Just after the Priv launched we got some renders of a purported device dubbed the BlackBerry Vienna. Heralding from the lineage of devices like the Venice which subsequently turned into the Priv, a new leaked device code-named Mercury has shown up online in some unflattering images showing an early revision of the hardware that we’ll likely see launched to end BlackBerry’s fiscal year in calendar Q1 of 2017. If you need a memory job on the Vienna check the images shared on CrackBerry.
The device depicted in the image above was shelved while BlackBerry continued to work on hardware partnerships with TCL which brought the reference design Alcatel devices to the BlackBerry lineup in the form on DTEK50 and DTEK60. The latest leaks via Weibo show a refinement on the renders above giving the device a more premium cut and finish.
Upon closer inspection the space bar on the keyboard looks to be unfinished, but this supports the idea that BlackBerry is indeed working with Google to implement a fingerprint sensor on the front of the device. This sensor would act as a space bar but also allow quick authentication for apps and Nougat ‘Moves’ as we’ve discussed on our weekly podcast.
What are your thoughts on this device? Something you’d be interested in picking up?
- Design like the Blackberry Classic:
- QWERTY keyboard
- Qualcomm 8953 (Snapdragon 625)
- 4.5″ screen with 3:2 display ratio
- 3GB RAM
- 32GB storage
- 18MP rear camera
- 8MP front camera
- 3400mAh battery
- Quick Charge 3.0
- “High precision & Craftsmanship”
- Aluminum housing
- Aimed at enterprise
- February 2017 launch
