It’s usually when an upcoming high-end device passes through the Federal Communications Commission that we get really excited about it, because it indicates that the release is not that far off. BlackBerry itself may have leaked the release date for its first Android device ahead of schedule, but the fact that it has sailed through the FCC indicates that it won’t be long until BB formally releases the BlackBerry Priv.
As previously mentioned BlackBerry Priv is the company’s first Android powered smartphone, since BlackBerry has long been associated with security and Android doesn’t have the best security record, the company is taking pains to explain just what it has done to make Android BlackBerry-level secure.
There’s quite a bit of excitement for the BlackBerry Priv, not only because it’s the company’s first Android smartphone, but also because it has a slider form factor which isn’t really common these days in the market.
Model numbers RHK211LW, RHL211LW, RHM181LW of the BlackBerry Priv have been spotted going through the FCC’s system, this shows that all of them have been certified for use in the country, most likely they’re three models which will be sold through three of the four major networks in the United States.
BlackBerry itself has not yet confirmed when it intends to release this device, which is expected to cost $750 off-contract, quite a bit higher than one needs to pay for a high-end Android flagship from other manufacturers in the market.