BlackBerry releases Android apps on Google Play Store for upcoming BlackBerry Priv

BlackBerry had announced that its latest Android-powered handset, the BlackBerry Priv is available for pre-order and starts shipping 6 November. Now, reports have emerged offering information about the handset’s ‘Productivity Edge’ or notifications on the curved edge display. In addition, the company has also released Priv-specific Android apps to the Google Play store. A report by Blackberry Central states that, “If you keep a close eye on BlackBerry, you may have spotted the BlackBerry Keyboard, exFAT, and Launcher on the Google Play Store. This is a good sign that the software has reached the final release portion.” Some of the apps included are BlackBerry Launcher, BlackBerry Keyboard, MicrosoftexFAT for BlackBerry, BlackBerry Services, BlackBerry Password Keeper, BlackBerry Camera and DTEK by BlackBerry. Also, the Content Transfer for BlackBerry app will allow users to switch to the new smartphone by moving data that is saved on an old BlackBerry 10 device. Images were also shared on  CrackBerry by a user which included undisclosed features such as the Priv’s ‘Productivity Edge’. The image reads, ““Tap the Home icon. Drag out the Productivity Edge tab. Select an icon to view an app view. Select another icon to view an app preview. Tap the Settings icon.” In terms of specifications, the Priv features a slim design with a slide out physical keyboard, similar to the earlier BlackBerry Torch, but with a more elegant design. It has a 5.4-inch dual-curved WQHD Plastic AMOLED screen similar to the Samsung Galaxy Edge series. The display has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels with a density of 540 dpi. In addition, the device is powered by  a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 Hexa-Core, 64 bit processor with an Adreno 418, 600MHz GPU. An 18 MP dual-flash Schneider-Kreuznach certified camera is expected to deliver crisp images. The device has 3GB low powered RAM and internal storage of up to 32 GB, but is expandable via the microSD card slot of up to 2 TB. A 3410 mAh battery on the Priv gives up to 22.5 hours of battery life according to BlackBerry.