Mobile OS review: BlackBerry 10.2.1

BlackBerry rolled out the latest update to its BlackBerry 10 OS---the hotly-anticipated version 10.2.1 last month, which most importantly allows Android apps to run natively on the BlackBerry smartphones for the first time ever.

Taking a closer look at the OS, we find that the update adds pinch-to-zoom to the BlackBerry Hub which stores messages and notifications at one central location. Users can customize the Hub to show only Unread Messages, Flagged Messages, Draft Messages, Meeting Invites or Sent Messages. Once the filter criterion is fixed, one can activate it with a pinch gesture on the Hub's message list.

A new incoming call screen has also been added that lets users swipe to the left to answer or swipe right to ignore a call, which seems totally opposite to how Android smartphones offer. Also, there are new icons that allow users to silence the call, or send a Reply Now response through BBM, SMS or email that they cannot answer the phone right away.

If you are wondering how the ‘run Android app on Blackberry 10' works, then we have the answer. All you need to do is simply download APK Android files via online, then locate the file on the phone, tap on the file and install. Any Android app like Instagram now becomes part of BlackBerry and that too fully functional.

The ability to create SMS and email groups for broadcast communications has also been added, together with improved lock screen notifications that allow users to "Tap to open" a message that appears on the lock screen. Offline Browser Reading Mode means users can save a current web page for later viewing, even if they are offline or without an Internet connection.

What you should like about BlackBerry 10.2.1 OS

- Optimized battery life with new monitoring options and indicators

- BlackBerry Priority Hub with more ways to organize and prioritize, so you can stay focused on mission critical things.

- Call management options so you can respond on your terms, even by email/BBM/text

- Cost management tools to manage roaming and data usage

- Groups can be created for SMS and email for more efficient broadcast communications.

- Lock Screen Notifications are now actionable, so you can respond to important messages more quickly or discreetly.

- Picture Password for quick unlocking

- Offline Browser Reading Mode lets you save the current web page for later viewing, even if you are offline.

- FM Radio does not require any network connection so can you listen to local FM stations (BlackBerry Z30, BlackBerry Q10 or BlackBerry Q5 smartphone).so can you listen to local FM stations (BlackBerry Z30, BlackBerry Q10 or BlackBerry Q5 smartphone).

A new and improved device monitor provides BlackBerry owners with details on battery usage, the impact of installed apps on battery life and memory usage and storage, as well as CPU stats. Lock Screen notifications were useful but a user could not view or reply to them. In this release, tapping a message opens the message if desired.

The Settings tab is cleaned up. Previously, airplane mode and flashlight were not readily available. A swipe down from top reveals these modes. Flashlight (LED flash as light source) previously needed an app like Gadget Box but is now native in 10.2.1. The settings page also becomes customizable. Finally, FM Radio is available to BlackBerry Z30, BlackBerry Q10 or BlackBerry Q5 smartphone users.

Note: BlackBerry may have improved on its OS features but still lacks the killer-edge when it comes to BlackBerry's app store. The company continues to beef up its options but currently Windows Phone seems to be doing a better job at that than its Canadian rival in the market. If BlackBerry intends to regain its lost pride then upgrading its app store is a must and we hope the next upgrade offers a solution to it.