BlackBerry Could Launch a Second Android Smartphone in 2016
It has been only a couple of months since BlackBerry launched it’s first Android-powered device, called the Priv. The company is showing no signs to take a breather, according to CEO John Chen who has hinted that the company could launch its next Android phone next year. He also suggested that the second device will fall under the high-end bracket.
The price range of the second device will depend upon how the Priv does in the market. It’s still early to know Priv’s fate as the vice is yet to enter a number of markets, including India. “Depends on the Priv. If the Priv is well received in the market and looks like it is. There’s a good chance […], we will still focus on the high-end probably closer to mid-range coming out in 2016,” Chen said in an interview with Bloomberg.
Chen has not specified a launch date as of yet. The Priv will be available in 31 more markets in the next three months, which means that the next device is likely to launch after March. It is also likely that BlackBerry will unveil the device at the MWC in late February.
Some early renders of the second device – codenamed Vienna – have been doing the rounds. The images show a more typical BlackBerry design than the recent Priv with no slide-out keyboard here. However, as is the case with all rumours and renders, you should take this with a dash of salt.
