Leading smartphone maker, BlackBerry Limited has rolled the new BlackBerry Leap phone in the UK and other major markets. Starting from today, consumers in the UK will be able to buy the new all-touch smartphone. The roll-out will continue over the next few weeks across countries including Germany, France, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and India. However Africa, one of its more lucrative markets, will have to wait for now. “availability in other markets [including Africa] will be announced locally at a later date” read a statement from BlackBerry.
The new phone features the latest BlackBerry 10.3.1 operating system, a brilliant edge-to-edge five-inch HD display and more than a full day’s battery power capacity. With a superior error correction system than previous editions, multi-language support, customized adoption and flow, users of the new BlackBerry device will enjoy reduced mistakes and missteps when typing. It also has the BlackBerry Blend which brings messaging and content that is on the BlackBerry smartphone to your computer and tablet.“With an all-touch screen, the BlackBerry Leap rounds out our portfolio of BlackBerry 10 devices, offering an affordable choice to mobile professionals who require a smartphone that safeguards sensitive communications and keeps them productive,” said Ron Louks, President, Devices and Emerging Solutions at BlackBerry.
The story of BlackBerry is that of sheer determination to rise again. The phone maker, which was on the verge of collapse less than two years ago, has witnessed an impressive turnaround. It has moved from the label of a ‘failed smartphone maker’ to one with one of the greatest recovery stories in the tech space. “Our financial viability is no longer in question,” said CEO John Chen , who is spearheading the resurgence. “We’re going to be making more money[…]we’re going to be generating more cash.” The company is ramping up mobile phone sales and expects to make $500 million from software this year.
While Bfocuses on rebuilding its software and services business, it is also keen to remain competitive in the smartphone market, dominated by Apple and Samsung. With this in mind, it has revealed that a curved screen model with a slide-out keyboard will be released later in the year.
