“Most secure handset ever” prompts surge in pre-orders from channel
Ingram Micro has beaten its rivals to secure an exclusive distribution deal on the newly launched Android-run BlackBerry DTEK50 smartphone – with pre-orders said to be at their highest for more than a year.
The handset, which was unveiled one month after BlackBerry CEO John Chen gave its hardware arm one year to return to profitability, has been hailed as the most secure Android smartphone in existence.
Ingram Micro head of mobile for the UK Matt Bramwell (pictured), who replaced Richard Wills in the role last December, described the handset as a great opportunity for the manufacturer [to win back share in the market] – having received “huge interest” from the channel” since its July 26 announcement. He added Ingram has had to rapidly place additional orders to cope with the demand.
Huge interest
“The DTEK50 is the world’s most secure Android smartphone for the price-conscious, and we’ve had huge interest from our customers.,” he told Mobile News. “The reaction from the reseller channel has been incredible.
“It’s a genuine game changer for BlackBerry and is going to elevate it firmly into the Android space.
“With all the added security, privacy and productivity benefits; it’s a win-win for the customer.”
Mid-tier target
The DTEK50 marks the second BlackBerry handset to use the Android OS, having launched the BlackBerry Priv exclusively with Carphone Warehouse in October.
The new model, which will be available in the coming weeks, is aimed at the mid-tier of the market, costing less than half the launch price of the Priv, at £275.
The phone, which runs Android Marshmallow, comes with a 5.2-inch screen with HD display (16 million colours) and is the thinnest device it has ever produced at 7.4mm. It features a 13MP rear-facing camera, an 8MP front facing camera, 16GB of internal memory, which can be expanded up to 2TB using a microSD card.
Security risks
Other features include ‘DTEK by BlackBerry App’, which allows users to closely monitor their OS and apps for potential risks to security as well as remedies to take in the event of a breach. Customers can also remotely manage, lock or wipe their device in the event of it being lost or used without permission.
Alerts can be sent to a customer desktop or secondary handset in the event of someone using their device, such as taking pictures without your knowledge, turning your microphone on, sending a text message, or accessing your contacts or location.
A BlackBerry survey found 50 per cent of Android users believe their device is only somewhat secure.
Protect yourself
“With an increase in cybercrime on smartphones, people need to recognise that the private details of their lives – where they live, their bank info, pictures of their kids – are at risk on their personal device,” said BlackBerry chief security officer David Kleidermacher.
“You wouldn’t leave the doors of your house unlocked at night.
“Having a smartphone that doesn’t take your privacy seriously is the equivalent of doing that.”
