Will the next BlackBerry phone run Android instead of its own OS?
Sources say that the flagging device maker is about to scrap its OS for Google's
BlackBerry’s best days are well in the past, it seems, and even though recent devices like the Passport and Classic have generated more interest, the company hasn’t quite stabilized. So what’s next for the storied phone maker?
How about Android? True, BlackBerry 10 phones are able to run (some) Android apps via emulation, but a report out of Reuters this morning claims that BlackBerry is considering releasing a phone based on Google’s operating system rather than its own.
Reuters cites four sources briefed on the situation, noting that although the move would help BlackBerry refocus its efforts on business management and security software for multiple mobile operating systems – namely Android, of course. The device would assuredly come with the BlackBerry Enterprise Service 12 software and showcase its capabilities.
The report claims that BlackBerry may use its odd slider phone – teased this spring, but kept under wraps since – as the first test device for its Android transition. And the move will reportedly be made this autumn.
BlackBerry’s recent hardware has been solidly well-received, but the BlackBerry 10 OS feels like an awkward relic compared to Android and iOS, and it has very few available apps – even with Amazon App Store access. The company suffered another round of layoffs recently; clearly something needs to be done to try and turn its fortunes around.
Switching to Android would open up the floodgates on apps and functionality, while BES12 would offer the kind of encryption that enterprise users demand. A match made in heaven? We may find out before long.
[Source: Reuters]
Andrew Hayward
Freelance Writer 
