BlackBerry has sent out a number of major upgrades for stock apps residing in its Android-powered Priv smartphone. Users can either download the update manually from the Google Play Store or wait for it to arrive OTA.
Diving into the changes, the BlackBerry Priv will now be able to record slow-motion videos. The option is present under Mode and can shoot videos at 120fps. These play back at 30fps, making the video 4 times slower than the recorded frame rate. Most high-end phones offer this capability, so this addition should help the handset compete better with its rivals.
Besides the new feature, there are also a few stability and performance fixes for the Camera app, in addition to enhanced selfie stick compatibility. Moving on, the Keyboard app has gotten a much-needed boost as well. It can now predict and correct words better, something which a typing-focused handset like the Priv with its physical keyboard should be one of the best at.
A quick recap of the specs of the BlackBerry Priv:
– OS: Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
– Display: 5.4-inch, 1440 x 2560 pixels
– Storage: 32GB, expandable till 2TB
– RAM: 3GB
– Processor: hexa-core 64-bit Snapdragon 808
– GPU: Adreno 418
– Cameras: 18MP rear, 2MP front
– Battery: 3410mAh
– Weight: 192g
– Dimensions: 147 x 77.2 x 9.4mm
– Connectivity: 4G, Wi-Fiac, NFC, microUSB 2.0, GPS, GLONASS, Bluetooth
The update grants the BlackBerry device’s prediction engine the ability to go through emails and messages to pick up on commonly used words. Furthermore, it’ll be able to suggest names from a user’s contact list and learn word/number combination such as 1800flowers. Finally, consumers will be able to control the cursor better with the sliding keyboard.
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Finally, the Priv’s launcher has been revamped with a few neat changes. Apps will automatically be organized into Work, Recent and Personal groups. Applications which are installed in a microSD card will still show up as an icon even when the card is removed, albeit as grayed out and inactive.
BlackBerry Priv users can download the update for the Camera, Keyboard and Launcher app via the Google Play Store.