BlackBerry wants to make it work in the Android world. It knows the best way to do so is to partner with an already established brand.
TCL, the parent company behind smartphone brands like Alcatel, announced that it's officially entered into a long-term licensing agreement with BlackBerry. BlackBerry will license its security software and apps like the BlackBerry Hub, while TCL will continue to handle the design, manufacturing, and retail component of BlackBerry's smartphone business.
Here's the statement from Ralph Pini, Chief Operating Officers and General Manager of Mobility Solutions at BlackBerry:
"This agreement with TCL Communication represents a key step in our strategy to focus on putting the 'smart in the phone' by providing state-of-the-art security and device software on a >platform that mobile users prefer and are comfortable with...TCL Communication is the natural choice to license BlackBerry's software and brand on a global scale. We successfully >partnered with them on the DTEK series of secure smartphones and we've been impressed with their excellence in hardware design, development, and manufacturing. With our unparalleled >expertise in mobile security and software and TCL Communication's vast global reach and consumer access, we are confident that BlackBerry-branded products developed and distributed by >TCL Communication will address the needs of BlackBerry users and expand the availability of BlackBerry Secure products throughout the world."
The agreement is a smart move for the Canadian company, as it's still attempting to pave its way in the new smartphone climate. TCL and BlackBerry can work together on a mutually beneficial strategy. Perhaps the first part of that strategy should be reconsidering the marketing prowess of a name like "DTEK" for a smartphone.
Reader comments
BlackBerry officially signs its life away to TCL
If it results in a successor to the Priv, I'm totally down with this.
BB......... Lol! 😁 😁 😁 Are they still around?
Will they still influence security at the hardware level?
They don't currently, so probably not.
The amazing thing is you have one device, the Idol 4S, now sold as Android, Windows and Blackberry. I think we're going to hear a lot more from TCL.
BlackBerry have never ben good with their naming and I personally don't think the "DTEK" line of names is that bad. The only name that was good is the BlackBerry Classic.
I'm just happy we will see more 'BlackBerry' devices in the future.
A droid a day keeps the Apple away
They should rename the whole company, "BlackBerry", the name alone, is hurting them.
When people hear that name , they have an black outdated phone in their mind popping up (me, too , even my Z10 and Q5 is red - not black )
But in reality, it's not a company producing phones, it's a software company now.
The company name should reflect that change. Even "Research in Motion" fits better.
The only thing I know about blackberry is the jelly I put on my bagel every morning. The priv is a great seller. Huh!!
Was a Blackberry user for a long time. Only reason I recently switched to the Pixel was because it was not being offered on Verizon. Had it been available I probably would have been using a DTEK60. Got spoiled on the fluidity of the o/s and the many great features that a lot overlooked. I wish them success in the future and I still monitor what they have coming out as one day I may use one as my daily driver again. Loving the Pixel but my Z10 was an awesome phone in every way
I was also a long-time BlackBerry user. When my Passport began closing whatever apps I had open for no apparent reason, I gave up and bought a Note 4. Sure, the Note 4 isn't flawless, and I expect that from an Android device.
BlackBerry has 3 phones in the top 10 business smartphone category. The Dtek60 is the #1 business smartphone of 2016. Long live BlackBerry, the OG of smartphones, they're not followers or wannabes like others. #originals
Who is gonna make the PKB Smartphones now?
Absolute ignorant title. Why?
black berry is now same as Cynogen Inc making android for other OEM.
You have no I've what you are talking about
This is terrible for us Passport SE owners....hmm hmm hmmm
This is terrible for anyone holding on to BB10.
This is actually great news. Finally some clarity and direction. I look forward to more AlcaBerry phones hitting the market soon. Best alternative to Google Pixel/Nexus.
Lol and agreed about the name.
I use the BlackBerry Hub on Android and Device Search. Great apps.
I just hope they continue making options with a keyboard.
Unless something has changed in the last month, there appears to be at least one more in the pipeline: http://www.androidcentral.com/blackberry-will-make-another-android-phone...
Wonder what it means for Alcatel (if anything).
Alcatel is just one of TCLs brand names. So this is actually good for them.
Alcatel can focus on the low range phones while BB will be the mid range and top end. that's my guess anyway.
It means $$$ for them.
BlackBerry, once the king of the smartphone hill, is now just a few bits of software and a nostalgic brand name. Seems a shame to have risen so high and then fallen so low.
It's a sad day my friend.
Good for blackberry, soldier on.
I think Blackberry software in a premium build, metal HTC phone would be a kick ass combo. I know, nobody would make any money. I just think it would be very sharp.
Uh this is BB's white flag. They're officially out of the game now.
I'm glad that Blackberry is in it for the long haul but I wonder if they will have any success. With lackluster reviews from the Blackberry Priv I don't see too many selling.
I think you forgot that they have released 2 other phones after the Priv, which are nice options and not overpriced.
well why don't you buy one and SUPPORT THEM
why should he buy them when it has lackluster review??? only a BB fanboy would buy them to support BB
Who said anything about lackluster reviews? Most people actually didn't really have anything back to say about the DTEK60 and most reviews that I read recommended it for enterprises.
Dude above you said lackluster reviews for Priv. Do you even read bro
He didn't, someone else did, do you even read bro?
Sounds good. I wish them the best of luck.
Good news! So happy with the almost stock android version and BlackBerry productivity apps on my PRIV. Was thinking of the dtek 60 but with this news I might wait for he next latest and greatest! TCL for decent phones for a decent price with good security and fast updates from BlackBerry software. I'm in.
I am happy with the PRIV. Picked it up during Black Friday sale. I was using a HTC M8 GPE and had a BB for work. If BlackBerry phone now is no longer BlackBerry designed; I am just not sure if the hardware would be as good.
Wish who?? BB or TCL?? because BB is done with smart phone.
TCL is the manufacturer who is using BB software just like microsoft software installed on android phones.
and the only other thing is BB branding which TCL is using.
I think its time to rename crackberry to TCLberry but then TCL is android phone and tcl phones belongs to AndroidCentral.
I think its time to shut down crackberry then
BlackBerry isn't a smartphone company anymore.