BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) is trying yet again to turn things around, and this time, investors are hoping that new CEO John Chen has what it takes to do it successfully. Part of the plan was a new deal with Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd. (TPE:2354), which has the supplier designing and selling BlackBerry handsets through its sales channels in emerging markets. Now there are reports that we could see the next BlackBerry handset in a few short months at this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
Foxconn CEO tells BlackBerry’s plan
According to Focus Taiwan, Hon Hai chairman Terry Gou said over the weekend that the new devices from BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) will be unveiled at MWC, which runs from Feb. 24 to 27. He also said they’re working closely with the struggling Canadian company in the design of the new device. In addition, he said the BlackBerry 10 platform has outstanding security features but without strong manufacturing capabilities. As a result, he said Foxconn should be the perfect complement to BlackBerry’s efforts.
The executive said BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) would be unveiling “multiple devices” at the MWC, but he did not say exactly how many or what kinds of devices they would be.
BlackBerry, Foxconn target emerging markets
BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) said its deal with Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd. (TPE:2354) would be focused on emerging markets like Indonesia. Hon Hai said they would also be making devices for Mexico and a number of other emerging markets.
According to Tech Radar, one of the rumored devices which could be unveiled at the MWC this year is codenamed Jakata and will be targeted at Mexico, Indonesia and other emerging markets. Other rumors have indicated that at least one of the handsets from BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) and Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd. (TPE:2354) will be priced at less than $200. Another upcoming device from BlackBerry could be a high-end model with a QWERTY keyboard.
