BlackBerry, Foxconn partner to make Z3 smartphone, available first in Indonesia

By AJ Dellinger Published February 26, 2014

blackberry foxconn partner make z3 smartphone — Image used with permission by copyright holder

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BlackBerry made the trip to Barcelona for Mobile World Congress 2014, and it brought with it the announcement of a new smartphone. BlackBerry is teaming up with controversial Taiwan-based manufacturing company Foxconn to bring its new Z3 smartphone to life.

The latest addition to the BlackBerry lineup, the Z3 will feature a 5-inch display and will run BlackBerry OS 10.2.1. The Z3 will be familiar to those who have experienced BlackBerry smartphones, with BlackBerry Hub, the BBM messaging system, and BB10 browser all on board. BlackBerry confirmed the phone will also include a Time Shift camera and Story Maker, an editing suite with effects and editing tools for putting together photos and videos. The Z3 will also include a built-in FM Radio, allowing users to listen to local radio stations without a network connection.

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BlackBerry CEO John Chen stated the Z3 is the “first smartphone to emerge from [a] strategic partnership with Foxconn.” The Z3 will be available in Indonesia in April of 2014 and was designed with “with Indonesian customers in mind.” The price, thanks to the partnership with Foxconn, is expected to keep the smartphone under $200 off-contract.

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AJ Dellinger is a freelance reporter from Madison, Wisconsin with an affinity for all things tech. He has been published by…

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