During its big BlackBerry launch event, the newly renamed BlackBerry company officially unveiled its new BlackBerry 10 phones. BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins took the stage this morning to show off the BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10.
The BlackBerry Q10 stays true to classic BlackBerry devices by having a physical keyboard. The Z10 is more of a standard modern smartphone, and heavily resembles an iPhone.
Where the phones really differentiate themselvesHeins and BlackBerry executives heavily emphasized the multitasking available using the BlackBerry 10 operating system. Many of the mobile OS’ features, such as the calendar and other updates, are heavily integrated into its interface through the “BlackBerry Hub.”
The company also claims to have the “best typing experience” on any smartphone device, even on the Z10. The touch keyboard in the BlackBerry operating system features a system where most-used words can be placed into a text box by flicking the first letter of the words.
The devices also feature quick account switching that moves between “Work” and “Personal” modes. Certain apps can be designated as work-only or personal, supposedly maintaining a user’s privacy while also allowing IT to control the work portion of the device.
The company formerly known as RIM has designed its new operating system to entice business to move back onto BlackBerry’s famously secure device ecosystem. The upcoming months will tell whether businesses are still loyal to BlackBerry, or whether BlackBerry 10 is too little, too late.