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BlackBerry officially announces Priv, their first Android smart phone ft. a keyboard!

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Seems like it's official now.
"At the same time, we are focused on making faster progress to achieve profitability in our handset business. Today, I am confirming our plans to launch Priv, an Android device named after BlackBerry's heritage and core mission of protecting our customers' privacy. Priv combines the best of BlackBerry security and productivity with the expansive mobile application ecosystem available on the Android platform," continued Mr. Chen.

Source.

Official microsite.
 
This is a great move.

....is what I would have said 5 years ago.
 
Venice was a MUCH better name. Still, absolutely amazing looking device, although I probably never want another physical keyboard.

blackberry-venice.jpg
 
I like BlackBerry 10 but this should help with the app support. The emulation doesn't always work.
Sad to see BlackBerry having such a bad reputation though. I got mine at work half a year ago and was quite surprised. My company is moving away from them too though. I will miss th keyboard.
 
lol android. fuck this pos.
They needed an ecosystem that had a strong development community. BB10 wasn't getting that support. A lot of business users (which is still their target audience, harkening to their early days) have personal Android and iOS devices, so they know BB10 wasn't up to par in that regard. Obviously iOS is not available for license, so what else do you think BlackBerry could've possibly done?
 
Keyboard doesn't look as nice as the Classic, but still pretty nice. That's the phone I have now, hopefully whenever it wears out I'll probably buy a BB device that runs Android. No one else keeps physical keys by default, and I like 'em.

I'm ok with BB 10, I even pretty much like it. But I'm glad to see them go Android. BB sent me a survey when I got my phone, I even said there that they should just use Android instead of rolling their own. BB10 is good, but it doesn't really matter as long as no one supports it.
 
I ended up with a Z10 for work due to a lack of options. If they put their messaging Hub and their predictive touch typing on this thing, I'd consider it when I can upgrade. Well, the battery life has to be better than my Z10 too in order to fully get my interest as it's pretty bad.
 
I was just telling my friend how i much enjoy a physical keyboard and around when the sidekick 4 came out i was honestly gonna get it but then i found out about the nexus 4 which was cheaper and had more power

lol android. fuck this pos.
Well if off topic operates like gaming side, enjoy your ban?
 
I ended up with a Z10 for work due to a lack of options. If they put their messaging Hub and their predictive touch typing on this thing, I'd consider it when I can upgrade. Well, the battery life has to be better than my Z10 too in order to fully get my interest as it's pretty bad.

The Hub is one of their main pieces of differentiating software, so there's no reason for them to drop it in their next handset.
 
The Hub is one of their main pieces of differentiating software, so there's no reason for them to drop it in their next handset.

I wouldn't think so. I think I saw evidence of it in one of the leaked bits of info. The Hub is so great, they'd be stupid not to bring it into their Android phone(s).
 
I am considering it. This is basically the equivalent of nokia going android. Obviously they are in a worse situation because of their failed bb10 bet but it will be interesting to see how blackberry fares in the future.
 
Some rumours from here,
http://www.smartphoneandprice.com/b...-android-smartphone-full-specs-and-price.html
Can't comment on the accuracy though.

5.4" QHD Display, 2560x1440
18MP Rear facing camera
Snapdragon 808 CPU
3GB RAM
32GB internal storage, expandable via microSD
3560mAh battery
£250/$350/€320

If true, at that price I'm hugely tempted to move from my Z2.

That's a pretty killer package at that price point. I am not interested in a physical keyboard, but it looks like a nice device.
 
My next phone. Unfortunately there will probably not be a Nordic version, at least not on release, but I'm sure someone will create a better software solution for the extra letters. :)
 
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