BlackBerry’s next Android phone, the DTEK60, which the company briefly revealed last week, has shown up in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC is responsible for making sure that devices like phones that use radio frequencies and are sold in the U.S. operate without causing harmful interference.
FCC filing confirms some specs for DTEK60
BlackBerry’s DTEK60, a successor to the DTEK50, will also be powered by Google’s Android operating system. The Priv, BlackBerry’s first Android phone, was seen as a possible medium that could pivot BlackBerry’s phone business, but unfortunately, sales of the smartphone led to disappointment.
The FCC filings show the results of a series of tests conducted on the device and include its exterior dimensions. The filings confirm that the DTEK60 will have a larger 5.5-inch 1440 display, a faster processor, and a fingerprint sensor — the first of its kind in any BlackBerry Android smartphone, notes CNET.
According to the document published on the FCC website, its other features include 802.11ac Wi-Fi, NFC, support for GSM LTE and HSPA+ networks and Bluetooth 42. The handset measures 153mm by 7mm, and the camera will be placed on the top center part of the handset. Since the handset has already appeared online, it can be assumed that the Canadian firm will release the phone soon.
BlackBerry CEO asks for support from Canadians
CEO John Chen said the company is two-thirds of the way towards turning around its fortunes.
At a recent event in Toronto, Chen said, “We have made investment over a billion-plus, all in software, all in security, and now we need to execute it.”
However, he also noted that no matter how hard the company tries,and despite the fact that BlackBerry is “an iconic brand” and an important part of “the history of tech and innovation” in Canada, the Canadian firm’s reputation is sullied in the mind of many Canadians, according to Mobile Syrup. If Canadians are encouraged and support the brand more, then, according to Chen, it will be a win-win for both Canada and BlackBerry. Chen joined the Canadian firm in 2013 and reportedly had plans to decide on BlackBerry’s struggling hardware division this September.
“What I think Canadians ought to think about is, if you really think technology and knowledge is the next evolution of the economy, having a healthy BlackBerry is actually paramount in importance not only to Waterloo and other innovation centers, but also for the Canadian mindset,” Chen said.