BlackBerry accidentally published details of a new Android smartphone to its website Tuesday, suggesting that the ailing Canadian tech company hasn’t given up on the handset business yet.
According to reports, details of a smartphone called “DTEK60” were published to the Waterloo, Ont.-based smartphone company’s website under the file name “specifications-a-donotpublish.html.” The page featured an overview of the Android-operated smartphone features, including a 5.5-inch display, 21-megapixel rear camera and a fingerprint scanner, according to The Next Web.
BlackBerry unveiled the DTEK50 smartphone just three months ago. The company promoted it by calling it the “world’s most secure Android smartphone.”
READ MORE: BlackBerry unveils new ‘DTEK50’ Android smartphone
The DTEK50 is powered by Android’s Marshmallow 6.0 operating system, but features special security features from BlackBerry, including the ability to fend off cyberattacks with features such as built-in malware protection and encryption of all user information.
The phone is the company’s thinnest and has an on-screen keyboard – not its traditional keyboard. It currently retails for C$429.
According to The Next Web, pricing and availability was not listed on the leaked DTEK60 webpage.
BlackBerry has faced calls to stop making smartphones because of disappointing sales and instead focus on its growing software business.
But CEO John Chen has so far shown no inclination to get out of the hardware business, having promised earlier this year to release two mid-range, Android-powered phones before the company’s fiscal year ends Feb. 28, 2017.
The BlackBerry Priv, the company’s first Android-powered smartphone, was released in November 2015.
— With files from The Canadian Press
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