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Google-BlackBerry tie holds great potential

Bonnie Tubbs
By Bonnie Tubbs, ITWeb telecoms editor.
Johannesburg, 22 Jun 2015
Rumours that BlackBerry is working on an Android phone intensify, with emerging markets likely to be the initial focus.
Rumours that BlackBerry is working on an Android phone intensify, with emerging markets likely to be the initial focus.

A partnership between one-time mobile darling BlackBerry and Internet giant Google - for its mobile operating system (OS) giant Android - could create a powerhouse and be one of the most unexpected game changers the smartphone industry has seen.

This is according to industry watchers and comes in response to long-standing rumours around BlackBerry working on a handset running the Android OS - with complete integration of Google Play services - that have re-emerged, with added credence.

News sites and tech blogs are awash with reports that BlackBerry's once vaguely rumoured move to release an Android phone could become a reality by the end of the year. According to N4BB, indications are the Canadian smartphone maker is readying two Android devices, for release this year, with the first focusing on emerging markets.

BlackBerry says it does not comment on rumours and speculation, but emphasises it remains committed to the BlackBerry 10 OS, which it says "provides security and productivity benefits that are unmatched".

Powerhouse play

Swift Consulting CEO and tech blogger Liron Segev says the fact that the possibility of a BlackBerry Android play is looking more solid is exciting and, should it come to fruition, such a move could be a huge game changer in the industry.

Segev outlined the "puzzle pieces" that made for a strong case in terms of a BlackBerry-Google tie up in October last year. He pointed out four key elements at play - including the need for Android to evolve to remain relevant; misgivings around the BlackBerry Passport and its reputation as a superior mobile messaging device (that would do well if it had an Android ecosystem); BlackBerry's "unwavering pedigree in security"; and exclusive deals (for example Apple and IBM) pushing the parties to tighten their own grip on the enterprise market.

He says a BlackBerry Android phone would ultimately represent a mutually beneficial relationship, where BlackBerry ("known for all the wrong reasons") would benefit from becoming more open source, and Android (with "questionable" security, especially in the enterprise space) would gain more of a reputation for being secure.

"This could be one of the market's big game changers, where two companies create a real powerhouse."

World Wide Worx MD Arthur Goldstuck says this would be a "great opportunity" for BlackBerry to apply its security expertise to Android, which so desperately needs it.

Learning curve

Goldstuck points out the success of a BlackBerry Android phone in SA will be a case of the devil in the detail of the execution - and particularly in the roll-out and pricing strategy.

"BlackBerry has disappointed the local market by keeping it waiting for new product released elsewhere, when it should have been a priority market, as well as with pricing that was out of kilter with affordability levels of the most likely customers."

An emerging market phone combining the still trusted BlackBerry brand, plus the openness of an Android ecosystem - if priced right - could arrest the decline of BlackBerry's handset fortunes in SA, he says.

"The truth is that BlackBerry remains a trusted and strong brand in many developing markets. Smartphone adoption is growing fast in these markets, and BlackBerry has an opportunity to ride that wave."

Segev says an emerging market device to start off with - again, provided BlackBerry gets the pricing right - would mean a foot in the door for BlackBerry, which could then go on to win over new enterprise markets that seek security, but allow employee devices to run a range of platforms, including Android. "It's low-hanging fruit to go for the emerging market to get people talking first."

Ultimately, says Segev, a tie-up could be a lot bigger than just a couple of BlackBerry-Android devices. "This could be a test [for BlackBerry and Google] and lead to a bigger focus on the corporate side. Google, which may be losing its grip on Samsung [due to its own Tizen OS] would be a good chief ally to have and BlackBerry would be able to say it is both open and secure."

BMI-TechKnowledge director Brian Neilson says, if cards are played right, BlackBerry is likely to win over users who have an affinity to the brand - which is still quite strong due to its historical prominence - but who realise the world they are living in is increasingly an Android one.

"The world is gravitating towards a handful of application ecosystems, with Android, iOS leading, and Microsoft in catch-up mode likely to take third place, relegating BlackBerry into relative obscurity.

"Developers are unlikely to support all platforms, so it makes sense from the app store perspective, and also because Android is highly customisable, so died-in-wool BlackBerry lovers may not be totally put off by its variant."

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