BlackBerry Priv finally gets some of that Marshmallow action

BlackBerry has confirmed that Android 6.0 Marshmallow is now available on the Priv smartphone, several months after the phone was launched.

The Priv (review) originally shipped with a well-received take on Android 5.1, bringing the DTEK security manager, the BlackBerry Hub, BlackBerry Keyboard and several other noteworthy additions to an otherwise spartan formula.

What’s new in this update then?

First of all, the company has updated the DTEK security manager, giving it support for Marshmallow’s granular permission controls.

“Apps demand access to personal data, even when it’s not necessary for the app to function properly. DTEK gives the power back to users to control what to share and when. Turn permissions off at any time and still continue to use the app,” the company explained.

Another privacy/security focused update delivers the ability for users to digitally sign and encrypt their emails.

The BlackBerry Keyboard has received some love with Marshmallow too, delivering better predictions, more accurate typing, swipe typing and over 200 new and updated emojis.

Worried about battery life? Marshmallow’s Doze Mode is also available, which should help users squeeze more juice out of their phone when the handset is idle.

Finally, the camera department has also received attention, delivering 120FPS slow-motion video recording (albeit with no sound) and 24FPS video recording.

Otherwise, other major Marshmallow features have arrived intact, including Google Now On Tap. But it’s unclear whether adoptable storage is available just yet, with the likes of Samsung and LG not quite supporting the standard.