Venice: it would be the Android BlackBerry with keyboard

Android fans who still want a physical keyboard might have something to celebrate later in the year. If last week, it was reported that BlackBerry is working on an Android smartphone, it looks like it is more than a rumor.

Known by the code name "Venice", the new BlackBerry Android smartphone is expected to arrive in November, with the following specifications: a 5.4 inch screen with a resolution Quad HD or 2560 x 1440 pixels, a hexa-core 64-bit processor, the Snapdragon 808 clocked at 1.8 GHz, 3GB of RAM and a 18 megapixel on the back, and a front camera of 5 megapixels.

The smartphone itself was briefly highlighted at Mobile World Congress by an officer of the company, and it is supposed to be Android.


The Venice would have a sliding physical keyboard down, and could be the mysterious device that CEO, John Chen, Tease at MWC. Even more interesting, the display would have two curved edges, like the Galaxy Edge S6.

If one believes the features mentioned above, it is clear that BlackBerry will do everything to get a high end smartphone. However, the choice of processor is questionable. The Snapdragon 808 quad has chips, coupled with dual-core. If the 808 happens to be the same processor as the one embedded in the LG G4, why it was chosen by LG is the upgraded version of the Snapdragon 810 was not yet ready. With OnePlus already announcing that the OnePlus 2 will use the Snapdragon 810 (v2.1) without overheating problem, it is curious that BlackBerry does not do the same.


Android or a fork?

BlackBerry is perhaps more famous then, but a smartphone based on Android could be enough to revive the company. There are still many professionals who crave the BlackBerry brand, not to mention Android users who covet a physical keyboard.


The big issue is the software part. Does the company will offer a full version of Android with Google services or fork version similar to what Amazon offers? The latter choice would be a huge mistake, because it would not be equally attractive for current Android fans, as the smartphone does not have the basic Google apps such as Google Play Store, Gmail and Maps.

Anyway, I'll keep you informed!
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