BlackBerry Tablet Planned For Upcoming Release As Part of Company's Licensing Program

Tech company BlackBerry Ltd. is pushing for a new BlackBerry tablet this year. Unlike its previous PlayBook, which wasn't a commercial success, the new tablet will be manufactured by another company. It will still bear the BlackBerry license and will run on the company's security software. BlackBerry is also working on other licensed devices and wearables.

The BlackBerry brand hasn't fared well when it comes to its own smart phones and even its own tablet, the PlayBook. Because the first BlackBerry tablet flopped, it wasn't followed up by another. Instead of manufacturing its own hardware, BlackBerry made the wise decision to license its brand with other companies like HMD and TLC.

Now, it's planning to do the same with a new BlackBerry tablet unit. CrackBerry reported that BlackBerry CEO John Chen is pushing through with the second phase of the company's licensing program. "What this might mean and I make no promise, is that you may soon see a BlackBerry tablet," Chen said.

He also revealed that the tablet units will run on the company's software and will use BlackBerry security features. He clarified, though, that one of the company's partners is interested in the idea. However, it's not yet a hundred percent sure. If it does happen, the BlackBerry tablet licensing will give way to co-branded handsets and IoT and EoT devices.

According to Market Exclusive, BlackBerry Ltd. is also gearing up to license wearables, medical devices, appliances, and other smart phones. The upcoming BlackBerry tablet will run on BlackBerry Secure, the company's security software, which will be used in other licensed devices. The company CEO emphasized that BlackBerry will strengthen its security features ultimately for the "Enterprise of Things" devices.

During the CES 2017, the company also announced that it was working on the most advanced security software system for self-driving cars. Since the BlackBerry tablet project has not been finalized yet, users will just have to wait whether this new unit will surpass BlackBerry's other licensed smart phones.