THIS Is The BlackBerry Priv: A New Dawn For BlackBerry- Behold the pictures of the Blackberry Priv which is rumored to run on Android platform

Well although BlackBerry hasn't launched the handset yet, it appears it has confirmed its sliding QWERTY Android device as the BlackBerry Priv. The word comes via a report from CNET, which said:

"BlackBerry confirmed that it was building a smartphone that would run on Android a radical departure from its typical strategy of employing its own software. The device, called the Priv, has been long rumored. Using Android would solve one of the biggest problems with the BlackBerry software: The lack of key consumer apps, including popular ones like Google Maps."

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BlackBerry revealed the info to CNET along with revelations about why exactly it is making this dramatic shift to Android software. According to the report it seems BlackBerry has confirmed that revenues and sales have rapidly declined on the company's performance three years ago. Official statement form Blackberry said 

"Today, BlackBerry is announcing two new additions to its handheld device roadmap. First, the company will launch a flagship slider device, Priv, which will run on the Android operating system, bringing together the best of BlackBerry security and productivity with the expansive mobile application ecosystem available on the Android platform. In combination with BlackBerry's efforts to support Android for Work on the BES12 platform, the new device will offer best in class security for enterprise customers. BlackBerry expects the device to be available late in the calendar year in major markets in-store and online, and will release further details in the coming weeks."

“At the same time, we are focused on making faster progress to achieve profitability in our handset business. Today, I am confirming our plans to launch Priv, an Android device named after BlackBerry’s heritage and core mission of protecting our customers’ privacy. Priv combines the best of BlackBerry security and productivity with the expansive mobile application ecosystem available on the Android platform" -- John Chen.

BlackBerry handset. Unlike all previous BlackBery phones running the firm's own bespoke BlackBerry OS software, the Priv may be the first phone from the company running a third party platform - specifically, Google's prominent and well-supported Android software.

BB Priv sleek design

BlackBerry has taken to its official blog to discuss further the BlackBerry Priv, its reception, and also share the first official images of the handset, which you can see below. Here’s the official line via BlackBerry:

“Since confirming and previewing our coming privacy-enabled Android smartphone last Friday, we’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of interest – and humbled by the early praise. Why the interest? I think it has something to do with what Chen wrote last Friday: privacy IS a fast-disappearing privilege in the modern world. The same goes for productivity.

“Somewhere along the way, most smartphones evolved from tools into toys, with vendors prioritizing fun over work. With PRIV’s software enhancements, physical keyboard and oversized screen, all enabled by the slider form factor, we’re bringing privacy, productivity, and, oh yes, some sexy, back. Because it’s Powered By Android, PRIV will also deliver the largest choice in apps and the most secure experience possible to the widest audience. PRIV users will enjoy choice, innovation, security, privacy AND productivity. In other words, no compromises.

Source CNT and Know Your Mobile