BlackBerry’s imminent move to Android is certainly odd, so it’s no surprise the phone will tout an equally quirky moniker.
According to a new report, BlackBerry’s Android slider phone will be called ‘Priv’.
Until now, the device has been peddled by rumour-spinners as ‘Venice’, but it turns out that’s just a codename.
The actual BlackBerry Priv branding is purportedly intended to show the company’s focus on security features.
Prolific tech tipster Evan Blass leaked the new name in a Twitter post:
https://twitter.com/statuses/646822488287105024
Tech site N4BB claims it “reached out to a couple of contacts” and also confirmed ‘Priv’ would be the official launch name of the device.
The device, which is BlackBerry’s first smartphone to run a third-party OS, is rumoured to land in November.
Claimed specs include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 808 chipset – as featured on the LG G4 – and a 5.4-inch QHD display.
Let’s not forget the slide-out keyboard either, which gels with BlackBerry’s propensity for physical buttons.
Related: Best Android Smartphones 2015
The company has struggled to turn a profit in recent years, so defecting to Android may just be its saving grace.
Would you buy an Android smartphone built by BlackBerry? Let us know in the comments.
Check out our smartphone buyer’s video guide below:
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
