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BlackBerry launches Hub+ on Google Play store to lure Android users

The Canadian Press Published Wednesday, August 3, 2016 12:24PM EDT

A Canadian flag flies at BlackBerry's headquarters in Waterloo, Ont., Tuesday, July 9, 2013. (The Canadian Press/Geoff Robins)

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TORONTO -- In a bid to turn around its unprofitable mobile business unit, BlackBerry is making some of its software available for download to Android smartphone users through Google Play.

The company is releasing BlackBerry Hub+, a suite of applications that includes a unified inbox, password keeper and calendar, among other features.

Smartphone users running the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system can download a free 30-day trial version, after which they can opt to continue using a free version of Hub+ with advertisements or subscribe to an enhanced version of the service for $0.99 a month.

CEO John Chen has said he believes BlackBerry (TSX:BB) can make its mobile business segment profitable in the fiscal year ending February through software licensing deals.

But he remains committed to the company's hardware business as well.

Last week, BlackBerry released the new affordably-priced Android-powered DTEK50, and announced plans to release multiple new devices before the financial year ends.