BlackBerry Confirms Android-Based Priv Smartphone

BlackBerry today confirmed plans to launch a flagship Android-powered sliding smartphone later this year.

As expected, the upcoming device will be called Priv—shortened from "privacy"—and features a screen that slopes down on either side (think Samsung's Galaxy S6 Edge).

"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," CEO John Chen said in a statement. "Priv combines the best of BlackBerry security and productivity with the expansive mobile application ecosystem available on the Android platform."

The announcement comes as no surprise, following a number of leaks, the most recent from Internet tipster @evleaks, who tweeted the "Priv" name on Thursday.

Last month, Vietnam-based Ba Minh Duc posted to his Facebook page a device he claimed is the BlackBerry Priv; local news outlet Tinhte also showed more photos, highlighting the device's rough backplate and slide-out keyboard.

Recent reports also tip the messaging app Hub, as well as an 18-megapixel camera and Chromecast support.

Details, however, remain scant. In fact, Chen admitted during a Friday earning call that he "jumped the gun" with today's announcement, which was made because the phone was "leaking everywhere."

"We're confirming the fact that we are bringing our security know-how to the Android ecosystem," he said, adding that the company is working with major carriers to determine pricing and a distribution timeline.

Fueling rumors of a possible Android device, BlackBerry recently announced a partnership with Google to "set new standards in enterprise mobile security for organizations deploying Android devices." The companies are integrating BlackBerry's BES12 security software with Google's Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system and Google Play for Work.

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Still, BlackBerry remains committed to its BB 10 operating system, saying last month that it believes its platform "provides security and productivity benefits that are unmatched."

On that note, Chen revealed today that his company does not have any plans to release new BB10 devices this year.

Instead, it will focus on Android, a first for the Canadian manufacturer, which has long produced its own software and hardware, despite losses to competitors like Apple, Google, and even Microsoft.