BlackBerry might be releasing an Android phone

[Bouzoo]

Reuters reports that this might be happening. This is not officially confirmed, so as always, salt. But since we're at rumours 1) I actually trust Reuters more than other sites, 2) I don't see why this wouldn't happen. BlackBerry wants to get back in the game, so using the most popular OS isn't that far fetched. But the interesting part is that if this turns out to be true, Apple may not be buying them in the end. 

 

The sources, who asked not to be named as they have not been authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said the move to use Android is part of BlackBerry's strategy to pivot to focus on software and device management. BlackBerry, which once dominated smartphone sales, now has a market share of less than 1 percent.

"We don't comment on rumors and speculation, but we remain committed to the BlackBerry 10 operating system, which provides security and productivity benefits that are unmatched," said the company in an email.

A Google spokeswoman declined to comment.

BlackBerry Chief Executive John Chen is banking on the company's new device management system, BES12, that allows corporate and government clients to not only manage BlackBerry devices on their internal networks, but also devices powered by Android, Apple's iOS platform and Microsoft Corp's (MSFT.O) Windows operating system.

Two sources said that by launching an Android-based device of its own, BlackBerry would be sending a signal to skeptics that it is confident that the BES12 system can not only manage, but also secure smartphones and tablets powered by rival operating systems.

BlackBerry will probably use Android on an upcoming slider device that is likely to be released this autumn, two sources said. The slider will combine a touch screen with a physical keyboard that users can use if they prefer.

BlackBerry briefly showed off the slider device on stage at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in March, but it has provided little detail on it since then.

 

Do you think this is likely to happen?

 

Source

[Deletive]

Well that might help then quite a bit. If they try to focus on security they might have something to work with.

[deVIZtation]

I actually like BB10.

[Victorious Secret]

Please no. 

 

BBOS 10 is pretty good with its ability to install Android apps. Don't need the unoptimized mess known as Android on that kind of hardware. The Passport with its specs actually feels like a flagship phone in how smooth it runs. Don't need BBs hardware being crapped on by the same old Android nonsense. 

[Octagoncow]

That would be pretty interesting. If it ran stock Android and had the same appearance of their more recent phones I'd at least take a look at them. There have been too many large phones for my taste lately.

[Bouzoo]

Please no. 

 

BBOS 10 is pretty good with its ability to install Android apps. Don't need the unoptimized mess known as Android on that kind of hardware. The Passport with its specs actually feels like a flagship phone in how smooth it runs. Don't need BBs hardware being crapped on by the same old Android nonsense.

At his rate in the direction that they are going they might not last that long, so this might be one 1 or 2 phones just to get them back on their feet. Better to do that and not be owned by Apple or some other company or even worse, go in history.

[Briggsy]

People already side-load Android apps onto blackberry 10 devices, and blackberry messenger works seamlessly on Android phones. I don't think this is a stretch at all, considering Android can be skinned a million different ways.

[handymanshandle]

That would be pretty interesting. If it ran stock Android and had the same appearance of their more recent phones I'd at least take a look at them. There have been too many large phones for my taste lately.

Perhaps if it had a 5.2" screen, I would rather it look like the Z10/Z30/Leap.

[Dabombinable]

Take Android, keep the core ability to install apps based on APK, and access to the play store if possible. Then replace the removed crap with the better Blackberry software, then proceed to keep the new mobile OS up to date and secure with Blackberry's own patches and updates-while still keeping the Android core intact. That would solve a lot of problems I think.

[Aniallation]

All we need is Google Play Services on BB10 and we're good. That's the only reason I'm not still using my Z30.

[qwertywarrior]

please yes 

[tsk]

A phone with android and good physical keyboard? Yes please.

[Facety]

I hope so, I miss using a blackberry keyboard.... 

[ErickS89]

I could care less if it's bulky, give use a 5" screen and a physical slide out keyboard!  I miss the OLD blackberry, but BBOS 10 was pretty good...

[Dabombinable]

A phone with android and good physical keyboard? Yes please.

If its too expensive you could always ask Nokia for a better E63....still with BT keyboard support.

[linuxfan66]

I could care less if it's bulky, give use a 5" screen and a physical slide out keyboard!  I miss the OLD blackberry, but BBOS 10 was pretty good...

i remember it having an awful web browsers but great hardware keyboard(bb bold 9000)

[evilarceus]

#BlackberryMasterRace

 

JK, but I have a tiny feeling this isn't going to do well.

[MrDynamicMan]

Damn, I hope at least someone else makes a flagship grade smartphone with a qwerty KB, I miss the physical keys.

[dfsdfgfkjsefoiqzemnd]

Damn, I hope at least someone else makes a flagship grade smartphone with a qwerty KB, I miss the physical keys.

Only if they make an azerty one too.  #azertyMasterRace

[Not_Sean]

I've got the Z30 and damn am I impressed with this thing ! ! 

 

I for one hope they stick with BB10, just sort out some of its issues 

[atrash]

BB Passport with W10 sounds more feasible and would be an instabuy for me. Don't know if the hardware will support Continuum though.

[Đỗ Đức Huy]

Won't happen with all the requirements of the Open Handset Alliance in regards to User Interface, bundled apps and all the nice thing that keeps Android from being more "fragmented" that n what it is. BB10.3.1 is fine the way it is and unlike the other fruit company phones, my 200$ Z3 got better and smoother EVERY UPDATES so far. 

People are still put off from BlackBerry from the horrid BBOS days but those days are loooong gone, and after 2 years BB10 is not the same as it was. And what's the point actually, BB10 phones can install Amazone app store and even Google Play (un-officially). If it walk like a duck, looks like a duck and quack like a duck then it is a duck. BB10 for me now is a "better" Android than the real Android due to the simple UI (no buttons at all, all done with  swipes), great security and the HUB. 

[Whiskers]

Pointless.

 

By selling their devices with their own OS they can differentiate themselves from the monotonous world of Android. By throwing Android on their phones they throw out their biggest unique selling point which makes their phones worthwhile and interesting. Instead of wasting their money and time making a silly move like this they should focus on making BB10 better and market it to high hell.

 

And bring us a bloody dark theme option for the hub already!