[VIDEO] New video provides an animated look at the inside of the BlackBerry Priv

The BlackBerry Priv might not have been able to single-handedly kick start the company's hardware sales in the fiscal third quarter. But things should change for the better early next year. BlackBerry's first Android powered slider will soon be available from the largest mobile carrier in the U.S., Verizon, and that can only mean more Priv units will get rung up. The Verizon version of the phone has already cleared the FCC.

The last time a BlackBerry phone was so eagerly anticipated by Verizon subscribers, it was back in 2008 when BlackBerry's first touchscreen phone was launched. The BlackBerry Storm 9530 came out of the box half-baked with a number of hardware and software flaws. This was supposed to be BlackBerry's answer to the Apple iPhone, and it failed miserably (although the BlackBerry Storm 2 9550 was a major improvement in every way).

A new promotional video was released today for the Priv, and by using animation to display how the device is put together, viewers are supposed to get the feeling that the components inside the slider are well protected from drops. That might be the case, but keep in mind that there is no protection against spills and rain. Don't even think about submerging the slider. Perhaps a sequel version of the phone will include IP certification.

Ever wonder what the inside of the BlackBerry Priv looks like? You can get a quick look at the phone's innards and how it all fits together, by clicking on the video below.

Blackberry Priv update improves camera and performance, app updates coming soon

Blackberry Priv is just about set to receive its first software upgrade since launch. While we thought Blackberry’s first upgrade would simply be a monthly security patch, the company actually had a lot of changes to swing our way.
Here’s what’s coming:
An improved camera: implemented a number of tweaks that improve the speed of our camera app, and re-tuned it for better low-light image quality.
Better performance: tweaked the PRIV’s software to improve overall system performance
Improved stability: update further includes a number of adjustments designed to improve device reliability and reduce instances of crashing and freezing.
Enhanced security: release includes December’s security patches – rest easy knowing your device is protected against the latest Android security threats.

The update is rolling out to unlocked units starting today, while carrier-specific versions will get it November 7th. With that, we’re also told to look ahead to some forthcoming app updates:
Camera: Great new filters to engage your artistic side
Keyboard: Increased language support and emojis added to predictive typing
Hub & Contacts: Now includes WhatsApp
DTEK by BlackBerry: More notification options to alert you when apps use your info

And those are all due November 14th. To grab the update simply head to Settings > About > System Update and tap the “Check for Updates” button. You’re looking at a 475MB download so it’s worth hopping onto WiFi if you can.

Teardown shows BlackBerry Priv display is refreshingly easy to replace [VIDEO]

By now, those of you interested in picking up BlackBerry’s long overdue entry into the Android space have likely already done so. The BlackBerry Priv — now readily available on AT&T, directly from the manufacturer, and soon, Verizon — signals the return of the slide-out physical keyboard. You know, one of the main reasons “business types” stuck around with BlackBerry through the years, despite smartphones all moving to a similar all-display form factor.

Even with all those moving parts, the Priv is pleasantly solid. Because the phone doesn’t come cheap and a sudden drop or spill is always very real possibility, repairability is could be something sitting in the back of your mind. Sure you could find a case for it, but they’re still a bit hard to come by with the sliding mechanism and curved display making it difficult to provide adequate protection without added bulk. Even then, there’s no guarantees in life.

In a new teardown video from JerryRigsEverything (yes, it’s the same guy who sparked the Nexus 6P#bendgate controversy a few weeks back) he shows just how quickly and easily it is to replace the display on the BlackBerry Priv in the event something should happen to it.

Believe or not, the entire display can be removed in a little over 5 minutes. All it takes is heating the glue located only on the sides of the display, then using a card to lift and remove it from there. That’s it. There’s absolutely no need to remove the back cover, battery unit, motherboard, or any of that nonsense. Swapping in a new display is as simple as connecting it into the tiny port, then snapping everything back into place. Easy peasy. Check out the video for yourself and let us know if repairability is a feature any of you look toward when choosing a new smartphone.

Phandroid

Blackberry could already have plans to make more Android devices [VIDEO]

Blackberry CEO John Chen recently sat down with Fox News to discuss the company’s hardware business and their newly-launched Blackberry PRIV Android phone. He hit on all the obvious points: Blackberry loves hardware and won’t easily give up on it, and that they’ll be approaching the market with a steady head and make decisions based on market response.


That said, the company is already looking ahead, with the CEO confirming that they have a range of other products already in the works after the PRIV. Unfortunately he didn’t get into details about what these devices would be. Tablets? Phones? Android or Blackberry 10?

We’re not sure what to expect from them just yet, but they’re adamant in making sure they stick to it and we’ll certainly be rooting for them to make another unique device that can actually disrupt the market. You can check the interview with Chen out in the video below.

Blackberry Priv to cost $749, might ship November 16th

Late last night, Blackberry accidentally let slip a pre-order page for the Blackberry PRIV in the US and Canada. We thought the company was ready to stop being so quiet about the thing and start getting it into folks’ hands, but they were quick to take the page down.

They weren’t quick enough for the internet, though. A couple of new details about the Blackberry Priv were revealed, including a $749 price tag and a November 16th shipping date (which lines up with Blackberry’s planned November window). It’s possible these numbers and dates aren’t totally final, but it’s a good starting point for what to expect in terms of pricing and availability.

The device’s specs were also confirmed. Here’s what we’re looking at:
5.4-inch 2560 x 1440 display with slide-up keyboard
Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor
3GB RAM and 32GB storage (microSD slot up to 2TB)
18MP rear camera with 4K video, optical image stabilization (OIS), and phase detection autofocus; 2MP front camera
3410mAh battery with Quick Charge 2.0
NFC
Android 5.1.1 Lollipop

This is a heavy hitting device through and through, folks, and Blackberry is giving everyone a compelling reason to take their first Android efforts very seriously. If the price tag sounds a bit too high for your taste, Blackberry is said to be giving the exclusive carrier rights to AT&T here in the United States, so those with Ma Bell might have an easier road to grabbing one. We’ll be awaiting more details from Blackberry in the near future.

BlackBerry’s official PRIV demo shows off exclusive new features [VIDEO]

Earlier today we saw Carphone Warehouse give us a quick hands-on with the upcoming BlackBerry PRIV, one that was much better than that awkward demo their CEO gave us a few weeks ago.


In either case, if you’re looking for something a little more official, BlackBerry has uploaded their own PRIV demo, an introduction of sorts, highlighting the phone’s exclusive new features. At 41 seconds the video isn’t long, but we do get to see BlackBerry’s new shortcuts, BlackBerry Hub, and physical keyboard gestures (look at the flicka da wrist!). In other words, it’s just enough to get our mouths watering. See for yourself.

Keep in mind the video is unlisted (meaning even if you were subscribed to BlackBerry’s YouTube channel, you wouldn’t have been notified it was uploaded) and was only sent out to those who signed up for BlackBerry’s PRIV newsletter.

BlackBerry Priv handled unofficially: thinner than Note5

One lucky Redditor got to handle the BlackBerry Priv, something we've seen only the BB CEOdo so far. The initial impressions are quite positive.

Most surprising is that the Priv is reportedly thinner than the Galaxy Note5, which is a slender 7.6mm thick. As for weight, it was reported more than the Note5 (171g). The BB slider is not a small device though, rumors put its screen at 5.4". The screen was sharp (expected resolution: QHD) and it has a 2.5D glass (curved on the sides).

The Priv's slider offered a pleasant sliding action, something we've all but forgotten since touchscreen slabs took over. The screen sliding up does not throw off the weight balance of the phone so typing on the hardware keyboard below is comfortable. When the slider is closed, the phone shows an on-screen keyboard for quick typing.

In the dark the 18MP camera took longer to lock focus than the Galaxy phablet. The software running on the Snapdragon 808 chipset was as smooth as a Nexus 5 with Marshmallow. The BlackBerry Priv will come with Google Play Services, though it's not clear how deep BB customization will run.

BlackBerry CEO John Chen Goes Hands-on With the Priv (VIDEO)

Confirming rumours, BlackBerry unveiled its first device with Android’s operating system. John Chen gave BNN’s Amber Kanwar a worldwide exclusive first look at the phone.

Earlier today BlackBerry finally let the cat out of the bag and confirmed rumors they are indeed close to launching a new Android slider they’re calling the BlackBerry Priv. It was the very same day last week we got an early sneak peek at the Priv in a hands-on video, but in case you were looking for something a little more official, BlackBerry CEO John Chen gave BNN’s Amber Kanwar a worldwide exclusive first look at the phone.

In his extremely awkward hands-on on demo (it’s clear Chen still needs to get better acclimated with the new OS), the CEO fumbles around the OS a bit before giving up. He also mentions again that Priv is short, not only for privacy, but the privilege you end up with after buying the phone. Ummm… Okay. In case you wanted another look at the phone that could be ours — and many of yours — next daily driver, the cringe-worthy video can be found below.