It appears that the BlackBerry brand won’t be going out of the smartphone market anytime soon as BlackBerry will be licensing both the BlackBerry name and software to TLC.
BlackBerry and TCL has since issued a press release stating that both parties have reached a “long-term” deal over the BlackBerry brand. This deal will see TCL design, manufacturer, sell and provide customer support for BlackBerry-branded devices going forward. Meanwhile, BlackBerry themselves will continue to control ande develop its security and software solutions, serve its customers and maintain the trusted BlackBerry security software that the company is know for.
“At TCL Communications, we are committed to creating the best portfolio solutions while ensuring the quality support to consumers and enterprise users who trust the integrity of the BlackBerry device and the brand’s security leadership, coupled with the Android platform,” says Nicolas Zibell, CEO of TCL Communications.
BlackBerry’s decision to license its brand to TCL comes as no surprise, seeing as both parties have worked together on the BlackBerry DTEK50 and the DTEK60 smartphones. Here’s to hoping that future TCL-created BlackBerry phones are more than just Alcatel reskins.
