
” Enterprise specialists are eager for protected 5G devices that enable productivity, without compromising the user experience,” stated Peter Franklin, CEO of OnwardMobility. “BlackBerry smart devices are understood for protecting interactions, personal privacy, and information. Many individuals these days are used to touchscreen handsets, but not to physical keyboards, it is not like the latter are less comfortable to utilize, people are simply great with virtual ones. There are not so many devoted BlackBerry owners left, which means that OnwardMobility might have to attend to a niche market.( Image credit: BlackBerry) FIH Mobile is a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group, the worlds largest agreement maker of electronic devices.
