BlackBerry may put Android system on new device

BlackBerry is thinking about supplying an upcoming smartphone with Google Inc.'s Android os software for initially, a recognition that its renewed range of devices has done not win mass appeal, based to four resources acquainted with the issue.

The shift would be an about-face for the Waterloo, Ontario-based company, which had shunned Android operating system os in a bet that its BlackBerry 10 range of mobile phones would be able to pull back business lost to Apple's  iPhone and a number of devices managed by Android os.

BlackBerry new device

The sources, who asked not to be known as as they have not been accepted to discuss the issue freely, said the shift to using Android os is part of BlackBerry's technique to rotate to focus on program and program control. BlackBerry, which once taken over smartphone sales, now has a company of less than 1 %.

It is not clear no matter if a shift to using Android os would cause the end of the company's BlackBerry 10 variety of gadgets that were initially launched to much enjoyment in starting 2013. After beneficial beginning reviews, the late-to-launch Blackberry mobile phones gadgets haven't obtained part well with Android os or Apple organization, mainly due to a lack of big name programs.

BlackBerry Primary Expert David Chen is financial on the organization's new program control program, BES12, that allows corporate and govt clients to not only handle BlackBerry devices on their inner networks, but also gadgets managed by Android os, Apple's iOS system and Microsoft company Corp's (MSFT.O) Microsoft Microsoft windows centered PC. One of the obstacles it activities in that modification is efficient big customers that its program shop works across many various systems.

Two trusted sources said that by introducing an Android-based system of its own, BlackBerry would be providing a sign to doubters that it is confident that the BES12 system can not only handle, but also protected mobile phones and pills operated by competitive operating system. BlackBerry will most likely use Android os on a future slider system that is likely to be launched this fall, two sources said. The slider will combine a touchscreen technology with an actual keyboard that users can use if they choose.

BlackBerry momentarily revealed off the slider system on stage at Cellular World The legislature in Spain's investment in Goal, but it has offered little information on it since then. By creating an Android operating system os system that features a large touchscreen display screen and an actual keyboard, BlackBerry desires to catch a niche in the touchscreen-dominated Android operating system os market. The product may attract those still using older BlackBerry keyboard handhelds but who want accessibility to the larger app choices Android os provides.

Two resources said that if Blackberry mobile phones advances on a plan to release an Android os system, it could come with some of the trademarked features in its Blackberry mobile phones 10 os. In Goal, Blackberry mobile phones declared that it organized to deliver its trademarked security, efficiency and connections tools to any cell phone running iOS, Android working system os or Microsoft windows. The organization, which a although ago started out its well-known BlackBerry Texting app to all those using competing operating system, has said it plans to provide more in-house features on competing gadgets, such as Blackberry mobile phones Hub and the predictive text abilities of its exclusive keyboard. Chen in Goal said the company was still dedicated to its own devices business.

Since that interval however, BlackBerry has cut headcount in its components unit even further. The company, which at a 2011 optimum applied 17,500 individuals and in Feb was down to 6,225, said last month that it was creating additional cuts on the system side, without offering any figures.