BlackBerry are labelling their latest platform, BB10, as the “re-designed, re-engineered, and re-invented BlackBerry platform that creates a new and unique mobile computing experience”.
BB10 will initially be available on two new LTE-enabled smartphones, the BlackBerry Z10 (an all-touch smartphone) and the BlackBerry Q10 (touch screen with the traditional Blackberry physical keyboard).
Thorsten Heins, President and CEO of BlackBerry said: “Today sees a re-invented BlackBerry launching an entirely new mobile experience.
“We are thrilled to be introducing BlackBerry 10 on the new BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10 smartphones, to deliver a faster, smarter experience that continuously adapts to your needs. Every feature, every gesture, and every detail in BlackBerry 10 is designed to keep you moving.”
The global launch events, as reported by HumanIPO, were held simultaneously in New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Dubai and Johannesburg – the only African city – and included the re-branding of manufacturers Research In Motion (RIM) as BlackBerry and the appointment of singer Alicia Keys as its new Global Creative Director.
Notable BlackBerry 10 Features
BlackBerry Hub: BlackBerry say it is the single place to manage all conversations, whether personal or work email, BBM messages, social media updates or notifications. It also comes with the ability to access it from anywhere on the smartphone, “so you’re always only one swipe away from what matters to you”.
BlackBerry Balance: This “feature” separates and secures work applications and data from personal content on BlackBerry 10 smartphones. BlackBerry’s management are hopeful it is the final solution for business people who currently feel they need to carry two devices – one for work and one for personal use. The work half of BB10 can be managed and updated by the employer, while not intruding on the personal half.
BlackBerry Remember: A feature that combines memos, tasks and many more into a single experience. The aim is to help users organise and manage information they have on their smartphone around projects or ideas. It lets users collect content such as websites, emails, photos, documents, and other files, and then like a To-Do list, lets them create tasks, assign due dates, and track progress.
If a user’s BlackBerry 10 smartphone is set up with a work account, BlackBerry Remember will automatically synchronise Microsoft® Outlook Tasks wirelessly.
