By now you’re probably asking which mobile carrier will offer the BlackBerry PRIV. We’ve got the answer: AT&T. It’s something we didn’t really think about much because we’re too focused waiting for pre-order to open and watching all the promos and then that unboxing video yesterday. The first ever Android smartphone by BlackBerry, the Priv is expected to bring more security to the platform, made possible by the brand’s privacy and mobile security framework.
BlackBerry PRIV
Starting November 6, Friday, the BlackBerry Priv will be ready online at att.com and in store all over the US. It will take advantage of AT&T’s 4G LTE network for fast mobile Internet connectivity. For qualified AT&T customers, you can avail of the Priv with AT&T Next 24, 18, and 12 at $0 downpayment. For Next 24, it will be $24.67 for 30 months. Next 18 will be $30.84 for the next 24 months and Next 12 will be $37 for 20 months. With a two-year commitment, the BlackBerry Priv will be $249.99.
AT&T’s SVP for Device Marketing and Developer Services, Jeff Bradley, is excited about this new offering. He said, “You can finally have everything you loved about BlackBerry with the capabilities of Android OS. This smartphone is a powerhouse with sleek design, seamless productivity, and advanced security features on the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network.”
You may not remember it but when the Canadian smartphone pioneer first launched in the US, it was AT&T who first carried the phone. It was the first wireless carrier to bring a BlackBerry to the hands of Americans so it’s not surprising that it will offer the first Android-powered BlackBerry. In 1999, it launched the BlackBerry 950. AT&T boasts of many “firsts” with BlackBerry—the BlackBerry Z10 as the first BB smartphone on AT&T’s 4G LTE network, BlackBerry Torch exclusive to the carrier in 2011, BlackBerry 5810 and 5820 back in 2002, and the first BlackBerry 950 in 1999.
HTC ONE A9
AT&T will also bring the HTC One A9. The controversial One A9 can now be availed from the mobile carrier for only $99.99 with a two-year contract. With no downpayment, you can have it on Next 24 with a $17.31 monthly fee for 30 months. Just like the BlackBerry Priv and the two smartwatches we announced a while ago, the HTC One A9 will be available beginning Friday, November 6.
The HTC smartphone already runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. Features include a 5-inch HD AMOLED screen with edge-to-edge Corning Gorilla Glass, a thin metal frame, 13MP camera, microSD slot for memory expansion,
This HTC One A9 also features Android Pay so you can pay with a simple tap of your finger. Meanwhile, the ‘Now on Tap‘ brings important information you might need delivered to you. Just press the home button to check out more data or information. And since this one is powered by Android 6.0, you can make use of the Application Permission feature to allow or disallow apps from asking permission.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzddzp1qgQM
Thank you Microsoft Windows Phone for showing another manufacturer the way. That Blackberry Priv is a ripoff of the Dell venue Pro from 2012.
The Blackberry Priv is 2015’s best smartphone of the year with the best hardware and specs (and it’s cheaper than an iphone or samsung s6).
It also has Blackberry security which is something Android has been desperately missing.
considering this is their hail mary, i’m surprised by the price, the lack of marketing, and that it’s not being released simultaneously on all four major carriers. john chen needs to be fired yesterday.
Like the PRIV a lot. Not a great name but I want one anyway.