14 DAY TRIAL // Canadian mobile phone maker BlackBerry is gearing up for the release of a new flavor of its BlackBerry 10 operating system, one that might arrive on devices as version 10.3 and that has already leaked for the BlackBerry Z10 smartphone.
The platform release is available for download for the STL100-3 version of the device, but it is not a final build – nor an official one, for that matter –, which means that it might include bugs that will hurt users’ experience with it.
However, it seems that there is a great deal of new features to discover in this platform release and that those who take the chance to try it will have a lot to learn on what the next major BlackBerry 10 version has to offer to them.
As fonearena notes, the upcoming OS version should bring along a redesigned UI, one that will sport a flatter look and improved icons, as well as various under-the-hood tweaks.
Apparently, the box around the icons on the homescreen is gone in this leaked build, though it remains to be seen whether the same will happen in the final release as well.
Moreover, it appears that BlackBerry has decided to include an Intelligent Assistant in its operating system, but it doesn’t seem to be working properly in this release.
The keyboard inside the OS has been improved as well, now featuring a new layout and colors. A change in the color scheme of the platform might have also been operated, bringing Black and Red accents to devices.
BlackBerry 10.3 OS should also deliver advanced Interaction Features, such as the possibility to have the phone turning off when upside down, which should save battery.
The camera app in the OS should also see a series of enhancements, including the addition of a timer for taking photos. Moreover, it also offers the option to take panoramic photos now and allows users to record videos in 720p resolution at 30 fps and 60 fps.
Apparently, the camera app will also automatically suggest HDR when the conditions to use the option are favorable.
A great deal of other improvements are also expected to be present inside the upcoming platform release, such as Smart Search, a redesigned Music Player, modified controls and buttons, and improved overall responsiveness of devices.
You can head over to the BlackBerry Empire forums to download the leaked build and take it for a spin, if you wish to do so. However, keep in mind that it is not an official release and that it might harm the device if not installed properly.
Users willing to install it on their BlackBerry Z10 STL100-3 devices will do so at their own risk, as they will be the only ones held responsible in the event that anything happens with the smartphone.