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Brad Ward
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BlackBerry has begun pushing out Android 6.0.1 to Priv models bought from the ShopBlackBerry store. We’ve been anxiously awaiting the update for some time now, and after a short beta period, the update is finally rolling out.
The models getting Android 6.0.1 include STV100-1 in the US and Canada, and then you have STV100-4 for France and the UK. BlackBerry says that STV100-2 and STV100-3 models will be getting the update next week starting on May 3rd.
So, what does Marshmallow bring to the Priv? Well, you get everything that Google has packaged into it, including Doze, App Permissions, Google Now On Tap, and much more. But, aside from that, BlackBerry has added plenty of its own goodies in the update.
BlackBerry has added a ton of security improvements to different parts of the Priv, including the Hub, Keyboard, and Camera. Beyond that, there’s been some performance enhancements that have made a notable difference to the handset.
One of the biggest changes is improvements to BlackBerry Hub. It now supports S/MIME email signing and encryption, but there’s also some other additions, including Instagram, Pinterest, Slack, and Skype.
Aside from security, there’s also some improvements to the virtual and physical keyboard, adding swiping support to both. The Camera, aside from security, has also seen a couple of additions, including new modes for 24fps capture and 120fps slow motion.
There’s a few other small additions, including a few changes to the launcher. You can, of course, find the full list of changes in the press release below.
As per the norm with updates like these, they do take awhile to get to everyone. You should get the prompt to download it soon, but to check for it manually, be sure to head into Settings > About Phone.
Press release:
PRIV by BlackBerry Now Runs on Android Marshmallow
New Updates Added to the Company’s Secure Android Smartphone
WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – April 26, 2016) – BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ:BBRY)(TSX:BB), a global leader in secure mobile communications, has released the Android 6.0 Marshmallow (M) mobile operating system for PRIV, the first-ever BlackBerry smartphone fully powered by Android. PRIV with Android M is now available on ShopBlackBerry.com, and coming soon to all major carriers offering the smartphone. Existing PRIV users will be able to upgrade to Android M by downloading the software update on their device.
Android Marshmallow on PRIV brings users more ways to improve their mobile security by providing new opportunities to monitor and control privacy with its unique DTEK app. Users will obtain greater productivity through enhancements to the BlackBerry keyboard, BlackBerry Hub, BlackBerry launcher and battery performance. Updates to the BlackBerry camera will foster their creativity.
“PRIV by BlackBerry is the most secure Android device in the market and we continue to find ways to further enhance users’ security and privacy by adding new features with the Marshmallow operating system update,” said John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO, BlackBerry.
Raising the Standard for Privacy and Security
Building on BlackBerry’s legacy of security and keeping customer data private, DTEK by BlackBerry has been updated to empower users with more ways to monitor and control their privacy – better protecting PRIV from malware, hacks and data breaches.
- Customized Personal Data Permissions – Apps demand access to personal data, even when it’s not necessary for the app to function properly. DTEK gives the power back to users to control what to share and when. Turn permissions off at any time and still continue to use the app.
- Improved Notification Settings – Users will only be shown notification controls for sensors that a given app has specifically requested access to. For example, if an application does not request microphone it will not appear in the list.
- S/MIME Support – The new S/MIME feature in BlackBerry Hub adds another level of security by allowing users to digitally sign and encrypt their emails.
Enhanced BlackBerry Keyboard
The BlackBerry Keyboard has been updated to provide better predictive typing, accuracy, and control.
- More Emoji – Users now have access to over 200 new and updated emojis.
- New Gesture Typing – The new swipe capability allows users to slide their fingers from key to key to enter words on the virtual and/or physical keyboard.
- Enhanced Word Prediction – Better word predictions anticipate the next word based on where users place their fingers on keys. Predictive typing now also learns words with numbers and provides better name suggestions based on a user’s contacts.
- Better Cursor Control – Activate “Cursor Control” mode on the physical keyboard for easier positioning and control. Tapping a key on the physical keyboard more accurately places the focus cursor on screen.
Know What You Want, When You Want
Customized notifications to better organize apps and manage productivity with a touch of a button.
- Mute Indicator – Users can now see the phone’s mute status at a glance via the floating phone indicator that appears when a call is active. Green for when call is active and not muted, yellow for when a call is active and currently muted.
- New Apps in BlackBerry Hub – Staying connected with friends has never been simpler. Now view notifications from app favorites Instagram, Skype, Slack and Pinterest directly in BlackBerry Hub to easily manage all messages in one place.
- Updated BlackBerry Launcher – Better organize apps and widgets into Recent, Personal, and Work sections. Pop-up Widgets are now turned on by default for new users. Set a default home screen, delete a home screen, and remove apps with a flick.
More Battery Life
Get even more out of PRIV with updates to further improve the battery life. When PRIV is at rest, Doze automatically puts the device into a sleep state to increase standby battery life. The App Standby feature will keep infrequently used apps from impacting the battery life.
Engage Your Creative Side
Added tools help customers capture the perfect image with ease and add their own creative flair.
- Capture Professional and Cinematic Quality Videos – Record videos at 24fps in 4k, 1080p or 720p, for high-quality footage to share on social media.
- Slow Motion Video* – Capture smooth slow motion video with the PRIV’s camera that’s up to four times slower. Capture video at 120 fps, which plays back smoothly at 30 fps. The slow motion effect can be applied after taking the video and can be applied to all or any portion of the video.
* Audio is not enabled for slow-motion video at this time.
For more information on PRIV, go to BlackBerry.com/PRIV. Follow all updates to PRIV on the Inside BlackBerry blog (blogs.BlackBerry.com). A full list of Android 6.0 Marshmallow updates can be found at: https://www.android.com/intl/en_ca/versions/marshmallow-6-0/
About BlackBerry
BlackBerry is securing a connected world, delivering innovative solutions across the entire mobile ecosystem and beyond. We secure the world’s most sensitive data across all end points – from cars to smartphones – making the mobile-first enterprise vision a reality. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, BlackBerry operates offices in North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America. The Company trades under the ticker symbols “BB” on the Toronto Stock Exchange and “BBRY” on the NASDAQ. For more information, visit www.BlackBerry.com.
BlackBerry and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of BlackBerry Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.
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