(Telecompaper) BlackBerry is considering using Google's Android operating system in a new slider smartphone likely to be released this autumn, writes Reuters, citing two unnamed sources. The company revealed the new slider phone at MWC in March, but has offered little detail since. The people who spoke to Reuters said that by launching its own Android-based device, BlackBerry would send a signal to sceptics that it is confident that its new BES12 device management system can manage and secure smartphones and tablets powered by rival operating systems. BlackBerry said it does not comment on rumours and speculation, but remains "committed to the BlackBerry 10 operating system, which provides security and productivity benefits that are unmatched." Google declined to comment.