Imagine they decide to move all the sensors and camera and the 3 android button down to the unused space just under the keypad, then expand the screen to cover all of the newly freed space, and top it up with edges from samsung and one of those fancy vibrating speaker in the Xiaomi Mi mix.
If you can map the convenience key to a screen lock command (which you can), you don't have to worry about where the power button is. Also, any time where a period would be required, hitting space twice makes a period, a space, and capitalizes the next letter (when appropriate). It has been that way for decades on BlackBerry.
Thank you for your review. I must say you single handedly (having see quite a number of other reviewers) convince me to buy it the moment that it will be available where I am (Singapore).
Im aware blackberry makes these phones for a special audience but I believe if they adjust the price a bit it would capture alot of their competitors audience
You can delete the period or turn off this double-space feature and simply use ALT + M for the period. It's all configurable, you can even change the whole layout for your own. Actually I never had any problems with the double-space feature. I'm using Priv and both the physical or virtual keyboard give the fastest writing experience. The coolest thing is to have an Excel spreadsheet opened or a whole A4 page in Word, and your virtual keyboard doesn't take screen space. This is why I love physical keyboards - can't get shit done without them.
Great video I'm really considering making the jump back to a physical keyboard. Currently I have an iPhone, but I think the Keyone brings a lot in battery life, convenience features and lots of short cuts. I'll have to go in store and give it a try. My biggest concern is I have Verizon and I want to avoid annoying bloatwear. I hope I can by it directly from the manufacturer to avoid this.
You can custom view the HUB eg I have 4 custom views 1) BlackBerry HUB with everything in the HUB , 2) Business View : Business emails and Apps , 3) Personal View 4) Social View in all my views I have BBM . Also you can use the Physical KB and Virtual KB at the same time. Battery is A+++ with Power usage !
I'm surprised that no one I've seen reviewing the phone has commented on the retro camera styling of the back. Very unique for a phone, and I think it shows their intentions of including a top notch camera. I miss physical keyboards, but always preferred landscape sliders like the old HTC Touch Pro. Great review!
thanks for detail information about keyone. Tomorrow will be get in my hand, so happy for blackberry is back and not for any other standby phone on our life.
Wow this has been one of those rare moments where I got super excited about a new phone for a while! Great review, I really like how relatable all the aspects youre talking about :)
Not personally a fan of a physical keyboard but I do like the design of this phone. I have the iPhone 7, but I like this more hefty design personally. Makes it feel like it could actually withstand a fall or two.
What the KeyTwo needs: Make the speaker front facing below the keyboard, a small gap between the keyboard and device bottom would make typing easier too. Use the earpiece speaker for music/video as well as calls for stereo. Move the headphone jack to the bottom and make it louder. Use on screen control buttons, but make it so they can be hidden any time like in Windows Mobile. Use the new space for a tool belt with trackball mouse. Realign the side buttons so I don't accidentally push the volume when I hit the standby button. Optical image stabilization. Snapdragon 660 or 636 with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage seems right. Aside from the tool belt, these are small tweaks to an otherwise fantastic device.
Fussolia I'm getting this phone. I have the LG v20 so I will get this blackberry to go along with my v20. I like this because it's something different. I'm getting a little bit tired of all touch screen phones. I might get this around October the price will probably be cheaper than 500 bucks.
Can't wait to get my KEYone, I simply care much more about the keyboard, productivity and batter life compared to performance and huge screens that a S8 or G6 could tempt me. :)
This is the best, most comprehensive review that I have seen yet on the KEYone. You have clearly used the device and were able to show a lot of the features for perspective buyers. I will be buying this device when it becomes available in Canada, cheers!
Review note: Excellent review and appreciate the detail. Have to say that you did drop the ball when explaining the split screen. You said that the screen realestate was not enough yet when using a slab glass phone the virtual keyboard takes up half the screen. That comment made no sense. With a physical keyboard you have a full screen all the time.
I really like this phone and I really miss the physical keyboard.. Just if we can get physical/multi language keyboard for people like me :/ which will never happen!
I have been using priv and absolutely in love with it. Priv has higher ppi rate with way bigger screen and it is amoled. Because of the small screen size and lower ppi, I am reluctant to upgrade to keyone.
I love the look of this phone. I'm not even sure why, but I do. As a former Blackberry user I want them to succeed, but even with the looks and features of this device I'm still hesitant at that price. We'll see what the price does after a few months and maybe it will offer me a chance to try it out. I wonder how difficult it would be for them to make the physical keyboard "swipe-able"? If it already has gestures, I wouldn't think it would be too hard. I like the physical keyboard, but swipe motion is a must for those one-handed typing instances.
Clayton ODonnell actually the physical keyboard in the Keyone IS swipeable... yo can move your thumb trough the keys without pressing them, and it will predict your word. Nice!
People complain the keyboard is too narrow...well, I'm a guy with big thumbs, I used to enjoy BB 9900 keyboard, and this keyone is even wider than 9900, so there is no worry about it being too narrow
Swipe down on keyboard once, twice, three times for symbols and hit associated hardware key; will speed up symbol input. Also, hit space bar twice and you get a period.
I wish BB would have figured out a way to run google play without the sideloading/apk mess to BB10. I really like that OS. Like with Windows phone, an app gap is lethal. It's a shame they couldn't get it together, but still nice that they are somewhat still around.
Hi Tim. Great review and very informative. I own a passport, and use a silver edition passport. Can the symbols be accessed by swiping down on the keyboard? I use this function all of the time on my passport an have not found anywhere where anyone has clarified it. Thanks.
While a little lag might be annoying for some, I'm watching this on my old Xperia Z,that struggles with scrolling through the comments while playing the video in 1080p.
Hey TS, Good show. I really kinda like the BB. Only wish they'd put stereo speakers on the front for that price. Looks like a rugged phone, I really like more utilitarian phone pretty. I am carrying the moto x pure if that tells you anything. Screens a bit small for my taste. Maybe after this phone dies I'll check it out. Price should drop by then,,, Ha. Thanks for the review.
Good demo but remember you forgot to show in the HUB + custom views feature by tapping Add View . Example : You tap the left over flow , tap Add View. Personally I have 4 custom views . 1) BlackBerry HUB where I have all my emails , apps , social apps , calls etc.. ( best ) 2nd View)- Business emails and business Apps , 3rd View) Personal emails 4th View) social apps eg Twitter, BBM , Text etc. . So you can add views very productive .
Vincent Valdez square edges make for smaller bezels. round edges fit into pockets and holsters better. It makes sense to have the top square and the bottom round. square edges stay in pockets better also.
Does the stock 'Blackberry Launcher' supports Android 7.1's 'Launcher Shortcuts' features when you long press?? or you have to use a 3rd party launcher ??
I hope there will be a priv 2 I had the first send it back because overheatting problems and potato camera if the priv 2 will be as good as this I will buy it because you can hide the keyboard
This phone is really only for BlackBerry people. I bought this phone because I craved the look (sleek dark business design) and feel (actual hardware keyboard) and experience (HUB and battery life) that only a BlackBerry phone can give. Other phones have much more, no question. But for those of us from the PDA era who wanted our "Palm Pilots" to become something more, something we could use as an actual communication device and business (item) manager as well, BlackBerry was that, and is now again. This phone is not for the 15-30 yr old market. It is for the 30, 40, 50 something guy or gal who is enmeshed in the responsibilities of life, the rat race if you will.... and primarily is concerned with managing their work and adult life interests....oh yeah - and who "just needs to get SH!T done!" Best part about BlackBerry's approach to this new phone is, they are not pretending to draw in any other market but the one who has been with them for years and whom has been waiting for their re-emergence once again on the smartphone market. Android OS made this possible and it is the perfect marriage of the BB hardware with the Android OS.Very happy with my BBK1.This is not an iPhone, not a Galaxy, none of those.This is a BlackBerry. GREAT REVIEW!
I would love to know if the keyboard (long press) shortcuts work on any other launchers because its possible that Nova might be a faster experience. ALSO, worth going into Dev options as some users are eliminating lag by turning down animation length in there
Tim Marshall nova is pretty average compared to the BlackBerry launcher. priv had some lag that didn't do it justice but on the Keyone or dtek60 it's streaks ahead. might be patent related.
Thanks Bruce , i heard some reviewers had software updates pushed to their handsets and as a result you have people like mister mobile saying performance is good and others saying it's laggy (they haven't updated yet?)
Tim Marshall I haven't noticed any lag. am running 4 emails, WhatsApp, Facebook messenger, instagram, Facebook, pinterest, call logs, and text messages through the hub with numerous custom views and a home screen Hub widget. that said I probably need to look into the lag they're talking about. For years i've been judging a phone by how many taps, swipe gestures it takes to perform a task compared to others. I can confidently say that the Keyone is at least twice as fast as any other all touch. (If you revolve around shortcuts)
The only reason I went to iPhone was because for the last few years blackberry was crap. I miss blackberry so much. If they keep going this way it may convince me to go back.
physical Keyboard again Looks nice. Not for everyone but i love it
Great George Dao
Imagine they decide to move all the sensors and camera and the 3 android button down to the unused space just under the keypad, then expand the screen to cover all of the newly freed space, and top it up with edges from samsung and one of those fancy vibrating speaker in the Xiaomi Mi mix.
that keyboard sound is soo satisfying...
One of the more comprehensive video reviews. Good job!
Blackberry & Nokia will have the most underrated phones of the year.
DrGanja99 agreed
DrGanja99 Unfortunately
Thank you for the thorough review. Been waiting for this. The design and the physical keyboard made me consider using BlackBerry again.
If you can map the convenience key to a screen lock command (which you can), you don't have to worry about where the power button is.
Also, any time where a period would be required, hitting space twice makes a period, a space, and capitalizes the next letter (when appropriate). It has been that way for decades on BlackBerry.
I've never owned a Blackberry but I really want one now, I love the solid chunky design and the physical keyboard.
Thank you for your review. I must say you single handedly (having see quite a number of other reviewers) convince me to buy it the moment that it will be available where I am (Singapore).
Im aware blackberry makes these phones for a special audience but I believe if they adjust the price a bit it would capture alot of their competitors audience
youngbreezy especially with those rather mediocre spec, you'd think that sub-500 price tag is on BlackBerry's mind (sigh)
You can press space twice to get a period. That's why it doesn't need its own physical key.
Sara Sue true but a period is way more important
if you can make it happen without having to take up real estate on the keyboard, why not?
Because more often than not, when I press space twice its because I want two spaces, not a period. How would you type multiple spaces then?
You can delete the period or turn off this double-space feature and simply use ALT + M for the period.
It's all configurable, you can even change the whole layout for your own.
Actually I never had any problems with the double-space feature. I'm using Priv and both the physical or virtual keyboard give the fastest writing experience.
The coolest thing is to have an Excel spreadsheet opened or a whole A4 page in Word, and your virtual keyboard doesn't take screen space. This is why I love physical keyboards - can't get shit done without them.
Lmao rookies
Great video I'm really considering making the jump back to a physical keyboard. Currently I have an iPhone, but I think the Keyone brings a lot in battery life, convenience features and lots of short cuts. I'll have to go in store and give it a try. My biggest concern is I have Verizon and I want to avoid annoying bloatwear. I hope I can by it directly from the manufacturer to avoid this.
Get the iphone on contract, sell it then buy the KeyOne. Make some cash along the way.
kamalsutra you'll still owe balance on iPhone. That's not smart. Just save and buy outright
You can custom view the HUB eg I have 4 custom views 1) BlackBerry HUB with everything in the HUB , 2) Business View : Business emails and Apps , 3) Personal View 4) Social View in all my views I have BBM . Also you can use the Physical KB and Virtual KB at the same time. Battery is A+++ with Power usage !
You can buy it from Blackberry directly. And I have had the Q10, waiting for this phone to come out!
I'm probably going to get this as a second phone. I've watched damn near every review on TH-cam.
the only way blackberry will keep any sort of reliance is keeping a well designed keyboard.
Hands down....the best review on this phone. 👌 Thanks for taking the time to do this....much appreciated! 🙏
I'm surprised that no one I've seen reviewing the phone has commented on the retro camera styling of the back. Very unique for a phone, and I think it shows their intentions of including a top notch camera. I miss physical keyboards, but always preferred landscape sliders like the old HTC Touch Pro. Great review!
thanks for detail information about keyone. Tomorrow will be get in my hand, so happy for blackberry is back and not for any other standby phone on our life.
Wow this has been one of those rare moments where I got super excited about a new phone for a while! Great review, I really like how relatable all the aspects youre talking about :)
I'm happy BB is still making products ... loved using them back in the day haha, I used to be on CrackBerry.com almost everyday lol
Not personally a fan of a physical keyboard but I do like the design of this phone. I have the iPhone 7, but I like this more hefty design personally. Makes it feel like it could actually withstand a fall or two.
What the KeyTwo needs:
Make the speaker front facing below the keyboard, a small gap between the keyboard and device bottom would make typing easier too.
Use the earpiece speaker for music/video as well as calls for stereo.
Move the headphone jack to the bottom and make it louder.
Use on screen control buttons, but make it so they can be hidden any time like in Windows Mobile.
Use the new space for a tool belt with trackball mouse.
Realign the side buttons so I don't accidentally push the volume when I hit the standby button.
Optical image stabilization.
Snapdragon 660 or 636 with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage seems right.
Aside from the tool belt, these are small tweaks to an otherwise fantastic device.
Got his phone yesterday and loving it. So efficient and the android blended OS is awesome.
You just made me want to buy a Blackberry
Fussolia I'm getting this phone. I have the LG v20 so I will get this blackberry to go along with my v20. I like this because it's something different. I'm getting a little bit tired of all touch screen phones. I might get this around October the price will probably be cheaper than 500 bucks.
Can't wait to get my KEYone, I simply care much more about the keyboard, productivity and batter life compared to performance and huge screens that a S8 or G6 could tempt me. :)
Very great review. It's a nice phone. Well done BlackBerry!
Reaally enjoy the variety of reviews. Keep it up!
I really need to try a physical keyboard again! It looks pretty nice
when you say, "typing option." you can really tell you're from Chicago lol never really noticed your accent until now. great honest review, as always!
This is the best, most comprehensive review that I have seen yet on the KEYone. You have clearly used the device and were able to show a lot of the features for perspective buyers.
I will be buying this device when it becomes available in Canada, cheers!
I love the sound of typing on a physical keyboard. That alone might convince me to get one! :)
Review note: Excellent review and appreciate the detail. Have to say that you did drop the ball when explaining the split screen. You said that the screen realestate was not enough yet when using a slab glass phone the virtual keyboard takes up half the screen. That comment made no sense. With a physical keyboard you have a full screen all the time.
Got mine a few days ago and im loving it. Everywhere i go ppl say whats that!!
First time blackberry made me choose their phone over s8 because of the good fingerprint scanner idea combo with the shortcuts and keyboard 👌
YAS.
Been waiting for this vid.
I really like this phone and I really miss the physical keyboard.. Just if we can get physical/multi language keyboard for people like me :/ which will never happen!
The BOSS of smart phones has returned!!!
Can you make a comparison video with Blackberry Priv?
Arda Gumusalan why the priv is trash this keyone is better.
I have been using priv and absolutely in love with it. Priv has higher ppi rate with way bigger screen and it is amoled. Because of the small screen size and lower ppi, I am reluctant to upgrade to keyone.
do you buy these devices outright ie. from the amazon link above? doesn't this come out in june for canadians?
Love the quality of the video and the close up to the device! Cheers
Thanks for the kind words Jesus!
I love the look of this phone. I'm not even sure why, but I do. As a former Blackberry user I want them to succeed, but even with the looks and features of this device I'm still hesitant at that price. We'll see what the price does after a few months and maybe it will offer me a chance to try it out. I wonder how difficult it would be for them to make the physical keyboard "swipe-able"? If it already has gestures, I wouldn't think it would be too hard. I like the physical keyboard, but swipe motion is a must for those one-handed typing instances.
Clayton ODonnell actually the physical keyboard in the Keyone IS swipeable... yo can move your thumb trough the keys without pressing them, and it will predict your word. Nice!
People complain the keyboard is too narrow...well, I'm a guy with big thumbs, I used to enjoy BB 9900 keyboard, and this keyone is even wider than 9900, so there is no worry about it being too narrow
Swipe down on keyboard once, twice, three times for symbols and hit associated hardware key; will speed up symbol input. Also, hit space bar twice and you get a period.
Also, wasn't mentioned that you can double tap on keyboard for fine cursor control.
To let you know. The BlackBerry case they made for the Priv.....The Keyone and key2 fits perfectly in the case
Good review as always!
Obsessed with physical keys 😊
double tap the space bar wouldn't give you a period ?
Double tapping the spacebar gives you a period by default. You can turn this off, so it gives you two spaces instead.
Are those outside pictures taken in Northern Chicago?
Amazing review. Amazing Blackberry
nice review. can you show how "picture password" works. I use it on my priv and all my other BlackBerry 10 devices.
I wish BB would have figured out a way to run google play without the sideloading/apk mess to BB10. I really like that OS. Like with Windows phone, an app gap is lethal. It's a shame they couldn't get it together, but still nice that they are somewhat still around.
I remember changing the LED color by putting a piece of colored tape over the LED under the keyboard, I wonder if that little trick still works!
Hi Tim. Great review and very informative. I own a passport, and use a silver edition passport. Can the symbols be accessed by swiping down on the keyboard? I use this function all of the time on my passport an have not found anywhere where anyone has clarified it. Thanks.
Great Video like always .
keep it going and I'm in full support!!!
Not a phone for me, but a great looking device and a comprehensive review from Tim👍
Great review I do love this phone. I can't wait to buy it.
i fucking love the sound of the keyboard.....
While a little lag might be annoying for some, I'm watching this on my old Xperia Z,that struggles with scrolling through the comments while playing the video in 1080p.
nice review...Tim 👌
Hum this Blackburry might be my next purchase.
Hey Tim. Could you maybe see if Cortana works with the *convinience key*? Also, how does the Pixel launcher look on the phone?
Great review, good job
Best video review I have watched so far. Great job.
+Cru Jones thanks Cru!
Blackberry are for folks who are elite and productivity folks, this phone looks so elite and premium.
i like the texture back reminds me of s5
Hey TS, Good show. I really kinda like the BB. Only wish they'd put stereo speakers on the front for that price. Looks like a rugged phone, I really like more utilitarian phone pretty. I am carrying the moto x pure if that tells you anything.
Screens a bit small for my taste. Maybe after this phone dies I'll check it out. Price should drop by then,,, Ha. Thanks for the review.
If they would of made the home buttons on the screen and used that space for a bigger screen , this would of been the best
excellent video! Thanks!
Good demo but remember you forgot to show in the HUB + custom views feature by tapping Add View . Example : You tap the left over flow , tap Add View. Personally I have 4 custom views . 1) BlackBerry HUB where I have all my emails , apps , social apps , calls etc.. ( best ) 2nd View)- Business emails and business Apps , 3rd View) Personal emails 4th View) social apps eg Twitter, BBM , Text etc. . So you can add views very productive .
y0, real talk...someone needs to make an ASMR video with the KEYone keyboard being put to use.
ahhh if they made the top design symmetrical to bottom it wouldve looked sick. im into phone games like a child but if i wasnt id def give this a try
Vincent Valdez square edges make for smaller bezels. round edges fit into pockets and holsters better. It makes sense to have the top square and the bottom round. square edges stay in pockets better also.
was talking about being blck on top
Reviewing like a boss!
Does the stock 'Blackberry Launcher' supports Android 7.1's 'Launcher Shortcuts' features when you long press?? or you have to use a 3rd party launcher ??
Good for office work.hey Tim why you don't review xperia devices
I like this phone I think I will get this to go along with my LG v20.
nicely done, thanks.
as its a very long review, try to change focus into different directions.
I watched the keyboard audio test multiple times lol
does the keyboard have the same feel as the passport?
The Boss Of Reviews #TIM
Nicode Spot ...the tool man taylor
Is it available buying it online and how much if at all?may I know also where to find it online
i have a small iphone 8. this is pretty much the same with a keyboard. ima get it.
How is snapchat on this one?
Great reviews
Great reveiw thanks!
I hope there will be a priv 2 I had the first send it back because overheatting problems and potato camera if the priv 2 will be as good as this I will buy it because you can hide the keyboard
This phone is really only for BlackBerry people. I bought this phone because I craved the look (sleek dark business design) and feel (actual hardware keyboard) and experience (HUB and battery life) that only a BlackBerry phone can give. Other phones have much more, no question. But for those of us from the PDA era who wanted our "Palm Pilots" to become something more, something we could use as an actual communication device and business (item) manager as well, BlackBerry was that, and is now again. This phone is not for the 15-30 yr old market. It is for the 30, 40, 50 something guy or gal who is enmeshed in the responsibilities of life, the rat race if you will.... and primarily is concerned with managing their work and adult life interests....oh yeah - and who "just needs to get SH!T done!" Best part about BlackBerry's approach to this new phone is, they are not pretending to draw in any other market but the one who has been with them for years and whom has been waiting for their re-emergence once again on the smartphone market. Android OS made this possible and it is the perfect marriage of the BB hardware with the Android OS.Very happy with my BBK1.This is not an iPhone, not a Galaxy, none of those.This is a BlackBerry. GREAT REVIEW!
Does anyone know when this phone is launched in the U.S.? I cannot find a release date anywhere...
I'm getting this phone in a couple of days! :D
Blackberry calendar?
Any chance this phone might come to Verizon Wireless?
I love blackberry Keyboard and I got Keyone Yesterday . they should make laptop . hahaha I
I want one now there brilliant
*Question* : can you also pull up an on screen keyboard in portrait mode? I know there's one in landscape, but what about portrait? thanks!
Czek Yes, you can. He mentions and demos it in the video.
Sharky165 thank you, I went back and noticed thanks to your comment!
I would be interested in this if the screen was a bit larger
I would love to know if the keyboard (long press) shortcuts work on any other launchers because its possible that Nova might be a faster experience.
ALSO, worth going into Dev options as some users are eliminating lag by turning down animation length in there
Tim Marshall nova is pretty average compared to the BlackBerry launcher. priv had some lag that didn't do it justice but on the Keyone or dtek60 it's streaks ahead. might be patent related.
Thanks Bruce , i heard some reviewers had software updates pushed to their handsets and as a result you have people like mister mobile saying performance is good and others saying it's laggy (they haven't updated yet?)
Tim Marshall I haven't noticed any lag. am running 4 emails, WhatsApp, Facebook messenger, instagram, Facebook, pinterest, call logs, and text messages through the hub with numerous custom views and a home screen Hub widget. that said I probably need to look into the lag they're talking about. For years i've been judging a phone by how many taps, swipe gestures it takes to perform a task compared to others. I can confidently say that the Keyone is at least twice as fast as any other all touch. (If you revolve around shortcuts)
I'm buying one.
its gonna b on verizon??
$550 for mid range specs?
Mark Nguyen of course you can go for the boring full screen phone in the same price range
the only reason why im scared to switch to android phones is because of the "lagness". after couple of months
while samsung apple xiaomi try to make phone without any button like mi mix and s8 and blackberry still try to be keypad
The only reason I went to iPhone was because for the last few years blackberry was crap. I miss blackberry so much. If they keep going this way it may convince me to go back.
Why no 16x9 screen?