BlackBerry KEY2 " was released worldwide on July 13, but its release in Japan was never announced.
However, on August 31, the Japanese release date was suddenly announced as September 7! Of course, I immediately pre-ordered!
I would like to report on the opening ceremony of the BlackBerry KEY2, which I was able to obtain on September 7, the release date.
BlackBerry KEY2 Japan version has two lineups
The KEY2 released in Japan this time comes in two colorings, silver BBF 100-8 and black BBF 100-9.
The basic specs are the same, but there are other differences between the two besides the coloring: the silver BBF 100-8 is dual SIM, has 64GB capacity, and is priced at 79,800 yen (tax included).
The black BBF 100-9 is a single-SIM phone with 128GB capacity and is priced at 89,800 yen (tax included).
The one I purchased this time is the silver BBF 100-9.
I purchased the silver BBF 100-8 this time.
BlackBerry quality remains the same.
The exterior is typical of BlackBerry, which we were interested in at the last KEYone's opening ceremony.
The package has the product image and the BlackBerry logo on one side. This time, the design looks more pop than luxurious.
Like KEYone, "BlackBerry KEY2" is embossed on the package.
BlackBerry Secure logo is on the film. You can feel the sense of protection.
What's included in the package. Of course, BlackBerry logo is on every part.
The AC adapter is Japanese spec. Of course, it has the BlackBerry logo.
On the back, there are instructions on how to insert a SIM card. There is also a note saying that the cover cannot be removed.
Now it's time to start up the BlackBerry KEY2!
OS is Android Oreo 8.1
Recently, BlackBerry has changed from its own OS to Android.
This allows Android apps to be used, giving you more flexibility.
Because in BlackBerry OS10, the Facebook app was a shortcut to the browser...
Speaking of BlackBerry, BlackBerry Hub...can't miss this one.
BBF 100-8 is a dual-SIM device.
Two nano-SIMs can be inserted in the SIM slot.
Since it is also used as an SD card slot, only one SIM can be used when an SD card is used.
What a surprise!
Due to differences in communication methods, many SIM-free devices have been unable to use au SIMs.
However, the BlackBerry KEY2 can use an au SIM, so I immediately inserted an au SIM.
It really worked! I am so thrilled!
With BBF 100-9 being sold officially by au, BlackBerry might be able to penetrate au users as well.
Of course, docomo and SoftBank SIMs are also available.
The slightest and biggest difference between KEYone and KEY2 is the keyboard.
The biggest attraction of BlackBerry is QWERTY physical keyboard.
The keyboard can be used for scrolling and other operations, which is also available on the KEYone.
While retaining the "Touch-Enabled keyboard" and fingerprint authentication using the space key, the KEY2's keyboard area has been reduced to 21.5 square meters.
The keyboard area is 21.6% larger.
The keyboard area has been enlarged by 21.6%, while the keyboard spacing and clicks have been adjusted for more comfortable typing.
Speed Keys from KEY2
By combining this speed key with the QWERTY keyboard
You can now perform shortcuts to various functions by combining this speed key with the QWERTY keyboard.
For example, speed key + B launches a browser.
The author uses tethering a lot, so it is nice to be able to easily switch it on and off.
Note: Tethering could not be registered as a shortcut key...
The buttons on the right side are, from the top, the volume control button, power button, and convenience key.
Shortcuts can be assigned to the convenience keys.
Even the camera has evolved. Dual cameras
For the first time on a BlackBerry device, there are dual cameras, one with 12 megapixels and the other with 12 megapixels.
On the bottom, there is a USB Type-C port, speaker, and microphone.
On the top side, there is an earphone jack, which is a nice touch.
While many companies are following the lead of a certain A company and eliminating the earphone jack, I'm glad to see this.
Thank you BlackBerry Classic and hello BlackBerry KEY2!
The BlackBerry Classic was my favorite BlackBerry for many years.
The Classic's opening ceremony appeared in an article on January 9, 2015, so I've had it for more than three and a half years.
Recently, the battery didn't last half a day and there was some noise during phone calls, but it did a good job.
And hello to you from now on, BlackBerry KEY2.
Speaking of Fangler, BlackBerry
The number of BlackBerry devices in our company has increased considerably.
We also welcomed the older brother's device donated by Charitype, and took the customary group photo.
(Q10 and Priv are on a business trip)
Summary
BlackBerry KEY2 is available at the EC site "caseplay" operated by FOX, an authorized distributor in Japan, as well as at Amazon, Bic Camera, and some stores of Sofmap.
Please check the list of authorized distributors before purchasing.