Expected to hit stores in the US in April.
By Dileep Thekkethil
BENGALURU: After the unexpected success of BlackBerry Passport, the struggling Canadian smartphone manufacturer has launched a new mid-range device called Leap with 4G LTE connectivity.
The new BlackBerry smartphone features a 5-inch 720×1280 pixel display with 294 PPI. The device is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Dual-core processor coupled with 2GB RAM. It comes with an inbuilt storage capacity of 16GB with an additional MicroSD expansion slot that supports up to 128GB external memory.
Leap runs the latest version of BlackBerry 10.3 OS and also supports BlackBerry’s desktop software Blend, allowing users to sync messaging and content in BlackBerry Leap to computer and tablet. The device also supports Android Applications and comes bundled with Amazon Appstore and BlackBerry World.
Coming to the camera department of the new BlackBerry Leap, it has an 8MP rear camera with auto-focus and flash which supports video recording at Full HD resolution. The device also has a 2MP fixed focus selfie camera with video 720P recording capability.
In addition to 4G LTE, Leap also has major connectivity features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, FM and OTG. This new BlackBerry device is backed up by a 2800 mAh battery and boasts of providing 25 Hours of backup even under heavy usage.
BlackBerry Leap is expected to hit stores in the US and Europe starting from April and might cost $275 (Rs. 17,000).
According to reports, BlackBerry is also planning to unveil two new smartphone models in the coming month, both with a physical keyboard like in Passport. One among them is touted to feature a captive touch display and dual curve design in addition to a physical sliding keyboard. Even though BlackBerry is miles away from Samsung in the smartphone race, the premium dual curve BlackBerry device aims at attracting interested buyers of Galaxy Note Edge and the newly launched Galaxy S6 Edge.
Ron Louks, president, devices and emerging solutions at BlackBerry said in a press release: “In today’s mobile world – influenced by trends like BYOD – where personal and corporate data are frequently under attack from hackers, companies and everyday consumers are finding out the hard way that mobile security is paramount”. He also added “BlackBerry Leap was built specifically for mobile professionals who see their smartphone device as a powerful and durable productivity tool that also safeguards sensitive communications at all times.”
Here are some of the top features of BlackBerry Leap
- Security to maintain privacy – BlackBerry Leap is equipped with encryption, built-in malware protection and backup, and wipe and restore features. This gives users control and helps secure data against unknown access and cyber-attack.
- Battery that powers through a full day – BlackBerry Leap boasts of a 2800mAH battery that can provide power for 25 hours even in heavy usage days. The company is said to have optimized the power consumption in BlackBerry 10 Operating System.
- Best-in-class BlackBerry keyboard – Improved BlackBerry touchscreen keyboard that helps reduce mistakes and missteps.
- BlackBerry 10 OS 10.3.1 – BlackBerry Leap comes with the new BlackBerry 10.3.1 operating system out-of-the-box, offering a new looks and additional features.
Features of BlackBerry 10.3 OS include:
- BlackBerry Blend – BlackBerry Blend brings messaging and content in BlackBerry smartphones to computer and tablet. Users will get instant message notifications and can read and respond to work, send personal emails and do whatever they do on the smartphone real time on devices loaded with BlackBerry Blend.
- BlackBerry Assistant – The BlackBerry Assistant is BlackBerry’s first digital assistant and can be used with voice and text commands to help users manage work and personal email, contacts, calendar and other native BlackBerry 10 applications.
- Dual app: Dual App storefronts preloaded for access to a huge selection of apps for work and play in BlackBerry World and Amazon Appstore.
1 Comment
Eagrly waiting for blacberry leap…