Blackberry, a global leader in mobile communications, confirmed that its first ever smartphone powered by Android PRIV is now commercially available at AT&T retailers in North America including carrier partners in Canada i.e. Bell, Rogers, SeskTel, Tellus and Wind.
The PRIV which stands for Privacy and Privilege comes as ultra-thin, measuring 5.8 by 3.0 by 0.4 inches when closed and weighing 6.7 ounces. When opened, it measures 7.2 inches.
Blackberry PRIV prides in its ability to keep personal data on the mobile private and fend off hackers and break-ins since its is manufactured with cryptographic keys into the device hardware thus providing a secure foundation.
This is in addition to 2 or 3 other technical features going towards enhancing security. Securing personal data was the feature the earlier Blackberry mobiles were famous for and now as a smartphone it is attempting to be the leader in the privacy game.
PRIV has a dual-curved screen with both a touch and physical keyboard that slides out from the bottom edge. The physical keyboard - like having an external keyboard - gives the entire space in the screen for you to type out your message -so it is easier on the eye.
In using the touch keyboard - it takes up at least half the screen.
A PC Mag reviewer felt that the keyboard was a little narrow and not a comfortable as for Blackberry Passport hence not comfortable for those with big clumsy thumbs.
On the other hand, a product review by The Wall Street Journal finds the physical keyboard excellent. After a bit of practice, the reviewer was able to type at 60 wpm, or 20% faster compared to iPhone.
The other plus factors include long battery life which lasted 22.5 hours when tested by PC Mag.
There is no problem with storage since it has a capacity of 30GB and can use a micro SD card, including a 200BG scan disk ultra.
PRIV comes with an 18MP state-of-the-art camera which on testing by reviewers came short unlike the ones by Apple and Samsung.
The PRIV is priced at $D700 for the 32GB model and that is a bit pricey according to reviewers on the internet.
The plus points on the security features are actually worth considering what we know how hackers can break into emails and also decode encrypted emails using the latest apps or software after the Snowden era.
Current reviewers from notable sources have not gone the length to find out if Blackberry PRIV can secure our emails and messages from being hacked by telcos, government spying agencies and other entities.
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