BlackBerry ports Hub+ to Android, with iOS version on the way

BlackBerry shifts further into software with Hub+ on Android and, perhaps, iOS

BlackBerry has made its Hub+ app available on the Android operating system via Google's Play Store, with an Apple iOS version on the way, too. However, the BlackBerry Hub+ app will only run on devices with Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later.

The move has fuelled rumours that BlackBerry is planning to become a software-first company. It marked, according to BlackBerry, the "first pure software offering from the new Mobility Solutions Group".

The Hub+ app comprises a suite of BlackBerry applications. At its heart is the Messaging Hub, BlackBerry's nifty unified inbox for emails, messages, and social media posts.

However, it also includes Password Keeper, an app that stores all your passwords and log-in details; Launcher, for turning 'multi-step actions', such as sending an email or calling a friend, into a one-click task; and Device Search, BlackBerry's universal search bar.

Ralph Pini, chief operating officer and general manager of BlackBerry Mobility Solutions, described the move as "an important initiative".

He added that the software strategy "combines BlackBerry's strength in security, engineering savvy and device experience. The result - the ability to extend the best of BlackBerry's secure communications and productivity features to any Android M consumer, enterprise or government customer.

"Our customers have always raved about the unique experience of our proprietary productivity apps, such as the BlackBerry Hub, calendar and contacts, among others. I'm excited that we're now able to offer these amazing features to all Android users that demand the most out of their smartphones."

BlackBerry Hub+ can be downloaded from Google Play and used for one month for free, after which users can choose to opt for an ad-based version or subscribe for 99 cents a month. That will unlock additional features, including contacts, tasks, device search, notes, and launcher.

The fact BlackBerry Hub+ is only compatible with Marshmallow devices means only around 15 per cent of current Android users will be able to run it. However, BlackBerry says that it is considering support for Android 5.0 Lollipop soon, adding that it's also "investigating" the possibility of an iOS app.

BlackBerry announced its latest Android device, the BlackBerry DTEK50, just last week, billing it as the "world's most secure" Android smartphone. This claim came just a week after BlackBerry CEO John Chen said that Google's operating system "lags behind" BlackBerry 10 in the security department.