Is BlackBerry Making The Android Plunge?

Everyone remembers when BlackBerry had its day in the sun for smartphone sales. And then came along Apple and Google into the smartphone market, and BlackBerry hasn’t really grown so much since.

Now, however, BlackBerry might be looking to add Android software onto its upcoming smartphone launch, sources said to be close to the matter told Reuters on Friday (June 12). According to what those four unnamed sources said “the move to use Android is part of BlackBerry’s strategy to pivot to focus on software and device management.”

BlackBerry’s market share has shifted in recent shares to being the dominating smartphone seller to now only capturing less than 1 percent of the market. But the speculation about its upcoming moves suggest that BlackBerry is trying to make its comeback move, but with the help of a company that has managed to gain significant share in the market.

BlackBerry hasn’t confirmed the news, saying that they don’t comment on “rumors and speculation.” Google also declined comment to Reuters.

BlackBerry’s new device, according to sources, will be a slider device which allegedly includes a physical keyboard as well as a large touchscreen. And if BlackBerry does actually follow through with its possible Android plans, that could also mean that it would combine Android’s features into its latest BlackBerry 10 operating system.

In other recent BlackBerry news, the company announced the launch of a new enterprise-focused Software-as-a-Service tool, BES12 Cloud. The solution aims to address the rising Bring Your Own Device trend and offers a range of mobile-friendly business solutions.

At that time, BlackBerry had also revealed a collaboration with Samsung that saw the BES12 Cloud tool compatible with Samsung’s Knox security devices. And, according to more recent reports, BlackBerry and Samsung are strengthening their ties, this time to target small- and medium-sized enterprises in India.

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