Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
BlackBerry updates OS with more security, FM radio
Blackberry's 2013 phone reboot failed to put the company back on track. While the one-time smartphone king is clearly down, it continues to plug away with software updates.
The latest 10.2.1 release brings an interface redesign and a number of improvements to the BlackBerry Enterprise Service mobile device management (MDM). That's important given the phone maker is retreating back to its home ground serving large, somewhat conservative corporations.
On a less button-down note the update switches on the built-in FM radio in the Q10 and Z30 phones. Early reports say the updated OS now runs Android apps much faster than before.
BlackBerry 10 was intended to put the phone maker back in the game. However since it first appeared it has dropped from the third place operating system to number four - barely registering in terms of market share.
In recent months BlackBerry has changed course. Instead of trying to be a general smartphone brand - a difficult strategy for a company with limited resources - it now focuses on providing corporate users with productivity tools and the security they need. That could be a smart move - at least until one of the smartphone giants decides to occupy the same space.
Bill Bennett
Freelance journalist.
Auckland-based Bill Bennett writes technology and business stories that are directly relevant to New Zealand readers.
His emphasis is on telecommunications, but he also covers other aspects of technology and business. You can find his features in the New Zealand Herald and hear him regularly on RNZ Nine to Noon and the NZ Tech Podcast.
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