BlackBerry’s Priv should have timely updates

Most hardware manufacturers producing Android devices drop the ball when it comes to keeping their devices’ software up-to-date. That’s why Motorola and HTC are often favorites among consumers looking to get a device with software that will be updated and in a timely fashion. Both companies have promises that can be broken, but that’s better than those that decide to say nothing about the status of software updates for their devices. BlackBerry, which is entering the world of Android with the Priv, wants to be up there with Motorola and HTC as a company getting software updates with security patches and bug fixes to its users faster than anyone else.

BlackBerry is putting its security research team to work to ensure that its Priv’s firmware and software is invulnerable. This will be done by delivering quick security updates (with Google’s help) and hotfixes.

Android Monthly Security Updates

BlackBerry will release these monthly updates to users that have purchased PRIV through shopblackberry.com and to PRIV resellers (carriers and other authorized dealers) that have agreed to participate in our regular monthly update program and facilitate rapid approval of our monthly updates for over-the-air (OTA) to subscribers.

Hotfix

Depending on the severity of the problem, complexity of the fix, and timing relative to the monthly update cycle, BlackBerry will opt to perform a hotfix, where the code to address only the specific critical problem is pushed to customers. Because a hotfix is typically limited in scope, the balance between a longer testing and approval process and the risk from the critical flaw makes this approach an important addition to helping keep users safe and secure. While BlackBerry will work with its go-to-market partners on approval and delivery of hotfixes, BlackBerry has the ability to directly patch all PRIV variants and will do so when necessary to protect users and enterprises.

Enterprise-Managed Updates

By controlling when and to which devices and users that patches are delivered, IT can avoid expensive software incompatibilities and ensure that the security issues most important to the business are mitigated. In the mobile world, enterprises have lost this control. BlackBerry aims to bring back this control through BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) and OTA management systems.

All of this will help to make the Priv one of the most secure mobile devices in the world. If that advantage and the inclusion of BlackBerry’s signature physical keyboard don’t resonate well with consumers, don’t expect the company to stick around in the hardware business much longer.

We’ve already seen HTC fall short of its promise multiple times, and they’ve been working with Android for years now. Do you think BlackBerry will fare a bit better and execute on pushing timely software updates?

Source: BlackBerry

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