BlackBerry Gives Update On Handset Transition to Third Party

BlackBerry has confirmed that software takes the lead at BlackBerry as it moves to transition its handset hardware development and leverage third parties to provide that function.

“We will discontinue all handset hardware development and fully leverage third parties to develop hardware and distribute and support the BlackBerry handset brand. BlackBerry will focus on our strengths: state-of-the-art software and security solutions.  We also announced that we have signed our first significant brand licensing agreement, which is a new joint venture called BB Merah Putih. BB Merah Putih, which is led by Indonesian telco, PT Tiphone Mobile, to source, distribute and promote handsets with our secure Android software and the BlackBerry brand in Indonesia, our strongest market. This agreement is focused on the Indonesia market.”

In lieu of the announcement on Wednesday, BlackBerry said that software takes the lead as the Company moves to transition the handset hardware development and leverage third parties to provide that function.

However, BlackBerry said there will always be ‘BlackBerry branded’ devices; BlackBerry will manage and approve the design of future BlackBerry-branded devices.

“BlackBerry will continue to design, develop and manage the software running on BlackBerry devices to ensure that they continue to be the World’s Most Secure Android Smartphone.

“BlackBerry devices will be available through all standard and developing mobile phone partner channels”, the Company clarified on Thursday.