There could be more TCL-made BlackBerry phones on the way sooner than you think.
TCL and BlackBerry, at MWC 2017, introduced us to an entirely new phone. While it carries BlackBerry's name and software, the KeyOne is ultimately created by TCL. The device is a result of an agreement between that two companies after BlackBerry failed to generate competitive sales when producing hardware itself. BlackBerry's brand lives on and so does its enterprise software, but TCL is calling the shots on what the phones look like and the specifications they feature.
Everyone thought TCL would start slow and focus heavily on the KeyOne; however, now it appears they're already prepared for more. TCL's Nicolas Zibell told CNET up to three new phones could be released in 2017.
One phone in the works already is a second version of the KeyOne that doesn't have a physical keyboard. Instead, it's a traditional all-screen front. This would be treated as the spiritual successor to the DTEK50 and DTEK60 from 2016. The DTEK branding, though, is unlikely to stick around.
And, if you're holding out for the resurrection of the Palm brand, there's good news. Zibell said “We don't do things by mistake” referring to TCL's acquisition of naming rights for Palm in early 2015. But, for most of this year, TCL will be committed to rebuilding BlackBerry's reputation in the mobile industry.
Source: CNET
