BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) in partnership with Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd (TPE:2317) also doing business as Foxconn Technology will showcase multiple smartphones during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Spain on February 24-27, 2014.
Terry Gou, chairman of Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd (TPE:2317) confirmed the planned unveiling of the new BlackBerry smartphones during the company’s annual charity festival last Sunday. According to him, the Canadian smartphone manufacturer’s Blackberry 10 and QNS operating systems have outstanding security features, but its manufacturing capabilities are limited.
Gou said, “We are working with them [referring to BlackBerry team] to design a new device, and we will showcase multiple devices at the trade show in Barcelona in February.” He did not provide further details regarding the exact number or what type of smartphones will be introduced during the upcoming event.
Last month, BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) announced its five-year strategic partnership with Foxconn Technology to jointly develop and manufacturer certain devices. The partnership’s initial focus is to create smartphones for Indonesia and other emerging markets such as Mexico.
The Taiwanese electronics manufacturing contractor described its strategic partnership with the Canadian smartphone manufacturers as “a breakthrough in the global technology industry,” and expects further cooperation in the future including mutual investments and global marketing.
It had been reported last month the manufacturing partners might release a 3G smartphone powered by the BlackBerry 10 operating in April this year. According to reports, the device will be sold for consumers in the emerging markets particularly Indonesia. There are also rumors suggesting that one of the smartphones that will be released by BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) and Foxconn is called Jakata. Speculations suggest that the price of the device for emerging markets will be less than $200.
The Canadian smartphone manufacturer is also expected to release a high-end smartphone with a Qwerty keyboard. John Chen, chairman and CEO of BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) previously stated that the company will refocus its efforts in developing smartphones equipped with keyboards. It will also concentrate on improving its enterprise business and mobile device management business.
