Blackberry Priv Update News: Blackberry Showcases Enhanced Features; Joins Beta Program

By Jenn Loro - 06 Apr '16 14:33PM

The struggling smartphone company, BlackBerry, has recently announced the roll out of Android Marshmallow on its first (and could be the last) Android device, the BlackBerry Priv.

Users of the Priv can now access to the public beta version of the Marshmallow OS installed in their smartphones which still runs on Lollipop. To get its user base accustomed to the new OS ahead of a full-blown release, the company announced a sign-up with the actual tests to commence next week.

"If you're one of the people who want to see Marshmallow on your PRIV, we have great news. We're kicking off the first beta program of the Android OS in BlackBerry Beta Zone. Starting today, we're inviting PRIV owners to sign up now to participate in our Beta Zone program and contribute to testing Android 6.0 on PRIV," said BlackBerry in an official statement as quoted by Tech Times.

With the new OS, Marshmallow offers a slew of new features such as better overall usage experience along with enhanced power management features.

However, the access to the beta version is restricted to users who bought their BB Priv phones Amazon, Carphone Warehouse, and ShopBlackBerry as reported by Device Mag.

Meanwhile, the Canadian handset maker has just seen its sales plummeting to new lows according to its latest Q4 financial report. To make up for the massive decline in sales, the company has just announced a major cut on the price of BlackBerry PRIV handset.

"In order to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy our first Secure Android Smartphone, we're reducing the price. From Tuesday, April 5, PRIV is now available on ShopBlackBerry for US$649, £529 and €729," the latest official announcement as stated on Inside BlackBerry.

As its numbers continue to go down, BlackBerry's future is quite bleak. The company used to be on top of the high-end phone industry until their failure to adapt to the dynamic changes in the mobile industry especially when Apple and Samsung entered the fray.