Updated with Video
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BlackBerry’s upcoming Android slider is generating a lot of interest and an equal amount of unsubstantiated rumors.
While it is known that the upcoming slider will be running Android, a new rumor coming out of Portugal claims that the next generation of the BlackBerry Passport, BlackBerry Passport 2, based on the Passport Silver Edition, will be also be running Android.
Allegedly, the Passport 2 will be based on the Passport Silver Edition and will be made available in the second quarter of 2016.
There is a caveat however. The rumor states that BlackBerry will release the Android flavored Passport only if the BlackBerry Slider running Android sells in “respectible” numbers. While that makes sense at some level, it doesn’t make complete sense!
BlackBerry expected to do well with the Passport but recent numbers quite clearly show that the Passport is not selling anywhere near as well as BlackBerry expected.  Will a Passport running running Android do any better?  Personally, I don’t think so.
The advantage that the Android slider has is that it can meet the requirements of those users who want an all-touch device and also meets the requirements of others who still prefer a physical keyboard.
Could BlackBerry produce an Android smartphone?
A slider device, with a physical keyboard, would be a huge pull for existing Android users. Android users who have left BlackBerry could be tempted back to the platform if it was running Android and supported everything they currently use. Those who prefer a physical keyboard would have it and those who prefer an all-touch device would never have to slide out the physical keyboard, if they chose to do so.
The Passport would not fit into that theory.  While the Passport generated a lot of interest  form mainstream consumers, due to its’ square screen design, that interest was more curiosity than anything and didn’t turn into sales.
As usual, take the rumor and the picture with a HUGE pinch of salt.
