Blackberry have been having it rough of late,even with sales of the PRIV their first Android device sales have not been great by any means,The PRIV is a unique device and stands out in the crowd with that hidden keyboard underneath its screen when I even showed people they where impressed. With new Android handsets set to come on board soon their direction is clear because they have announced they are to discontinue the Blackberry classic which is another device I own along with the Silver Passport and PRIV..
Sometimes it can be very tough to let go. For BlackBerry, and more importantly for our customers, the hardest part in letting go is accepting that change makes way for new and better experiences.
These are the tenets that help keep us focused and the reasons why we are committed to the success of both BlackBerry 10 and Android devices. To keep innovating and advancing our portfolio, we are updating our smartphone lineup with state of the art devices. As part of this, and after many successful years in the market, we will no longer manufacture BlackBerry Classic. For many years, Classic (and its BBOS predecessors) has been in our portfolio. It has been an incredible workhorse device for customers, exceeding all expectations. But, the Classic has long surpassed the average lifespan for a smartphone in today’s market. We are ready for this change so we can give our customers something better – entrenched in our legacy in security and pedigree in making the most productive smartphones.
Users of the BB PRIV on T-Mobile have been waiting for the official update since it was announced, but for one reason or other was delayed.
They were able to get it as beta through the Beta program Blackberry itself offered, but now is official but all those who didn’t want the struggle of “bug full” releases.
In case you missed it, we did a full review HERE were you can find all the benefits of the update.
But everything will be there, from DOZE to improve your battery life to the granular app permission that will boost the DTEK service.
Also unlike other manufactures, Blackberry did include to “Adatable Storage” on this update, so you can use an SD card to add more “onboard” memory.
Remember that the phone needs to be charge at least 60% (but I strongly recommend you to have it at 100%) and as this is an OTA update you’ll need to check every now and then to see if is available to your particular device.
Do you have the update already? Are you exited about it? Let us know in the comment section below or Tweet us to join the conversation.
Dont forget to check out our INTERVIEW with Blackberry too…
At the beginning of the week, Blackberry gave us awesome news. The update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow for the BB PRIV was ready and was starting to roll out globally.
Us here at TechBuzzIreland are big fans of the PRIV and you can see why HERE, also you can see our full review HERE.
This is quite impressive as the blackberry team just started the beta testing for it less than 3 weeks ago.
We’ve been using the MM update as beta since the beginning but now its available to everyone, we can give our full review of this update.
First of all you need to know, if you’re a beta tester you don’t need to do anything to have the final release as is the same you’re carrying right now.
Overall it is a welcome update, but as weird as it sounds this device seemed to be built to run MM to start with.
Some of the improvements like DOZE are here and with the built-in apps permissions the DTEK suite is now a it’s full power.
We also have new keyboard features the depends on your preference could be great or not.
And last but not least: the camera software was also updated to add two new features.
So let’s start!
Performance:
The device was really fluid to start with, but since the update you now have faster transitions and animations between screens.
Statically looks exactly the same, but is now easier to make changes on the launcher (if you’re still using BlackBerry launcher)
Some users reported heat issues on lollipop, some of which I faced myself, but were mostly on heavily intense apps like a game with unreal engine which demand lots of graphic consumption, and just after a while.
After the update, ram management seems to be addressed and even though you can feel the warmth is nowhere near it was on LL.
The battery on the PRIV and in any other smartphone is something subjective, as the use of it vary from one user to other.
But in general you’ll get a full and maybe a little more of usage, with the doze feature the battery consumption is really good.
Security:
The PRIV security is one of the selling points of the device, previously commanded by DTEK now gains a boost with the granular permission that MM offers.
Going in the app will show you “how secure your device is” and right on top of other options you’ll see “app permission” which takes you to individual software or hardware components that have been used by each app
So, you can see if an app is accessing your location a 100 times in less than a day and proceed to denied that access.
Also if you were using the picture password as your main lock screen you’ll be asked to add a pin or a pattern to improve the functionality. This secondary step will be asked in some particular functions or after you reboot your phone.
As an extra, if you look in settings and about phone, you’ll see that now you have the May security patch.
HUB:
The HUB is the main source of information (or that’s what BlackBerry says) on your phone.
Now after MM is more integrated within the phone software with extra notifications.
Now there’s support for more apps like IG, Skype and even Slack.
If you’re one of the PRIV adopters who’s not coming from a BB10 device I strong recommend you to make used of it. As the productivity edge it’s interlace with it and if you use the Outlook calendar as well the Google one you’ll have the two on the glance screen of the edge.
Keyboard
The PRIV’s keyboards are the other selling point, as is the only flagship phone to sport a Physical KB built-in as well as the Virtual keyboard.
The software that goes along the phone’s KB is good. But now you’ll have Swipe functions to use, not only on the virtual keyboard but the physical too.
Make use of it has a drawback, you lose the “swipe left to erase” feature.
This “new” gesture can be turn on and off on both sides in the options menu, under “keyboard settings”
They are independent from each other so, as me, you can have it on for the virtual and off on the physical one.
Camera
The camera on the PRIV is good, maybe not one of the top 3 but definitely a good performer.
The software received two new additions in the form of video recording, one is a well-known feature on flagships phones but which was missing from the first release, this is the 120fps slow-motionbut you need to have in mind that there’s no audio on this mode.
The second mode added to it is a not so common 4K recording at 24fpswhich promises “cinematic quality” to your videos.
Something I was personally waiting was manual controls through the Camera2 API but I guess we’ll have to wait for another update.
Another cool feature added is the ability to launch the camera from sleep mode with double pressing the power button as the nexus devices.
Conclusion
The PRIV a great device, made even better with Marshmallow, the inclusion of DOZE, and the boost to DTEK with individual apps permissions are going to make feel you finally have the phone you paid for.
There’s work to be done though, you can find a little lag with some apps and the camera software needs more work.
The Android 6.0.1 update is available since April 26th for PRIV owners who shop directly from ShopBlackberry and Amazon with models:
STV100-1 in the U.S. and Canada
STV100-4 in the UK and France
The carrier models such as STV100-2 and STV100-3 will have to wait till MAy 3 to start recieving the update.
Overall the update is greatly welcome, fixed some of the issues you could find on Android 5.0 and gives you really functional extras. But with the next version of android just around the corner. The real question now will be:
Recently I had a chat about the Blackberry Priv and why I use one,to date its been a solid performer and serves me well,check out what I had to say…
Greene: You’ve got a pretty busy schedule – how does PRIV fit into all that?
O’Brien: Since I often work on the road looking after clients or connecting with people from my company, the PRIV for me is essential for my business. I’m usually up at around eight in the morning, whether I’m traveling or working from home, and I regularly have to balance my schedule around my business, Tech Buzz Ireland, and my family.
PRIV has all the aspects I need to do that – Google Maps is an essential part of my day-to-day, while applications such asMicrosoft Office Mobile allow me to put together spreadsheets like invoices and send off documents on the fly. The camera’s also proven essential for my blogging work, and its photo quality is excellent. Apps like the Hub tie all that together with Google Calendar and Event Reminders, which together help me stay organized.
Greene: What really strikes you about PRIV? What couldn’t you live without?
O’Brien: DTEK, for one. I like to know exactly what my installed apps are doing and how they’re using my information – DTEK provides me with that insight, and serves as a nice touch atop BlackBerry’s other security features. The keyboards, without a doubt, are also excellent. The physical keyboard makes typing, note-taking and documentation very simple and effective, while the virtual keyboard is great for quick messages and searches.
As I mentioned, I also quite like the physical design of the phone. When you hold it and slide it open, it’s well-balanced in the hand, not too big or cumbersome regardless of whether or not you’re using the keyboard. It’s easy to use as a one-handed device, too.
Greene: What sort of reaction has your PRIV gotten from friends and colleagues?
O’Brien: A lot of people here haven’t physically seen the phone, but the first thing they always notice is that it’s a BlackBerry. Those who know me usually have one reaction; something along the lines of “What the hell, Jim? You’ve been an Android and Windows fan for years! Why are you using BlackBerry now?”
Then I show them the device. When they actually get a chance to look at it, to slide open the keyboard and feel it in their hands, they change their tune. I’d say about 15 or 20 people I know bought their own PRIV based solely on my feedback.
Blackberry now have some offers which might interest those looking for a new device in the coming days,News of apps to leave Blackberry OS like Facebook and WhatsApp should not be something to make it a deal breaker,Apps come and go and this does not make or break an OS,plus there is always alternative apps out there,people like to change too..
In this sale there is up to 30% off selected items and 20% off the Passport devices including the Silver edition which is still one of my favourite devices today..
The Blackberry Passport is dropped by around £80 which is not too bad at all..
Should you require some accessories there is up to 30% off in this department,From cases to charging and audio there is a good range to pick from so now is the time to make an addition should you need so… Sale ends on April 12th so there is plenty of time to check out what is on offer now..
Click HERE for the accessories department and take a look…. Enjoy the Easter Break folks..
Blackberry are running a sale right now and if you are in the UK or want to purchase in Ireland there is some good deals to be had if you have not ventured in the BlackBerry realm again. Owning both these devices myself they are pretty good and with the Priv having that physical keyboard and slider and with the Passport having simply the best keyboard there is and stellar battery life with one of the most solid builds they are something to look into if you are tempted to get something new.. Not for everyone with a niche audience both have plenty to offer..
Save up to £104 when you buy a PRIV bundle or up to £88 when you buy either a Passport in black or white or a Passport, Silver Edition bundle! From February 12 until February 24, 2016, customers buying via ShopBlackBerry can purchase a PRIV for only £529 or a BlackBerry Passport for only £349 And as our gift to you; with every PRIV smartphone purchase you will receive a complimentary accessory bundle that includes a black Leather Smart Flip Case and Sync Pod with 1.2m USB cable worth up to £74.
But that’s not all. It’s also a great time to buy a BlackBerry Passport Silver Edition – now available for £395 with up to £54 of free accessories.
Don’t miss out! Click SHOP BLACKBERRY to shop the collection..
BlackBerry is now offering some nice deals on the BlackBerry Passport, Passport Silver Edition and PRIV, in time for Valentine’s Day,so if you have not purchased your new BlackBerry yet now is the time to do it and scoop some goodies in the process.
From January 28 through February 24 via ShopBlackBerry, customers will receive a free accessory bundle worth up to £74 when they buy a BlackBerry Passport or PRIV smartphone, plus they get extra savings on the BlackBerry Passport they’ve been looking for as the smartphone is £369.
Check out all our featured reviews in the relating links below.
The BlackBerry Priv,the first device running Android from BlackBerry has been talk of the town for some months now and impressions of the device are mostly good,one thing though that was an issue was the availability factor of the slider sporting a nice keyboard tucked under the hood..
The Priv can now be ordered from more countries from today which are The Netherlands, Italy and Spain.. Sadly no news for Ireland and it is highly unlikely at this stage we will not see it in retail just as the Passport,Leap and Cassic which can be bought sim free from Currys/PcWorld
We have been using the Priv some months now and to date its been a solid device and stands out from the crowd especially when you show off the keyboard hidden underneath…
Check out our unboxing and walk-through after the break..
To our readers not in Ireland here is the links you need,if you need any assistance and living in Ireland drop us a mail… For reviews and unboxings of the Passport /Silver Passport /Leap and Classic see related articles.
The BlackBerry Passport was released last year and there was much talk about it,myself included found it rather an odd design and I gave it a scoff,This was one a few devices scoffed last year and some recommended ignoring a few devices which is just bad form and mainly trying to make a point,dont scoff something until you actually have held or used the product people…The older passport was one such device that had an interest in and I actually used it for longer that expected as a daily driver,typically I use two/three devices a day which is becoming rather cumbersome…
There is just mainly cosmetic changes to the silver edition and make it a worthy update which makes it more solid and pleasing to hold,the corners for example on the Original Passport where sharp,this is not the case here and the same applies to the surrounding housing which is chamfered and feels much better than the old.
Take a look at the image gallery and unboxing below and if you have any questions fire away….
You can see the Original Passport Unboxing HERE and our review of the same device HERE
