Following their teaser that the BlackBerry 'Mercury' will be officially unveiled on February 25th, 2017, @bbmobile has just followed up with another tweet indicating the exact time of the event.
The event will kick off at 7pm Barcelona local time, which I believe translates into 1pm EST/10am PST (timezones be hard y'all). Put it in your calendars now as this will be the biggest launch event we've seen for a BlackBerry Smartphone since 2013's unveiling of the BlackBerry Z10 and Q10.
If you can't be there in person, the next best thing of course will be to tune into CrackBerry's coverage. With our 10 Year Anniversary celebrations in full swing, we're going to cover the hell out of this event! Even better, a big crew of our colleagues from @androidcentral will be there too, so the 'Mercury' coverage is going to be off the charts!
Just to make sure you don't forget, we've added a good 'ole fashioned countdown clock to CrackBerry's website. Let the countdown begin!
Reader comments
Set yourself a calendar reminder now - BlackBerry Mercury launch event at 7pm GMT on Feb. 25th
If the pics here présenter are from the final Mercury look... Pretty Nice ! I change my mine ! It is looking more actual and professional. Good job! The keyboard aspect is a bite aged but not bad overall. A big plus is from the redesign edges, the thickness the black backcover.
Does someone here know the wide measurements? It could be could to have pics of a mercury and passport side to side. And also back to backm
Hopefully this will be a dual boot...not interested in Android.
Posted via CB10
BB10 is dead. If you don't want Android, you can try Windows 10 Mobile, Sailfish, Ubuntu or Tizen...
Posted via CB10
If Windows won't monitor and record my every step like Google, that is my next destination. I really hate Google and don't want to run my life through their apps.
Posted via CB10
Ah, so much loyalty. This device looks better than the Priv and will be interesting, but why not just one more BB10 all-touch device? They spend nothing on marketing so how much could it really cost? So many zealots want to upgrade.
Posted via CB10
Because BB10 is dead. There is no developpers left.
Posted via CB10
Nice to see some excitement again! Hoping this phone comes to AT&T.
Most likely they will be factory unlocked so any GSM carrier can be used.
If it had finger print scanner i would have grabbed one
The finger print scanner is on the space bar.
Going to watch
Posted via CB10
I WANT DARK BB HUB!!!!!
Have it on my Priv amigo
That sexy machine needs to be shown full touch screen too... it´s beautiful!
Been waiting 10 years for this. Priv was a huge let down. I bought it preorder. Come on TCL!!!
I hope the specs on the Mercury don't disappoint....
Excellent - can't wait!
Looks nice....except that's not what the device really looks like.
It's been shopped - silver lining doesn't show on the right side at that angle, they added it to make it look balanced. It also looks like the aspect ratio is stretched wider to minimize the protrusion of the Silver top.
IJS
As usual it will be missing few things & CB folks (moderators) will try to convince us, doesn't matter it's still better than the previous BB. Who can forget Kevin cutting his ponytail for that POS phone.
I've been anticipating this for some time now, although I prefer BB os 10 some things can't be avoided sadly.
MBGITW07
Countless times we hoped for a big turnaround from BlackBerry with those events.
Sigh
Posted via CB10
Can't wait to hear everyone saying watch new the new BlackBerry simply irresistible
Posted via CB10
I hope it comes with great specs. Might be my next phone. If its not great specs, then unfortunately I will be going with another phone. Either new iPhone or Samsung S8. Keyboard or no keyboard, doesn't bother me.
This phone is rumored to be mid ranged and not high spec.
Can't wait. The phone looks slick. Is it going to live up to our expectations, or is it going to be disappointing cruel joke?!
Just Google a conversion from GMT to PST and marked my calendar!
I hope we can order and have it shipped soon after! This pic makes it look sharp even though its very similar to the Passport SE.
I hope Steve is right about the long battery life and camera. I need that now!
7pm GMT means 2pm EST. The time right now in England is 12:10pm and it's 7:10am for me, therefore there is a 5 hour difference.
Blackberry has a launch event; that is properly planned in advance ; and potential customers are told about it?? What's going wrong?!
:)
yay
Posted via CB10
It is NOT BlackBerry, it's TCL/Blackberry Mobile.
Posted via CB10
you're not Blackberry
Everything will be prepared for the BIG WELCOME PARTY! :-)
Posted via CB10
I can't wait for the release date. Looking forward to seeing the accessories as well.
Posted via CB10
No BB10 I'm not with it
Posted via CB10
Bye!
How to tune into Crackberry for BlackBerry Mercury Launch?
Will they announce date of actual availability at the launch?
I wonder if Blackberry intend to add a BlackBerry OS version, if they did I'd be very interested as would many others.
Posted via CB10
This device is not made by BlackBerry (which no longer builds devices) but by TCL/Blackberry Mobile. And they make only Android devices.
BB10 is gone.
Posted via CB10
Say SI to this amazing Mercury launch! So hyped will be there !!! LIVE to see the "curtain" come down!.. ohhh baby bring me my MERCURY!
Posted via CB10
Barcelona is in the Central European Time Zone.
CET is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) (also known as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)) +1.
Pacific Standard Time is UTC -8, Eastern Standard Time is UTC -5.
If the event starts at 7pm UTC then it's 8pm Barcelona local time, 11am PST, and 2pm EST.
If the event starts at 7pm Barcelona local time then its 6pm UTC, 10am PST, and 1pm EST.
10 am PST. Feb 25. Hmmm. That is the very time I will be opening our booth that our business has at a festival event we do every year. So I won't be able to watch the Mercury launch live. I hope you get a video of it. I am counting on being able to see it all here at CB after our event is over.
I recommend someone a BlackBerry droid before that he had a z10 that died now he complains it's a commercial box.
Posted via CB10
Where are the capacitive buttons? Looks like the screen is bigger than the CES units.
Posted via CB10
Seems the capacitive buttons are gone....Dhabkirk called it a mistake. https://twitter.com/DHabkirk?t=1&cn=ZmxleGlibGVfcmVjc18y&refsrc=email&ii...
Can somebody inform the UK networks that this is happening ? My network "3" are in denial. They wont stock blackberry and also tried telling me BlackBerry android phones are just a rumour !?!?!?
They also want me to upgrade to an iPhone or Samsung instead - what a surprise.
Yeah, even when BB10 launched in Canada the carrier reps had no clue. Hopefully TCL will get in front of this somehow?
Can't wait to hear the news!
Posted via CB10
I have spoken to Optus and Telstra in Australia and they have both advised me that will not be taking on the device looks like we are in trouble again? I hope not
Posted via CB10
Aussie telcos are mostly braindead. Ever since my first BlackBerry, i've had to fly out to Singapore to purchase devices from Singtel. Hmmmm maybe we should organise a group-buy.... Hit me up on 2BE3C44D if any aussies here want to kick that idea around abit....
Huge expectations... I have €800 ready for these guys... But I want to see a high end toy that is not going to be outdated a couple of months after the launch. The price mentioned before was the first price of the priv in Spain
Most likely this phone will be mid range.
Great phone, really hoping to get one from CrackBerry Kevin!
Posted via CB10
So how to purchase. ???? Anyone know. I am with TMOBILE.
Posted via CB10
If i had to guess you can buy one directly from shop Blackberry. Since the phones will be factory unlocked.
Kevin, do you mean 7pm GMT or 7pm local time in Barcelona? The 2 times are not the same. Thanks.
I updated w/ local time. Time zones are hard.
Thanks for the update. Fingers crossed for livestream
I still think it's incorrect. I'm in the EST time zone and I get a 5 hour difference.
All people have to do is go to the BlackBerry clock app and type in Barcelona. It tells you the current time in that country. Calculate the difference, Real easy.
Posted via CB10
What reminder...my brain is counting down...its a priority
and much awaited
Red passport
@BBKevin: I don't mean to be picky but since we are all co-ordinating our watches I must point out that Barcelona local time is GMT +1 in the winter (which it is now), so if you are setting a GMT alarm set it for one hour earlier than the time advertised by BB Mobile or you'll sleep in and miss it :-)
Posted via CB10
I think this is accurate now... time zones be hard. 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST.
As long as everybody knows 7pm Barcelona local time hopefully they can figure it out from there. Plus, we have a countdown clock! :)
The title of the this post says 7pm GMT which is 8pm CET/Barcelona local time, 2pm EST, and 11am PST. Your comments above say 7pm CET/Barcelona local time which would be 6pm GMT, 1pm EST, 10am PST.
Can you confirm whether it's 7pm CET/Barcelona local or 7pm GMT? If 7pm Barcelona local/CET maybe update the title?
Looking forward!
How exciting!
Makes a nice Wallpaper btw.
Posted via CB10
Shouldn't that be 11 AM PT?
Anyway, I'm super excited for this!
Hey Kevin,
Don't you think there are high chances of mistakenly hitting the home button every time fingers go for letter 'T' or 'Y'...??
Posted via CB10
Esp if it's a capcitive key. I'm assuming they'll be some kind of software mechanism similar to how a laptop touchpad won't automatically set off if you brush your palm over it.
what was annoying was the vkb and accidentally hiting home or back nav when aiming for the lower keys like the spacebar :)
Posted via CB10
Not sure about that. Don't know how it's gonna turn out.
Posted via CB10
Ahahahaha this **** is killing me. Go BlackBerry!!
Hey Kev...is it cool if I call you Kev?
Feels like we've known you for like ten years now.
How soon do you think this will be available for sale via shop blackberry after announcement?
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Kev is cool.
Not sure on the question though.. am guessing we'll find out in 15 days!
I really hope this will turn out as a big deal as everyone is making it to be!
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Hoping @BlackBerry can stick on their platforms BlackBerry 10.
Posted via CB10
Oh God.. ....
Bb10 Is dead. There is no apps on BB10.
I want to buy a passport, but my big problem is the apps.
No apps on BB10? Really!? Oh my...you're not really a BlackBerry user.
Sly, sly, sly...like a Demon's eye.
CrackBerry Service Announcement: If you're stuck on BB10 or nothing, I get it. If you refuse to pass on an article without requesting BB10, I get it. Yes, yes, yes, you're devoted to an operating system you believe in. That in itself is commendable.
Advice? As self centred as this may come across, get over it or move on. BlackBerry 10 is not the focus moving forward. In reality, we all knew this two years ago. Relieve your frustration by coming to grips with this. It's gone.....
Either get on board TCL / BLACKBERRY ANDROID or enjoy other offerings on the market.
This is a opportunity that many BlackBerry fans have been waiting for. Some excitement, some saviour, some long term commitment. Let the future be enjoyed by people who want to gamble their time and money.
BlackBerry fans have had enough trolls to last a lifetime. Let's not add to it.
Bring on the Mercury!
Personally I'm holding out upgrading my computer until someone makes a machine that runs Windows95.
RedBerry Passport / 10.3.3.2163 / Telus
Better to hold on until Google make its own PC's OS! ;p
Posted via CB10
Only 78 more years to wait!
#MercuryToolbelt
Welcome to android. Mercury is my next phone.
Your right bro. People want more apps.
I'm excited to see the specs. If I upgrade it needs to be better than my Passport Silver Edition. One thing about the black passport is that the noise canceling mic was second to none. Being a DJ and recording shows on the black Passport was amazing. NO distortion. Silver Edition has distortion. Hopefully the mercury has a really good noise canceling mic. That's just me.
Swiped, typed, and tapped with my T-Mobile Passport, son! The keyboard God returns! Founding Member of "Club Passport "..... your ticket to the world...and the 2nd most exclusive club in mobile. I ask you...what's in YOUR pocket? Once you go BlackBerry, everything else is wack-berry!
You record shows with the phone's mic? :)
Posted via CB10
Insert Spootieoutiedoopolicious.... I just hope it's priced right out the gate
Posted via CB10
As I feel the cold Steel brush agaisnt my left index on my SE.... I'm just patiently waiting for a track to explode on...
Posted via CB10
If you can not accept the fact that Blackberry is heading in the direction with android then don't complain. Blackberry mobile is now here and I for sure am going to explore this new venture blackberry is going. That is what technology is all about, evolving not regressing. This my friend is the reality of change...
Blackberry Passport Silver
BTW. Loved the Storm II and the click clicky keyboard.
But...
The best typing experience from the Curves through the Priv was the Bold!! Bring it!!!
All right I've been pretty "milk toast" about this medium-spec device but it sure looks pretty in the picture from Kevin's article tonight! I do remember getting to use the Bold keyboard on a buddy of mine 's phone and this thing looks just as sweet. Ladies and gentlemen - no one should miss this phone. It's the last developed by the "old guys". A bunch nicer than the Classic (cramped keyboard) and a better form fit (Passport SE was just a bit too big). And it runs Android (which I think is a nice open source bit of code) with all the best BlackBerry goodies and security. I'm on the Band Wagon! Kevin, where do I pre-order?
Well.. start by hitting the link for a chance to Win an IOU for a Mercury from Me. Maybe you'll win and not have to pre-order! But if you don't win, will send out the update when pre-orders become available. :)
Kevin, Is there any hint that this will be available in the US from any carriers? I simply can't buy a phone without seeing / holding it...
Anyone take in the android, home, back & app buttons show AS part of teh screen in the picture?
Posted via SQW100-1/10.3.2.2876
If they were on-screen, the background color would be grey like the rest of the screen instead of black.
Look at the picture. They are grey.
Posted via SQW100-1/10.3.2.2876
My mistake. It's an odd glare*
Posted via SQW100-1/10.3.2.2876
There are white capacitive buttons on a black background. Exactly the same as at CES.
Bring it on!! So pumped
ßlackßerry PASSPORT
I agree with the buzzkills. I cant get excited about an android phone. I miss BlackBerry.
Posted via CBX
I'm sure a lot on here agree with you. It wasn't since a recent article by Kevin where I accepted this is the new BlackBerry. Only because I'm out of contract, I'll sign with Bell, Rogers or Telus (whoever gets the Mercury first) to give this Android a try. I've only ever owned BlackBerry so this will be a new experience for me.
Posted via CB10
I'm buying mine full price and unlocked. If you are not willing to buy any phone full price the same day, then it's not worth it. Then they charge you 50$ to unlock it. What a scam.
Yes, Kevin's article helped with the pain of realizing that we will not see another BB10. (he did shatter our last hope of seeing a bb10).
Well, that is why we appreciate him, for shaping our opinions.
Powered by BB10
The excitement is only for a few here in CB. Outside of CB, quiet.
Sly, sly, sly...like a Demon's eye.
I think it's up to us here @ CrackBerry to help spread the word. I mean if you dislike Google I suppose for now that is the only tool we have left until another opportunity presents itself. I mean what is the worst thing that can happen? TCL realizes BlackBerry is a differentiating factor in breaking into the north America market and increased sales abroad? Or perhaps they also decide some years down the road that instead of only making Android phones or Windows 10 Phones they could stir the pot with a new energy shot at BB10? All I have to say is you never know in this world, empires rise and fall and no one can predict.
Posted via CB10
Can't wait to place my order!!
Done!
Posted via CB10
Am I correct that this is on a Saturday? Aren't they typically during the week?
Posted via CB10
Typically, but Mobile World Congress is a different beast altogether. Having the show on the 25th puts it on the very front end of the Mobile World Congress. So far it seems like BlackBerry is the only big event that day, which puts it early and undisturbed in the news cycle for that day, and because it's early kinda ensures it gets included in all press coming later in the show (don't want to be late). So early yes on a Saturday, but way smarter to hold it then than when all the MWC noise starts.
Well that makes sense, thanks Kevin.
Big anticipation for this phone, I hope the specs are at least no less than the DTEK60 otherwise a big let down for me
Posted via CB10
Already done but didn't know the time until now. Thanks!
Start the preorder already.
Posted via CB10
Back to BlackBerry I go...
Getting real excited for this. Starting to feel very much like how I was anticipating the Z10/Q10 launch. Thanks CBK and Bla1ze for all the coverage. Will check out the podcast this weekend
Posted via my Passport SE
This is my next.
Yes! Welcome to CrackBerry. Lol
JERRY IS BACK. IN BLACK. BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK!
Love it!
Same here. I've already got money in my budget to buy it from shopblackberry. I spend most of my time with my Priv with the keyboard hanging out already, this might just make it more convenient :)
While I am glad BlackBerry has partnered with another company to manufacture phones, without BlackBerry OS it is nearly a non-event.
Posted via CB10
To YOU. To many, this is huge, highly anticipated and long desired.
Posted with my Classic
My many, many, many more it's a non-event. All the best to Adroidberry, but there are still a lot of us sticking to the actual secure platforms BB used to be famous for.
Countdown is sweet.
Hey CBK ... will there be a live stream of the event?
Not sure on the official details, but I'm working on making sure we have the gear there to do a pretty solid live stream. Will keep everybody updated as we get closer to the event!
CBK, that would be amazing, somehow.. this lead up feels 5x more exciting than Wrestlemania this year ^_^ Blackberry bringing down the house.
Need. Phone. Now.
Now? Yesterday! :-D
Posted without the aid of AutoCorrect with my physical keyboard via CB10
So, this is the last one, huh?... *sigh*
Posted via the CrackBerry App for Android
Don't understand the comment... more like the 1st one for BlackBerry Mobile
I think he might mean last one for a phone designed in house
Maybe, but even then, I will stay cautiously optimistic that TCL will do right with this license agreement. They've already generated more buzz about this BB than BB themselves were ever able to accomplish for themselves...
Posted without the aid of AutoCorrect with my physical keyboard via CB10
Kevin can we expect more of these PKB only phones in the future from BlackBerry Mobile? My last PKB only phone was the Bold 9900 and it took me forever to get used to a virtual touchscreen keyboard which I am very proficient in finally. The last thing I need is to go back to a PKB only BlackBerry and not have future PKB devices released which would make be go back to all touchscreen phones and take forever to get used to a touchscreen keyboard all over again...
From what I've read I believe we can expect more with BlackBerry licensing their patents to TCL, they have a whole lineup of phones they plan on releasing up until 2019. I would expect more especially if this Mercury sells better than any of their other phones since the Z10.
Personally I hope they do well cause I'd rather see a BlackBerry live on then die. I can also only hope that down the line they decide Android is not able to be 100% secure and one day return to a relaunching of BB10. If they are a software company then what would it hurt to try and support two OS's?
I know the last part was a pipe dream but one can smoke a little and dream lol!
Posted via CB10
Sorry, but without BlackBerry OS, this is a non-event.
Posted via CB10
Go away, buzzkill
Posted via the CrackBerry App for Android
Have to agree.
It's just another android.
Right....just another Android, with the iconic BlackBerry physical keyboard, that will blend in with all the others lol.
Posted with my Classic
Lipstick on a pig = still a pig.
BlackBerry had a great OS, then... Chen.
Not even BlackBerry can secure that crap, still tethers to the google.
I dunno...Android is getting better and better. It terms of overall functionality, it really is an easy #1 right now. Not even iOS can really compete.
The fact that it is a spyware platform for Google is the main concern.
#1 in viri
#1 in google spy
#1 in "free" craps that mine your info.
Not exactly something to be proud of.
BB10 failed. Get over it. Be thankful for the HUB and Pkb!
Posted via CB10
Hub on Android is redundant. It's already got a notification tray. Same function. Hub is additional bloatware.
Sly, sly, sly...like a Demon's eye.
Yup, I'll stick to BB10. Android is the least secure platform, and there is nothing BlackBerry can do to harden it. The paramount risk is Google itself.
Posted via CB10
BB10 is dead. Android is the future.
Android (and iOS) already in peak... after all, start to decline by gradual
Posted via CB10
Call me in denial, but I think BB10 will live on but exclusive to highly selective clients like the DOD.
Not even DoD. We still use Bold 9900's.
Android is the future.... and BlackBerry is making wonderful things from it!
Andioid rummage in your pockets to steal your data. Be careful with your privacy. Big brother's future! Be happy with you alcatel!
Posted via CB10
Android is not BlackBerry.
Sly, sly, sly...like a Demon's eye.
And it is f'in embarrassing that BlackBerry, is now android.
What's BlackBerry on an Android? Not talking about the hardawre.
Sly, sly, sly...like a Demon's eye.
Ok, but wtf are you talking about??
Pwned... ;-D
• Mercurial greetings , hopefully coming soon to Planet Earth... :-D •
I am totally agree
Posted via CB10
I absolutely agree with you!
Posted via CB10
Yes! None event for me too!
Posted via CB10
Yay I'm so excited
Posted via CB10
Someone is using one already... (it's not me!) ;-D
• Mercurial greetings , hopefully coming soon to Planet Earth... :-D •