Chen: BlackBerry will build an Android smartphone only if it can make it secure enough

Earlier today, BlackBerry reported that it sold 1.1 million smartphones during the last quarter - 0.5 million less than in the previous quarter. Even so, the company isn't doing terribly bad (thanks to its services and software licensing business), and it will obviously continue to manufacture smartphones running BlackBerry OS. But what about those Android-related plans that the company is reportedly ready to pursue? Well, BlackBerry CEO John Chen today talked about this.

During an interview with CNBC (see the video embedded below), John Chen was asked what's the deal with all the rumors regarding Android-based BlackBerry handsets. His answer: "We only build secure phones, and BlackBerry is the most secure phone. So, if I can find a way to secure the Android phone, I will also build that." In other words, John Chen confirms the fact that BlackBerry is open to embracing Android in certain conditions, but for now he can't say more about this.

If we're to believe rumors, BlackBerry could launch its first Android smartphone as soon as August. The handset should be an entry-level, affordable one that resembles the BlackBerry Z3 (pictured above). A high-end BlackBerry Android device might follow, possibly bringing a Quad HD curved display and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Customers seem to like the idea of an Android-based BlackBerry, so let's wait and see if the Canadian company will indeed experiment with Google's OS.



source: CNBC via CrackBerry