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BlackBerry Unveils New BlackBerry Classic Smartphone (formerly Q20)

02.25.14 / Donny Halliwell

Updated to reflect a name change from BlackBerry Q20 to BlackBerry Classic – DH, March 28
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Today is full of announcements for us here at BlackBerry. I’m pleased to introduce you to one of the devices we plan to deliver in 2014, the new BlackBerry Classic smartphone (formerly BlackBerry Q20). It’s a device that will feel familiar to loyal BlackBerry customers around the world and is designed to deliver the full classic QWERTY experience.

Among the features I’m most excited for is the incorporation of the ‘Menu’, ‘Back’, ‘Send’ and ‘End’ Buttons and the Integrated Trackpad. We’ve embodied feedback from millions of passionate QWERTY customers around the world, in the decision to build and unveil BlackBerry Classic (Q20). These features are designed to enable the fast, efficient navigation and one-handed use that has endeared the brand to you, our customers.

Keep reading for a list of highlights below, but first, here’s a quote from John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO at BlackBerry from a recent press release:

“In my first 90 days on the job, I consistently heard from our ardent BlackBerry customers that the hard buttons and trackpad are an essential part of the BlackBerry QWERTY experience, that made their BlackBerry smartphone their go-to productivity tool. I want these customers to know that we heard them, and this new smartphone will be for them. Today, we’re delighted to announce the new BlackBerry Classic (Q20) smartphone, which is designed to give you the distinct experience that every BlackBerry QWERTY loyalist and high-productivity business customer absolutely loves. With the BlackBerry Classic smartphone (Q20), you’ll get the familiar hard buttons and trackpad that you want, along with the best email service, the best keyboard experience and the best battery life possible.”

BlackBerry Classic (Q20) Features:

  • The ‘Menu’, ‘Back’, ‘Send’ and ‘End’ buttons and trackpad will be made an integral part of the device and user interface, enabling fast, precise navigation and a natural workflow within and between apps.
  • The new smartphone will feature BlackBerry’s patented QWERTY keyboard design with frets and sculpted keys for the best typing experience.
  • The best email service including features like BlackBerry Hub, where you can access all your messages in one place, and enterprise connectivity with BES10.
  • The BlackBerry Classic smartphone (Q20) will include a generous 3.5” touchscreen, the largest display yet on a QWERTY BlackBerry smartphone, giving you more space for viewing messages, browsing Internet and intranet sites and accessing other apps.
  • The smartphone will be crafted from premium materials and designed for reliability and durability.
  • A large battery to provide superior battery life.

The latest enhancements in BlackBerry 10 that continue to set the brand apart as the best and most secure tool for mobile productivity and reliable communications will be included in the BlackBerry Classic smartphone (Q20). We plan for it to be available in the second half of 2014. Stay tuned for all the details including pricing and availability at launch.

For more information about BlackBerry 10, visit blackberry.com/blackberry10OS.

Donny Halliwell

About Donny Halliwell

Donny is a Senior Product Marketing Manager at BlackBerry and Former Editor-in-Chief for the Inside BlackBerry blogs. There's no disputing, #TeamBlackBerry is awesome. I'm pumped to have the opportunity to talk with you and bring you the latest and greatest from Inside BlackBerry every day. In my spare time, I can be found helping entrepreneurs and startup companies grow their business. I spend the rest, obsessing over the auto industry, or enjoying music. Follow me on Twitter or Google+