BlackBerry launches the Classic, a new phone for people that want an old keyboard.

Blackberry yesterday launched its Classic, a new phone that it hopes will convince those holding onto old BlackBerry’s for their keyboard and size to finally upgrade.

Jennifer Cowan , a Managing Editor for Sitepronews reports that BlackBerry is getting back to basics with the launch of its new BlackBerry Classic Smartphone that gives enthusiasts the QWERTY keyboard they love along with the speed of new technology.

The Canadian Smartphone maker really needs this phone to be a success as it struggles to regain its footing in an ultra-competitive market dominated by Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Android-powered handsets.

BlackBerry CEO John Chen officially debuted the BlackBerry Classic today at a special event in New York.

The device, which sells unlocked for $449 in the U.S. and $499 in Canada, offers 60 percent more screen space, 50 percent longer battery life and a browser that is three times faster, Chen said.

“We listened closely to our customers’ feedback to ensure we are delivering the technologies to power them through their day — and that feedback led directly to the development of BlackBerry Classic,” Chen said. “BlackBerry Classic is the powerful communications tool that many BlackBerry Bold and Curve users have been waiting for. It’s the secure device that feels familiar in their hands, with the added performance and agility they need to be competitive in today’s busy world.

The device also features the BlackBerry 10.3.1 operating system, a 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon Processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB of device storage (expandable by up to 128GB via uSD), and a 2MP front- and 8MP rear-facing camera with enhanced optics and upgraded imaging sensors.

BlackBerry Blend is a nifty feature that links messaging and content across all of a user’s devices while BlackBerry Hub enables the user to manage all e-mail, texts, BBMs, phone calls and social media in one place.

The device also features the BlackBerry Assistant, the company’s first digital assistant that can be used with voice and text commands.

“It’s the only Smartphone assistant on the market today that can access both personal and work content in your work perimeter,” the company said in a press release. “BlackBerry Assistant intelligently determines how to respond to you based on how you interact with it – if you type, it responds silently, if you speak, it speaks back and if you activate over Bluetooth, it speaks back with additional context because it assumes you might not have access to the screen.”

Users can also access productivity apps for business from BlackBerry World as well as popular Android apps and games via the Amazon Appstore.

“This device underscores our commitment to helping BlackBerry users be at their most productive and respond to the demands of business from anywhere, at any time,” said Chen. “By bringing back the trusted functionalities, incorporating our latest operating system and building a speedier browser, our users can feel confident they are using the best communications tool out there.”