BlackBerry and Google have announced a new, enterprise-focused partnership. The two companies are working together to marry BlackBerry's BES12 enterprise device deployment service and new security features in Android 5.0 Lollipop for increased mobile security, better device management, and easier deployment of enterprise apps for Android devices.
BES12 already comes with support for Lollipop, and features like end-to-end security, global support, and the ability to lock down certain assets on any corporate device are already built-in. With this new partnership, BES12 will also integrate with Google Play for Work, with increased focus on application management.
From BlackBerry:
New features are now available through Android and BES12 that enable organizations to further secure enterprise and personal data on Android devices, set new levels of hardware based encryption, and ensure tight integration with Google Play™ for Work, for increased application management, while delivering a consistent end-user and management experience across their Android fleet.
This announcement follows recent reports of a possible Android-powered BlackBerry smartphone.
BlackBerry will release more details on its partnership with Google at a later date. For now, you can sign up for more information at the link below.
Correction - This post regrettably requires some clarification as it's not a new partnership at all. In the midst of all the Android rumors floating about along with the recent BES12.2 news which, brings integration with Samsung's KNOX Workspace, Android for Work, and Apple Device Enrollment Program, the Google page hosted by BlackBerry was updated and mistaken for a recent announcement when, in fact, these announcements were made previously.
Source: BlackBerry
Reader comments
BlackBerry and Google announce new partnership for Android in business [Updated]
I would love to see how it would work and if it does it would really help Blackberry
forget it just make blackberry rom and be done with it.... quit playing
Um, I never had one of those ugly little square screen phones with a keyboard before and this won't change a thing.
From my Note 3 to thee
Blackberry needed this as a platform. As a consumer I could see that they had a following, it dwindled, times changed, and then BB had to essentially start from scratch. With this foundation, it'll have room to continue doing what it did best in the years before.
Good but if google let's blackberry make da next becuz it will be a bad idea.
An Android phone made by BlackBerry would certainly be interesting.
So this will be a hybrid of Android and BlackBerry OS ? Or it will be an Android with BlackBerry-level security ?
Posted via the Android Central App
So the allure for government or corporate workers to use Blackberry has always been the security of the os. How will running Android effect this?
Posted via the Android Central App
Wait, you mean the same modern BBOS that isn't safe or secure enough for most governments to even consider it? Yes, clearly that's why people buy blackberries. >_>
My phone usage has changed in the past couple of years. I use my phone as a hub for my wearables like moto360 and fitbit, my media output like chromecast and bluetooth speakers, communications like social media and messaging, and photos. A blackberry device with a keyboard, android, and a great camera would be all the phone I could ever want.
Blackberry...
Belongs...
In a Museum!
/drjones
Cool, now hopefully my work will respect Android security sooner than later.
I actually kind of like the idea. I was a avid BlackBerry user before the time of Android.
Posted via the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 running Lollipop 5.0.1 on the T-Mobile Network.
Um, will we see the Password Keeper ported to Android? I absolutely love the set up on that. I've used many, and none lived up to what BB had.
This is awesome. So much blackberry hate. I'll never understand it. BlackBerry was the first phone for me that made me into the tech junkie I am today. The best at security plus the best at services seems like a good thing to me... Call me crazy.
Posted via the Android Central App
Apparently they weren't the best or they wouldn't be in the predicament they are in now. They are always teetering on the edge of oblivion. They were at the top for a while, not because they were the best. They had little to no competition. Microsoft was still floundering around with Windows Mobile, trying to make it look like WinXP on a PDA and the iPhone hadn't yet been invented. They stayed on top mostly because of enterprise and federal contracts, not because they were appealing to the masses. The masses just went along because it was better than a flip phone. Blackberry's mistake was always arrogance. That lead to stagnation. They had no incentive to improve and innovate. Apple is following a similar path and will eventually reach a similar end if they continue to stagnate. One sign that Apple may have learned from Blackberry's mistakes is the iPhone 6. They finally learned that users wanted a bigger screen and pull down notifications just like Android phones had been offering for years. They still have a long way to go.
BlackBerry was originally 8 years ahead of android and 7 years ahead of ios. Their platform was already aging when the iphone and android was released. That's why their ship started sinking. They have moved on from their old platform.
BlackBerry 10 devices already run android on the side. O.S 10.3.1 runtime is android 4.3. Next step is adding the option of google play services support.
Superior user interface, universal search, shortcuts and easy access to all the apps. Can't wait for their next step.
Businesses aren't allowed to offer google play services and total android support unless they pay royalties and display the android logo.
This would've been a big thing 5-6 years ago. But the Android is now associated with bugs and no security is now drilled into most people's heads, especially in enterprise.
It's a good step but it's too late.
Posted via the Android Central App
Android on a BB-made device would be pretty great, honestly. Blackberry is actually very good in the hardware front -- they make solid, high-quality phones with decent displays, great speakers, and even their cameras are getting better. I'd be interested.
Posted via the Android Central App
Every Blackberry I ever owned (4 of them) had an ok screen, an ok camera, an ok speaker, ok call quality, ok radio reception, and freakin' amazing battery life. I might actually be almost ready to make that compromise again.
ahhhh warm piss
I got that reference lol
Posted via the Android Central App
Blackberry nexus with 4gb ram, a1440p 6.2inch display, Usb type-c, and a fingerprint scanner. Who wants to buy it?
Posted from SPACE THE FINAL FRONTIER!!!
Smaller display but I agree with everything else. At least a 3500mAh battery as well.
Posted via the Android Central App
I am in. This Nexus 6 is starting to feel kinda small. The Nexus 5 really feels tiny. After using the N6 for a couple weeks, I will never understand someone saying the N5 is too big.
Posted via the Android Central App
Once more, I'll ask for them to PLEASE port Blackberry Sound Profiles to Android
Couldn't agree more. That's my most missed feature from BB.
I loved being able to have some contacts ring loud, some ring silent, difference text and email tones and volumes within the same profile. And several profiles for different situations. Also softer reminders, but louder alarms.
At work, I always had it set to vibrate for phone (except important contacts), soft ping for texts, unique sound for my wife, silent emails, etc. It was wonderful.
And it was all native in the OS, no apps required. I cant believe Android is still all or nothing.
Isn't BB already doing this with Samsung for Knox??
Posted via the Android Central App
I believe so, this just makes it common to Android on any device in the future.
i would love to see a bb device running full android os. none of that side loading crap
If it's running a full Android OS, then side loading is a normal part of it.
You do not have to side load any longer.
Posted via the Android Central App
Just let me get rid of Good while still accessing my corporate email. Good is one of the worst Android apps out there.
I'll see your Good and raise you a Touchdown. That is a true abomination.
Posted via the Android Central App
+1000
Posted via Android Central App
I have never hated an app like I hate Good. It just needs to die a quick death.
AirWatch is also a pain in the darkstar.
Posted via the Android Central App
Well that was unexpected.
Not really. Just announcing new features to existing support. Blackberry realized a long time ago they weren't going to win the hardware battle and settled for supporting other platforms on BES.
Posted via the Android Central App
I can't wait to see the BBDroid phone. I never used BB ever but this would entice me should a phone come.
Posted via the Android Central App
Blackberry = kiss of death...... Don't do it Google!
I must have missed your last expert report. Last I heard BlackBerry is doing fine, lol.
Their stock price has dipped to less than $10....
Posted via the Android Central App
Time to buy low and sell high
Time to buy low and sell when they get bought and sold for spare parts
Sent via carrier duck. They were out of pigeons
It's funny when CrackBerry users leak over here. They are not doing fine. BlackBerry is the definition of failure.
They are not the definition of failure, NORTEL would be the definition of failure. Blackberry has been muddling along just fine for the past little while and they haven't closed shop yet, so it's still good to go!
Blackberry and Atari is the definition of the "Success Trap"
Posted via the Android Central App
Blackberry stock price was $69 in 2011 and peaked at $230 in 2007. Today, it's under $8. Blackberry stock is down 30% year to date and has lost 19% in just the last 30 days. So, yeah, they're doing just fine for certain definitions of "fine".
They're doing fine. I believe their mistake was trying to focus on the general consumer. This is a smart idea anyway since Google does the heavy marketing to the entire population while BB does takes care of the business oriented world.
Posted via Android Central App
I'm not sure what to say to you??? Lol.. Nokia is doing fine, unicel is on the up and up.. Looking great. RadioShack is about to take the world by storm... Ha ha..
Posted via the Android Central App using a Note 4
I think it's BlackBerry giving up on BB10. Google will be just fine.