On Nov. 6, the BlackBerry PRIV is said to start shipping around the United States, with pre-orders now available. The smartphone is BlackBerry’s first Android handset, and will be running Android Lollipop 5.1.1 rather than the company’s signature BlackBerry OS. Along with the difference in software, the phone will also feature an integrated keyboard that will slide out from beneath the screen.
The PRIV’s upcoming release has caused excitement around the world. It is not only bringing back the slider phone, but combining both BlackBerry and Android technology into one device. The new phone is seemingly perfect, with a extended battery life, sliding keyboard, and the use of Android apps.
Compared to most other Android devices, the Blackberry PRIV appears to be on par with other top tier smartphones, with 32GB storage, a microSD slot, an 18 megapixel back camera, 5 megapixel front camera, and a 5.4 inch screen. Along with outside features that allow the PRIV to break even with other Android devices, the phone will also include apps such as Google Play, Google Hangouts, and Google Maps, meaning the user can still download all the apps they can get with any other Android phone.
The PRIV will also have new privacy measures, including a warning system app, called DTEK, to increase the privacy of the user. To do this, DTEK tells the user which apps have access to their personal information, and shows how secure the device is overall. When rating the privacy of the device, DTEK takes the strength of passwords, app encryptions, and the apps installed on the device. It can then give the user suggestions on how to improve their privacy. The app seems like an ingenious idea, combining different aspects of the user’s security and creating custom suggestions to improve the security of the phone.
PRIV sales start at $699 in the U.S., and the phone is rumored to be compatible with a number major of mobile carriers. While the cost of a Priv might be more than your average smartphone, it looks like it will be a big hit with its updated technology and features. However, for some people the cost may be an issue, as other high quality Android devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge can be found in varying locations for slightly less. Most other Samsung phones can be found for around $400, leaving BlackBerry with a costly, yet high quality phone. The Priv also appears to be one of the most expensive phones on the market, holding it to high standards and expectations as the first BlackBerry phone to be powered by Android.
Overall, the PRIV looks like a great new addition to the world of technology, opening new doors for the company and security measures on cell phones everywhere.
