BlackBerry has started rolling out a major software update to BB 10 smartphones. The 10.3.1 update will come to devices like Z10, Q5, Q10, Z30, Z3, Porsche Design P’9983, and the Passport.
BlackBerry 10 OS 10.3.1 gives users the ability to access both the BlackBerry World appstore and the Amazon Appstore that provides access to a host of Android applications previously unavailable on the BlackBerry platform. The new software will allow its users to access its new BlackBerry Blend feature that lets users get message notifications, read and respond to work and personal email, text and other messages, while also accessing files, calendars, contacts and other media, on whatever device one is using. It works across Apple’s Mac OS, Microsoft’s Windows platform and tablets powered by Google’s Android software.
BlackBerry has also re-introduced keyboard shortcuts like pressing “T” when in the BlackBerry Hub to get to the top of your Inbox or “B” to jump to the bottom. You can also press “A” to launch your Address Book, “N” to launch BBM, “O” to launch Settings, and more. The software upgrade will also introduce the new BlackBerry Assistant, a digital assistant that can be used with voice or text command to help users manage email, contacts, calendar and other applications. The software upgrade will also introduce the new BlackBerry Assistant, a digital assistant that can be used with voice or text command to help users manage email, contacts, calendar and other applications
BlackBerry Calender gets a new Meeting Mode option that will automatically set your phone to quiet mode for the duration of your meeting, and then turn notifications back on when it is over. BB10 users will receive a notification in the BlackBerry Hub when the software is ready for download. If they have enabled automatic software downloads, they will be notified in the BlackBerry Hub that the software is downloading. BlackBerry is also claiming that the improved power saving features in BlackBerry 10.3.1 can extend your phone’s battery life by as much as 15%.