BlackBerry 10 Unveiled

By Nick Maizlin (@GhostProShark)

Finally, RIM decided to give us a peek, if a brief one, at the new platform based on QNX, BlackBerry 10. Presenting a device that vaguely resembles the current iPhone (and confirms previous rumours), RIM has decided to go all touch. Gone are the keyboards that current BB phones are known for (although they may be added later). Taking cues from SwiftKey RIM has made a touchscreen keyboard that actually predicts what you are going to type. Although this is nothing original, when pressing a letter, you can simply flick up to select the word, allowing you to theoretically type sentences with barely a keypress. Apart from that, a function has been added that allows you to swipe back on the delete button to delete entire sentences.

The homescreen has also had some changes. Now borrowing from Windows Phone, there are square icons for you to select as well as a camera, call and search icons on the bottom. RIM is also focusing on ‘flow’, allowing you to seamlessly switch between applications that remain running in the background. You can slide your finger from the right to peek at notifications or fully slide it over and switch apps.

Finally, the camera seemed to have been tuned, with you being able to go back through a timeline before you took the picture in case the subject blinked during the photo taking process.

So what do you think? A major overhaul has been executed by RIM, with the OS looking unique, the features crafty as well as a load of apps to be coming our way soon. Honestly, it looks like a true competitor to current iOS and Android phones although it’s too early to say anything yet. Stay tuned for future updates.

Sources: Verge, Engadget