Every blackberry 10 user are now upgrading to the newly released OS 10.3.1 software update. However only few people can fully utilize all the newly added features as some are obvious while others are not. In this write-up, i will break down the apparent and non apparent features in the newly released OS 10.3.1. For tips on how to upgrade your software read here
With its modern look and slimmer design the OS 10.3.1 is soothed for business or enterprise users. If you love playing games, stick to android or IOS.
APPARENT FEATURES
i. Homescreen wallpaper -
Unlike the previous version, the new OS 10.3.1 has a blank homescreen with no app menu display, but with a home icon at the bottom to easily take you to homescreen when you are on any active frame. You can turn this off in the settings menu on display if you don't like it
ii. Smarter action bar
This is another brilliant upgrade for the OS 10. On each in-built app you open, the most common function appears bold in the center. For example open hub and you will see the compose button boldly in the center.
iii. Blackberry blend
This app allows users to install a dedicated piece of software on a Mac, PC or any Android tablet and then get instant message notifications, read and respond to work and personal text messages, Emails or BBM, and even access your documents, contacts, calender and media in real time.
The new software will sync all the messages in real time to the BlackBerry Blend software effectively giving you to the ability not to have the BlackBerry in the same room or building. As expected with BlackBerry, the new service will be powered through the BlackBerry network with system admins having the ability to set BlackBerry Blend parameters for users that match their security guidelines.
iv. Blackberry assistant
This can be referred to as Blackberry's version of SIRI, CORTANA and GOOGLE NOW. This app is designed to help you manage your BBM contacts, Email, calendar and other in-built BlackBerry 10 applications through both voice and typed commands.
v. Improved Hub and Email tricks
A newly added feature, called email triage, allows you to quickly delete or archive multiple emails at once at the click of a button, while you can now download all attachments at the same time in an email.
You now have the option to delete the original text if you are replying to a message. Also your drafts are automatically saved even if you swipe away from the message to do something else.
vi. Amazon application store
The new OS has the Amazon Appstore to broaden the app choice on the platform. Blackberry World is focused on productivity apps, while Amazon Appstore will offer lots of alternatives.
NON APPARENT FEATURES
i. Instant access to quick settings panel
You can now access the quick settings panel by swiping down from the top of the screen with two fingers. The panel will slide down showing a shortcut to the settings menu, as well as hardware toggles. Added to BB 10.3.1 is the ability to access this in any app with a two finger swipe. This means you can swith on bluetooth or turn on torch from Twitter without having to leave the app.
ii. Improved dial-up pad
If you start dialling a number through the dialpad, OS 10.3.1 will find matching numbers in the background. However this only works with phone numbers which is still restrictive, because sometimes just tapping in someone's name is easier, without diving into contacts first.
Universal search/Assistant can be a better alternative. Just type the number or the name, and local results appears.
iii. Expand your external SD card storage to 128GB
OS 10.3.1 now accepts larger capacity microSD cards, so you'll be able to use cards up to 128GB to expand the storage on your smartphone. That's better for storing files, be it movies, music, or documents.
iv. Monitoring your data
There's an added option for Data Management in the settings menu. You will find the option to set data limits, control roaming, as well as manage how email handles images, resizing and downloading.
v. Device gestures
Another added new feature is called Advanced Interaction. It allows you use the phone's sensors to enable certain actions like 'flip to mute' or 'flip to save power', 'lift to wake'. The former will let you extend the battery life of your smartphone putting it into standby mode when you place the device face down on a flat surface.
The previous option to swipe to wake is still available.
vii. Improved Battery life and media options
Through customisation, you can boost the battery life of your phone through power saving profile. Through settings you can restrict applications to save charge and therefore increase battery life by up to 15 per cent. New added media playback options include 17 preset equaliser modes for audio on music or video files. You can also favourite photos, songs and videos to make them more easily accessible.
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