Owners of the Android-powered BlackBerry Priv can finally have something to smile about as the Canadian company has announced that this device is now open to Android beta testing program.
Many Android devices are currently receiving Android Marshmallow operating system. Major flagships released last year such as Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note 5, Moto X Pure Edition, Xperia Z5, LG G4 and many others started receiving the Marshmallow update some time back. However, it is only now that the same update is reaching owners of the BlackBerry Priv.
In a bid to ensure that the entire BlackBerry Priv Marshmallow update is a success, the Canadian company has opened up a beta testing program for the Priv. In this way, the signed up testers will be able to run the beta version of the OS on their devices and get their hands on the software’s updates ahead of the rest. What this means is that the BlackBerry Android beta program is not open to the public, but only to a few individuals.
Latest Marshmallow update adds privacy tweaks to BlackBerry Priv
In addition to coming in with the usual performance improvements and the expected new features, the latest Android Marshmallow beta version rolling out for BlackBerry Priv devices also brings privacy tweaks to ensure that data stored on your device is safer than ever.
“It’s no wonder many are asking for Android 6.0 M, as it adds great, new features to Android,” BB wrote during the announcement of the Marshmallow update.
Just like any other device that updates to the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow software, BlackBerry Priv users will gain access to Doze mode, Google Now on Tap, streamlined settings, enhanced apps permissions management, automatic baking up of apps and many other improvements. With Google changing tactics in the way it deals with updates, BlackBerry has also promised its beta users that the monthly Android security updates will be coming to their devices early enough, days before they are officially rolled out to the public.
How to get into the BlackBerry Android beta program
As mentioned earlier, not all users of BlackBerry Priv will be eligible to get into the Android beta program. The company says that those who bought their Priv through the BB website, Amazon and Carphone Warehouse will be given the first priority for the beta program. There are some reservations for those who got their Priv via a carrier. There are no specific reasons as to why carrier-branded BlackBerry Priv models do not qualify for immediate admission into the program.
If interested, you can sign up here. Remember, the vacancies are limited.