BlackBerry has released the BlackBerry 10.1 SDK OS to developers for BlackBerry Dev Alpha B, Dev Alpha C and BlackBerry Z10. Although the release is not meant for consumer use, a number of new features that it brings, have been documented.
Developers have reported on Crackberry's
forums that the new release of the OS features HDR(High-dynamic-range) mode in the camera that enables users to capture a greater dynamic range in photos.
With the new release, the phone can be fully unlocked at lock screen by the power button. We feel that this change stems from user feedback as some users did not find the gesture unlock feature intuitive.
The update also brings support for PIN to PIN messaging which is also integrated with the BlackBerry Hub. This feature is available in previous versions of the BlackBerry OS but was missing in BlackBerry 10.
Users will also be able to change the APN, which is part of the carrier's mobile Internet settings, if it's supported by the carrier.
It also changes the colour of "Highlights" for text such as word correction on the keyboard from Blue to Green. The update offers easier text selection with the 'text picker' supporting easy movement left and right between letters.
The colour of the Sharing menu has also been changed to Black, just like that of the BlackBerry Q10's sharing menu.
The update also brings the ability to turn off alerts for specific applications and makes checking for updates easier in BlackBerry World. BlackBerry World will also support coupon redemption. Users will be able to open installed apps directly from BlackBerry World, which no longer shows 'installed' and instead shows 'open'.
The BlackBerry 10.1 update also enables pasting of phone numbers directly into dialpad. It brings demos and walkthroughs after initial boot.
These are just the initial changes that have been reported and not an official change-log. BlackBerry is said to be rolling out an updated BlackBerry OS 10.1 version to coincide with the launch of BlackBerry Q10. Earlier, purported
pictures of what this update will look like along with details of its new features had leaked online. The new features that are expected in BlackBerry 10.1 include Type N Go, Word Prediction, Mnemonic Phone Dialing, BlackBerry Mobile Voice System Support, Dark Theme Support, Out-of-Box-Experience and Smartcard Support.