BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) is in the process of rolling out the next big upgrade to its BlackBerry 10 operating system. According to The Verge, BlackBerry 10.2.1 will start showing up on BlackBerry 10 devices today.
BlackBerry upgrades the lock screen
The new version includes several enhancements over the previous version, like a better lock screen. It now sports a passcode system which uses pictures and also actionable notifications. It also has a better screen for incoming calls and offers better notification management for the BlackBerry hub. In addition, it supports group email and text messages. Other improvements include better battery reporting and the ability to read in offline mode on the web browser. BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) has also enabled the FM radio function to work on the BlackBerry Q5, Q10 and Z30 handsets.
BlackBerry (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) said it is pushing out the update today but that it could take longer for some users to receive it because the update is subject to approval by carriers. It is still unclear when U.S. users of BlackBerry 10 devices will receive the upgrade because many of them still haven’t even released BlackBerry 10.2, the previous version of the operating system. However, according to CrackBerry, a few subscribers of Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ)’s network did receive the upgrade.
How to receive the BlackBerry upgrade
CrackBerry reports that the upgrade is coming out over the air for many BlackBerry users, although it is also available through BlackBerry Link. If your handset is in the process of receiving the upgrade, there will be a screen stating that it is downloading and that you can close the Settings app and keep using the handset while BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) updates it. The company recommends that users keep their handsets connected to a power source while the software is updating, however.
Meanwhile BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) continues chugging along, as rumors suggest it could unveil its next handsets at the upcoming Mobile World Congress.
