Blackberry CEO John Chen speaks to reporters following their annual general meeting for shareholders in Waterloo, June 23, 2015. (Photo : Reuters)
Blackberry's recent purchase of AndroidSecured.com and AndroidSecured.net spurred a question as to whether the company is eyeing the Android platform but the company has been elusive about its desire to develop a mainstream Android smartphone.
Scooping up the two Android-related domain names triggers much speculation. Reportedly, BlackBerry Ltd has intentions to develop a device powered by Google Inc.'s Android platform, which runs most smartphones sold worldwide.
According to The New York Times, the recent move to buy the two domain names is of particular significance after BlackBerry Chief Executive John Chen refused to confirm a June Reuters reporting about the company's plan on an Android phone.
In other news, a likelihood of BlackBerry rolling out several models of Android-based phones, The Globe and Mail reported. Chen said, "I will only build an Android phone if I can 'secure Android.'"
However, BlackBerry moderated the relevance of its domain name purchases through email sent to the publication on July 10, Friday, saying, "BlackBerry occasionally registers domain names in support of the extent of our multiplatform structure. Android is a significant part of our multiplatform business software technique."
Amid the declaration, there are still chatters on tech blogs indicating that the purchase could be a move for BlackBerry to develop its secure Android. Bloggers argue that the company might go beyond supporting the current Android phones on it BES12 device management system. BES12 system allows private and government enterprises to secure Android, iOS, Windows and BlackBerry-powered gadgets on their networks.
Under Chen, Waterloo, the Ontario-based firm has been working to achieve software and device management system, supported by its BlackBerry 10 software system. However, the move failed to capture mass attention. According to analysts and tech gurus, a move by the company to venture into Android platform could offer BlackBerry a new business opportunity.
