According to Reuters, BlackBerry is seriously considering building a smartphone that will use Google’s Android OS.
Their reliable source, who wishes to remain anonymous because he isn’t authorized to discuss anything about the company’s plans, has said that BlackBerry is quite serious about this.
By all means, BlackBerry should equip their smartphones with the Android OS. We don’t want to see a company with such a long history bankrupt themselves because someone’s ego is too big.
BlackBerry knows that their latest product line didn’t appeal to the masses, and the era when they were considered top dogs in the business sector has long set.
BlackBerry, who back in the day dominated the smartphone market now holds about 1 percent of its share.
In 2010, the company released their BlackBerry 10 line, praising themselves that they will win back their crown. I would feel a little bit embarrassed if I were in their place. The company has massively lost in front of iOS, and Android devices.
In an email reply to Reuters, the company has stated that – ” 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.”
Also, a Google spokesperson has declined to comment on the situation.
Really subtle guys, really subtle.
The biggest issue that the company might tackle is proving to its customers that their new line of devices can provide its device management software across a variety of platforms – subsequently working successfully.
Anonymous sources have reported that BlackBerry is going to release an Android slider device that will incorporate a keyboard and a touchscreen – trying to appease the masses, aren’t we BlackBerry? I would definitely buy a top-of-the-shelf smartphone that wields a physical keyboard. I got really big sausage fingers, and typing away on touch screens is a pain. I know for sure that I’m not the only one in this predicament.
BlackBerry could snag some big market points by providing a device for this particular niche, but only time will tell if they can get passed their ego, and actually try to reinstate themselves as challengers in the Apple, Samsung, and Google dominated industry.
The Waterloo, Ontario-based company has made some much needed cuts regarding its personal. Gone is the day that BlackBerry had 17.500 employees. In February of 2015 the company had about 6.200 people employed, and in May a spokesman for BlackBerry announced that they will be making further cuts in their device sector.
Tough times require tough decisions.
Are you going to buy a BlackBerry device if they launch it featuring Android OS, and sporting a physical keyboard and a touch screen?