The first reviews of the new KEYone BlackBerry handset appeared this week, and the early consensus is that this device will appeal to BlackBerry fans who want its familiar physical QWERTY keyboard coupled with the functionality of Google’s Android OS. This handset technically is not a true BlackBerry — it is the first device from TCL since it entered a licensing agreement with BlackBerry Limited, formerly Research In Motion. TCL’s license agreement covers the name and hardware patents, including the QWERTY keyboard.
Peter:
I'm one of those Gen-X's who longs for the return of Blackberry. I started using a Blackberry when cell phone service was first available in the late 90's. Someone impressed me with the touch use of the original Iphone back in 2007. I got hooked on the Iphone in 2008; Iphone's 4, 5S and currently using 6S. Iphone is a great device but I miss the key board and secure features. I enjoy the ease of the Iphone touch screen apps but I'm not a gamer. I enjoy social media and using productivity apps that streamline my life and workday. I'm also an outdoors work and sports kind of person so my fingers are calloused. The "q" and "p" touch keys on the Iphones have always enable extra use of the touch "backspace" key because these two letter keys are so tightly located near the protection frame case and the screen of the Iphone. I've contemplated for months sacrificing some device functionality performance for the use of a good key board and almost purchased a Blackberry Passport this past March. Thank goodness I stumbled upon a Blackberry Keyone ad.
I agree with your market analysis to a great extent, but I think you under estimate the paradigm change factor, those who are looking for a different brand name to brag about and those like myself who long for the return of an old reliable keyboard and secure phone.
I'm anxiously awaiting Blackberry Keyone's availability in the US. I'm willing to pay the $550. I'll let you know how it turns out.
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BlackBerry KEYone’s Success Hinges on Physical Keyboard Longing
Posted by: Peter Suciu May 6, 2017 10:38 AMThe first reviews of the new KEYone BlackBerry handset appeared this week, and the early consensus is that this device will appeal to BlackBerry fans who want its familiar physical QWERTY keyboard coupled with the functionality of Google’s Android OS. This handset technically is not a true BlackBerry — it is the first device from TCL since it entered a licensing agreement with BlackBerry Limited, formerly Research In Motion. TCL’s license agreement covers the name and hardware patents, including the QWERTY keyboard.
I'm one of those Gen-X's who longs for the return of Blackberry. I started using a Blackberry when cell phone service was first available in the late 90's. Someone impressed me with the touch use of the original Iphone back in 2007. I got hooked on the Iphone in 2008; Iphone's 4, 5S and currently using 6S. Iphone is a great device but I miss the key board and secure features. I enjoy the ease of the Iphone touch screen apps but I'm not a gamer. I enjoy social media and using productivity apps that streamline my life and workday. I'm also an outdoors work and sports kind of person so my fingers are calloused. The "q" and "p" touch keys on the Iphones have always enable extra use of the touch "backspace" key because these two letter keys are so tightly located near the protection frame case and the screen of the Iphone. I've contemplated for months sacrificing some device functionality performance for the use of a good key board and almost purchased a Blackberry Passport this past March. Thank goodness I stumbled upon a Blackberry Keyone ad.
I agree with your market analysis to a great extent, but I think you under estimate the paradigm change factor, those who are looking for a different brand name to brag about and those like myself who long for the return of an old reliable keyboard and secure phone.
I'm anxiously awaiting Blackberry Keyone's availability in the US. I'm willing to pay the $550. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Ross