BlackBerry working on Android smartphone: report

An Android-powered smartphone with a hardware keyboard is being considered by BlackBerry.

BlackBerry is considering building a slider Smartphone with a hardware keyboard which runs on Android, Reuters has reported.

Citing anonymous sources, Reuters reported that the move is likely part of a strategy by BlackBerry to focus on software and device management.

A BlackBerry spokesperson told Reuters they do not comment on rumors and speculation when asked if this would spell the end for the company’s BlackBerry 10 line of devices, adding that they remain committed to the BlackBerry 10 operating system.

Reuters reported that in launching an Android device of its own, BlackBerry would show skeptics it is confident its BES12 device management system can manage and secure smart devices powered by rival operating systems.

The sources also said BlackBerry will use Android on a new slider device that is likely to be released “this autumn” (September – November 2015).

BlackBerry showed off the slider device at Mobile World Congress in March, reported Reuters, but has not revealed more information since then.

The device features a full-size touch screen display which slides up to reveal a hardware keyboard.

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