BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) has all along been rumored to be considering Android-powered smartphones. Given early reactions, analysts believe that making Android phone would enable BlackBerry to sustain its presence in the handsets business. If indeed BlackBerry is working on an Android phone, there could actually be two such phones in the making according to leaks.
Leaks cite that BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) is working on two new smartphones, possibly for release this year. However, it remains unclear whether the two phones would all run Android or only one would.
BlackBerry Venice
BlackBerry is reportedly working on a smartphone called Venice, which is said to come with a slider. Rumors have linked Venice device to Android with some sources saying that the device will run Android Lollipop. The slider in Venice is expected to allow for implementation of both software keyboard and physical keyboard.
Leaked photos allegedly showing BlackBerry Venice have revealed a device that is fitted with an 18-MP primary camera, curved edge displays and Android Interface.
The device is also rumored to have a 5-MP front camera and is powered by Snapdragon 808 chip, giving processor speed of 1.8GHz. Further rumors cited that BlackBerry Venice has a 5.4-inch display and boasts 3GB of RAM.
Physical keyboard in a slider
The physical keyboard in Venice is expected to come in the form of a slider, which BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY)’s CEO, John Chen, had previously hinted about at the MWC.
BlackBerry Prague
Besides the Venice, there have also been reports about BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) working on another handset called Prague, which further compounds confusion about Android adoption by BlackBerry.
With Venice and Prague said to be new smartphones in the works, it is been difficult to say exactly which of these device will run Android. Some have cited that BlackBerry might favor its BlackBerry 10 OS in Venice and make Prague its first Android smartphone. However, with reports that Prague is more like BlackBerry Z3, it doesn’t look likely that the device would come with both software and physical keyboards as have been rumored.
Without a physical Keyboard, BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) might not excite Android fans who covet button keyboards, which means there may not be meaningful gains for the company.
Sources: digitaltrends
