The BlackBerry Priv promises to give users a more secure Android experience and faster security patch update cycle. It will still offer access to Google Play Store despite lock down.
BlackBerry tweaked the Android OS on its BlackBerry Priv to make it more secure. The company said it "performed extensive surgery under the hood to augment [the operating system's] privacy and security capabilities."
ExtremeTech reported the different security features that BlackBerry Priv will offer. The device will reportedly have its hardware and boot process secured and verified by cryptographic keys.
The Priv will support secure communication services like SecurSuite for private calls and conferencing, WatchDox for document sharing, and other BBM services. BlackBerry claimed that the software has no backdoors, guaranteeing maximum security.
Additionally, BlackBerry's new flagship will have full device disk encryption enabled by default. It will also have a Linux kernel with security patches and support for BlackBerry Enterprise Security platform (BES12). The Priv is assumed to use ARM TrustZone technology.
Another additional line of defense for the Priv is support for Picture Passwords. Users can use photos of their faces to login on their devices. This is deemed more secure than conventional login methods.
Aside from better security, BlackBerry commits to delivering faster security patches with the Priv. The Tech Report said that this would prove useful since Android has been under security attacks lately with the Stagefright vulnerability.
It is also reported that although BlackBerry Priv will provide a tight lock down, it will still give access to the Google Play Store unlike other device makers. Users can know what applications are potential security threats with the DTEK app.
MobileSyrup reported that BlackBerry released a 30-second commercial of the Priv. Entitled "Priv is for Privacy", the commercial emphasized on the security feature of the BlackBerry Priv. The video went like this: "My life. My friends. My thoughts. My feelings. My choice. My business. My privilege. My privacy. PRIV. Blackberry secure smartphone powered by Android."
Pre-orders of the BlackBerry Priv are currently up for grabs via particular retailers. The upcoming handset will either make or break BlackBerry's future in the smartphone manufacturing business.
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