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BlackBerry 10.1 Features Include HDR Photos, App World Coupons

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Users of the BlackBerry Z10 and those with an eye on the upcoming BlackBerry Q10 will see a large number of changes coming to their devices by the way of BlackBerry 10.1.

BlackBerry 10.1, the first large update to hit BlackBerry’s BlackBerry 10 operating system since it launched this past January will bring a large amount of changes according to reports from developers who are posting the changes as they find them on CrackBerry. Thanks to the updated software development kit for the 10.1 update, we now know that Blackberry is touching up the operating system everywhere.

Blackberry Z10 on Solavei 4G

The BlackBerry Z10.

BlackBerry shipped its first device with the operating system, the Z10 back in January and is due to follow up with a QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen device, the Q10 sometime this spring if reports are correct. It recently entered certification at the Federal Communications Commission, possibly confirming that rumored spring release.

Read: BlackBerry Q10 in FCC Testing Could Launch Soon

So far the highlight of these new features has been its inclusion of an option to allow users of the BlackBerry Z10 to support HDR or high-dynamic-range imaging. Simply put, the software update will enable the device to capture a wider range of colors in between areas in a photo that are light and those that are dark. Depending on the user’s tastes this could result in a more visually pleasing photo.

BlackBerry 10.1 will also include support for PIN to PIN messaging, allowing users to send text messages that are completely encrypted. Since every BlackBerry device has a unique ID number, the operating system will be able to send messages to a contact in a user’s address book via only both device’s PIN instead of via phone number, email account, or instant messaging account.

Users will also be able to edit their phone’s wireless network settings with BlackBerry 10.1’s new APN editing, though this could remain a feature that is determined by the wireless carrier on which the device is available. Typically this feature is more for use in business settings where IT managers might need to set special settings to allow devices to communicate inside their corporate networks.

There are also smaller changes to the operating system as a whole that will enhance the user experience of BlackBerry 10, but might not seem like much by themselves. For example, texting highlighting has had its color changed to green for easier reading. BlackBerry 10.1 also allows for easier highlighting in general and ads a new select all option for broadcasting messages.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcN_3efuVso

Users will also be able to turn off notifications from specific applications. Additionally, the update will add a new tutorial designed to help users get acclimated with BlackBerry 10 –something that is needed since BlackBerry 10 does rely on users now a few gestures to take full advantage of the device. BlackBerry World, the platform’s applications and media store will get support for coupon redemption as well.

Though these features are in the BlackBerry 10.1 SDK, their inclusion in a possible update could change at any time. Reports peg the 10.1 upgrade as allegedly being available to users sometime this month, however, BlackBerry has yet to comment on a release time frame.

5 Comments

5 Comments

  1. bbsucks

    04/18/2013 at 6:19 pm

    Whoopie doo. Is this supposed to be impressive or something?

  2. me

    04/19/2013 at 6:54 am

    How old is apple’s os??? How impressive is that?

    • Nota sheep

      04/19/2013 at 7:45 am

      How impressive is it? I’d say plenty, considering the DROVES of people buying them of the shelves like crazy. Even 8 months after the 5’s release, it’s still selling over a million phones a day. T-mobile started selling it last week and all 3000 stores had lines running outside. Version has had their best quarter EVER, feuled almost entirely by… Wait for it… iPhone sales.

      Anyways, you were saying?

  3. Rick

    04/19/2013 at 10:19 am

    Just because Apple is the top dog now doesn’t mean they will stay that way. Some healthy competition is needed … Blackberry has the best platform (although very new) for mobile computing. They have some pretty sweet plans to innovate. It is by far the most flexible platform on the market – no question… time will be the judge but all the people saying BB are going bankrupt don’t have much knowledge or insight just following the bandwagon… Apple is a great company… Blackberry will be the same if they play their cards right.

    • Eyeswideshut

      04/19/2013 at 12:50 pm

      Android is by far the most flexible platform in mobile computing. Blackberry is the same as apple (iPod,iPhone,iPad) without jailbreaking. It is the same locked user interface type. Actually worse, considering no one will even look at “jail breaking” it, let alone develop new skins and modifications to its user interface. It also lacks develop support for apps, and will remain that way until they eventually sell or go under.

      And for those that think they are still profitable after the release of bb10, have a good look at their actual balance sheets instead of listening to either day traders or the crackberry fan base. They only posted a measily profit due to MASSIVE employee layoffs and restructuring coupled with MAJOR tax incentives and write offs. They are losing their bread and butter which was reoccurring revenue (tax) from carriers (passed onto end users) by piping all traffic through their servers to a) save bandwidth and b) all bbm in its previous incarnation to operate. They have convinced the EDC to assist them with sales to foreign telecom, which is another sign they are on their last legs.

      I feel for the folks in Waterloo and wish them all the best, but those that still remain employed there really need to be weighing their options.

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