It seems like things are starting to look good for BlackBerry again as the company wins 27 new U.S. patents this week from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The mobile brand from Canada, known for its signature QWERTY keyboard, was granted rights to 27 patents, including very significant ones like user interface meant for conference calling, wearables, new handset models, as well as extended security for mobile phones.
Included in the alleged patents that BlackBerry won is a miniscule electronic device that, when installed in a smartwatch, could allow the unlocking of a smartphone without having to enter any passcode. This lets a wearable device be paired to a smartphone automatically.
Another notable patent was reportedly given for a device case protector, which lets users take notes on their handheld units even without having to open the screen.
John Chen, the Chief Executive Officer of BlackBerry, announced during its September media presentation that the company will be launching a video conferencing service called BBM Meetings before the year ends. He also mentioned that the Ontario-based mobile brand is currently developing brand new devices, including the one that is scheduled to be launched during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in March 2015.
The alleged device might be a full-touch phablet with the signature physical QWERTY keyboard, according to reports. Earlier rumors also mentioned that BlackBerry is working on several wearable devices at the moment, and the company is scheduled to announce them soon.
Last September, BlackBerry launched a new product called BlackBerry Passport, a smartphone with 4.5-inch HD display with a physical QWERTY keyboard. According to Chen, the Passport sales exceeded expectations as the device became sold-out in several markets during its pre-order period.
BlackBerry is struggling to regain its position in the mobile phone market, which is now widely dominated by Android- and iOS-carrying brands like Samsung and Apple. The company is busy focusing on the business sector, which is its primary market for its new devices.
