In a world of touchscreens, one smartphone maker has dared to bring back the physical keyboard. BlackBerry has officially released its KEYone handset that boasts a QWERTY keyboard alongside a touchscreen display, in the hopes of making the phone easier to use than standard touch-controlled phones. The device is now available in the US market on the firm's website, Amazon and Best Buy online or at select Best Buy stores for $549.99 (£428.21). TCL Communication, a smartphone manufacturer based in China, launched the BlackBerry KEYone, under a new brand licensing agreement signed with BlackBerry in December. And the phone was revealed in Barcelona at the Mobile World Congress in February. 'This is an extremely exciting and humbling moment as we introduce a new BlackBerry smartphone to customers here in the U.S. with the launch of our BlackBerry KEYone,' said Steve Cistulli, President and General Manager for TCL Communication, North America. 'The KEYone is unlike any other smartphone available to consumers today, offering a premium communication experience, ensuring that our customers enjoy the security, long battery life and great functionality that have made BlackBerry mobile devices so iconic.' The BlackBerry KEYone will be available in two unlocked variants for U.S. customers, optimized for GSM networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile, as well as a CDMA variant optimized for Verizon network support – with the CDMA variant available via Amazon at launch. Additional carrier availability of the BlackBerry KEYone – including Sprint retail availability – is expected to start this summer. Nicolas Zibell, CEO for TCL Communications said at the event in February: 'Impressively designed to be distinctly different, the BlackBerry KEYone reimagines how we communicate by offering unmatched productivity and the world's most secure Android smartphone experience.' The phone has an aluminium frame and soft textured back, making it durable yet easy on the eyes. Featuring a 4.5-inch display, the KEYone brings together a touch display and a physical keyboard. And was manufactured with scratch resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 4, which the firm has said 'offers the best in resilience and durability'. But unlike most physical keyboards, the KEYone's smart keyboard features some new functions, including response to touch gestures. The keyboard can be programmed to launch up to 52 customizable shortcuts, such as pressing 'I' to access your inbox, or 'M' to access maps. The device is also the first smartphone to provide the security of fingerprint sensor built directly into the keyboard space bar for added security. Beyond the keyboard, the KEYone comes with a number of new features and security enhancements. The device runs on Android 7.1, giving users access to the entire Google Play store and apps. And will also receive the regular monthly security updates It also comes loaded with BlackBerry Hub – an app that consolidates all messages, texts and emails into one easy-to-access folder. In terms of security, the KEYone come preloaded with DTEK – a program that constantly monitors and protects the phone by providing alerts if a privacy breach is detected - it will also receive regular monthly Android security updates A Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor provides long battery life and super quick charging – according to the firm, the battery can reach 50 percent charge in just 36 minutes. And for when you only have a few moments to grab a fast charge, the battery can be turbo charged to get you the most charge with the limited time you have. Enrico Salvatori, senior vice president and president at Qualcomm EMEA, said: 'We are proud to be working with TCL on the BlackBerry KEYone. 'The Snapdragon 625 mobile platform is purpose-built for users who demand superior performance and connectivity coupled with outstanding battery-life.' The phone has two cameras – a 12MP rear camera with auto focus, and an 8MP front camera with fixed focus.
