If you search on Google or Bing for “BlackBerry + DTEK60 + review,” the first page of results brings up solid reviews for the BlackBerry Android. While it is early, the company’s indecision on developing software devices or quitting completely is at an inflection point. The positive reception for the latest Android device may, once and for all, convince the CEO that the company has a strong future in devices.
Lucky timing
Play in the game long enough, while failing each time, and eventually BlackBerry may find success. When the company released the BlackBerry Z10 on the BlackBerry OS, the device failed because of advertising overspend, significant growth from Android suppliers, and Apple’s dominance. The Z30 similarly failed because the company was shopping for a buyer instead of keeping its eye on device sales.
Passport and Classic, both running on BBOS10, found some initial success, but it was not until PRIV’s release that BlackBerry finally found comfort in developing the software on Android. Its exclusive focus on security and productivity may finally pay off today, with DTEK60.
Samsung stumbles
Unfortunate for Samsung but good for BlackBerry, the Note 7’s explosion problem forced the former to cancel the line. Samsung simply could not re-create the problem and will have to re-start development from the ground up. QA teams in software development know how frustrating it is when bugs cannot be reproduced.
Apple’s iPhone 7 is an incredibly powerful device, especially the camera. There is one snag: the device is very expensive. Consumers must pay more to get one less feature: wired earphones. Though Apple includes an adaptor, using one is inconvenient. It is impossible to charge the phone and listen to music concurrently. Consumers must pony up a few hundred dollars more for the Bluetooth wireless earphones.
DTEK60 reasonably priced
BlackBerry is not asking much for the DTEK60. Early adopters get a slim, transparent rubber case, a power charger, and the phone for $599. The device also has unique, differentiating features:
- BlackBerry software keyboard included
- HUB (worth $12/year on a subscription if downloaded on other phones)
- Long-lasting battery
- Decent Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 CPU and 4GB RAM
- DTEK60 app for checking for security holes
- Productivity tab
- Fingerprint scanner
- Quick key
A few years ago, Samsung decided, much to the chagrin of its customers, to remove the externalSD storage. DTEK60 (and the other models, namely DTEK50 and PRIV) supports up to 2TB in SD storage. The device supports quick charge 3.0, which charges the phone to 83 per cent in 30 minutes.
Little things count
Business users will love DTEK60. The fingerprint scan gives quick access to the phone, removing the need for remembering passwords or PINs for access. The quick key is assignable. It is a little thing to include, but small things like this save users lots of time, especially when accessing the same app or feature frequently throughout the day.
Inflection point
BlackBerry is still a tiny fish in a big sea of the crowded smartphone market. To reach an inflection point for double-digit device sales, BlackBerry ultimately needs a partner with a deep financial pocket. It needs a partner that will willingly spend on advertising, leverage business connections and sell the device through established channels. A Chinese-based company likely fits this. The combined company would push and promote sales of DTEK60 in the large, Asian market. That would give BlackBerry the boost it deserves with its latest device release.
