BlackBerry already confirmed during the earnings call last week that it is planning to roll out Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) update for the Priv in late April or early May. Now it has started taking registrations for the first beta program so that users can contribute to testing Android 6.0 on Priv.
Android 6.0 concentrates on App Permissions, Web Experience, App Links, Mobile Payments and Power & Charging. It also brings new Doze battery saving feature that uses motion detection to cut off background activity when the phone is in standby, but it will still wake up for important events like alarms.
BlackBerry is giving priority for Priv owners who had purchased the smartphone directly from BlackBerryShop, Amazon or Carphone Warehouse, so these users will be accepted into the program first. “Other owners are welcome to register but will not be invited to participate immediately. We will reach out when the program opens to a wider audience,” said the company.
Eligible users can head to BlackBerry Beta Zone, submit serial number, email address of the primary Google account on the phone and purchase details to sign up. BlackBerry said that the registration will be open for about two weeks, beta testing will start during the second week of April and will last about 4 to 8 weeks.