The mounting rumors that flagging handset maker BlackBerry is working on an Android-powered slider known as the ‘BlackBerry Venice‘ have gained more support today with CrackBerry obtaining renders of the anticipated device.
The leaked renders show off some of the software and the camera that BlackBerry may be releasing on the Venice including the Android version of BlackBerry Hub and Chromecast support, which has not been available on previous ‘Android integrations’ included on BlackBerry devices.
From previously released marketing materials for Blackberry’s productivity services, an image of their calendar app shows what looks very much like a Floating Action Button from Googles Material Design guidelines. Could it be that BlackBerry is also going to adopt some of Android’s more popular interface elements?
The final render depicts a cut-through view of the device shows an 18 MP camera including OIS.
There are not a lot of correlating details here, and as with all rumors and leaks large grains of salt are required while digesting what we have got.
As the enterprise use of Android, and smart devices as a whole continues to expand many analysts have argued that BlackBerry needs to make the pivot into Android to allow their security and enterprise features to become their main point of differentiation. However in the recent years both Android for Work from Google and Knox from Samsung have be launched so BlackBerry is entering an Android market with existing competition. Can BlackBerry trade on their existing enterprise credibility to emerge as a dominant power in the Android enterprise space? Time will tell.
Are you a BlackBerry fan? Can you see a place for an Android BlackBerry phone in you lineup?
I generally swap between a BlackBerry or Android device so I’m really looking forward to this one, as I miss a real keyboard, the hub & universal search.
The two bb features missing from every other platform is universal search and notification hub.
Any updates on when this is likely to be launch as yet?
Not at the moment unfortunately
No rumors that we have spotted thus far re a launch window or international availability. Keep checking back if more details come to light we will certainly share them.
For over 2 years now I’ve been using the Z10. Still loving the functionality and usability but the hardware is slow/outdated, and the screen size is looking too small. I was looking at converting to an iphone 6 but waiting for the specs of the iphone 6s before I make/made that decision. I guess after seeing this article about the Venice, I am curious. It the Venice packs a punch with hardware and the slide keyboard is not flimsy then I may stick with the BBs. If the Venice fails then BB is pretty much long gone for me…and iphone… Read more »
May be this is the last attempt of blackberry to survive
Weirdly, I’m quite interested in this phone. I’d love to get hands-on with it
I have to say I’m pretty curious too. Especially if BlackBerry ends up going with a stock experience like the renders suggest. The hardware actually looks pretty svelte.
If it’s good, its worth a look.
Am Android BlackBerry would be weirdly prestigious.
I agree. I’m a Nexus fan but this combination sounds interesting.