BlackBerry Rumored to Release Android Smartphone in November

(via: @evleaks)

Just when you thought the name “BlackBerry” had faded into obscurity, the company that used to rule the smartphone world looks to be back with a new handset. And this time, it’s running Google’s Android.

Yes, according to an image posted to Twitter by famed tech leaker Evan Blass (better known by his handle @evleaks), BlackBerry is really hoping you miss tapping away on a smartphone with its own physical keyboard.

The image shows a rendering of BlackBerry’s long rumored Venice smartphone. Based on the render, the phone will have a curved screen that cascades off its sides (similar to Samsung’s Galaxy S6 Edge) and a slide-out keyboard.

That slider design is reminiscent of older Android phones, such as Motorola’s older Droid smartphone, which had a keyboard that slide out from its side. The Venice’s keyboard, however, slides out from the phone’s bottom, which should make it feel more like a classic BlackBerry.

Based on the image, the Venice phone will run a full version of Google’s Android, which means you’ll get access to all of Google’s goods and services including the Google Play Store.

I’ve got to admit, based on what I’ve seen, I’m pretty interested in the BlackBerry Venice. The render is attractive, and no matter how far onscreen keyboards have advanced, nothing beats a physical keyboard for speed and accuracy. Still, BlackBerry isn’t exactly a super sexy name, which could make the Venice a tough sell.

The new phone is expected to hit the market this November and (Blass says) will eventually make its way to all four major U.S. carriers.

Email Daniel at dhowley@yahoo-inc.com; follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley or on Google+.