Can someone at Verizon give us an idea when Android Marshmallow will be available for the Blackberry Priv? It's been released by other carriers.
When can we expect an update?
Not to mention the fact that Verizon has released it for other phones!
I've been going back and forth with Blackberry and Verizon for months now! I got tired of being the middleman so I actually 3-wayed called them to discuss when marshmallow would be released.
Blackberry informed me and the Verizon representative that they released marshmallow for the PRIV early May 2016 to Verizon. I'm not sure why it takes Verizon over 3 months to test an OS. I have not seen any update on there any Verizon web page, and everytime I call Verizon it seems to be the first time that any of the representatives have heard of it. I have been struggling with several items on the PRIV, just to mention two, I cannot send any premium text messages since the OS is Lollipop, Blackberry inform marshmallow fixed this. The second item is in regards to checking for an update. I always get an error stating cannot connect to the network.
I find it very discouraging the Verizon cannot support Blackberry users! It's almost like they could care less since only a small percentage of smart phone users have the PRIV. But the update out and the users will test it better than your techs. Very poor customer service. I'd like to receive a phone call for an update to this blog with information.
There is a real lack of effort and support for BlackBerry Priv. Cannot be that difficult. Seems Verizon doesn't want to allocate resources to complete the job.
Not to mention that they haven't allowed wifi calling on the priv even though it is capable of it and is allowed on other carriers. Verizon and their BlackBerry support is pretty sad
Verizon Wireless's Windows Mobile device users know that feeling all too well.
This is ridiculous! Does Verizon even read these blogs? Like I said before, release the update and the users will test it a heck of a lot faster than their developers. At least give us an update. Everytime I call 611 the representatives are unless. Half of them aren't even aware they verzion still carries blackberries.
Derek can you please provide an update?
I spoke with 611 last night and their response gave me hope. She stated that her record show as of 7/27/16 the testing team apparently ran into "problems" and are working on them. That is what is holding up the release. She could not confirm if WI-FI calling would be enabled or an approximate date that 6.0 should have been released or will be released.
She also mentioned that several PRIV users were calling in for the same reason. Thank you...please keep calling. I just find it hard to believe that BlackBerry releases an OS and it works fine on other carriers, but Verizon runs into problems??? Probably all of the useless Verizon apps that they pre-installed.
Any recent news on the update? So many improvements to the BlackBerry software that can only be seen with marshmallow. Is there going to be wifi calling once marshmallow is pushed? Verizon really should get on ghe ball and get these two things going with the priv
I chatted with support and was told VZW will make Marshmallow available for the Priv no later than September. She also said that they're pushing it out to "some phones" now.
I would love to have WI-FI. is that going to happen @ the upgrade as well?
I'm not holding my breath! Sadly Verizon has disappointed me again and again. I do feel optimist after hearing this tho.
Formally filed my FCC complaint today I'll leave the link below I encourage you to do the same.
I also reached out to 611 again and I was told that they did release the marshmallow update, however certain IMEI numbers never received it. I'm still waiting for mine more to come.
FCC Complaints
I spoke to VZW Support at 611 and they said Verizon is waiting for Blackberry to send marshmallow to them.
Call support and see what answer you get.
RIM is consistent in their statement that they have released it to Verizon several months ago. I also filed an FCC complaint and go the same "high testing standards" BS. I called Verizon after receiving that and the rep told me that they haven't received it yet. It's obviously not that difficult to test and release as ATT and T-Mobile have been doing it consistently.
I saw an update chart for Nougat and it said the Priv was scheduled to get the new Android version on August 22nd. Same day as several Samsung flagship devices.
edit: found it. It's on phonearena at Android 7.0 Nougat release date pegged at August 22nd
Looking better all the time
www.droid-life.com/2016/06/13/t-mobile-blackberry-...
Jun 12, 2016 · At long last, for those waiting, Marshmallow is rolling out to the BlackBerry Priv on T-Mobile. ... Priv just got the beta for MM on att, ... Looking better day by day
i been on them this morning AGAIN, same old BS answers. Posted a link to T-Mobile and their MM update for the Priv.
Hi Verizon, any updates on this? I've been happy with your service but if updates are going to be consistently delayed this long I'll consider moving to a different carrier and buy an unlocked phone. I'm waiting for a few critical performance- and security-related fixes.
Here we are at the end of August without an update since June. Nothing. Maybe @EricW_VZW can provide an update.
Don't hold your breath. Verizon Wireless doesn't care about their customers obviously. No one has ever responded to this thread or responded to any email inquiries that I've sent to them.
That's because email support through Verizon was stopped for quite some time.
I am aware that email support was stopped, but when Sheralla [removed] emailed me asking for details and I replied multiply times without hearing a reply, it shows a lack of concern for their customers.
Personal information removed as required by the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service
Message edited by Verizon Wireless
I been going through this for awhile. No answers from Verizon here, facebook or messages. I opened a case with Blackberry. Mary informed me that it was released by BB to VW. Only response from VW , it there was a problem and needs further testing. My next thread will be....When will Priv get Nougat.
I'm going to ask a more broader question... When will Verizon push security patches available from Blackberry. This is not quite a different problem because MM is also a security patch.
I've checked and Verizon has 211 outstanding security patches for the BB Priv including QuadRooter and several other 5+ level CVEs. I've also put in an FCC complaint #1130455 and an FTC complaint #76118606.
Dealing with Verizon (case number 1946750) drove me to put together a rather large dossier with the FCC. It was the FCC agent that recommended I put in the FTC complaint. I have gotten apologies from Verizon with documented inconsistencies in their responses. I was willing to drop the complaint if they would send me a letter saying that they were aware of the situation and were working to resolve it. This was refused, citing that this information was "Proprietary". For example, they blamed BB but in a 3-way conversation between Verizon, Blackberry, and myself Verizon was proven completely wrong.
I've seen this nonsense from my first smartphone with Verizon back in the late 80s. I thought I found a way around it with my Palm WebOS phones and the amazing homebrew community where I could upgrade my phones directly and served me well for years. I blame a large part of Palm's demise on Verizon's lack of support and biased marketing tactics. I could do something similar with BBOS as Blackberry provided autoloaders. To add insult to injury, Verizon charged a premium over every other vendor for this phone and stopped support only 6 months after they started selling it. Every other vendor has been keeping up with patches (AT&T released new patches today). The first time I talked to the Verizon agent, I was told that "If the phone can make calls and send texts then that is all Verizon has to do". What does that say about how Verizon treats lower sales devices?
With the Priv's secure boot, the only way to get around this is to let Blackberry provide signed autoloaders. However, I suspect that would violate whatever contract they have with Verizon. I consider non-action on Verizon's part to be a violation of the spirit of this contract. I implore Verizon to own up to this and let Blackberry provide autoloaders for Verizon customers. That means that Verizon's "customization" would be removed.
I humbly request that everyone else that has been left in the cold by Verizon (including non-blackberry devices), follow my lead and submit a complaint to the FCC.
danw_vzw
verizonwireless-admin
verizonadmin
Do you think we can get some feed back from Verizon. Why bother putting a "community page" if they don't even bother joining the thread. I also filed another FCC complaint and plan on filing a FTC and a BBB one soon. Completely ridiculous!
oh so wifi calling doesn't work on the priv, i was trying to figure out how to turn it on
This is still not clear. The Priv is certainly capable of doing Wifi calling and all other carriers that support Wifi calling allow it on the Priv. Verizon support has mentioned that they will support Wifi on the Priv with the Marshmallow upgrade. However, that requires Verizon to put it on the approved devices list. Given their current support track record, I suspect that they relish aggravating their customers.
I appreciate everyone’s patience and apologize for the delay. We constantly work with Blackberry and Google to ensure that each software update has been thoroughly tested so that when it is released it is a smooth process. As any update for the Priv is released, we will update http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/blackberry-priv-update/ with the details.
JenniferH_VZWFollow us on Twitter @VZWSupportIf my response answered your question please click the "Correct Answer" button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!
They are trying to herd us into Icrap or Samsung. I really don't know what verizon beef with BlackBerry is but just not releasing updates and then saying it's BlackBerry fault is just low. I'm still with Verizon because they are the only carrier in my area that has the phone I want. If they continue to blacklist the phones I want and make excuses I can always go to another carrier. They have iphones and Samsung there too. I bought my priv for the BlackBerry experience and the extra security whether I need it or not. Verizon not doing the security updates or giving us marshmallow when all their competitors have just tells me they don't care about me.
Earlier in the week I filed a comlaint with the FCC on their customer service page. Yesterday I received a call from Verizon regarding my FCC complaint. The woman I spoke with confirmed that Verizon does have Marshmallow. and are testing it. She also said will be no further security updates to Lollipop. All new security updates will be for Marshmallow. I voiced my concerns about security of the phone and she understood.
I told her that Verizon needs to communitcate to it's PRIV owners on the status of Marshmallow. We can't get a straight answer on if it's being tested or when it will be released. I also suggested that Verizon techs should post something in the VZW Forums on the status of the Marshmallow testing. The fact that Verizon hasn't updated it's customers on the status of the issue is poor customer service.
She mentioned that there have a been a rise in FCC complaints from PRIV owners. Some customers she's spoken to were not as "constructive" as I was (they were pissed). I understand the need for testing but communitcation to your customers is important.
This is super news. I've been trying to get someone to say something like this for months. This seems odd that you got this answer when dozens of us couldn't.
If it were me I would hold the complaint open until they send this information to the FCC.
I had a similar experience yesterday when my Verizon agent FINALLY said that she would make the proper internal inquiries and report it's status. Since this was what I asked for months ago, I told her that I would keep the complaint open until she sends me that status. I also added a to the complaint to let the FCC know what I was told.
Thanks again. It's the first glimmer of hope I've seen. This has reached a critical stage for me as my company has told me that I have to stop using my Priv for business unless this is resolved soon (they have the ability to enforce this by remotely wiping the phone clean). We have very important customers that don't want any proprietary information leaking. My CEO had told me not to go with Verizon because of their long history of phone security support issues but I chose to do it anyway because of Blackberry's rapid-patch promise. I have egg on my face over this decision.
I'm sure that Verizon considers me one of those ********** but I knew this day was coming. However, I've been nothing but polite in all my dealings with Verizon. I have never raised my voice or called anyone names. I just stated my situation but refuse to close the FCC and FTC complaints without a definitive answer. To be honest, I would be disappointed if they said they weren't working on it, but I know what needs to be done if that happened.
If your company won't let you use the PRIV then return it to Verizon for a full refund. On the grounds that Verizon hasn't updated the security of the device. Or demand a temporary updated device to use until the PRIV is updated. That's what I would do.
@JenniferH_VZW please read this article and you might understand why we deserve the Marshmallow updates sooner.
vzw_customer_support
I've made this argument several times. Maybe coming from the press will carry more weight, but I doubt it. I've contacted Tami Erwin, VP Wireless Operations and was promised that someone from her office would work with me to resolve this problem the following day. I figured that we can finally get a straight answer. A week later and no email or phone call. I sent an email asking what happened, no reply. At least I have something else to add to the FCC complaint.
What none of you understand is that your phones are fine. It was known going in that this was a new partner. Regardless if what you may think you know about other carriers, you aren't on them you are on Verizon. And Verizon knows what comes best for, you know, their network, nit what customers think they know. And Marshmallo is an software update, not security patches. Now in my opinion if your company doesn't want to support the device anymore, THEY should be the ines to foot the bill for a new phone. And if your job is bent in you having a compatible phone to KEEP your job you best believe I would just say screw it and foot the bill. All this nonsense about an OS is nonsense. And the FCC? They won't put much work into it. Don't believe me? Just watch.
MarshMallow is not a security update? What rock are you living under? Marshmallow provides:
* Boot verification
* Granular Permissions
* Smart Lock Passwords
* Full Disk Encryption (default on)
* VPN notifications (important for BYOD for companies)
* Encrypted app backup (protecting your private information in the cloud).
This is why Marshmallow is included in the security patch list from Blackberry. Blackberry's DTEK security app has incorporated Marshmallow's granular permissions so it can play a more active role in protecting your device.
Blanket statements like "an OS upgrade is not a security patch" is what Verizon has tried to convince the FCC with. Even if I agreed with this, this does not excuse the 80+ patches that were provided before the Marshmallow patch several months ago.
As for whether the FCC can do anything about it. Currently there are tens of open complaints against Verizon for not providing security patches. FCC, FTC Question U.S. Carriers, Manufacturers on Mobile Device Security. I have provided both the FCC and FTC documentation directly relevant to their investigation. If you've got a complaint, I urge you to file it with the FCC. Since Verizon feels that the FCC has no power, they shouldn't mind, right?
How are you basing your opinion its not a security issue? BB is one of the most secure phones out there, its part of their advertising for. Without MM its even less secure. MM has security updates in it. You know nothing so stay off these forums.
As for my company picking up the tab to switch, I convinced them that this was the right phone because of Blackberry's position on security. Blackberry has been exemplary in keeping that promise. They rapid patch security issues and were the first to patch QuadRooter. Verizon is the one that has put me in this situation and had done diddly-squat to rectify it. Verizon seems to be dishing out support in an uneven-handed manner. Some people I know that put in FCC complaints have been ignored, others have been sent a Galaxy S7 edge and allowed to keep the Priv. Others were told they should upgrade to an iPhone. I have been verbally promised several things that Verizon reneged on. They continually say one thing to me and a completely different thing to the FCC. Now when they promise me things I tell them to send me an email to confirming it. I've never gotten a confirmation yet. I'd love to get a transcript of our conversations they've taped. Your VP, Tami Erwin had promised me in writing that I would be contacted by a key person the next day. Even in writing, Verizon fails to do what they promise.
You continually say things without a shred of documentation to support it. Are you paid by Verizon? You certainly espouse the same rhetoric we've all heard from them. This nonsense is why we're all here complaining. I would be glad to have a rational discussion on what you post, but you don't or can't make a rational argument and say things that are blatantly misguided.
What amazes me is that as bad as Verizon Wireless support has been over my 14+ years as a customer, I don't have a single complaint about Verizon Communications. Their technical support has bent over backwards many times to resolve issues even though my setup is non-standard. In fact, I find their technical support jazzed to be working on an unusual situation. Case in point... I was missing a channel in my lineup. It's not one I really cared about, but I reported it and mentioned that I use my own equipment with M-cards. The tech guy called and I repeated that it wasn't a serious problem but he WANTED to fix it. We worked together for over 20 minutes before he figured it out. I thanked him and he said, "I see you have another M-card, do you want me to fix that too?" I said, that it really isn't necessary, but he insisted. That one only took a couple of minutes.
Two things. First my buddy just received the Android 7.0 update for his non PRIV device.
Second, everytime I go to settings / about phone / system update, I get the attached error message. I brought it up with Verizon twice, but they said it was fine since I have the latest build number. My concern is when MM is actually release it may not get pushed to my phone. Any ideas or have you see this before?
Thank in advance for any help.
This is a common problem for Priv owners on Verizon. I've had it since day 1. If you hit OK and then hit "Check for Update", it does perform the check.
I reported it to Tech Support way back and it got up to Tier II but they had no clue why it was happening. In my case, I assumed it was because LTE is very weak (-118) in my house. Weak enough to drop calls or have large lapses of "I can't hear you" on both ends periodically. I can visually see the tower from my house, but they must have the antennas pointed the other direction. Verizon agreed and sent me a femtocell. Unfortunately, they sent me a 3g unit instead of one with 4g. This meant that I have to shut off LTE voice on all phones (iPhone, Z30, Priv). With it on, the phones would ignore the femtocell and connect to the tower.
Verizon replies to the FCC infer that they test devices until they are perfect. Somehow their crackerjack QA process missed this obvious bug and their software team has not figured out how to fix it.
Just for kicks and giggles, I decided to check out several tech articles regarding the Priv, and what I kept seeing was "they will work with carriers to push out updates or push out security vulnerability updates if needed without the carrier". It also does say "eventual update to" Android 6. Which means, first of all android 6 is not seemed something critical to blackberry, and two the fact that you haven't received updates is also due to blackberry, because they have the ability to override carriers. The Priv came late to Verizon and maybe Blackberry is not as interested in maintaining And or can't the late arrival. So your beef is with blackberry in this one.
Nice trolling...
http://blogs.blackberry.com/2015/11/managing-android-security-patching-for-priv/
Hotfix patching is reserved for critical updates that need to get pushed before they can provide them to the carriers. So far Blackberry has deemed the the vulnerabilities can afford the time to push them through the carriers. I'm going to repeat this for the last time... VERIZON IS THE ONLY CARRIER NOT TO SEND THESE PATCHES TO THEIR CUSTOMERS IN A TIMELY FASHION. This includes domestic and international carriers. This in no way reflects bad on Blackberry who has been exemplary in getting patches out before they are publicly disclosed by Google.
Please stay away, you have no credibility in this discussion.
I'd like to say a few words about Verizon support.
Verizon as a carrier provides a service. As long as we can use that service, they have met with their obligations. However, Verizon also sells products which meet a different criteria for support. In the case of the Priv, you can not buy it from Blackberry. Because of contracts between BlackBerry and Verizon, you can only buy this directly from Verizon. Verizon sold the Priv at a premium ($720 vs $699 MSRP). They list the phone as supporting Wifi calling which Verizon notes will be available in a software upgrade. It also supports VoLTE which they allow to be turned on.
At home I cannot make or receive calls without long periods of silence or dropped calls because of weak signal strength. This situation also drains battery of the phones because the radios have to be cranked up to maximum all the time. After weeks working with support, they decided to send a femtocell. Then I worked with them over many days because the phones (iPhone, Z30) wouldn't hook up to it. They could never figure it out, gave up, and said that there is nothing more they could do. I did my own research and found that the phones would hook up to the femtocell if I turned VoLTE off. I asked to be upgraded from a 3g femtocell to a 4g one so I didn't need to disable this feature. They said the 3g unit was all they would get, but wifi calling was coming "soon". I agreed that wifi calling would solve the issue nicely.
When I purchased the Priv, I asked if wifi calling would be addressed and the saies agent assured me it will be available very soon.
About a year and a half since I put in the femtocell I cannot use VoLTE, they have no plans to fix the large hole in their coverage, and no Wifi calling as promised "soon" verbally and in their documentation. Add this to the unaddressed security issues that promote loss of private information, Identity theft, and alteration of the functionality of the phone and tell me that I am being unreasonable.
Thanks for the Link, submitted my complaint.
Like others, I've checked these Community Forums, @VZWSupport at Twitter,
even phone calls with support. Pat and/or non-answers is all you get.
Why not start hitting up VZW on chat when ever you have some time. You know they're not going to tell you anything new but maybe it will bring some attention to us . Just say that you haven't received any security updates and post what verizon had to say.
Maybe Verizon has been to busy trying to coverup their overage charges to customers to work on the Priv MM update. I can install Nougat on my old G3 if i want to right now, but there is no MM for the Priv. VERY SAD VERIZON
Spent some time at Verizon today, also on the phone and finally with chat. All responses regarding when the update will be pushed were vague and non-committal.
The problem is my corporate IT dept will no longer allow corporate access with my phone running current version 5.1.1 (Lollipop). I MUST update my PRIV to 6.0 (Marshmallow) by November 06 or lose my ability to do my job.
Verizon has not been willing to help solve my problem. The phone was purchased less than two months ago. Their solution? Upgrade a line, pay more money to purchase another phone that has the Marshmallow update already installed. Price to do this? $3-$400.00.
It sucks that after 19 years being a customer of Verizon I must switch carriers. But I also have to do my job.
Was in exactly the same boat and feel your pain. Picked up an unlocked Priv from the BB shop and moved the whole company from Verizon. You beat me as I've only been with Verizon for 12 years. The Priv was strike three for VZW.
In BBM Group where some members have heard from Verizon users that have finally gotten an upgrade.
About 1.5gb, so it must be something. Nothing on my Priv nor PRIV by BlackBerry Software Update | Verizon Wireless yet. :smileysad:
No such luck. The November security patches have been pushed to every carrier's phones except Verizon. The tally is now up to 227 vulnerability patches not provided by Verizon. http://crackberry.com/blackberry-priv-november-beta-update-now-available
Talked again with Verizon customer feedback department. Again, no solution and no offer to solve my problem one way or the other.
As many people have the same problem as I, and with no solution. Will discuss with corporate discontinuing use of Verizon as a carrier.
It is finally official, announcement on their page
PRIV by BlackBerry Software Update | Verizon Wireless
Too bad it cannot be downloaded and installed without waiting for OTA.
Yes, it's been pushed extremely slowly. I've only heard of ~3 people getting it. Now that it's official, maybe it will come faster.
FYI>>>>>>If you are not getting the update, do a soft reboot if that don't work you have to reset your phone. I have the MM now after resetting my phone!
I finally got Marshmallow pushed to me early yesterday! I really wish Verizon handled this different (maybe give the PRIV users a basic timeline or even an update in a community blog...ugh).
That being said I am still having issuse with WI-FI calling and the "swipe to text". Is anyone else?
KJJohnson37,
Glad to learn you were able to get the update to your phone. We want this to enhance all the features you have with your device. What issues are you having with the wi-fi calling and swipe to text? Please let us know so we can best assist.
NicoleB_VZW
Follow us on TWITTER @VZWSupport
If my response answered your question please click the _Correct Answer_ button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!
Thanks for your reply back Nicole.
Regarding my Wi-Fi calling whenever I go to Advanced calling to set it up it tells me that it's already added to my account and all I need to do is restart my phone to start enjoying HD and Wi-Fi calling. I do so and without prevail it still does not work even when I put it in airplane mode and attempt to force the setup for Wi-Fi calling I am prompted for setting up my address 911 emergencies however it still does not go through.
As for the swipe to text as on other marshmallow devices where you just start with the first letter and then swipe to complete the word I'm on able to do that on my device on either the virtual keyboard with a physical keyboard. Is there some type of setting that I have to turn on?
Again thanks for your reply.
These are all great questions, KJJohnson37. Let's get you going down the right path to fully enjoy your PRIV.
For updating your address for emergencies, make sure Airplane Mode is OFF, and then:
a.Go to your Home Screen.
b.Open your Apps menu.
c.Tap Settings.
d.Tap Advanced Calling.
e.Tap Wi-Fi Calling.
f.Tap Update current Emergency address. You can update your address from here.
For the text swipe, there are keyboard shortcuts that you can customize, Enable Keyboard Shortcuts - PRIV by BlackBerry | Verizon Wireless , but do you mean the Swype keyboard? Make sure your apps are fully updated in the Play Store, then go to Settings > Language & Input > BlackBerry Keyboard Settings > Type by Swiping, then turn on the swiping feature. Alternatively you could download the Swype Keyboard app from the Play Store. Let us know how that goes for you.
RussellM_VZW
If my response answered your question please click the _Correct Answer_ button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!
