CEO says BlackBerry will build secure Android device if it can

BlackBerry director John Chen has not denied in an interview that the Canadian smartphone maker is working on an Android device. “If I can find a way to make a secure Android phone, I’ll build it,” Chen said.

Although Chen does not confirm the development of the device, it is far from a denial. Chen commented on the rumor during an interview with TV channel CNBC. Asked if the company is working on an Android phone, Chen said, “BlackBerry only makes secure phones and BlackBerrys are the most secure devices. If I can find a way to make a secure Android phone, I’ll build it.” .” Often, the lack of such denial is a strong indication that the rumor is indeed true. If BlackBerry didn’t consider this, Chen would presumably have simply denied the rumor or said he couldn’t comment.

Chen also said some new models from the manufacturer will be released “by the end of the fiscal year.” BlackBerry’s fiscal year ends at the end of February 2016. The Canadian phone maker is expected to release its devices before the holidays, the period when most phones go on sale in many countries.

It is the first time that the Canadian smartphone maker has responded to the ongoing rumors about making an Android phone. Until now, BlackBerry has always stuck to its own operating systems for its smartphones.