Would BlackBerry release a new phone running Android? Reuters is reporting BlackBerry will indeed launch an Android device and they say they have two sources to back up the story. They say the decision is based on CEO John Chen's move to rely more on BES12 than BlackBerry OS 10. The company is in the middle of a pivot that will let it focus more on software than devices.
BlackBerry responded in an email:
The sources say the Android/BlackBerry device would be a hybrid slide phone that includes a keyboard and touch screen.
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.
BlackBerry responded in an email:
"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."
The sources say the Android/BlackBerry device would be a hybrid slide phone that includes a keyboard and touch screen.