BlackBerry Is Eyeing up Android

BlackBerry could be about to release its first Android phone. Multiple sources talking to Reuters suggest the Canadian company is set to launch a BlackBerry handset powered by Android this fall. If true, this would represent a serious change of strategy from the ailing firm.

The suggestion is that the sliding phone with a “dual curved display” revealed at Mobile World Congress will run on Android. And that this would be the first attempt at focusing on software and device management rather than trying to control every part of the user experience.

BlackBerry simply said, “We don’t comment on rumors and speculation, but we remain committed to the BlackBerry 10 operating system, which provides security and productivity benefits that are unmatched.”

This statement strongly suggests this is either a one-off or an experiment. But if it’s a successful experiment then BlackBerry would be bonkers not to follow the market. BlackBerry now boasts a market share of less than one percent, which means it might have to do something extreme in order to survive. Yes, even adopt Android.

Net Neutrality Rules Are Now in Force Net neutrality lives! This is thanks to the new FCC (Federal Communications Commission) rules having come into effect from today (Friday June 12th). These rules, as passed earlier this year, should help ensure net neutrality thrives in the United States. At least that’s the plan.

The broadband industry sued the FCC to overturn these rules, and its first order of business was trying to temporarily halt proceedings until litigation is resolved. However, according to The Washington Post, the U.S. Court of Appeals denied any requests to temporarily prevent the rules coming into effect, and U.S. citizens should now be protected from any artificial interference with their Internet connections.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said, “This is a huge victory for Internet consumers and innovators! Starting Friday, there will be a referee on the field to keep the Internet fast, fair and open. Blocking, throttling, pay-for-priority fast lanes and other efforts to come between consumers and the Internet are now things of the past. The rules also give broadband providers the certainty and economic incentive to build fast and competitive broadband networks.”