BlackBerry unveils the DTEK50, its thinnest device ever
BlackBerry is not done with handsets, yet.
On Tuesday, the once-dominant cellphone manufacturer delivered its thinnest BlackBerry device to date, the DTEK50.
The name is significant, since DTEK also applies to the BlackBerry's security watchdog software that we first encountered on the admirable, but too-expensive Priv.
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The 7.4-millimeter, 5.2-inch, Android-based DTEK50 is, accoridng to BlackBerry, built for security. It offers full-data encryption, built-in malware protection, hardware support for tracking and provisioning (which should make the DTEK50 attractive for businesses), the DTEK security app and additional "hardening" of the Android OS.
Unlike the Priv, which has a physical QWERTY keyboard hidden behind its large touchscreen, the DTEK50 is touch only. On the software side, BlackBerry does provide a smart, learning keyboard that will offer suggestions as you type. Like other BlackBerry devices, the DTEK50 also comes with BlackBerry Hub communications consolidation software.
The device also includes a 13 MP camera, dual LED flashes and expandable memory (up to 2 TB via a micro SD card slot).
Some have noted the DTEK50's resemblance to the new Alcatel Idol 4S (right down to the thickness -- 7.4 mm -- and the unusual button on the side, which BlackBerry calls a customizable Convenience Key). BlackBerry did confirm to Mashable that it did not manufacturer the phone. The company did not reveal, however, if the DTEK50 was made by Alcatel.
What may excite BlackBerry fans (those who remain) the most, though, is the price. The DTEK50 is on sale for preorder right now, starting at $299 (the Priv started at $699).
Topics Android
Lance Ulanoff was Chief Correspondent and Editor-at-Large of Mashable. Lance acted as a senior member of the editing team, with a focus on defining internal and curated opinion content. He also helped develop staff-wide alternative story-telling skills and implementation of social media tools during live events. Prior to joining Mashable in September 2011 Lance Ulanoff served as Editor in Chief of PCMag.com and Senior Vice President of Content for the Ziff Davis, Inc. While there, he guided the brand to a 100% digital existence and oversaw content strategy for all of Ziff Davis’ Web sites. His long-running column on PCMag.com earned him a Bronze award from the ASBPE. Winmag.com, HomePC.com and PCMag.com were all been honored under Lance’s guidance.He makes frequent appearances on national, international, and local news programs including Fox News, the Today Show, Good Morning America, Kelly and Michael, CNBC, CNN and the BBC.He has also offered commentary on National Public Radio and been interviewed by newspapers and radio stations around the country. Lance has been an invited guest speaker at numerous technology conferences including SXSW, Think Mobile, CEA Line Shows, Digital Life, RoboBusiness, RoboNexus, Business Foresight and Digital Media Wire’s Games and Mobile Forum.
