Leaked photo suggests BlackBerry Key 2 will get a Lite version

BlackBerry Key 2 recently launched in Canada and most major markets but it seems we might be getting a newer version of the device in the future—if the leaked photos are to be believed, that is. Evan Blass (a.k.a. @evleaks) just showed a photo of what’s being called the Lite version of the aforementioned device. It’ll be made of plastic and will supposedly come in Red, Blue, and Copper. As GSMArena points out, the new colors might be seen along the rim and the front surrounding the display and its QWERTY keyboard.

The phone is codenamed BlackBerry Luna and is said to be a lower-tier version of the phone. It won’t be called a Mini because it’ll have the same size as the Key 2. But it’ll reportedly keep the Convenience key on the side and below the Volume and Power keys.

BlackBerry is launching an Android Oreo beta program for the KEYone, ahead of Android P release

First look: BlackBerry KEYone

It’s a strange announcement but if you have been waiting for it, then your wait is almost over. BlackBerry is bringing the Android Oreo update to the KEYone through an invite-only beta program. This is unusual timing, especially with Android P set to launch pretty soon (the latest is pegged at sometime next month). But if you do want to update your KEYone device, you can try your luck signing up here. BlackBerry hasn’t specified when the beta build will be coming to the testers.

As Android Authority points out, it’s stranger that the newer Key2 isn’t getting a beta program, which could mean that BlackBerry might just wanted to get feedback on the KEYone’s Oreo update instead of treating the beta program like an actual program.

BlackBerry KEY2 now available from Bell, Rogers, TELUS and SaskTel

Today's the day to get the anticipated BlackBerry KEY2 which comes in a refined and slimmed down form factor, features a better tactile keyboard and boosts performance as well as battery life while maintaining its position as the most secure Android device in the market right now.

BlackBerry Mobile has really managed to improve on an already impressive smartphone and add the features that will delight old users as well as possibly entice new ones to consider switching to the KEY2.

BlackBerry KEY2 in Black is available starting July 6 at:

• Bell: starting at $99 CAD on a 2-year term
• Rogers: starting at $95 CAD on a 2-year term
• SaskTel: starting at $99 CAD on a 2-year term
• TELUS: starting at $100 CAD on 2-year term

The BlackBerry KEY2 in Silver will be available carrier unlocked at Amazon.ca, BestBuy.ca, Walmart.ca, Staples.ca, Blueshop.ca and Visions.ca in July starting at $829.99 CAD outright.

Key Operator: The BlackBerry Key 2 review

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

BlackBerry Mobile, which is owned by TCL Communications, has proven that there's a niche of smartphone users who want keyboards. More importantly, it shows that there is still innovation and evolution in keyboard-focused devices.

The BlackBerry KEY2, takes the ideas and design of the BlackBerry KEYOne and pushes them forward in a sleeker, more powerful and upgraded QWERTY keyboard smartphone.

Tapping into its heritage, BlackBerry has used the Bold 9600’s keyboard as the inspiration for the KEY2. Which now has a larger and even more responsive QWERTY keyboard. All the tricks and features are present, including the ability to use the keyboard as a trackpad and the flick-typing functionality for predictive text completion.

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