Video of Android-toting BlackBerry device leaked online

Some see it as a desperate measure in desperate times, some say it is a wise decision.

People online are talking about a leaked video showing what is reportedly a new BlackBerry smartphone that runs on an Android operating system.

Dubbed BlackBerry Venice, the device could finally be the realization of what has long been rumored as BlackBerry’s goal of expanding into its top competitor. If ever it releases to the market, BlackBerry Venice will set the record for being the first smartphone maker that embraces the operating system of its rival Google.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2-bR5zFbzw

Does this mean BlackBerry will support two platforms going forward? More likely yes, from every indication.

This, however, is not the first time that an image of the Android-toting BlackBerry leaked online. In the recent past, there had been rumors and leaks of what the tech community believed as the possible look and features of a similar device. The recent video reveals a clearer picture of what BlackBerry and Android fans could anticipate from the upcoming device, if ever it goes out to the consumer market.

The upcoming BlackBerry device will reportedly retain its traditional slideout keyboard. There also remains the touch capability for the keyboard to help users easily navigate the screen when reading messages, viewing images and scrolling the apps.

You might be wondering what version of Android the BlackBerry Venice is running on. Well, trusted sources have it that the device is running the 5.0 version, also known as Android Lollipop. There is a slight variation, however, from the original Lollipop, as BlackBerry has reportedly customized the Android 5.0 on the Venice smartphone.

Also, according to people who have first hand taken a glimpse of BlackBerry Venice, the device is allegedly featuring Google Now, Google’s personal assistant like Apple’s Siri and Windows Phone’s Cortana. The app can be opened through a touch gesture on the device’s home button. But this gesture can also conjure up the BlackBerry Hub and search, so it is quite a wonder how BlackBerry will handle the duplicity of these gestures. As we know, BlackBerry Hub is a centralized portal for viewing messages and notifications and the universal search for locating email content and other files stored in the device or in its removable memory card.

It only makes sense, then, to believe that BlackBerry is at work to try to surpass what Google is already offering its avid users by customizing and enhancing the features already available to Android users.