While it is true that the Priv was not the most successful phone in the history of BlackBerry, it was recognized on more than one occasion as one of the safest Android phones and the best user experience it could offer. Today, however, BlackBerry announces that, after two years of continued support, Priv will stop receiving monthly security updates.
There will be no more security patches for the BlackBerry Priv
The main objective of BlackBerry during its long journey in the telephone industry has been to offer devices with a higher level of security than other manufacturers. When the Canadian firm launched the Priv in 2015, it assured that the device would be kept updated to the latest version of Android for as long as possible and that it would receive the monthly security patches only a few days after its release by the tech giant Google. And the truth is that, at least on the part of the security patches, BlackBerry has fulfilled its part of the contract. Both the Priv and the rest of the terminals that it has in its catalogue till to the date are kept up to date with security updates, something that not many manufacturers can boast. However, as expected, two years after the launch of its first smartphone with Android, BlackBerry has taken the decision to leave the Priv, and stop supporting software updates, including security patches. “When we introduced our first Android device more than 24 months ago, we committed to offer 2 years of monthly software updates for the PRIV. True to our word, we fulfilled this commitment although, in truth, the security posture incorporated in the PRIV had little need for many of the updates we delivered together with partners such as Google and Qualcomm. Having left the original window of 2 years, we will no longer provide monthly updates for the PRIV from here on out”. Of course, these words do not mean that those who refuse to let go of their beloved Priv, will be left helpless, far from it. The company ensures that it will keep its word regarding the warranty of the product, and undertake to repair or replace any manufacturing defect that may appear on the device as long as it is within the warranty period. On the other hand, BlackBerry indicates that, although the Priv will not receive more security patches, the phone system is optimized to offer a higher level of security, so it should be kept safe from vulnerabilities. However, in case of discovering a critical security breach, they will make every effort to solve it through the necessary patches. Finally, the firm states that its intention is to offer users all possible facilities to have a secure device in their hands. Therefore, in a short time, they will start a trade-in program, through which holders of BlackBerry Priv can receive an economic bonus when buying a new smartphone of the company such as Motion or KEYOne, according to them, the safest Android smartphones of the planet. So, what do you think about this? Simply share your views and thoughts in the comment section below.
