BlackBerry Android Smartphones Made by TCL to Be Launched at CES 2017

BlackBerry Android Smartphones Made by TCL to Be Launched at CES 2017TCL has announced it will unveil new BlackBerry phones at CES 2017

•     The new BlackBerry device is expected to feature a QWERTY keypad

•     BlackBerry had earlier said it has quit the mobile business entirely

BlackBerry last week made an announcement that its smartphones will now be manufactured and sold by TCL Communication (TCT). One week after the BlackBerry-TCL partnership news, TCL has now said that it will launch new BlackBerry smartphones at the CES 2017 trade show. However, there are no details regarding the new devices, but one of them could bring the BlackBerry's signature physical QWERTY keyboard.


TCL Communication said the CES presentation will "include a first look at how the BlackBerry brand legacy will live on in a new generation of smartphones." It's evident BlackBerry is betting on the new partnership with China's TCL to compete with the likes of Apple and Samsung. To recall, BlackBerry in September made a bold announcement that it's quitting the mobile manufacturing business, and would solely focus on its software unit. The company recently launched the Android-powered DTEK60, which was manufactured under an agreement with TCL Communication.

Steve Cistulli, President and General Manager for TCL Communication (TCT), North America commented, "We'll unveil more news at CES around our plans, showcasing the legacy of the BlackBerry smartphone brand, while also giving a glimpse into what new BlackBerry smartphones will offer as part of our bold new brand portfolio within TCT. These are just the building blocks of our new growth strategy, with additional announcements to come in 2017."