BlackBerry officially announces plans to launch the Android powered Priv

As part of their Q2 Fiscal 2016 results, BlackBerry also took the time today make their plans to launch the Priv by BlackBerry, which will run Android with BlackBerry security, official. Although the information lacks specifics surrounding the actual launch of the device, theCONFIRMATION of its existence was needed given all the leaks recently.

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 mobileAPPLICATION ecosystem available on the Android platform."

Announced part of their hardware roadmap, the company was sure to mention that while they may be releasing an Android device, BlackBerry 10 will continue as well.

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.

While the new device will provide a choice in OS to new and existing customers, the company remains committed to the BlackBerry 10 OPERATING SYSTEM, which enables industry-leading security and productivity benefits. Second, the company will continue to develop and enhance the BlackBerry 10 operating system and is confirming plans to release platform updates focused on security and privacy enhancements, with version 10.3.3 scheduled to be available in March 2016.

Needless to say, there's still plenty to learn about the BlackBerry Priv and we've still got plenty of time before it all gets laid out but at least now we know when to expect it.