BlackBerry has launched its Z3 smartphone locally, with the device set to be available to the local market in mid-July.
The new device, running on the revamped 10.2.1 operating system (OS), is set at a recommended retail price of R2 999 and will be available from Vodacom on a Smart S plan at R249 per month.
Yudi Moodley, BlackBerry MD for Africa, says MTN and Cell C would follow with their own deals soon.
Moodley notes the device is "perfect for price-sensitive users who want to transfer from older BlackBerry devices or have the functionality of phones targeted at business users".
The 5-inch touch-screen has smart type functionality, which the company says can learn user typing patterns for predictive-text purposes.
Martin Fick, senior product manager for Africa, notes the device's price point, Android app accessibility and 2 500mAh battery life are big differentiators aimed to attract South African consumers.
The smartphone was first unveiled to the globe in February and was then launched to the Indonesian market in April - a region where it proved popular, according to Fick.
Key features
* BlackBerry Hub: The BlackBerry Hub allows users to access all work and personal e-mail, BBM, text messages, social media updates and notifications in one place.
* BBM: BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) on the BlackBerry Z3 includes features of the social network, including BBM voice and video chatting with screen share capability and support for BlackBerry Natural Sound, allowing users to hear nuances and variations in tone in a BBM Voice chat, to simulate an audio experience that the company says will mimic being in the same room with another user.
* BlackBerry Keyboard: The BlackBerry Keyboard learns what words you use and how you use them, and then offers predictive text for faster typing. According to the company, the keyboard allows users to type in up to three languages at the same time.
* BlackBerry 10 Browser: BlackBerry promises a benchmark for HTML5 performance on smartphones, which it says is "fast, with fluid and responsive scrolling and zooming".
* Instant Previews and Reply Now: This feature displays preview BBM, SMS and e-mail messages to users, allowing them to reply or swipe to the BlackBerry Hub to respond.
* Sharing: The BlackBerry Z3 learns how users share and who they share with, helping reduce the number of steps and amount of time it takes to get files, photos, or documents to where they need to go.
* Android apps: Z3 users have access to Android applications through the App Store.
* FM radio
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