According to new reports, BlackBerry is set to produce a new smartphone – codenamed Hamburg – through TCL Communications.
It’s no secret that BlackBerry is in dire straits, and continues to loose money through device sales. Now, a new rumour has indicated that the company is producing the first of two Priv follow-ups in the form of a device codenamed ‘Hamburg’.
The report indicates that BlackBerry is producing the smartphone through an ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) agreement with TCL Communications, better known to consumers as Alcatel.
Read: BlackBerry set to launch two new Android phones
An ODM agreement would allow BlackBerry to continue selling its mobile devices without the expense and risk of producing smartphones or tablets itself. The arrangement would likely stipulate that TCL Communications take over the role of hardware manufacturer, while BlackBerry designs both the hardware and software components of future devices.
The report first arrived through WinFutre.de; a Dutch technology news website which revealed that a Wi-Fi Alliance certification linked to the 24th of June for a device with the model number STH100-2; a number previously linked to one of two BlackBerry Priv follow-ups.
BlackBerry’s CEO John Chen has previously indicated his plans to elaborate on BlackBerry’s future smartphones at some point in July, leaving the filing for STH100-2 conspicuous.
However, the rumour mill might out BlackBerry’s future handsets before the company has the chance to unveil them. Previously, the Priv was leaked while it was under development with the codename ‘Venice’, while another sequel device codenamed ‘Vienna’ has been rumoured as well.
Read: Here‘s what BlackBerry needs to do to save itself
What are your thoughts on BlackBerry’s alleged alliance with TCL Communications? Should the company continue to produce handsets, or has the Canadian marque passed the point of no return? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
