BerryFlow

The Priv has been at the centre of a lot of discussions revolving around security, privacy, pricing, what it means for BlackBerry as well as what it means for the mobile segment in general.  And while all those discussions are valid and have some great points on either side I’m more interested in another discussion that is simultaneously occurring, one that could define BlackBerry going forward.  With a wink, a mysterious device in my hand, and a sexy pose as I look into the camera, I’m talking about marketing.

I, along with a number of others have been fairly harsh on BlackBerry recently when it comes to how it’s marketing the Priv.  From the first images on the BlackBerry website to the recent YouTube videos it quickly starts to feel like a hodgepodge of marketing attempts and tactics are being used.  I recently lost my cool when an image was posted on BlackBerry’s Instagram account with a woman, dressed in casual clothing, laughing and covering her face with the Priv, all set in a black and white filter.  I say I lost my cool because I just couldn’t believe the lack of a coherent message or identity that the numerous ads revolving around the Priv fail to achieve.  People were defending the ads saying they were creative but I didn’t feel they were.  And while I don’t want to revisit that aspect (creativity) I will say that creativity is as much about the canvas upon which a thought and/or emotion is conveyed as it is the context in which it is delivered.

The Privilege of #PRIVacy #PRIV

A photo posted by BlackBerry (@blackberry) on Oct 27, 2015 at 7:26pm PDT

But I’m not here to argue my opinion over another’s, especially when it comes to a topic as subjective as creativity (it’s what makes art beautiful!).  I want to talk about the entire marketing campaign for the device thus far.  The Priv is being defined by a mixture of web ads, along with portraits of people (emphasis on the people) holding the device, and a few YouTube commercials.  I will call it like I see it and I think the web ads look like they were created using Microsoft Paint but are simple and to the point, the portraits look like they have sex appeal but are cheap and don’t quite get the message across and the YouTube commercials touch on emotions…actually no complaints here.  But one thing that stands out above all of this is that there IS some form of marketing coming from the company.  

I thought “here we go another me-too device…one that people won’t even think is a me-too device because they’ll just think it’s BB10.”

While the device doesn’t seem to be garnering any specific identity like Passport’s Work Wide, or the Z10/Q10’s Keep Moving it’s hard to argue with the fact that at least there is some marketing being put out onto the web so that people are aware about the device.  Anyone who has been following BlackBerry since the launch of BB10 can attest to the heartbreaking realization that nobody outside of our tiny little community knew about the devices.  At first it was the droves of people who assumed BB10 was the same as BBOS, then came all the people who assumed BB10 had no apps (they didn’t realize we could install Android apps from Amazon and Google Play).  You can understand my skepticism when I first heard about BlackBerry releasing an Android device.  I thought “here we go another me-too device…one that people won’t even think is a me-too device because they’ll just think it’s BB10.”.   I was wrong.

The confusion around what BB10 was

The device seems to have garnered a bunch of positive attention.  People aren’t confusing it for a BB10 device (well other than a few of us BB10 hopefuls!).  I’d almost even say people on all stretches of the mobile spectrum are excited about it.  If you had asked me a few months ago whether I thought the device had a chance I would have said “not likely”.

Passport’s Work Wide Campaign

That sentiment revolved around a realistic look at past efforts.  BlackBerry’s foray into the app-crazy mobile space has been largely defined in the media by two things: a lack of apps and a lack of marketing.  And while I certainly have my own thoughts on the quantity vs quality approach that I think we’re seeing, I certainly can’t complain about the effort they are putting in.  It’s a refreshing sight to see actual non-BlackBerry fans talking about the Priv, talking about it with a reasonable sense of what the device is.

It’s something that as a BlackBerry fan have been wanting and asking for…I didn’t quite imagine it like this but I’m OK with that.  It’s a sign of things to come.  Who knows we may even see TV ads or other types of viral marketing that we’ve seen competitors do over the years (but please let’s not revisit the SuperBowl).  Hopefully we can put past efforts behind us and see this device through a successful launch one Priv at a time.

Priv: Marketing On via BerryFlow.com.

James Nieves hosts Currents, a culture and technology podcast where guests share curated content through a self-contained discussion pattern. To participate, each guest must present a topic, then pose a question to a specific guest. Currents supports mobile lifestyle and current events through the optic of varied guests and backgrounds. Content contributed to the format could be a song, a picture, a quote or anything that can serve as a touchstone for discussion.

Synopsis: In this episode, we talk about dark yet empowering punk rock, cultural appropriation (aka Columbusing), the intent behind Drake’s Hotline Bling music video, and what happens when we run out of names online.

Podcast RSS / MP3 Download

Currents Setlist:

Trippin’ the Life Fantastic – Weathebox

“Columbusing” aka Cultural Appropriation

Hotline Bling – Drake

When Will We Run Out of Names?

Rotation:

@jmznvs

@katykleinginna

@Bla1ze

@alexhbass

Currents #1 – Columbus via BerryFlow.com.

We’re getting down to the heart of the matter when it comes to Priv by BlackBerry. With devices reaching many more hands we’ll be digesting all the speculation and confirming information surrounding the device, its availability and software features.

If you’re on the fence regarding Priv, this is the podcast to watch.

Get bonus content and exclusive access to #BBUpstream by checking out our support campaign on Patreon.

Support BBUpstream

Upstream #72 ~ “Heart” October 25th – November 1st

Video roundup of Priv by BlackBerry secure smartphone

BlackBerry provides an update for BlackBerry 10 developers, confirms support of platform

BlackBerry Content Transfer app for Priv migration

BlackBerry Priv stock apps go up on Google Play ahead of launch

Carphone Warehouse Priv by BlackBerry unboxing

Priv by BlackBerry AMA (Rumor Roundup)

Join us, leave a comment and share in the discussion.

BERRYFLOW UPSTREAM ON AIR

@alexhbass – Alex B. @elbranduco – Brandon O. @jmznvs – James N. @bla1ze – Chris P.

WATCH OR LISTEN:

Live Event on Google+

PODCAST RSS

DOWNLOAD .MP3

http://ift.tt/1Q0uxcp

Drop us a line let us know what you liked, and what you didn’t. Be sure to follow any or all of the lovely peeps listed above to track their musing online.

Want to see other Upstream sessions? Tap on over to Upstream archive to catch up on the flow.

Upstream #72 ~ Heart via BerryFlow.com.

For those Priv hungry secure smartphone lovers here’s a video roundup with all the videos of Priv we’ve seen to date. These videos take you through the software and really highlight the hardware that Priv culminates to deliver a no compromise experience for Android and BlackBerrry fans alike. The device is slated to arrive early next month for around $750 US and rumors have that it will indeed come to all four major U.S carriers. With that said, official word of this remains unclear, but devices running on Telus, Rogers, Verizon and T-Mobile have already been publicly sighted. This suggests both CDMA as well as GSM support.

If you need a reminder of why this device is commanding a $750 price tag:

5.4-inch, 2560 x 1440 resolution AMOLED display (540ppi)

1.8GHz Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor

3GB RAM

32GB storage (expandable to 2TB)

18MP rear camera – 2MP front camera

Dual LED flash

3,410mAh battery

Dimensions: 147 (184 opened) x 77.2 x 9.4 mm

Nano SIM

Android 5.1.1 Lollipop

“The elegant smartphone features a dual curved 5.4-inch Quad HD display, QWERTY keyboard, 3,410mAh battery and an awesome Schneider-Kreuznach certified camera lens.”

If this doesn’t get your excited for Priv, I don’t know what will. Sound off in the comments, are you gonna wait and see the official reviews of the device, or are you already sold on purchasing this Android powered secure smartphone from BlackBerry?

Video roundup of Priv by BlackBerry secure smartphone via BerryFlow.com.

You can now order a PRIV by BlackBerry handset of your own. Shipping begins on November 6th and we’ve got loads more details on the specifics of the device. Full device specs and even various overviews of BlackBerry’s software additions atop Android Lollipop.

Get bonus content and exclusive access to #BBUpstream by checking out our support campaign on Patreon.

Support BBUpstream

Upstream #71 ~ “Priv On” October 19th – October 25th

BlackBerry must influence market focus on security

BlackBerry PRIV pre-orders go live $699, ships November 6th

Checkout this PRIV by BlackBerry web tutorial

You can now schedule posts for a later time in BBM Channels

John Chen’s comments on BlackBerry commitment to privacy

Join us, leave a comment and share in the discussion.

BERRYFLOW UPSTREAM ON AIR

@alexhbass – Alex B. @elbranduco – Brandon O. @jmznvs – James N. @bla1ze – Chris P.

WATCH OR LISTEN:

Live Event on Google+

PODCAST RSS

DOWNLOAD .MP3

http://ift.tt/1GrpNdc

Drop us a line let us know what you liked, and what you didn’t. Be sure to follow any or all of the lovely peeps listed above to track their musing online.

Want to see other Upstream sessions? Tap on over to Upstream archive to catch up on the flow.

Upstream #71 ~ Priv On via BerryFlow.com.

If you’re interested in purchasing a Priv by BlackBerry, the companies first ever secure Android powered device, you’ll know solid information around the devices features and software capabilities have been hard pressed to find. Now with Priv available for order (shipping Nov 6th) more information is coming out from carrier partners which serves as a tutorial for sales representatives and savvy customers.

In the tutorial linked you’ll find a swipe by swipe simulation of the Priv and some of its inner working. BlackBerry has made subtle changes and tweaks to stock Android while leaving the overall experience rather vanilla. The only areas BlackBerry has manipulated with the Priv software kit are the areas BlackBerry brings more value. Some of this is highlighted in the photo below:

If you want to checkout this Priv by BlackBerry web tutorial visit the linked SIM below.

Checkout Priv Simulation

Photoset via BlackBerries.ru

In the photo you see the access panel for the Productivity Edge which tailors its offering to the user depending on what they’re doing.

Enabled applications can be swiped on the home screen to reveal pop out widgets allowing users to peek into application notifications.

Checkout this PRIV by BlackBerry web tutorial via BerryFlow.com.

Priv by BlackBerry is showing pre-order availability on ShopBlackBerry with shipping staring on November 6th. The pricing shows as 699 US and 559 in the UK. Canadians can expect to pay 899. As with previous ShopBlackBerry releases it seems the store is only stocking GSM variants of the device. We’ll have to keep on the lookout as to whether CDMA carriers like Verizon and Sprint pick up the BlackBerry PRIV in carrier variants.

We’ve yet to hear official carrier availability but it hsa been widely rumored that device will be supported by the major carriers here stateside including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile. We’ve seen test units of the device and can most certainly confirm T-Mobnile as a supporter of the new Priv Android handset.

BlackBerry PRIV

BlackBerry secure smartphone, powered by Android.

The smartphone will be shipped starting November 6, 2015.

PRIV™ combines everything you expect from BlackBerry plus the full eco-system of Android and its apps. PRIV comes with added security to let you know when your data could be at risk, so you can take action to improve it. PRIV features:

Elegant slim design with slide out physical keyboard

5.4-inch dual-curved screen

3410 mAh battery. Battery Life: up to 22.5 hours*

18 MP dual-flash Schneider-Kreuznach® certified camera

DTEK™ by BlackBerry®

Memory: 32GB Flash

Hot-swappable MicroSD slot (up to 2TB)

Bands:

FD-LTE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 20, 29, 30

HSPA+ 1, 2, 4, 5/6, 8

Quad band GSM/GPRS/EDGE

PREORDER BLACKBERRY PRIV

BlackBerry PRIV pre-orders go live $699, ships November 6th via BerryFlow.com.

Security is becoming a top concern when it comes to our digital connections. Recently, BlackBerry Chief Security Officer David Kleidermacher discussed how vulnerable we are online as the NASDAQ hosted a cyber-security summit on the matter. Some of the things he mentions require taking extra steps beyond the generally accepted security certification layers and pushing solutions that can influence the growth of security in our increasingly cyber world.

As if to highlight this renowned focus, BlackBerry has developed Priv by BlackBerry with Google to optimize the focus on security and couple this with the popular and successful Android smartphone platform. Priv will be a device that shy’s away from BlackBerry’s own QNX based BlackBerry 10 platform but is hardened in a very similar manor. This is something that was pressed on by our editor Dallin’s comments, in his piece he states:

“BlackBerry doesn’t need its “own” OS to provide end-to-end security anymore“

BlackBerry isn’t killing its BlackBerry 10 offering either, there are updates to come, two of which have been named by BlackBerry CEO John Chen for 2016, the first to arrive in March as 10.3.3.

Bringing the BlackBerry expertise in mobile productivity and security across platform through BBM, BES12 and now the Priv by BlackBerry will round out the turnaround for BlackBerry to a predominate software services provider while propelling the handset business by widening its range with a more traditional offering. In my opinion Priv represents the ‘end’ of BlackBerry’s turnaround efforts. 2016 will be spent proliferating the software strategy it has set in motion since John Chen’s arrival.

Here’s a general overview of some of the security additives that BlackBerry has built into their upcoming flagship device Priv. You can read the full piece over at InsideBlackBerry.

“Bringing BlackBerry Security to Android

BlackBerry has applied its world-renowned security model to Android, including:

BlackBerry’s Hardware Root of Trust, a unique manufacturing process that injects cryptographic keys into the device hardware, providing a secure foundation for the entire platform.

Verified Boot and Secure Bootchain, which uses the embedded keys to verify every layer of the device from hardware to OS to applications in order to make sure they haven’t been tampered with.

A hardened Linux kernel with numerous patches and configuration changes to improve security.

FIPS 140-2 compliant full disk encryption on by default to protect your privacy.

The BlackBerry Infrastructure, a secure distributed global network that transmits petabytes of encrypted data to and from the world’s most powerful leaders and professionals.

BES12, the leading Enterprise Mobility Management platform used by the world’s most powerful governments and corporations.

Reaping the Benefits

Whether you’re protecting your personal privacy or business-critical data, the BlackBerry PRIV is designed to keep you safe and secure.

Protect Your Sandbox

PRIV integrates seamlessly with Android for Work to provide secure separation between work and personal data and applications. The Personal Space lets you download apps and protects your personal privacy, while the Work Space lets the enterprise secure its corporate data.

Safeguard Your Privacy

PRIV comes pre-loaded with the brand new BlackBerry DTEK application, designed to help you manage and protect your privacy. DTEK tells you which apps access your personal data and shows the overall security of your device based on factors such as the strength of your password, your encryption settings and the apps you have installed. DTEK even makes recommendations on how you can improve your overall security rating.

Work Hard, Play Harder

PRIV comes with full access to Google Play, the world’s largest mobile app store. For the first time ever, you get unlimited access to the entire Android ecosystem, giving you even more productivity and flexibility on the world’s most secure mobile platform.

IT administrators can also use Google Play for Work to manage and deploy enterprise applications. This allows them to whitelist apps to create a custom catalogue, self-host the APK files and ensure that users cannot download apps to their work space from anywhere else.”

BlackBerry must influence market focus on security via BerryFlow.com.

With the onset of marketing for Priv by BlackBerry we’re seeing some new media that promotes and further confirms the Android powered BlackBerry device slated for release later this year.

We’ll discuss new details of Priv and collect the mass anticipation for this device’s imminent release. Check out the listings down below for our discussion points.

Get bonus content and exclusive access to #BBUpstream by checking out our support campaign on Patreon.

Support BBUpstream

Upstream #70 ~ “Manifest” October 12th – October 19th

BlackBerry’s Final Gambit is Priv

Impressive Introduction of Priv by BlackBerry

Priv by BlackBerry Registration Page Goes Live

BlackBerry & Google Hosting BES12 and Android for Work Webinar

Top Reasons BBM is King of Mobile Messaging

BlackBerry Adds Wayne G. Wouters to its Board of Directors

Carphone Warehouse goes hands on with the Priv by BlackBerry

Join us, leave a comment and share in the discussion.

BERRYFLOW UPSTREAM ON AIR

@flip4bytes – Alex B. @DallinCrump – Dallin C. @jmznvs – James N. EIC @ BerryFlow @Bla1ze – EIC @ CrackBerry

WATCH OR LISTEN:

Live Event on Google+

PODCAST RSS

DOWNLOAD .MP3

Drop us a line let us know what you liked, and what you didn’t. Be sure to follow any or all of the lovely peeps listed above to track their musing online.

Want to see other Upstream sessions? Tap on over to Upstream archive to catch up on the flow.

Upstream #70 ~ Manifest via BerryFlow.com.

Over the past 2 years, under the leadership of CEO John Chen and his carefully chosen executive team, BlackBerry has been actively and aggressively reinventing itself. They still make smartphones, but they are so much more than a “smartphone maker” as many tech journals and blogs still insist on calling them. They are the premiere provider of end-to-end security and privacy mobile computing software and services. They have been making key acquisitions of other companies to solidify their presence in this area, most recently with the purchase of Good Technology.

Chen has clearly demonstrated he is not willing to let BlackBerry handsets die without a fight. They are an essential, iconic piece of BlackBerry’s mission. Each carefully designed BlackBerry device contains a piece of the company’s soul – it is the embodiment of their ethos.

In its heyday, the most avid BlackBerry user referred to his or her phone as their “CrackBerry”. This term aptly described the addictive nature of BlackBerry devices and became so ubiquitous that it spurred the creation of the largest and most popular BlackBerry fan site and community on the web.

BlackBerry put powerful communication, productivity, and security features in the palm of your hand long before smartphones or even basic cell phones went mainstream.

Though the masses have latched onto other brands and platforms to get their fix, those like me who keep coming back to BlackBerry time and time again can appreciate what they bring to the table.

BlackBerry’s final gambit is a bold one and, all things considered, probably the only sensible move he could have made to try to save BlackBerry’s phone business. With the upcoming release of the PRIV – their first Android-based smartphone – BlackBerry has set out to prove to the world that what it has to offer transcends any single operating system.

We’ve already seen moves in this direction with their cross-platform software strategy. BES12 can securely manage iPhones, Androids, and Windows phones in addition to BlackBerry devices. BBM is also available on those 4 platforms and has been making steady progress in the IM market, recently achieving an important milestone of serving 1 billion daily ad requests. And acquisitions like SecuSmart, Movirtu, Watchdox, and the aforementioned Good make it very clear that BlackBerry is ready and able to offer security, privacy, and productivity solutions for ANY platform.

Securing and enhancing Android – the most popular mobile OS in the world – is certainly a tall order. But if any company can do it, BlackBerry can. And if they do it well, they have a far better chance of staying in the smartphone business than they would with BB10.

Many former CrackBerry addicts – whether they want to admit it or not – still look back with fondness on their old workhorse phones with the clicky keyboards. Many still have them and even occasionally pull them out and boot them up for a healthy dose of nostalgia.

Some have even gone as far as to try to recreate the experience on their current platforms. Remember the Typo keyboard case for iPhone? Even Samsung released a (hideous) keyboard case for its latest flagship Galaxy devices.

BlackBerry’s appeal has always been universal in scope. The company’s recent struggles have been with implementation and execution, but they are back on track and focused once again on their original mission.

BlackBerry’s original success was born out of their commitment to that vision. Their popularity came about, not because they actively marketed to or targeted everyone, but because their devices were so good at what they did for enterprise and business customers that non-business users took notice and wanted a piece of that brilliance for themselves.

The PRIV has more potential to be such a device than any BB10 device ever has.

Many BlackBerry fans are upset with this new direction. But I would argue that this new direction is not new at all. BlackBerry’s handset business has always been about delivering security and productivity in a well-designed, solidly-built device – and profiting from it.

An OS is software. Lots of lines of code that make your phone work.

Does it really matter who wrote those lines of code? Let’s not forget that QNX was someone else’s creation that BlackBerry adapted and used to create BB10.

If BlackBerry can successfully achieve its aims by using the most popular mobile OS in the world, securing it, and running their own software on it, then they will have done what they originally set out to do in those early days of RIM.

BlackBerry invented the smartphone. They have nothing else to prove, there. But they sat by while other companies reinvented it and they lost their focus. Now they have a chance, a real chance to revolutionize it. They have a chance to prove that what they bring to the table is important – that it transcends any single platform.

Securing Android is only the next of many steps towards BlackBerry’s grander vision of providing the secure, dynamic platform and mobile communications architecture for the blossoming Internet of Things.

BlackBerry doesn’t need it’s “own” OS to provide end-to-end security anymore. It can secure them all. That’s what Priv by BlackBerry really stands for.

BlackBerry’s Final Gambit Is Priv via BerryFlow.com.

Priv by BlackBerry has met much anticipation as it comes toward launch before the end of the year. BlackBerry’s had an interesting media unveil to say the least across the last few months, but this has turned with two video releases briefly highlighting the new Android powered device. First, Carphone Warehouse published a polished hands-on  with Priv by BlackBerry where standalone applications like BlackBerry Hub and BlackBerry Accounts can be seen in a slightly modified multitasking queue that takes inspiration from BlackBerry 10 active frames. The video promotes similar features to those released on the Priv by BlackBerry registration page.

Carphone’s page lists the following specifications:

5.4-inch, 2560 x 1440 resolution AMOLED display (540ppi)

1.8GHz Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor

3GB RAM

32GB storage (expandable to 2TB)

18MP rear camera – 2MP front camera

Dual LED flash

3,410mAh battery

Dimensions: 147 (184 opened) x 77.2 x 9.4 mm

Nano SIM

Android 5.1.1 Lollipop

“The elegant smartphone features a dual curved 5.4-inch Quad HD display, QWERTY keyboard, 3,410mAh battery and an awesome Schneider-Kreuznach certified camera lens.”

BlackBerry followed up on this video publishing their own introduction to the device. It takes the viewer through a simple show and tell highlighting BlackBerry software additions atop the Android OS to maximize ease of communication and that awesome touch enabled keyboard. The video is actually commendable as it is not a screen render or reproduction -it’s an honest intro that highlights smart marketing savvy. The close up shots of the screen show great detail and allow you to easily follow the actions going on in the 40 second run through.

The World’s first BlackBerry Secure Smartphone Powered by Android™

It’s great to see better and better materials coming out to support Priv by BlackBerry. Let us know if you’d choose this device over existing BlackBerry 10 offerings down in the comments.

  Watch the Impressive Introduction of Priv by BlackBerry via BerryFlow.com.

Checkout the new pre0registration link for the Priv By BlackBerry:

PRIV has the authentic BlackBerry keyboard, legendary security, streamlined communications and productivity, combined with the wide world of Google Play™ store apps. It has been engineered with the world’s finest technology, and packaged in an ultra-thin, ergonomically perfect device with a keyboard hidden by SmartSlide technology.

– Stunning 5.4” dual-curved screen – Long lasting 3410 mAh battery – Choice of touch and physical keyboards – Schneider-Kreuznach® certified camera – Extraordinary audio quality

PRIV also introduces the exclusive DTEK™ by BlackBerry warning system app to provide you with the power of privacy.

Check the registration page below!

REGISTER

Priv by BlackBerry Registration Page Goes Live via BerryFlow.com.

This just in, BBM users in the UK, US, Germany and South Africa are seeing a PayPal logo within their chat attachment options. We heard about this initiative back in August between BBM and PayPal. Ultimately, for users unfamiliar you can check the paperclip icon that rests aside the BBM chat text box to see if this integration has become available. BlackBerry Messenger turned 10 this year and it’s really reached far into the software side of mobile tech.

Check out this breakdown of some top features that make BBM excel in the mobile messaging space.

BBM – Feature Rich and Security Conscious

It has a few hundred million installs, (100,000,000 – 500,000,000), 6.4 million reviews (that’s 5x the number of ratings and installs as Telegram) at a very respectable 4.3 avg star rating.. It’s fully cross-platform, and heck, it even beat some of the major players on getting to the Apple Watch. (It’s on Windows Phone and obviously BB10 as well).

BBM is actually pretty damn good. You don’t have to link your phone number, you get a unique PIN that you can give to people.. Or add via an email address. For instance you can add someone from say craigslist (as an example) to message them and then remove/block them (I hate giving out my phone number to random strangers, they can be psycho and blocking phone numbers isn’t very easy without a 3rd party app). Best of yet, you don’t need a phone number to verify the phone.. So those who don’t have a phone number BBM (some people have smartphone/tablet that just works on WiFi and have no number attached to it) works just fine.

It looks great (material design), It has read/write receipts, groups, data voice chat (BBM Voice) very clear sound, as aforementioned PayPal integration (can send friends money very easily from within the app), Glympse integration (to send moving GPS location to friends for x amount of time, nice when telling a friend I am heading over and they can actually see on a map exactly where I am and how far away I am), timed messages (SnapVhat-like functionality, can send pictures/messages for x number of seconds that vanish afterwards), Ability to edit/retract messages (if you send a message to the wrong person or screw up a message, you can pull it back or edit it and resend it to that person), I mean it really has a lot of useful features.

And best of all, BlackBerry is putting all of its eggs into the Android basket with the Priv. A phone running stock Android for the most part. This is great because they are going to focus their efforts on their Android and iOS software with their productivity suite from here-on-out (BBM being one of their main BlackBerry Experience Apps) so they are an honest contender. Soon we’ll likely be getting cross platform BlackBerry Blend software which allows your phone to streamline communications like BBM, SMS, and email across devices in a bridged secure tether over Wifi or mobile data connection.

Oh, and it’s free. Unlike the $1/yr or whatever WhatsApp charges (but never actually charges anyone) or whatever the hell is going on with that…

Top Reasons BBM is the King of Mobile Messaging via BerryFlow.com.

Following Code/Mobile conference, new Priv by BlackBerry leaks and a tempest of sentiment from the BlackBerry community at large – we’ll be discussing the strategic outlook for the company and its prized assets QNX, BBM and acquisitions across the last 20 months.

Get bonus content and exclusive access to #BBUpstream by checking out our support campaign on Patreon.

Support BBUpstream

Upstream #69 ~ “Bide” October 5th – 11th

Secusmart and Tata Power SED announce wide-ranging cooperation for the Indian market

New Priv by BlackBerry photos show off BlackBerry Safeguard and confirm 4K video

John Chen discusses Priv, the future of BlackBerry 10 and more at Code/Mobile

Long road to BBM profitability

Join us, leave a comment and share in the discussion.

BERRYFLOW UPSTREAM ON AIR

@flip4bytes – Alex B. @elBranduco – Brandon O. @jmznvs – James N. EIC @ BerryFlow @Bla1ze – EIC @ CrackBerry

WATCH OR LISTEN:

Live Event on Google+

PODCAST RSS

DOWNLOAD .MP3

http://ift.tt/1e9Mghq

Drop us a line let us know what you liked, and what you didn’t. Be sure to follow any or all of the lovely peeps listed above to track their musing online.

Want to see other Upstream sessions? Tap on over to Upstream archive to catch up on the flow.

BerryFlow Upstream #69 ~ Bide via BerryFlow.com.

During an interesting week following earnings, we get official Priv by BlackBerry images, fresh availability on BB 10.3.2789 as well as new updates for BBM across the board.

We’ll check out some side by side shots of BlackBerry devices and hear results on community interest on BlackBerry Priv.

Get bonus content and exclusive access to #BBUpstream by checking out our support campaign on Patreon.

Support BBUpstream

Upstream #68 ~ “SmartSlide” September 28th – October 4th

5 Reasons Priv is a Good Name

Official Priv by BlackBerry Images

CB Asks: Will You Be Buying Priv by BlackBerry?

Priv Observations Highlight Potential Features

Blitz OS 10.3.2789

BBM Update Shows Apple Watch Some Love

Join us, leave a comment and share in the discussion.

BERRYFLOW UPSTREAM ON AIR

@flip4bytes – Alex B. @elBranduco – Brandon O. @jmznvs – James N. EIC @ BerryFlow @Bla1ze – EIC @ CrackBerry

WATCH OR LISTEN:

Live Event on Google+

PODCAST RSS

DOWNLOAD .MP3

http://ift.tt/1e9Mghq

Drop us a line let us know what you liked, and what you didn’t. Be sure to follow any or all of the lovely peeps listed above to track their musing online.

Want to see other Upstream sessions? Tap on over to Upstream archive to catch up on the flow.

BerryFlow Upstream #68 ~ SmartSlide via BerryFlow.com.