This entry into my personal “definition” of BlackBerry is going to take you a little deeper into the OS without loosing you in stream of BlackBerry jargon. No need for a long introduction, if you need to catch up, here are the links: Part 1, Part 2. Hit the more button when you’re ready…
Here’s a very brief recap of the previous entries. I described how the new home screen allows for some personalization and I covered the hardware helping boost the “morale” of the OS and it’s users. Now, let’s go a little deeper into the functionality of the OS. Shall we?
First, I’ll mention the search function. We have Universal Search which allows us to search universally(I did that intentionally). By universal, we mean anywhere and by anywhere, we mean, App World, Messages(email, sms, etc.), Google, Contacts, etc. Pull the search tool up see what places you can search. If there’s an app you can’t find because you hid it or put it in some random folder, you’ll be able to retrieve in no time. Such a simple addition and yet, it adds so much to the BlackBerry 6 list of features. (Universal Search Review here)
Second is the browser. This Webkit browser has added so much simplicity to the the BlackBerry 6 experience it isn’t even funny. I am in love with it(don’t tell my girlfriend). I love the speed and the look of the start up screen. It has such precise zooming capabilities and link sharing features that allows you to tell anyone what you’re viewing in no time at all. It does lack emulator mode which allows websites to see the browser as a desktop browser and not a mobile browser; let’s you see full html pages vs condensed mobile pages. Either way, the browser is a huge addition and it’s presence in this OS is definitely appreciated. (Webkit browser review here)
Next, is the Notifications tab. Simply put, this tab is a great feature for those who don’t know the difference between icons and message notifiers. If you have the Torch, this is a great feature because you can access your messages with one touch. On a keyboard only device, it works well if you have your home screen options set to Universal Search(allows you to begin searching by typing any key). If you have it set to app shortcuts you can easily open the app with the corresponding key. So, having your home screen option to Universal Search is great for utilizing the notifications tab since you’ll have to pull it down to see your different messages. (Notifications tab review here)
Finally, we have the tab at the top of the screen where you have quick access to, device options, connections and the alarm clock. Each of these have specific uses that are essential to everyday BlackBerry 6 use. If you need to toggle your bluetooth, you can do so with ease. If you step near a wifi hotspot, you can turn off your mobile network and connect to that hotspot seamlessly. Having the clock available to you like that is big plus. Me being in the military, waking up early and being on time is very important so, I have to set multiple alarms throughout the week and it’s good that I have easy access to the clock application.
In closing, I’d like to see everyone utilizing the simple, key features of BlackBerry 6 that you may not notice upon first look or even after light usage. I hope this entry was more than just a bunch of tech mumbo jumbo thrown at you and that it gave you something to look into on your BlackBerry while you read it. That’s all for now. Stay tuned for the next entry into BlackBerry 6 Defined.
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