BlackBerry 10 phones get the Amazon Appstore in the US
If you’re a BlackBerry-toting American, you’re about to get a ton of Android apps on your plate. As promised, BlackBerry has started the US rollout of an update that gives all BB10 devices access to the Amazon Appstore, saving you from having to sideload some of the Android titles you can’t live without. You’ll also get better anti-theft protection and a “fresh look” that includes faster access to common tasks.
Just when you get your upgrade is a bit of a toss-up. On AT&T, you’re first in line if you’re carrying the older BlackBerry Q10 or Z10; on T-Mobile and Verizon, you’re at the start of the queue if you’re rocking a BlackBerry Classic. Every other BlackBerry 10 device in the country will receive the new software eventually, though, so don’t worry if your Z30 isn’t part of the initial wave.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Amazon, Verizon, AT&T, Blackberry, T-Mobile
Source: Inside BlackBerry
Purported BlackBerry Passport with Android Lollipop onboard appears
PhoneArena states that a BlackBerry device codenamed Venice running Lollipop has surfaced.
Although BB10 OS can run some Android apps, it is not the most user-friendly experience. Not only would having a device using native Android would be better in this regard, but it could be what BlackBerry needs to make the company more competitive.
Additionally, a developer on Twitter adds support to this allegation. He or she posted a photo that appears to show a BlackBerry Passport, model SQW-ANDS, running Android. Supposedly, users also can set preferences to either run Android or BB10.
Lastly, this smartphone would also run the company’s Messenger, which, as PhoneArena explains, could be a difference maker among the many Android devices of today.
The post Purported BlackBerry Passport with Android Lollipop onboard appears appeared first on AndroidGuys.
FDP 020: Apple Music, BlackBerry Android, S6 Plus, and more
Hot off the heels of Apple’s WWDC 2015, the gang gets together for the weekly talk about all things Android! We know, that sounds a little off the rail, but with all that happened on stage at the keynote, the guys just had to react – mostly to Apple Music. But a number of different rumors and announcements appeared since and thus topics in this episode of the FDP range from a potential BlackBerry Android and a potential Galaxy S6 Edge Note! It’s a jam-packed episode so hit that play button!
The FDP by Android Authority – discussing hot topics in Android every week.
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Apple Music is making its way to Android devices this fall
Apple’s other Android app will help you switch to iOS, “recycle” your Android for free
Spotify intends to match Apple Music’s discount family plan
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Joshua Vergara
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Recorded on June 12, 2015 – Hosted and Produced by Joshua Vergara
Android-based BlackBerry smartphone with slide-out keyboard could be coming in the future
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We don’t talk about BlackBerry much here at AndroidSPIN so it’s even more unusual when we have to say the words “Android-based” and “BlackBerry” in the same sentence. According to a report from Reuters, however, that’s exactly what is happening as BlackBerry is allegedly planning an Android-based BlackBerry smartphone for release sometime in the future and could come with BlackBerry staple features like a slide-out keyboard. Whether this would be running pure Android or a forked version of Android (like Nokia and Amazon) remains to be seen.
BlackBerry has all but faded into obscurity in the mainstream smartphone market so changing to Android as its operating system could just be the drastic measure the company needs to claw back some of its long lost market share. Enterprise software (and hardware) is remarkably weak on Android so there is definitely a place for BlackBerry to succeed, so we’ll see if, and when, such an announcement comes from BlackBerry in the near future.
What do you think about BlackBerry making an Android-based BlackBerry smartphone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Reuters via Android Police
The post Android-based BlackBerry smartphone with slide-out keyboard could be coming in the future appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Rumour: BlackBerry and Samsung to release smartphone with Android Lollipop and BlackBerry services later this year
Last week’s rumour that BlackBerry was considering the idea of using the Android operating system for an upcoming smartphone might not be so far-fetched after all, at least according to a tweet from Eldar Murtazin.
Samsung + Blackberry = Android Smartphone with Lollipop + BB services
— Eldar Murtazin (@eldarmurtazin) June 15, 2015
As you can see from the tweet above, he alludes to a joint venture between Samsung and Blackberry, with the device running Android Lollipop and having BlackBerry services baked in. This joint venture is believed to be released later this year.
After rumours of both Samsung and Microsoft making offers to buy the Canadian company, it seems that BlackBerry has chosen instead to strengthen its ties with Samsung. Firstly by teaming up to improve Knox security on Android and now apparently with an upcoming device running Android firmware with BlackBerry services baked in. It has to be said that BlackBerry aren’t in a great position financially, barely holding on to a 1% share of the smartphone market and having to cut jobs.
It’s an interesting rumour for sure. If true, what traditional BlackBerry features would you like to see included? Would you like to see an Android smartphone with a physical keyboard? Let us know in the comments.
Source: Eldar Murtazin (Twitter)
Come comment on this article: Rumour: BlackBerry and Samsung to release smartphone with Android Lollipop and BlackBerry services later this year
Android Authority this week – June 14, 2015
Hello Android fans, this week brought us rumors of new Samsung devices, a potential release date for the OnePlus 2, and Apple’s first foray into the world of Android apps.
The iPhone maker can’t pretend Android doesn’t exist any longer, so it’s bringing Music to Google’s platform this summer; patents gave us a glimpse at Samsung’s future folding tablets and smartphones, while more details of the rumored Galaxy S6 Plus surfaced; OnePlus cut the price of its first device by $50, as the OnePlus 2 is coming round the corner; Google had another busy update window; a new report confirmed the Huawei Nexus; BlackBerry is reportedly working on an Android device; and Oculus introduced the consumer version of the Rift.
Inside AA HQ
It’s been pretty quiet around AA HQ this week, though that doesn’t mean we’ve revved down our Android coverage engines. Quite the opposite, we had several cool reviews, comparisons, and feature pieces coming out these past seven days, and some of the best are highlighted below.
The world’s biggest gaming event, E3, is starting this Tuesday, and for the first time ever, Android Authority will be covering the show on the ground. Gaming on Android is big and getting bigger each year, and we want to be a part of that. Expect hands-on coverage of hot new titles and Android gaming devices, but also our impressions of the show as a whole. Game on!
This week we’re putting a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge up for grabs. As always, it’s super easy to get your raffle tickets, so you’ve got nothing to lose!
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- Opinion: Nirave discusses the benefits and drawbacks of rugged devices
- Opinion: Should after-sale services and warranty programs be higher on your list of priorities?
- Review: Lanh reviews the excellent Xiaomi Mi Note Pro
- Versus: Josh pitches against each other the two hottest Android devices right now: S6 Edge and LG G4
- Review: It’s not just the flagships that matter: Bailey reviews the affordable Blue Life One
- Feature: Gary gives you a thoughtful perspective on the changes the emergence of true AI will bring
- Feature: Samsung is at a turning point. What paths can it take?
- How to: Turn your Galaxy S6 Edge in an Iron Man edition with Slickwraps
Top news of the week
And here are the top news in the Android world this week:
Folding Samsung
- New Samsung patent could be further proof of Project Valley, a rumored foldable device
- Samsung’s foldable tablet could look like this
S6 Plus and Note 5 rumors
- Samsung patents automatic ejectable stylus design for a Galaxy Note
- Galaxy Note 5 rumor: USB 3.1 Type-C and Quad HD display
- Rumors point to 5.7-inch Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, but trademark hints at S6 Note moniker
Apple on Android
- Apple Music is making its way to Android devices this fall
- Apple’s other Android app will help you switch to iOS, “recycle” your Android for free
OnePlus One & 2
- OnePlus One now from $249 permanently, partners with Dropbox for promo
- OnePlus won’t issue Android 5.1 update for OxygenOS until the OnePlus Two is released
- Enter these contests for your chance to win a OnePlus Two
- OnePlus 2 rumored to launch this July with a $322 price point
Google apps updates
- Google Maps gains improved photo viewer and rental car information in v9.10 update
- Google’s new family-friendly section now live in the Play Store
- Google offering a free movie rental for Chromecast owners
- Android Auto update supports Galaxy S4 and S5 on AT&T, Sprint and Verizon
- Gmail adds OAuth support for Microsoft and Yahoo email accounts
- Google Slides updated bringing Chromecast support and more
Huawei Nexus
DroidBerry
Oculus Rift is ready for business
Sound off
We always want to hear your feedback. Whether it’s criticism or praise, feel free to tell us what you think about Android Authority’s content, design, and community. Comment here or get in touch with us on our social channels:
Happy Sunday!
Android-based BlackBerry smartphone with slide-out keyboard could be coming in the future
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We don’t talk about BlackBerry much here at AndroidSPIN so it’s even more unusual when we have to say the words “Android-based” and “BlackBerry” in the same sentence. According to a report from Reuters, however, that’s exactly what is happening as BlackBerry is allegedly planning an Android-based BlackBerry smartphone for release sometime in the future and could come with BlackBerry staple features like a slide-out keyboard. Whether this would be running pure Android or a forked version of Android (like Nokia and Amazon) remains to be seen.
BlackBerry has all but faded into obscurity in the mainstream smartphone market so changing to Android as its operating system could just be the drastic measure the company needs to claw back some of its long lost market share. Enterprise software (and hardware) is remarkably weak on Android so there is definitely a place for BlackBerry to succeed, so we’ll see if, and when, such an announcement comes from BlackBerry in the near future.
What do you think about BlackBerry making an Android-based BlackBerry smartphone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Reuters via Android Police
The post Android-based BlackBerry smartphone with slide-out keyboard could be coming in the future appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
BlackBerry reportedly considers Android with new phone
When things get difficult in the mobile industry, it is time to retreat and reactivate. Companies can rebrand, overhaul lineups, and undergo a myriad of other strategies to reinvent themselves. For BlackBerry, that may happen for the second time in just a few years. The company previously known as Research In Motion (RIM) has seen BlackBerry 10, its dedicated mobile operating system, flop with consumers as it looks and feels slower than the competition. It is no surprise that the company’s hardware has also experienced lackluster sales, leaving BlackBerry’s hold on the market at less than one percent.
The once dominant team in Canada could be looking outside of Waterloo for help.
Reuters reports that BlackBerry is considering the release of a device later this year that is powered by Android. The hardware apparently debuted at MWC 2015 in the form of a sliding dual-curved display phone. So BlackBerry would continue to produce a phone with a physical keyboard, which the company is famous for, while including software that is widely acclaimed and rich with developer support. That phone is expected to be released in August.
The transition would be part of a shift for BlackBerry to focus on software and device management. Its BlackBerry Enterprise Service 12 (BES12) works across iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and a few other platforms.
BlackBerry had the following to say about the report:
“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.”
The rumored offer from Microsoft to purchase BlackBerry seems to be on hold or never existed at all. Samsung, too, was said to have put an offer on the table; however, that ended up being a hoax and a partnership between the two was reinforced. BlackBerry should act quickly with the execution of plans because cutting jobs is not a sign of a prosperous future.
Source: Reuters
Come comment on this article: BlackBerry reportedly considers Android with new phone
Is BlackBerry making an Android device?
BlackBerry has stayed committed to its operating system, which is safe, secure and has been greatly improved with its latest iteration (BlackBerry 10). It’s not a bad platform, in all honesty, but all that glorious pride probably won’t get their reach above the measly 1% market share the platform currently holds. A change has been due since years ago, and it seems they may finally be ready to take the plunge and step into the better side… the Android side.
Four sources “familiar with the matter” are telling Reuters the Waterloo, Ontario manufacturer is getting ready to release an Android device. These internal sources claim BlackBerry is likely to release a phone running the Android OS this autumn. It’s said to come with a touchscreen and one of those physical keyboards that continue to keep the few BlackBerry fans around using this dying platform. It wouldn’t be your usual BlackBerry Bold-like device and keyboard, though. This unique BlackBerry phone is said to have a slide-out keyboard you can opt to use or ignore.
Both Google and BlackBerry were approached for an official statement:
“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.”
Why would BlackBerry do this?!
One might argue this is a desperate attempt to gain more market share, but that seems to be far from the case. The idea is probably to promote BES12 security services running on other platforms. BES12 works not only with BlackBerry 10, but also with Android, iOS and Windows Phone. And since Android is the most proliferated mobile OS in the world, it only makes sense to try and show the world how well BES12 can handle it.
Would people like an Android BlackBerry device?
BlackBerry fans are plentiful, and we can’t deny the manufacturer makes some rocking phones. And those keyboards… oh, those keyboards! They are gorgeous and feel amazing to type on. But do they help at all?
Let’s put it how my beloved friend and fellow writer Cristina Mora laid it out when I let her use a BlackBerry Classic review unit for a bit: “This keyboard is like a good-looking lover you have a one-night stand with; it feels good to the touch, but that doesn’t make it the best alternative in the long run”. It’s amazing how I answered with a chuckle and knew exactly what she meant.
This keyboard doesn’t really make me (or my friend) faster at typing. And you can always benefit from the extra screen real estate. Or in this case BlackBerry could make the phone thinner by removing the slide-out keyboard, or maybe add in a much larger battery.
What do you think, would you consider a Blackberry device running Android? Let us know what you think in the comments.
BlackBerry reported to release Android device this fall
BlackBerry has been quiet ever since the rise of Android and iOS. BlackBerry used to be the home for power users and people who needed more from their phone than to just call and text. The problem nowadays is that almost every phone does that. In a quest regain some of their mojo, the latest reports suggest that BlackBerry may release a device later this year running the Android operating system.
According to multiple sources, thanks to Reuters, BlackBerry’s newest strategy is to change its focus to software and device management. It is unknown if they would still employ BlackBerry OS or merely turn it into a skin, such as TouchWiz or Sense UI.
The sources also state that the BlackBerry Android device would feature a touchscreen backed by a slide-out physical keyboard. This would be huge in the smartphone market. Currently no Android or iOS device have such capabilities. Not only would it appeal to many, but it would definitely create a stir on the internet.
The post BlackBerry reported to release Android device this fall appeared first on AndroidGuys.
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