BlackBerry announces Key2 launch date

The newest BlackBerry-branded smartphone is coming to Canada in July.

BlackBerry Ltd. announced Wednesday that the Key2, designed by Chinese smartphone maker TCL Communications, will be released in Canada on July 6, and available for preorder from the major carriers, including Rogers, which will begin offering preorders for the device on Thursday June 21.

Like its predecessor, the well-reviewed KeyOne, the Key2 runs on BlackBerry’s custom security-centric version of the Android operating system and features a physical keyboard.

“Although there are many different smartphones for consumers to choose from today, most tend to offer very similar experiences without much distinction from one to the next,” TCL senior vice president and BlackBerry Mobile president Alain Lejeune said in a June 20 statement. “With the… BlackBerry Key2, we’ve created a distinct smartphone that captures all the traits that have made BlackBerry smartphones iconic, while introducing new innovations and experiences that not only make this one of the best devices for security and privacy, but also the most advanced BlackBerry smartphone ever.”

In addition to its customized operating system, which uses Android 8.1 Oreo as its foundation, the Key2 is the first BlackBerry smartphone to feature a dual rear camera. It also includes the all-new Speed Key, a universal shortcut key that allows users to instantly access the apps, contacts, and functions they use the most.

Also like its predecessor, The Key2 comes in multiple colours. The black edition will be available on July 6 from Bell, Rogers, SaskTel, and Telus for two-year contracts starting at between $95 and $100.

The silver Key2, meanwhile, will be available for consumers to purchase outright from Amazon.ca, BestBuy.ca, Walmart.ca, Staples.ca, Blueshop.ca, and Visions.ca for $829.99.

You can read more about the Key2 here.

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Eric Emin Wood
Eric Emin Wood
Former editor of ITBusiness.ca turned consultant with public relations firm Porter Novelli. When not writing for the tech industry enjoys photography, movies, travelling, the Oxford comma, and will talk your ear off about animation if you give him an opening.

Featured Story

How the CTO can Maintain Cloud Momentum Across the Enterprise

Embracing cloud is easy for some individuals. But embedding widespread cloud adoption at the enterprise level is...

Related Tech News

Get ITBusiness Delivered

Our experienced team of journalists brings you engaging content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives delivered directly to your inbox.

Featured Tech Jobs