In an attempt to pivot its focus on software development, Blackberry is reportedly planning to develop a smartphone that is powered by Android, an operating system by Google used by other leading brands in the smartphone and tablet industries such as LG, Sony, Lenovo and Samsung.
However, Yahoo reports that the company declined to issue a comment on the speculation that its soon-to-be-developed smartphone will be powered by Google's Android system and will feature some of Google's mobile applications like Google Play Store. Yahoo said that if such plan will push through, it could be, by far, one of the largest developments in the industry assimilation.
On the other hand, Blackberry reacted to the rumor in a Reuters report and shrugged off the speculation. Additionally, it reportedly claimed that Blackberry 10 OS is at par with other mobile OS from other rival companies. "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," says the company as quoted in the report.
According to Reuters, although the company has dismissed the rumor, mobile experts and analysts who are privy to the matter see the alleged move as a way to revamp the Blackberry's product line and regain entry in the mobile arena because of its waning appeal from consumers. The report added that the company has only less than 1 percent of its market share due to its branding problem and its limited usability and functionality in its platform.
When the company released the Blackberry 10 in 2013, it did not even generate good reviews even if the device sported Blackberry's app-first operating system and is compatible with applications for Android smartphones. Its Storm smartphone was also a flop when it was debuted in 2008, Yahoo noted.
In the same report, John Chen, chief executive of Blackberry, maintained that BES12, a new device management of Blackberry, is the company's best since the system allows the integration of third-party accounts, which do not use and rely on the Blackberry's internal networks. Chen adds that the BES12 is compatible with other devices powered by iOs, Android and Microsoft, respectively.
