Is this BlackBerry's attempt at an Android smartphone?

BlackBerry is in the news for reportedly getting ready to release a device that's not powered by its own super secure and messaging focused BlackBerry but with rival Google's Android OS. Yes, BlackBerry can already run some sideloaded Android apps on its devices which helps fill the huge app gap the platform has been suffering from but if reports are to be trusted, John Chen and Co. are becoming just another OEM player for Google's OS, at least for this one model.

The new device, codenamed 'Venice,' is said to feature a 5.4-inch screen, 18MP rear camera and 1.8GHz Hexa-core CPU. It is reportedly coming first to AT&T customers in the US. BlackBerry has been collaborating with Samsung on various technologies and there's currently now QWERTY-enabled Androi handset. Since BBM is now cross platform, maybe BlackBerry sees an opening in the Android market. Stay tuned.

Source: Evan Blass (Twitter)