14 DAY TRIAL // The first Android smartphone to be launched by BlackBerry, the Priv, is just around the corner. BlackBerry Priv might also be the last handset launched by the Canadian company, if it doesn't sell as well as expected.
We reported earlier this week that BlackBerry had already opened pre-registrations for the Priv, so those who want to be the first to find out when the smartphone becomes available for purchase can register on the dedicated website.
But what makes the Priv so special in comparison with other Android devices that are already available on the market? BlackBerry is trying to offer some insight into the changes it did to the Android capabilities.
According to the Canadian company, its engineers “performed extensive surgery under the hood to augment Android's privacy and security capabilities.”
BlackBerry brings its patented technology on the Android platform
In addition, BlackBerry has confirmed it brought its patented picture-login to Android, which is arguably the best mix of security strength and ease of use when it comes to smartphone authentication.
The company has also announced that Priv supports a wide range of BlackBerry apps aimed at business users, including WatchDox private file sharing, BBM Meetings private conferences, and SecuSUITE private voice calls. These apps do not have back doors and use certified cryptographt from BlackBerry Certicom, the company states.
BlackBerry has also said that it built and implemented monitoring hooks deep within Android that should offer users powerful feedback and control over how apps make use of major security device resources.
For example, there's the exclusive DTEK by BlackBerry warning system application, but also other features like privacy health that is communicated in “a simple and elegant manner.”
Last but not least, BlackBerry promises to offer more details on its work on Android privacy so that customers know what to expect from their Priv smartphone.