BlackBerry now accepts preorders for Priv Android smartphone

PanARMENIAN.Net - BlackBerry's first Android-powered smartphone is now available to pre-order for $699, PC Magazine reports.

Visit ShopBlackBerry U.S. to reserve the slider handset, which is set to start shipping on November 6.

Consumers in Canada and the UK can also reserve the Priv at their respective ShopBlackBerry online shops and other local retailers for $899 and £599. Those in other countries can keep an eye on BlackBerry's blog for more details on availability or register for updates online.

After months of rumors, BlackBerry was forced to confirm plans for an Android-based device following leaks that basically revealed everything about it: a slide-out keyboard, 18-megapixel camera, and Galaxy S6 Edge-like sloping screen.

The 5.43-inch, 2,560-by-1,440-resolution device runs on a 3,410 mAh battery for all-day use, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage, which is expandable via MicroSD. Earlier this week, BlackBerry also touted the Priv's security features, like cryptographic keys that check every part of the device.

During this month's Code/Mobile conference, Chen said this latest handset may be BlackBerry's last, if the company doesn't start making some money soon. In a blog post, he later clarified that he has "100 percent confidence" in the Priv, but acknowledged that he's a "realist at heart."