BlackBerry is preparing to launch a device that could be the company's ultimate comeback or swan song. BlackBerry is now allowing customers to preregister for the company's first Android-powered and QWERTY-equipped smartphone.
As the saying goes, "what goes up must come down," and no other smartphone manufacturer can identify with this than onetime smartphone king BlackBerry. It's been wel- documented that the company has been struggling to compete with Apple's iOS and Google's Android mobile operating systems ever since BlackBerry debuted BB10 in January 2013, which has powered all of its smartphones since that date.
BB10's main downfall has been the lack of quality third-party apps, since most developers don't want to put money, time and resources into an OS that hasn't proven itself a contender with iOS and Android.
BlackBerry knows that its life support is running out when it comes to devices running BB10 OS, and since Apple doesn't license iOS and Microsoft's smartphone market share is close to BlackBerry's, the company has joined forces with Google and is about to launch its first Android smartphone, the BlackBerry Priv.
The BlackBerry Priv first began making headlines back in June, when a report came out that BlackBerry was working on a QWERTY-equipped smartphone running Android in place of BB10.
We got to see leaked images of the BlackBerry Priv in early July, which was referred to by its "Venice" codename at the time. In late August, it became clear that BlackBerry was focusing on an Android future when images of its BlackBerry Passport were spotted running Android 5.0 Lollipop. New leaked images of the BlackBerry Priv leaked in late August, along with news that the smartphone was expected to go on sale in November and would be offered by all four major U.S. carriers.
The BlackBerry Priv's rumored release date is drawing near, and the company has announced that it is now offering preregistrations for its first Android smartphone. BlackBerry has even provided some of the Priv's key specs and features:
"Priv has the authentic BlackBerry keyboard, legendary security, streamlined communications and productivity, combined with the wide world of Google Play store apps. It has been engineered with the world's finest technology, and packaged in an ultra-thin, ergonomically perfect device with a keyboard hidden by SmartSlide technology.
- Stunning 5.4-inch dual-curved screen
- Long-lasting 3410 mAh battery
- Both touch and physical keyboards
- Schneider-Kreuznach certified camera
- Extraordinary audio quality
Priv also introduces the exclusive DTEK by BlackBerry warning system app to provide you with the power of privacy."
The BlackBerry Priv is expected to be released in November, and the latest rumors claim it will cost around $630 full price. Are you planning to buy a BlackBerry Priv, and do you think Android will provide a bright future for BlackBerry? Let us know in the comments below.
