BlackBerry Priv gets productivity, security boosts in 1st OTA firmware update; Priv to receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow next year?

By Staff Writer

Dec 03 2015, 04:16 AM EST

The first over-the-air (OTA) firmware update for BlackBerry Priv is rolling out, bringing productivity and security boosts to the handset. BlackBerry said that the Priv will likely receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow update "sometime in the new year".

BlackBerry is sticking to its promise of regular security updates for the BlackBerry Priv. NDTV Gadgets reported that the first OTA update for the Priv has been released. Priv handsets bought directly from ShopBlackBerry have started getting the update on December 1. Carrier-purchased Priv phones will receive the firmware update beginning December 7.

The first OTA update to the BlackBerry Priv offers security, stability, and productivity enhancements. As promised, the update includes "December's security patches" to protect the Priv from malicious Android threats.

BlackBerry said that the update will revamp the camera for increased speed and better image output in low-light. It will optimize the Priv's overall system performance and increase stability to prevent freezing and crashing.

Moreover, BlackBerry will update its Android apps: BlackBerry Keyboard, BlackBerry Camera, BlackBerry Hub and Contacts, and DTEK by BlackBerry. More emojis and language support will be added to the Keyboard app while the Camera app will support 16:9 images. Hub and Contacts will get WhatsApp and DTEK by BlackBerry will have more notification options. These updates will be available via Google Play Store.

Venture Capital Post earlier reported that BlackBerry is committed to providing a more secure user experience with the Priv. To achieve this, the company will ensure that all Priv handsets will regularly receive monthly security updates and patches. BlackBerry even opts to perform hotfixes against more serious threats to protect Priv users.

As for Android 6.0 Marshmallow update, BlackBerry said that the Priv will get the latest Google firmware "sometime in the new year". There has been no definite timeframe or release schedule yet from the company regarding Android Marshmallow update for the Priv.

The first OTA update for the BlackBerry Priv is free to download and install. It requires 475 MB of free space and can be downloaded in the background.