Category: Gadgets

The second half of 2015 may see a new device from the handset maker, based on Google’s mobile operating system.

The rumors are flying and reports are coming from every direction, suggesting that BlackBerry smartphones will soon have Android operating systems, despite the fact that at the time that this article was written, the company and its CEO have, so far, not confirmed any of the speculations.

The reports have now indicated that multiple smartphone models will be rolled out this year, using Android.

Though officially unconfirmed, virtually every sign is now indicating that BlackBerry smartphones will soon be produced based on the Android operating system. The company has even gone to the extent of purchasing two domain names “AndroidSecured.com” and “AndroidSecured.net”, which have to do with a statement that CEO John Chen had previously made on the subject. When asked if his company would be making mobile devices based on Android, his reply was that it would happen only if Google’s mobile operating system could be made to be far more secure.

BlackBerry smartphones operating on Android would still maintain some of the company’s own software functions.

Even though it would have a different operating system, there would still be signs of the BlackBerry OS in terms of the software functions as well as the applications services, for example: BBM, BES12, and BlackBerry Blend. This according to a number of sources that have been reported by the media, but who have remained unnamed. They are, supposedly, from Foxconn, the manufacturer of the devices.

In order to boost the hardware’s competitive edge, BlackBerry has also broadened its hardware partnerships in order to include Wistron and Compal Electronics, in addition to the partner that it already has, Foxconn.

Many analysts in the industry feel that if Blackberry smartphones are rolled out with Android, it is very unlikely that the company will face losses as a result. The company does still maintain a strong brand image in a range of different markets. Moreover, its reputation in terms of security – particularly from its enterprise side – is essentially unparalleled. However, it is more than evident that changes need to be made in order to boost the value of the hardware business unit at BlackBerry, and to many, it feels as though this could be the move that would make that difference.

The rise in popularity of wearables is presenting a new form of distraction for drivers on the roads.

While it has been widely accepted that it is dangerous to drive while using a mobile device and, in many places, it has also been deemed illegal, the rising popularity of wearable technology has opened up an entirely new category of tech that does not quite fall into the same category as smartphones.

That said, a safety watchdog considers wearables to be just as dangerous behind the wheel.

That watchdog is now working to have the use of wearable technology by drivers banned while their vehicles are operational on New Zealand roads. The idea is that these gadgets are just as dangerous as smartphones in terms of the distraction that they create for drivers, so the hope is that they will be able to add smartwatches and other types of similar devices to the list of gadgets that drivers are not allowed to use while the keys are in the ignition.

The goal is to ban the use of wearable technology behind the wheel early, before it causes collisions.

Caroline Perry, an advocate from the Brake road safety charity, explained that “A second’s inattention at the wheel can result in tragedy. Smartwatches and other wearable technology are extremely distracting if used while driving.”

Currently, the law in New Zealand states that drivers are not permitted to use their cell phones while they are driving. However, the language of the law does not extend to wearables such as smartwatches like the Apple Watch. This is exactly the issue that Perry and her organization – as well as other safety advocates – are hoping to be able to change.

That said, even before the use of wearables becomes banned by law, Perry is still hoping that motorists will take it upon themselves to remove their wearables or shut them off while they are driving. “Our advice to drivers is to take them off and put them out of reach so that you aren’t tempted to use them at the wheel.”

Since wearable technology is a relatively new category and the number of people who actually own smartwatches, so far, remains pretty small, road safety laws have not yet caught up to the types of products that are available to consumers. Safety advocates, however, are acting as quickly as they can so that they can help to encourage the laws to change in time to prevent many of the potential accidents that would otherwise happen.