Blackberry 10.2.1.537 Now w/Android Apps!

Blackberry recently released their new OS, version 10.2.1.537 to the public and the changes they have made are quite impressive. There are lot of things to cover in this OS update, but what I really want to talk about today is the ability to download Android apps directly to the device without the need of side loading them via PB App Manager or Google Chrome.

To load the apps go to the 1mobile website and do the following steps:


Step 1: Download 1mobile app to phone. Select Phone app for mobile phone or Tablet for Playbook.





Step 2: The app will show up in your active downloads as a .apk file. Once it says Download is Complete tap on the file and Install. The app will show up on the home screen as a regular app.


Step 3: Download your favourite Android Apps.

Although this app does allow you to download Android apps, it isn't complete stocked with apps like the Google Play Store is. I was able to find all the apps that I currently run on Android no problem. From the apps that I tested (Instagram, Netflix, YouTube) they all work seamlessly.

What about updates? No problem. The 1mobile app will notify you when there are updates available for the app. I don't believe it is as frequently updated as the Play Store, but at least they put fourth the effort to keep up with the  latest updates.

Below are some other great features of the OS that was shared to me by a Blackberry rep:

Product Overview

Upgrade your BlackBerry 10 OS today to do more – more easily.

Download now on the BlackBerry® 10 smartphone you love and discover more ways to respond to calls, prioritize your communications and keep on top of battery usage so you can be more productive, and more in control.

Features

BlackBerry Priority Hub (new for customers in North America and LATAM)

Update BlackBerry® 10 OS to version 10.2.1 today and discover BlackBerry® Priority Hub. It shows all your messages in one place and can be accessed with one swipe. What’s more, BlackBerry 10 learns what messages are important to you, the gives you a curated view of your most important emails, calls, instant messages and notifications in the BlackBerry® Priority Hub. Simply pinch the screen to prioritize, and go further by customizing notifications for BBM™, texts and email or by individual contacts, so you can stay organized and in control of your most important tasks.


Call Management and Reply Now (new for customers in North America and LATAM)
Update BlackBerry® 10 OS to version 10.2.1 today for a simpler call experience that gives you control, so you can respond on your terms.
Reply Now lets you respond to incoming calls via BBM™, text message or email when you can’t answer the phone. Or if you've missed that important call chose to send an SMS directly from the call log or call your contact back directly from the BlackBerry® Hub.

Instant Previews (new for customers in North America and LATAM)
Update BlackBerry 10 OS to version 10.2.1 today and get Instant Previews of incoming BBM, texts and e-mails in any app. Just touch on the notification to be taken directly to that message in the Hub, or respond to your BBM and text chats without leaving the app you are in. Whether you are browsing the web or editing a document, you’re always on top of what matters.

BlackBerry Natural Sound with BBM Video and Screen Share (new for customers in North America and LATAM)
Update BlackBerry 10 OS to version 10.2.1 today and discover BlackBerry® Natural Sound technology, delivering realistic sound quality to your BBM Voice and Video conversations. And, you can share what’s on your screen with Screen Share so, collaborating is as natural as being in the same room.

Lock Screen Notifications (for customers in North America and LATAM)
Update BlackBerry 10 OS to version 10.2.1 today and discover Lock Screen Notifications.
By simply message icons on the Locked screen you can view the sender and subject of your latest email, text, BBM or notification. You can even choose which accounts you want to appear, which is perfect for when you are waiting for that important message to arrive or need to check messages discreetly.

Cost Management

Update BlackBerry® 10 OS to version 10.2.1 today to help manage your roaming charges by selecting to download sender and subject line only when roaming. And manage your data usage by setting your options to re-size image attachments on emails (choose from original size, medium or small) to help minimize data usage.

Device and Battery Monitor
Update BlackBerry® 10 OS to version 10.2.1 today and see how resources on your phone are being used. New battery percentage indicators and power monitoring help you optimize power consumption to deliver the best possible performance – so you can be more productive for longer

How to Update

On the device - Settings>Software Updates>Check for Updates. Make sure you are connected to a Wifi Network and it is recommended you plug your phone in to an outlet.

On Blackberry Link - Plug device into the computer VIA USB>One time connection>Software Update

Enjoy!



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