BlackBerry Priv briefly goes up for pre-order: $749 unlocked, shipping November 16
It’s happening! Well, sort of. BlackBerry’s much-hyped Priv will launch officially very soon. But the price tag might curb your enthusiasm.
BlackBerry listed the Android-powered Priv in its official store a few hours ago, though apparently the listing was a mistake, as it was removed soon after.
The listing included the full spec sheet of the slider, which, after the several hands-on Priv impressions that leaked so far, reveals no major surprises. (Via Droid-life.)
| Software | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop |
| Size | 147 (184 opened) x 77.2 x 9.4mm |
| Weight | 192g |
| Model Number | STV100-1 |
| Processor | Qualcomm 8992 (Snapdragon 808 Hexa-Core, 64 bit) Adreno 418, 600MHz GPU |
| Memory | 3GB Low Power RAM 32GB Flash Hot-swappable MicroSD slot (up to 2TB) |
| Display | Curved 5.43” 2560 x 1440 resolution 540 DPI WQHD Plastic AMOLED High Brightness Mode for Outdoor Readability 24-bit color depth 16:9 aspect ratio Corning Gorilla Glass 4 |
| Rear Camera | 18MP Auto-Focus Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) Phase Detect Auto Focus (PDAF), Fast focus lock HDR 6-element f2.2 lens Back Side Illumination (BSI2) Stacked Sensor Dual Colour, Dual 2 mm2 LED Flash – Enhanced photo color balance 4k Video Recording: 30 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 60 fps, 6DOF video stabilization combined with OIS for incredibly smooth video 4x digital zoom Continuous & touch to focus, face detection, image stabilization Panorama, Burst, Live Filters Multi-Frame Low Light Enhancement |
| Front Camera | 2MP Fixed-Focus, f2.8 Large 1.75um pixel size Image & video stabilization 720p HD video recording 2x digital zoom Wide Selfie Mode (also known as Selfie Panorama) Multi-Frame Low Light Enhancement |
| Notification | Tone, vibrate, on-screen or LED indicator; notification options are user configurable |
| Buttons | Volume Up/Down, Mute, Lock(Power On/Off) |
| Keyboard | Physical Sliding Keyboard Contextual auto-correction Contextual next word prediction Personalized learning engine |
| Headset | 3.5 mm stereo |
| Ports/Connectivity | USB 2.0 Connector with SlimPort enabled NFC |
| Charging | +5V DC / 1.3A AC power adapter, OMTP Compliant QC2.0 Enabled – Compatible with QC2 Chargers Dual mode Wireless Charging capable for Powermat (PMA) and Qi |
| Battery | 3410 (typ) 3360 (min) mAh 4.4V 680 Wh/L integrated non-removable battery Fast charge enabled Mixed Usage: Up to 22.5 hours |
| Networks | FD-LTE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 20, 29,30 HSPA+ 1, 2, 4, 5/6, 8 Quad band GSM/GPRS/EDGE |
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n for 2.4GHz 802.11 a/n for 5GHz 802.11 ac for 5GHz 4G Mobile Hotspot Wi-Fi Direct 2×2 MIMO |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.1 Low Energy (LE) |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Magnetometer, Gyroscope, Time of Flight (ToF) Proximity, Ambient Light, Altimeter, Activity Monitor |
| SIM | Nano SIM card (4FF) Supports 1.8V and 3.0V cards |
BlackBerry pulled out all the stops for its first (and potentially last) Android device. Fast processing package, curved Quad HD display, promising camera and, a beefy battery – the Priv checks a lot of the right marks. On top of that, you get that iconic sliding physical keyboard, which is guaranteed to boost your typing experience, and a range of security features built by BlackBerry on top of Android.
See also: Blackberry Venice shown off in quick look video
All this goodness comes at a price. The BlackBerry Priv is listed at $749 unlocked, with US support including only AT&T and T-Mobile. That doesn’t necessarily mean the Priv won’t make it to Verizon or Sprint, but if you wanted it unlocked, you will need to pay up. BlackBerry clearly targets the affluent segment of business-folk, but we’re sure that quite a few Android enthusiasts were looking forward to a more approachable price.
According to the pulled listing, the BlackBerry Priv will begin shipping in the US from November 16. As for the pre-order start, it may be as soon as tomorrow, if you believe the ads that MobileSyrup spotted in Canada.
What say you? Does the high price of the BlackBerry Priv put you off?
Rogers is now accepting pre-orders for the BlackBerry Priv
As from today, Canadian residents can pre-order BlackBerry’s upcoming Android-powered smartphone through Rogers. Customers have no option other than to fork out $40 to reserve a unit if they want one on this carrier and will have no idea of the full retail price until a later date as no indication has been given of just how much the phone will cost.
With regards to what’s under the hood, the Priv packs a 5.4-inch sliding qHD display, a Snapdragon 808 exa-core CPU, an Adreno 418 GPU, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage (expandable up to 2TB via microSD), an 18MP rear-facing camera, a 2MP front-facing shooter and a 3,410mAh battery.
Unfortunately, that’s all of the information we have for now regarding the device, but if you’re located in Canada, like the sound of the Priv and are up for parting with $40 to put your name on Rogers’ pre-order list — hit the ink below.
Source: Rogers
Come comment on this article: Rogers is now accepting pre-orders for the BlackBerry Priv
BlackBerry reveals the lengths it went to make Android ‘secure’
BlackBerry’s reputation for security is so strong that its devices are frequently used by world leaders as their go-to smartphone of choice. With the forthcoming Priv, the firm has had to try and bring its brand-name security to Android, an operating system with a less-than stellar history when it comes to security and privacy. In order to reassure customers that the Priv has all of the benefits you’ll find on its BB10 handsets, Alex Manea, BlackBerry’s director of security, has opened up on the measures it took to make Android secure.
Back in July, Google revealed that it was teaming up with BlackBerry to create a vision of Android that would bake in BES12, the Canadian firm’s enterprise security service. In addition, each Priv handset has its own cryptographic key that’s been added at the hardware level to prevent any tampering out in the field. This key can then verify the software that’s running on the phones at any given time, ensuring that apps with malicious intent won’t run. BlackBerry also “hardened” the Linux kernel with various top-secret patches, plus the Priv will use the firm’s secure network for pushing data between users. Finally, there’s DTEK, a new app that monitors what software accesses your private data and can advise if your passwords are too easy to guess. We won’t know for sure if any of this effort has been worthwhile until the phone gets out into the hands of the masses, but at least BlackBerry is sure that it’s brought its A game.
Source: BlackBerry
Here’s how BlackBerry makes Android more secure on the Priv
BlackBerry has been going on and on about everything its upcoming Android-powered slider can do, from faster to typing to a fantastic camera, but if you’re considering purchasing another BlackBerry device, you’re probably doing it for the privacy and security that BlackBerry has always offered. Fortunately, BlackBerry still remembers their roots and they’re not planning on ditching that for the Priv.
They’ve released a pretty detailed blog post about the steps the company is taking to keep the Priv secure, including unique cryptographic keys that are injected during the manufacturing process and how that hardware is used to keep the Priv’s bootchain secure, and how the device relies on BlackBerry’s extremely well encrypted servers. Turns out the Priv will also be completely encrypted by default, which is a big plus for the privacy-minded buyers.
The BlackBerry Priv comes with Android for Work integration right out of the box, including support for different spaces for personal and work use. BlackBerry is also introducing a new DTEK application that’s preloaded on the phone that tells you how secure your device currently in and offers up suggestions for making things more secure. It takes into account encryption settings, installed apps, and several other details to determine your current security rating.
All of this isn’t to say that the Priv won’t make a decent personal device, as it’s still shipping with the full Google Play suite of apps and services. Plus, that’s camera is shaping up pretty nicely, and BlackBerry has always made some fantastic keyboards.
source: BlackBerry
Come comment on this article: Here’s how BlackBerry makes Android more secure on the Priv
Android Authority this week – October 18, 2015
Android fans, this week we learned more details about the upcoming Nexus 6P and 5X; the BlackBerry Priv starred in several hands-on ahead of its official unveiling; OnePlus X specs and images leaked out; details surfaced about the HTC One A9 and Motorola’s Droid Maxx 2; and OEMs revealed more about their Marshmallow plans.
Inside AA HQ
Hungry for Marshmallow? We’ve put together a Marshmallow updates roundup, a one stop shop for all information regarding Android 6 releases, OEM update plans, and custom ROMs based on Marshmallow. We will be updating it frequently, so you know where to come to keep up with the Marshmallow rollout.
The camera will always be a key aspect of the smartphone experience. We all agree on that, but when it comes to which phone has the best camera, the Android community is divided. We’re trying to bring a little objectivity into the mix with our blind camera shootout between the Xperia Z5, LG G4, Galaxy Note 5, and iPhone 6S. Vote here and come back for the results tomorrow.
Last week, it was a Nexus 5X. This week, we’re giving away a Nexus 6P. Get your sweepstakes ticket here and good luck!
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- Comparison: Which smartphone offers the best LTE connectivity? Nirave has some answers
- Review: Does the second-gen Moto 360 keep the magic alive? Find out from our review
- Camera shootout: Xperia Z5, LG G4, Note 5 or iPhone 6S – which one has the best camera?
- Comparison: Moto X Style (Pure) or the iPhone 6S? We bring you the lowdown
- Open thread: What kind of phone buyer are you?
Top news of the week
Behold, the Priv
- BlackBerry Priv shows up in detailed hands-on: here’s what we didn’t know
- Pre-registration goes live for the BlackBerry Priv
- Here’s another BlackBerry Priv hands-on, full hardware specs too
OnePlus: X and more
- (Update: new images!) New OnePlus X / Mini rumors hint at SideTouch screen tech, dual front-facing speakers and more
- OnePlus to start building phones in India, open sale tomorrow
- OnePlus teases “beauty in the making”
- OnePlus is asking you to donate your Galaxy S6 or Note 5 for a OnePlus 2
- OnePlus 2 reservation list to close as invites ramp up
HTC One A9: more leaks
- HTC teases “the next evolution of the One” ahead of its NYC event
- HTC One A9 shows up at Orange France ahead of launch
Nexus countdown
- Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X launched in India; here’s the details
- Nexus 6P and 5X will require a new SIM card to use with Project Fi
- Nexus 6P reportedly delayed in Canada until November 2
- Google confirms Nexus 5X and 6P ‘double-twist’ camera gesture canned
Marshmallow updates
- Custom Marshmallow ROMs in development for Nexus 7 (2012) and Galaxy Nexus
- LG to begin rolling out Android 6.0 Marshmallow next week, LG G4 first in line
- Huawei Android 6.0 Marshmallow plans revealed: Mate S, Mate 7, P8, and more
- Some Sony devices will skip Android 5.1.1 and upgrade directly to Marshmallow
Droid Maxx 2
- Motorola Droid Turbo 2 and Maxx 2 features and promotions confirmed in leak
- Motorola Droid Turbo 2 renders appear on case manufacturer’s site
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BlackBerry Priv gets a moment in the spotlight with a new official showcase
You may remember a few weeks ago when John Chen, Blackberry’s CEO, demonstrated the Blackberry’s Android-powered handset in the most awkward interview ever. In a nutshell, he was aware that his company had built a phone called the Priv and that it had something to do with Google, and maybe there was an android or a robot or something involved somehow too. The poor guy looked a little out of his depth. Well, now Blackberry managed to keep their executives out of the room for a full 41 seconds to give the Priv the quick showcase it deserves.
It’s short, but there’s actually a lot crammed into this little video. We get a chance to see that 4-inch QHD dual-curved AMOLED display in action, and we get a good feel for the Priv’s practical size (147×77.2mm) and heft (192g). It’s nice to see our beloved Lollipop running on a Blackberry device, and the overall design of the casing looks sturdy and sleek.
See also: Blackberry Venice shown off in quick look video
The main thing on display about the Priv is, of course, the physical keyboard. This hardware is becoming increasingly uncommon, and Blackberry is hoping to lure back those mobile users who were once so addicted to their “Crackberry” devices, but who invariably set the company aside when it was no longer able to compete with the slew of apps available from the App Store and Google Play Store.
Orchestral soaring at the appearance of the physical keyboard might be a bit over the top–it’s a text message conversation about lunch, after all, not a triumph of the human spirit–but if you look closely around 0:21, you’ll catch a glimpse at a pretty slick little feature: the user selects anticipated words on the screen with only a flick of his finger. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, but it looks like one of those things that could become second-nature after using the Priv for a while.
What are your thoughts? Sold on the Priv yet? Let us know in the comments! Also be sure to check out the hands on leaked this morning from Carphone Warehouse for another look at Blackberry’s first Android powered device.
New video shows the BlackBerry Priv using it’s keyboard and BlackBerry Hub
The BlackBerry Priv has been in the news pretty much every week for months now. We are yet to see it on sale, but we are finally seeing it in use. BlackBerry has released a new video showing just how easy the new physical keyboard is to use with Android.
The video starts by showing the phone looking nice with it’s dual curved edges and the person receiving a BlackBerry messenger notification. Rather than just opening the notification, the man decides to unlock the phone and head into BlackBerry Hub. This is basically a notification headquarters where you can see and search for all your messages in one place. The man sees the time requested by his friend to go grab lunch, and with one swipe down, checks his calendar. Out pops the physical keyboard to confirm he is free and it stays open to write the address in Google Maps.
Not really sure how much faster using the physical keyboard is compared to an on-screen keyboard, but I do like how fast he checked his calendar. I hate having to exit an app just to check one thing in another app. What are your thoughts so far on the Priv?
Click here to view the embedded video.
Come comment on this article: New video shows the BlackBerry Priv using it’s keyboard and BlackBerry Hub
Carphone Warehouse offers a proper hands-on with the BlackBerry Priv
In the last few weeks, since the BlackBerry CEO confirmed and (awkwardly) showed off the new BlackBerry Priv, folks have been wondering what will be under the hood. Luckily, the folks over at Carphone Warehouse were able to get their hands on one, and have released a hands-on video of BlackBerry’s first Android device.
In addition to properly showing of the capabilities of the Priv, the folks at Carphone Warehouse have given everyone a full spec sheet.
- 4-inch QHD (2560×1440) dual-curved AMOLED display, 540ppi
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor
- 3GB of RAM
- 32GB of internal storage, microSD card support up to 2TB
- 18-megapixel rear camera
- 2-megapixel front camera
- 3,410mAh battery
- 147mm x 77.2mm x 9.4mm
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
It’s up to you to decide whether this is a power-house device, or something that’s just another phone in the Android lineup. Now that you know the specs, you’ll probably want to see how the Priv performs, so here’s the awesome video from Carphone Warehouse that shows off the Priv.
In today’s day and age, finding a smartphone WITH a keyboard is a little far-fetched of an idea. However, BlackBerry users love their keyboards, and combined with their mobile Enterprise solutions, the Priv may be a slam dunk. While a few of us here at AndroidGuys are excited for the release, we’ll have to wait and see how the rest of the world feels about BlackBerry’s foray into the Android ecosystem.
Additionally, the Priv has been put up for pre-order by Carphone Warehouse before BlackBerry has even put the device up for pre-order. Currently, you can’t pre-order the Priv without a contract, but you can sign up for a contract through Vodaphone via the Carphone Warehouse pre-order page.
In the meantime, drop us a line and let us know what you think about the BlackBerry Priv and whether you’re looking forward to it or not.
Source: Carphone Warehouse via Android Central
The post Carphone Warehouse offers a proper hands-on with the BlackBerry Priv appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Here’s another BlackBerry Priv hands-on, full hardware specs too
If you haven’t had your fill of BlackBerry Priv hands-on time yet, UK high-street retailer Carphone Warehouse has just uploaded its own quick video, offering a look at some of the handset’s features.
The video gives us a nice view at the QHD curved display, physical QWERTY keyboard and a very brief look at some camera samples too. BlackBerry also seems to have made a few tweaks to the Android OS, including a tile based app history menu. BlackBerry’s DTEK security app also comes pre-installed on the smartphone. Check it out below.
The Carphone Warehouse also has a product web page up for the smartphone, which gives us a quick run down of the hardware specifications. Here’s the list:
- 4-inch QHD (2560×1440) dual-curved AMOLED display, 540ppi
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor
- 3GB of RAM
- 32GB of internal memory, with microSD card slot for up to 2TB
- 18 megapixel rear camera
- 2 megapixel front camera
- 3,410 mAh battery
- 4G LTE connectivity
- 147 (184 opened) x 77.2 x 9.4 mm, 192g
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop operating system
The BlackBerry Priv is clearly a high-end flagship smartphone, although the single limited internal memory option and poor front facing camera resolution might be a let-down to some.
If you like what you see, pre-registration for the BlackBerry Priv is already live on the company’s official website. UK customers can also now pre-order the phone from Carphone Warehouse, with contract offers available from EE, O2 and Vodaphone in the region of £50 to £70 per month, putting the handset a little on the expensive side.
Are you excited for the retail launch of the BlackBerry Priv?
BlackBerry has opened pre-registration for the Priv and release more specs
The BlackBerry Priv is coming to the public soon with pre-registrations opening today. This is basically a way for BlackBerry to see how many people are interested in the Priv and is not a pre-order to buy one.
If you sign up, BlackBerry will email you about updates about the Priv, such as, when you can actually purchase it. They have also unveiled some specs, confirming it will have a 3410mAh battery.
– Stunning 5.4” dual-curved screen
– Long lasting 3410 mAh battery
– Both touch and physical keyboards
– Schneider-Kreuznach® certified camera
– Extraordinary audio quality
Other specs we know it will have is a 5.4-inch Quad HD (2560×1440) display with curved edges, Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage (with microSD card slot), 18MP / 5MP cameras, Android 5.1 Lollipop, and slide-out physical keyboard. We have also already covered some camera samples, which look pretty good. I am actually pretty interested in this device. It’s very different compared to everything else out there.
BlackBerry also say the “PRIV introduces the exclusive DTEK™ by BlackBerry warning system app to provide you with the power of privacy”. I assume this means it will scan for malware on your device.
My favorite part is the little box at the end of the form that says “I am interested in purchasing 10+ devices on behalf of my organization”. I can only imagine how many people will be checking off that box with fake information just to screw with them.
Source: BlackBerry
Come comment on this article: BlackBerry has opened pre-registration for the Priv and release more specs
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