It’s official – we’re launching an Android smartphone, called the PRIV by BlackBerry. CEO John Chen confirmed it with an announcement on both CNBC and the Inside BlackBerry Blog. The Internet’s been abuzz with the news since then.
Let’s take a look at some of the things people are saying – they might surprise you.
Publications/Journalists
Mariella Moon, Engadget: “If the device turns out to have killer features, then it doesn’t matter what it’s called: after all, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica: “Android OEMs have been in a race to the bottom, cutting costs everywhere they can and axing features…Blackberry obviously isn’t falling in with the current Android OEM groupthink, and that makes the PRIV one of the more exciting devices to come along in some time. We’re excited about a BlackBerry device. What year is it?”
BLA1ZE, CrackBerry: “Arguably the biggest reason an Android customer might actually want to consider picking up the BlackBerry PRIV…That fantastic BlackBerry keyboard that even the most touch-screen faithful individuals will admit to missing at times.”
Matthew Deluca, NBC News: “The smartphone, called PRIV, is aimed at business customers who just can’t separate themselves from a physical keyboard, but also want the range of apps that come with Google’s Android operating system.”
Ben Woods, The Next Web: “If the PRIV arrives looking like its leaked images, then it’ll certainly stand out from the sea of other Android slabs on offer. How many can you think of with a physical keyboard in a sliding form factor?”
Elyse Betters, Pocket-Lint: “Leaked videos appear to show that the BlackBerry PRIV will have the same sort of weave to the rear as we saw – and loved – on the Q10, but highly polished. Given that this whole phone revolves around a slider mechanism, it’s a sure bet that it will have a metal frame.”
Consumer Commentary
“A giant step forward for the company. Even though I’m not a fan of Android, it’s a needed step. So now the question is, will Verizon carry it?” – (Source)
“This is exciting. I’ve always been a BlackBerry loyal and will be. But as a consumer this device will suit my needs really nicely.” – (Source)
“Please, please, please market this phone as much as it possibly can be! You need to let the whole world know how amazing this is!!! Hopefully there are more BlackBerry/Android phones to come in the near future!!!!!!!!!” – (Source)
“Great concept for the product. May not be the best name, but the name doesn’t make the product. I was gonna get it when it was the Venice and will get it still.” – (Source)
“I think this is a smart and nice move, there is a large market for a secure/private Android devices that none of the other manufacturers could produce until now. The BB productivity suite is an awesome addition to the stock Android OS. I am keeping my BB10 device but I reckon the asset of having extended their software basis to Android market! I just hope that the Android runtime on BB10 devices will keep getting better and better.” – (Source)
“BlackBerry security, keyboard and quality hardware build, coupled with Android…..Best of both worlds.” – (Source)
“Can’t wait for real keys!!!! Yay!!! “(Source)
“That is an amazing looking device. If the Android experience isn’t so heavily skinned (ala Samsung) it could be a ground-breaker.” (Source)
“This looks like a far more well-designed slider keyboard than the earlier Storms — the keys actually look more tactile, and it looks like edges of thumbs won’t collide with obtrusions trying to press the keys at the corners. Based on looking at the design they chose, I would not be surprised if this is one of the best ever “keyboard feel” for a portrait slider keyboard on the market. Looking forward to it!” (Source)
“I thought the Xbox 360 was lame when it was first announced. Ended up getting used to it. The same will happen here.” (Source)
“I gives a 4k. I like PRIV. That Venice name was just lame. I’m getting it.” (Source)
“[PRIV is] a name, short for ‘privacy’ and just like iPhone and the Wii, everyone will make the jokes and then move on. In the meantime people have fun, Blackberry gets publicity and people remembering them because they had a good laugh.” (Source)
“I’ve always loved their hardware!” (Source)
Social Media
As you can see, the PRIV is making some pretty big waves in the smartphone space, and they’re mostly positive ones. Everyone who remembers what it was like to type on a physical keyboard – everyone who finds soft keyboards frustrating and difficult to use – wants one. What about you?
Think you’ll be picking up a PRIV on launch day? Let us know in the comments!
by Nicholas C. Greene via Inside BlackBerry
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