The company has confirmed that it will be moving ahead with mobile devices using that operating system.
The release of the first BlackBerry Android smartphones is already underway as the Priv became available earlier this month and as the company watches its sales to see whether or not this device will make a difference in its rate of recovery.
That said, according to BlackBerry, it will not be halting its creation of hardware and it has a plan in mind.
In fact, recently, the company confirmed that the Priv will not be the last of the BlackBerry Android smartphones. Media reports have shown that an advanced security solutions expert from the company’s Advisory Division, Nader Henein, revealed that the use of the Google mobile operating system in the company’s handsets “wouldn’t be a once-off” occurrence. He went on to point out that purchasing an Android usage license “is too expensive and it is a mass market product – it is for consumers, it is for enterprise, and is really for anyone who likes the keyboard and the versatility of the operating system.”
It was also pointed out that Google has been supportive about the creation of BlackBerry Android smartphones.
This came as surprising news to many in the mobile technology industry as it has been a relatively common occurrence for BlackBerry to take shots at Google’s security levels, saying that the tech giant’s efforts to secure its operating system and its security controls have been insufficient.
That said, it is obvious that there is also some advantage for Google in this arrangement, if only that BlackBerry – a company very well known for its high level of mobile security – would add the Android operating system to its devices.
At the same time, what is not yet known is whether or not the use of the Android operating system will actually cut into the strong reputation that BlackBerry has in mobile security. It is a considerable risk, but considering the way the company’s smartphone sales have been going, it is clearly one that the company was willing to take.
Now, the world will be watching not only the progress of the Priv sales, but it’s certain that the rumors will start flying about what will be next in BlackBerry Android smartphones.
Retailers expecting to see good results during the holiday season may have to ensure that they are prepared to serve mobile consumers. These consumers will be using a range of solutions when participating in mobile commerce, such as new payment and shopping applications. Retailers will also have to ensure that their websites are able to handle a higher degree of mobile traffic. In the past, many consumers have reported problems with completing their purchases using a mobile device. This has lead to these purchases being abandoned and retailers being criticized for their relatively ineffective commerce systems.