[Jonathank]

Anyone think if TCL advertised that foldable phone as a BlackBerry it would help bring BlackBerry back into the spot light? Just a thought

[i_plod_an_dr_void]

Why just the other hour I was thinkin about the same....
https://forums.crackberry.com/blackb.../#post13450578

[howarmat]

nope just another way to fail IMO

[vimagreg]

Maybe we'll have the first foldable BB device sometime at 2030s, at least.

And it'll be priced 1000+ bucks, for the sake of novelty!

[kvndoom]

Maybe we'll have the first foldable BB device sometime at 2030s, at least.

And it'll be priced 1000+ bucks, for the sake of novelty!

Considering that $1000 is quickly becoming the new normal, by 2030 that will be an "entry level" phone!

[anon(10387168)]

That would tweak my interest, most definitely!

Posted via my Passport

[John Albert]

After all these years, some BlackBerry fans still don't realize that BlackBerry name on any product is a recipe of utter failure.

[Bbnivende]

It is clear that TCL wants their leading edge products under their own brand as they seek to duplicate their TV strategy.

BlackBerry Mobile was a misstep where TCL was looking to move into the USA Enterprise market and rebuild the brand.

TCL might keep BlackBerry around as a phone for fans and those who want a minimalist phone but only if they can get a better royalties deal going forward. The BlackBerry OS seems doomed but the form factor could live on. ( This is a opinion not a fact).

[the_boon]

After all these years, some BlackBerry fans still don't realize that BlackBerry name on any product is a recipe of utter failure.

I came to realize this myself also. I mean by 2020 it will have been about a decade since the brand's peak in the smartphone game, even the former users will have had adapted to iOS/Android slabs for so long that "BlackBerry" will be nothing more than a distant memory.

I don't even care anymore whose logo in on the back of the device, as long as I get a half decent keyboard.

[WaterTower]

if it comes with good build quality, a good keyboard, and the blackberry suite of software, I'll buy it. I don't care if it's 200 or 2000

[Chuck Finley69]

It is clear that TCL wants their leading edge products under their own brand as they seek to duplicate their TV strategy.

BlackBerry Mobile was a misstep where TCL was looking to move into the USA Enterprise market and rebuild the brand.

TCL might keep BlackBerry around as a phone for fans and those who want a minimalist phone but only if they can get a better royalties deal going forward. The BlackBerry OS seems doomed but the form factor could live on. ( This is a opinion not a fact).

BlackBerry Mobile hasn’t been a misstep. From a publicity and carrier engagement process, it’s opened or kept doors from being closed when there corporate brethren have been escorted out by 300 lbs security guards in virtual and literal sense.

[Bbnivende]

BlackBerry Mobile was a misstep. The TCL mobile branding and dissolution of the division is the correction. There will be no rehabilitation of the brand .

Chuck, your view is USA centric. BlackBerry was and is a non starter in that market - their intended market.

TCL Mobile (mid range devices) would not have been and is not currently ready for the USA market. The Plex will start out in Europe.

[i_plod_an_dr_void]

After all these years, some BlackBerry fans still don't realize that BlackBerry name on any product is a recipe of utter failure.

Well relatvely speaking, most people are utter failures compared to the megastars (but only comparatively, and only based on Etonight or whatever the latest gossip show is. Most have jobs and an income, some even still run their own independent businesses! There are so few of them megastars- and many undeservedly so IMHO, and many many more unsung heroes)....so maybe BlackBerry is in good company? It's surely in the bigger market segment (general loser category :-)), and just needs to keep plugging away to advance the field a few steps at a time .

[Chuck Finley69]

BlackBerry Mobile was a misstep. The TCL mobile branding and dissolution of the division is the correction. There will be no rehabilitation of the brand .

Chuck, your view is USA centric. BlackBerry was and is a non starter in that market - their intended market.

TCL Mobile (mid range devices) would not have been and is not currently ready for the USA market. The Plex will start out in Europe.

You’ll watch TCL follow similar distribution pattern to BlackBerry Mobile as it’s not just in USA or even NA that OEMs rely on for distribution. Where do many Europeans by their mobile devices? I’d lay odds that it’s still through carrier stores and kiosks inside other retailers.

[bb10adopter111]

Until there's a killer app for a foldable or dual screen phone it's premature for anyone but the largest players who can waste money on R&D and failed devices.

Composed and edited on the exceptional BlackBerry VKB on my trusty Z10. Any typographic errors, misspellings, or grammatical errors are likely due to my inattention and lack of interest in word-perfect communications on an Internet tech fan forum.

[Rootbrian]

Just get a blackberry sticker and you know the rest! STICK IT EVERYWHERE!

From my BlackBerry Q5 on Freedom Mobile 3G HSPA+

[Bbnivende]

You’ll watch TCL follow similar distribution pattern to BlackBerry Mobile as it’s not just in USA or even NA that OEMs rely on for distribution. Where do many Europeans by their mobile devices? I’d lay odds that it’s still through carrier stores and kiosks inside other retailers.

TCL’s strategy is to release the Plex in European markets where the Alcatel is a strong brand. I would imagine they will be using partners that currently support the Alcatel ...in Europe.