BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) has made a major move to further open up its BlackBerry 10 platform. In the latest software update, the company has made it possible for users of BlackBerry 10 OS to access a wider range of apps. Latest update of Blackberry 10 OS 10.3.1 will allow users to access android apps through Amazon appstore along with some other apps which are not available in Blackberry store along with the blend feature which the company had launched last year.
BlackBerry 10.3.1 OS is ready for rollout and will be available on various BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) devices including Z30, Z10 and Q10. The updated OS has been enriched with a number of features including the popular Blend app. The update also improves on the device battery life.
Users who update to the improved BlackBerry 10 will be able to access Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)’s Appstore, with better access to Android apps.
Digital assistant
The BlackBerry 10 update is also bundled with BlackBerry Assistant, which is a digital assistant that functions much like Samsung’s S Voice and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s Siri. BlackBerry Assistant is able to process text and voice commands to help with the management of tasks such as accessing emails and contacts.
Blend enhanced
The updated BlackBerry 10 will also come with improved Blend feature, which first rolled out last year. Blend is available across multiple OS including Android, Apple’s Mac OS and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Windows.
The feature allows for data sharing across different devices such as smartphones, tablets and PCs. As such, Blend enables users to receive notifications about new messages and emails so that you can read or reply on any device.
Carrier approval
Those interested in BlackBerry 10.3.1 will wait for their carriers to roll it out. There have not been updates from the U.S. carriers about schedules to roll out the improved operating system. However, BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) said it will be available to users as soon as their networks approve the update.
Under “app neutrality”, BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) is pushing for more open platforms that allow users to download and install the apps they desire without restrictions.
