Following up on some previous launch date rumors about the BlackBerry 'Venice' slider, Evan Blass, also known as @evleaks, has taken to Twitter to offer some details on the launch timeframe as well, wherein he notes the device will be headed to Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon in November though the info lacks the specific date heard earlier of November 16th.
BlackBerry Venice confirmed for November release on all four national US carriers. pic.twitter.com/l5jFCGKLjO
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) August 19, 2015To go along with the launch information, there's also a new set of renders similar to those we posted earlier but this time around we get a better look at the Hub as well as some unmistakable Android Lollipop influence alongside the Google Play Store being inferred as accessible on the device.
At this point, the Android stuff is far from surprising but assuming the information is correct, it will mark the first time a BlackBerry device will be made available from Sprint since the BlackBerry Q10 was released and folks on Verizon who have missed out on all the BlackBerry Passport love and weren't fans of the BlackBerry Classic, will have the slider as an option. November is still a long ways away but, there's also rumors BlackBerry will have more to say at IFA in Berlin when it kicks off on September 4. We'll have folks there, just in case.
Reader comments
BlackBerry 'Venice' slider could arrive on Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon in November
I love BlackBerry 10 OS.. I think it is just enough to get the playstore apps but I don't like Android OS.. still it is cool to see a hybrid model for android fans
Posted via CB10
Oh sure, NOW Sprint wants to offer a new BlackBerry. Idiots.
This is a good idea.
Posted via CB10
I'm excited about the phone coming to Verizon. I'm also intrigued by the android powered device. I hope they marry the hub and android. I would love to use a few key apps on my phone that BlackBerry doesn't have.
Fingers crossed this comes to fruition for Verizon.
Posted via CB10
T-Mobile!
Posted via CB10
I need the hub though!!!! Are they completely trashing the hub?
Posted via CB10
No. BB is going cross platform with their BlackBerry Enterprise Suite coming to All platforms. This means HUB, maybe gestures, enterprise apps, blend, BBM. It's a Real deal. Tons of articles are on the web.
Posted via the CrackBerry App for Android
Well I hope they sell a lot of them, but a slider is not my cup of tea.
It would be great if they could mix both OS in the same device. I read some comments about a choice on the initial startup, but I don't think it's a good thing to let the user choose the OS, people with no knowledge of BlackBerry will be totally lost. Hopefully BlackBerry will find a way to add the google play store without removing the bb10 features we love already.
Posted via CB10
I got to have it first.
I'll take the BlackBerry OS, thank you.
Posted with my Passport.
Remove slide and keys
Posted via CB10
Verizon in November ? Ha! I'll say more like May 2016.
Posted via CB10
Finally a (worthwhile?) upgrade to my Q10!
Posted via CB10
But seriously on Lolipop when the rest of the world would have moved on with Android M?
Posted via CB10
When people think android, they then think rooting. Hahahahah.
I bet it's running the android RUNTIME on top of QNX. Don't forget, the runtime has improved so much that it's probably ready behind the scenes and we were ALL experimenting with BETA or RELEASE CANDIDATE versions of it through each update of BB10. 10.0, 10.1, 10.2, 10.2.1, 10.3, 10.3.1, 10.3.2, what's next? 10.3.4 or 10.4 and it's primed and ready. XD
Typed using my BlackBerry Classic running 10.3.2 on WINDmobile HSPA+
It's the end of BB10 as we know it (and I feel fine)
Posted via CB10
nice update, thanks to @evleaks, seems to be 50 % official, rest blackberry will make out in September 2015. Lets watch it out
Guys, if you zoom in on that slide with content transfer (blue tile) you can clearly make out the words "to your new Blackberry Android device"
Secure Android is cometh. finally.
I pick BlackBerry Passport running QNX BB10...if I want android, I'll buy Samsung or moto etc.
Posted Via CA Governor's BlackBerry Passport.
Any chance the carriers would have it in White?
Posted via CB10
I'm so happy all 4 carriers are getting Blackberrys awesome keep it up carriers
If it's BB10 I'll take 2 of them. If not no thanks.
Posted via CB10
Yeah VZW
Posted via CB10
All 4 carriers? Maybe they're planning a real marketing campaign to really give this thing a fair chance. Maybe we're looking at BB's turnaround here.
Posted via CB10
The only way I would consider this device is if there's a BlackBerry 10 version. I'll never have an Android device.
Posted via CB10
Agree!
I'm also uninterested in the Android version, but fully support the idea of a BlackBerry Android phone. I wouldn't have a problem if BlackBerry made a Windows version either.
Posted via CB10
Android? I'll pass.
Posted via CB10
You know a lot of people went from BlackBerry to samsung back in the day. Or to HTC so all these years later people get board and look for a reason to try another brand. If it runs android and has all there apps there is a good chance they grab this device. They should also have an all touch version. Me though I came to terms with the limits of bb10 app wise and I prefer Blackberrys os so I'll stick with bb10 till it is no more
Posted via CB10
Lollipop, not marshmallow ?? Would'a been a coup if it were to be the FIRST out with the new OS instead of LAST...
Posted via CB10
...also, will it Blend?!
I don't see a hub, it shows the crappy gmail/android email client in pictures above.
eagrly waiting for this phone cmon bleckberry
khavt a punjabi ch ik
DER AE DRUST AE
I'm getting the Blackdroid either way! I own the Classic, Q10, Passport silver, Leap and my favorite of all time THE BOLD 9930, I just hope it is somewhat like BB10, I love the hub and swipe gestures, but like I said, either way I'm in!!
Posted via CB10
Blackberry... you keep using that word when referencing this android. I do not think it means what you think it means.
Posted via CB10
Hope it works...
Posted via CB10
If BBRY's affair with Android stops off at Google Play, I will be fine with that.
Since I do not install third parties apps I will not simply use that data mining stuff.
BTW, I hope they will make Venice also in silver/white. Venice's older brother Galaxy S6 edge really looks cool in silver/white version.
●Hey Kiddie, here is your lollipop, marshmallow..(insert current version of Android). Take it - it's free. Uncle Google will just want a small piece of your data in return.●
If they're dead set on releasing an Android phone, then whatever
Just pleeeeeease tell me it will also be available with BB10. I've wanted a slider for ages and I hate Android.
Posted via CB10
Ooooo goodie, a device on my carrier (Verizon) that o have no use for. Would rather have passport support.
Posted via CB10
Hail Mary play.
Posted via CB10
Android no >=/
Posted via CB10
I hope there's an unlock version. I probably get it so long as hub, picture password and flick text are included.
Posted via the CrackBerry App for Android
Curious as to what slides on it?
Posted via CB10
Yessssss
BB Z30 STA100-5
Please let it be a BlackBerry 10 !
We still don't have the BB10.3.2 update in the UK. Would be nice, Mr Chen.
Posted via CB10
That is not under his control.
Posted via CB10
Just back up the phone and download the bloody autoloader.
Wide vision, from Chile.
I am holding off on any upgrades until I see if this materializes. I have never used Android so someone will illuminate me on whether it functions like BlackBerry with flowing windows or ios with going in and out of apps. I am hoping the Venice will have the BlackBerry's email and document writing experience with the Android / Google play for the apps?
Posted via CB10
Yay!! Sprint woke up from the dead!!!!!
Q10 on 10.3.2.2204
Which forum will have the most to say about this guy? Android Central or Crackberry? ☺
I hope it's not Lollipop. It had better be Marshmallow!
Posted via CB10
Nice can't wait to see the real thing!
Posted via CB10
Shame its late 2015 and still microUSB instead of USB-C.
I still may leave Verizon to get a Passport at AT&T. This just may make things difficult though.
Posted via CB10
I was just about to switch carriers from Sprint so I could continue to be a Blackberry customer when I started to see the Venice leaks. I decided to hold off JUST in case Sprint carried it. I really hope this information is true - The "e", "R" and "o" keys no longer work on my Q10.
Posted via the CrackBerry App for Android
You can get a new keyboard installed for less than $50 US. I did that with my Q10. (or do it yourself for less)
OK this is good news, but with all the talk of Android running on this device, do we know if the carriers will be providing their customers the option of a Venice running Android and a Venice running BB10?
Posted via CB10
For the record: Evan Blass has also leaked pictures of both Passport and Passport SE running this blend of Android.
As you know, you can't fool the BlackBerry boot loader into loading Android... unless...
Unless?
Posted via CB10
:drumroll:
Wide vision, from Chile.
Dropping Verizon at the first opportunity and switching to AT&T so I can pick up an unlocked black Passport. Until then, enjoying the Z10 with 10.3.2.
As for this device...who knows. I'm guessing for true BB fans, it won't have the same appeal as other pure BB10 devices would. The real question is, will this slider device appeal to the masses?
Posted via Z10
Awesome! Definitely will buy asap!
Posted via CB10
If it's on all 4 carriers it's a 100% Android.
No way there would be that kind of acceptance for a BlackBerry 10 device.
Posted via BlackBerry Z30
No doubt. But to me, what I want most from a BlackBerry is the experience. Peek, gesture swipe, and the Hub. Now I'm not saying that security isn't important, but I'm not wearing a tinfoil hat either. I've been longing for a BlackBerry with full Google Play Services and if this is BlackBerry's solution then bring it on. I love BB10, but unfortunately the market, the devs, and a large enough number of consumers didn't buy it.
Shucks. Everything is leaning towards and AndroBerry. Hell, who am I kidding? I'm going to buy the damn thing.
Posted via CB10
I'd market this device through Amazon and ShopBlackberry. First time you walk into an AT&T store, the sales rep will steer you toward an Iphone or Samsung device, and will tell you that you don't want a Blackberry.
You can't tell me that these sales reps don't get commissions from Apple and Samsung.
They get a commission on a per device basis. Of course every employee on the floor for any carrier will guide you first to their top seller, but you can say clearly you have made the decision and will buy a blackberry device. If the persistance stays, leave the store and go to another until you find one which will sell you what you want, and not what is popular.
Vote with your money.
To me it looks like bb10 but with just google service only
Posted via CB10
My BDay is Nov 16
I believe they will sell some of these, maybe enough to keep the hardware division for a short time longer, but long term, why would anyone buy this vs. the competition? It better have some killer hardware specs otherwise it's just another BlackBerry flop.
Posted via CB10
Hub, BlackBerry keyboard, second device ever with trackpad keyboard, security, dual edged screen...
If you can't see the uniqueness and positive features of a DroidBerry for the consumer segment then I don't know what to tell you.
Of course my Fiance' and I will get BB10 versions, but her parents are getting app jealousy on their aging z10s(even with 1MM and Cobalts Play Store some apps they want don't work) and a Play Service enabled BlackBerry that still has the hub they are used to would be their dream device.
Posted in CB10 from my amazing SQUARE OG Passport
It is a good phone no doubt..
But I hope for one thing....an android experience that can come close to 1+2 phone...this phone has the best android experience in the history from what I tried !!
I hope android on the slider is going to be as fast and smooth as on the 1+2!!!
Posted via CB10
BlackBerry is finished. Chen screwed everything. For everyone. BlackBerry is in need of someone with technology background not Chen who is like a chicken with its head cut off
Posted via CB30
Bullshit.
Posted via CB10
You're a moron! The ship has been sinking months before he was considered.
Posted via CB10
And you would have handled this how if you were CEO of a company on its deathbed?
Posted via CB10
Thanks for your complete, useless uninformed FUD.
Your cheque from Apple is being deposited into your account as we speak .
Just wanted to confirm some facts ; is your last name still spelled : I-D-I-O-T?
Apple thanks you for your contributions undermining every vendor of hardware to remove any and all competition, forcing you to into the walled garden.
Posted via CB10
I'm starting to believe this nightmare,oh well...:-)
Who is this Evan blass guy? Is he a reliable source somewhat? Does he have a history of being an insider type of guy?
Forgive my typos, I don't look when I type
Evan has been in the leak game for quite awhile. He doesn't have a one hundred percent success rate but he always at least has something close to the truth.
Posted via CB10
Another "leak" I cannot responsibly believe. Sprint? At least try to make it believable...
Posted via CB10
Oh they should add these swipe gestures. Its the best thing. And bb virtual keyboard as well as bb passport keyboard
Posted via CB10
Yeah they will no doubt!!
Posted via CB10
So in pictures we can see hub, blend and transfer three bb features and google play android feature. I would love if this works, bb should end bbm support to ios and non bb-android devices so bb user gets bbm video just like facetime and imessage is for ios.
Posted via CB10
I'm very curious if this Android slider, because it is a BlackBerry, will have full BBM features. It would make sense, but I'm completely guessing.
Would be a welcome plus to do BBM video between BB10 and BBAndroid.
It really sounds like this is going to be a very important phone for BB.
Posted via CB10
Still not sure if it's for me,
but it sure has mass market appeal! :-D
• BB10 -- Finger flickin' good... in any form factor! •
Nothing stopping the other droids from doing similar hardware designs and beating BlackBerry at this game.
Posted via CB10
Launch in Blue?
Z10STL100-3 /10.3.1.2576 / T-Mobile USA
I changed my mind, i will defi buy an android blackberry. Why not, it has hub, physical keyboard and i am sure bb will lock it with its security. Only thing i am sad about is ppl buying classic and passport will suffer
Posted via CB10
I won't suffer! I love my Classic. :) It fits me like a glove, and it's not going anywhere.
I plan to buy the Slider, and use it for a weekend phone since I won't be able to take it to work.
Posted from BlackBerry Classic, T-Mobile, no camera, 10.3.2.2205
I have nothing to add here other than September 4 is the drop date of Iron Maiden's new album. Haha I am both a BlackBerry and Maiden fan, so huge day for me!!
My really kickazz Z30
Bottom left - "Content Transfer for BlackBerry will allow you to transfer locally stored data from your previous smartphone to your Android BlackBerry device. Your data will be transferred via Google Drive to your new device. There is also an alternative method to transfer your data, ____ __ your older ____ and supported features."
Standard Android content transfer tool. Nothing really special.
Posted via CB10
Transfer to Google Drive? Yup... no thanks!
Long live #BlackBerry.
Posted via CB10
Looking forward to it.
Posted via CB10
It wouldn't be to bad to have android with the blackberry hub still integrated in it......
Posted via CB10
If true, then the release on all carriers would signal a major marketing push for this. Not holding my breath, though...
Posted via CB10
There's another picture leaked with keyboard exposed
Posted via CB10
And this is the time im off to Jolla :) I'm not going to android nor ios, thats why I bought BlackBerry in the first place
This is not a political sig, vatniks ;)
'cuz you prefer platforms that no one gives a "sheet" about? ;)
Posted from an ME173X
Why should he give a sh!it about what others do or don't give a sh!it about?
Posted via CB10
Sh!t.
Posted via CB10
So if it's an Android device everyone supports it, if it's a BlackBerry, nada...
Posted via CB10
+10
Posted via CB10
+100
Blackberry should make it costs $500 only if it really wants to inter the android market especially for the first time at least...if this phone only costs $500 I swear it will be the best selling device in android history!!
Posted via CB10
You serious? Even if this costs $400 I doubt it'll ever reach the sales of what samsung has done with the galaxy line
Posted via CB10
Why not!!?
Give me a reason!
Posted via CB10
We talking about add powered blackberry device with only $500...not $900 (Samsung)
Posted via CB10
You're making sense!
$500 is not $900. If that's the price, it will defo sell on price alone! :-D
• BB10 -- Finger flickin' good... in any form factor! •
While you are at it, compare it with OnePlus 2 and Moto X Style Pure. Maybe, you should drop that price down to $400.
In your dreams.
"Z30 STA100-2 UK" 10.3.1.2582 Get's a Ten from Fen.
Man I want some of what you're smokin'. At BEST it could be the best selling BlackBerry in recent history, not a snowball's chance sales of this would ever come even close to the top Samsung or LG or Moto Android devices, even if it sold for $200.
I think you are talking sense also. Maybe not best selling but it will turn around BlackBerry sales which is what we want.
Posted via CB10
Eagerly waiting for the Slider
Posted via CB10
Blackberry edge? Lol
Posted via CB10
+1
Posted via CB10
SecuEdge.
Posted via CB10
+1
Z30 (10.3.1)
Hey blackberry, let's see a good picture of the phone's keyboard up close and personal.
Posted via CB10
Amen! All I need to see is the keyboard. The real keyboard, not some render.
Posted via CB10
That's great! I'm with T-mobile so it works for me. And yes I am getting this android operated phone and try it out. Will keep my red passport as my daily driver though. The slider will be to text and watch hopefully netflix and and whatever other good android apps I can get.
Posted via CB10
Does this mean the device will be solely available as a android device or will there be a BB10 option? Or do we not know yet?
Brought to you by...My sweet Passport
Nobody knows for sure yet.
Z30STA100-5/10.3.2.2339
Someone knows, but they ain't talking yet. :)
Posted from an ME173X
It would be interesting if, upon initial boot of the phone, you had the option to go BB10 or Android. It would do an OTA install and then you'd be up and running with whichever OS you picked.
For this to work, though, you'd really need to educate the consumer so that they understand the decision. That would have to fall on the sales rep, I think, which never goes well...
Posted via CB10
The pics show google play store and a bunch of lollipops but the rest of the pictures look like native bb10. With those 4 pics alone it doesn't suggest a fully android phone and it could be just an updated android runtime with support for Google play.
Posted via CB10
If the rumors of major backing/support from Google for this phone for their enterprise push are true, then it is full Android, as Google wouldn't care if it only had an updated runtime.
Note: until someone is showing a review of this phone, everything is rumors / speculation.
I have zero doubt about the slider having a BB10 version. No reason for it not to. BB10 is still the gold standard for enterprise security.
Posted via CB10
Either running BB10 with Playstore in a secure partition, or Android with a BB10 skin, hub and secure partition.
Either way should be interesting.
Just wish it was full touch. If I get this device I'll be krazy-gluing the thing shut.
Exactly my thoughts... Hardware looks really great, but Android software is a definite deal breaker for me! I am a BlackBerry fan for a reason. No Android or iOS for me - only BB10 at a minimum.
Hopefully the rumor comes true and the Venice Slider becomes available for Sprint, no matter the release date. I will settle for this device since the BlackBerry Passport will most likely not be carried by Sprint.
Isn't the Passport a GSM only device? Then it will definitely never be carried by Sprint.
Posted via CB10
They could make a CDMA version if they wanted to.
Posted via CB10
*If the carrier wanted them to. BB will not make CDMA phones unless a carrier places the order.
Doesn't the FCC Filings start showing up about a month before they announce the phones? I forget exactly how that goes but i though we found out which carriers were covered then based on the wireless frequencies?
Right. The submitter can choose to have their submissions withheld from public inspection for a certain while. If I recall correctly, the minimum duration is 30 days, but it can be extended (in increments of...30 days was it?)
For what it's worth, I just did a check through the FCC portal, and the new device that's showing up is the SE Passport.
Regardless of one's opinion of the pros and cons of an AndroBerry, the positive potential the Venice/Slider can bring to BBRY has made this an exciting time to be a BBRY fan and supporter.
Posted via CB10
That's a nice surprise. And in time for the holiday season as well. Which I believe BlackBerry has never been able to do.
Posted via CB10
Yes.. Definitely getting it on The best Network in the world
Posted via the best Network in the world "Verizon Wireless" // Z10 10.3.2.556
Hell yeah. Just brought the classic off of ebay cause I was jonesing for a new blackberry so bad. Can't wait for this to drop on vzw.
Posted via CB10
Nice. Good job Blackberry for not waiting a year too late. Great news.
Posted via CB10
I doubt it will be announced during ifa. BlackBerry will most likely host their own event like the previous two flagships. But ifa is only a couple weeks away, if it's false, I wonder how much other of these information is false
Posted via CB10
Nice. It's coming finally.
Posted via Classic
If you build it, they will buy. No need to market.
Posted via CB10
No chance. Marketing is one of,if not BlackBerry's biggest faults. Take a page from Disney. Shove down your throat until it's a part mainstream.
Posted via CB10
+1 If all of these rumors come to fruition, they should market the hell out of this phone! The worst thing that they could do is release this bombshell of a phone and have nobody know about it.
Posted via CB10
Me, personally, would tell all my friends about this phone when it comes out and if it really is a beast of a device. I know word of mouth isn't as big as TV or Radio Ad's, but it's something. Plus once people see it in the wild they'll have questions and ask what it is. But I totally agree that BB should market this phone to hell and back.
Amm, BlackBerry tried that already...several times.
Posted via CB10
*was responding to Prpl. BlackBerry absolutely needs to market for its own sake.
Posted via CB10
What are you smoking. We are not talking about the iPhone here. We are still talking about our beloved, but tainted BlackBerry.
It MUST be marketed!!!
Posted via CB10
It would be big of all four US carriers released the phone nearly at the same time and before black friday.
Posted via the CrackBerry App for Android
I believe it when I see it. Not a day sooner.
Posted via CB10
Me too, but please please please let this rumor be true! Come on, Sprint!
It is really hard to believe that Sprint is on board with this. That they would have all four major US Carriers.... then maybe going Android was a good business decision!
And that they would release this in November... and it be available in the US at that time.
Last bet
Posted via CB10
Last desperate dice throw.
All Hail Thorsten. Mother and Father of my Beloved Z10.
I want one
Posted via CB10
Holy smoke! That fast? Does it take an AndroBerry to take a sustainable market position again? We shall see.
Posted via CB10
Market position what? Haha. Let's first hope BlackBerry exists by 2017 before we start talking 'market position'.
вιaсĸвεггч® PP Silver Edition via CB10 (AT&T OS 10.3.2.2339)
Exactly and not really sure especially in handset market by turning to Android world. They are not ready for this (leaving native os and jumping to Android)
Posted via CB10
It will be two models. They are trying to bring new customers not get rid of loyal ones. BB10 isn't going away any time soon
Posted via CB10
I hope you're right. I really like BB10 and don't want to have to switch to Android. My wife uses it and I can't stand it
Pearl Flip, Storm 1, 9860 Torch, 9800 Torch, 9900 Bold, Z10, Z30, Passport. The love continues to grow
+1
ZeeTen goodness in every tap, peek and swipe.
Me too. I just got a Q10 on Ebay since I'm on Sprint. I came from a Palm Pre and used it so long because I don't like the Android user interface. If the Venice is an Android phone, I'm not interested. I'm happy with the Q10, but wish Sprint would carry all the Blackberry line again.
By, 2017?, you might or me might not survive to see 2017, but BlackBerry will.
Posted via CB10
Grand!
Posted Via CA Governor's BlackBerry Passport.
This thing better be available somewhere before then, because by November, people will be whining about it being late in relation to other competing devices of similar specifications.
Well, BB has had a reputation for releasing new models in January/February, to avoid the holiday rush.
I prefer the 'Blackdroid'
Posted via CB10
Omfg yaaaaaaaasssssss!!! I mean dude I prefer a BlackBerry 10 version. But if they do security an the hub right I'm in. Will be buying 3 one for my boy on sprint, one for me and one for my sis.
Dude finally they are doing something right if they actually get this released when they announce it not 3 months later. It's unique and gorgeous.
Posted with grandfathered unlimited VOLTE data with my bad ass BlackBerry Classic on Verizon.
It should be *much* more performant than your Classic. I'm hoping that it runs Android in a hypervisor VM on top of BB10 and that BB10 has cool upgrades involving distributed computing and Blendy apps and things that we can't even imagine right now. But, there's little indication of anything other than Android with some BB apps on top of it.