BlackBerry Priv Starts Receiving Android 6.0 Marshmallow Update

BlackBerry on Tuesday announced that Priv users have started receiving the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update. The over-the-air (OTA) update is now available to users who bought their BlackBerry Priv via ShopBlackBerry.com. However, the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update will be coming to all major carriers offering Priv starting May 3.

The Canadian company says that the latest Android OS update will come with Android's monthly security update for May. The company suggests users download the update via Wi-Fi to avoid unnecessary data charges. Users can manually check for updates via Settings > About > System update > Check for update.

To recall, the company kicked off its Android Marshmallow beta programme earlier this month, where it invited BlackBerry Priv owners to sign up for the Beta Zone program and contribute to testing Android 6.0 on the handset. Beta programme members report that they received an update of about 1.8GB that brought the new Android OS update apart from other changes. The biggest highlight of the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for Priv users in beta program is that it brings Android security update for May, which is yet to be rolled out for Nexus devices.

BlackBerry says that it has added several security, performance, and camera improvements with its latest update for Priv users.

Some of the features the update brings include customised personal data permissions via DTEK app by BlackBerry, and new S/MIME support in BlackBerry Hub which will let users digitally sign and encrypt emails. The update also brings enhanced BlackBerry Keyboard which now provides predictive typing, accuracy, and access to over 200 new and updated emojis. It also adds new Keyboard gestures including the new swipe capability that allows users to drag finger across the keys to enter words on the virtual and/or physical keyboard.

The Marshmallow update for Priv adds better cursor control for easier positioning and control. The new floating phone indicator shows phone's mute status at a glance. For example, Priv users will see yellow when call is muted and green when it isn't. The BlackBerry Hub adds new social media apps such as Instagram, Skype, Slack and Pinterest. The BlackBerry Launcher has been updated to better organise apps and widgets into Recent, Personal and Work sections.

The Marshmallow update for Priv also brings improvements to battery life of the device. Now, when the device is at rest, Doze will automatically put apps into sleep state to increase standby time. With media card encryption support, users will be able to secure their private documents. The update adds some camera upgrades as well including record videos at 24fps which BlackBerry touts is the standard "frame rate used in professional feature-length motion pictures." The Priv will also support Slow-Motion videos and can record videos at 120fps and play them back at 30 fps. The company however notes that audio as of now is not supported for slow-motion video at this time.