We have some good news for BlackBerry fans now, as it looks like you are about to get a very early preview of what is in store for you later on in the year with the official update to BlackBerry 10.2. A video has emerged online, giving a very detailed look at some of the new features that will be available in the update.

Considering that the majority of consumers are yet to be updated to BlackBerry 10.1, this is a very early preview indeed of what BlackBerry 10.2 will have to offer. The update certainly hasn’t been detailed in an official capacity yet, but luckily the guys over at Crackberry forums have given fans something to discuss over the weekend.

The video shows off some some minor enhancements to the UI, along with new options for multiple alarm clocks and new BlackBerry Messenger features regarding channels. Unfortunately, there’s still no Skype integration with BlackBerry Hub, but remember that this is a very early edition of the software, so it could be months before we see a public release – meaning that new functionality is likely to feature on the final version.

It’s not the best video uploaded to show off the BlackBerry Z10 as author Kris Simundson points out a number of times in the video. It does provide an all new look at a brand new version of BlackBerry 10 though, so we think the comments on YouTube are a little harsh.

How far are we from an official update to BlackBerry 10.2? Considering that we are yet to see 10.1 rolled out to everyone, we would say pretty far off from now, but hopefully before the end of the Summer. Watch the clip above for yourself and let us know your initial reaction to BlackBerry 10.2.

BlackBerry Live is to take place next month, and during that event we could hear details on the BlackBerry 10 tablet, as well as the possibility of the PlayBook getting the new BB10 OS. However, we’re unsure what to make of this rumor after what the Canadian company’s CEO said recently.

There could be some BlackBerry 10 tablet release uncertainty following the admission made by BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins. He believes that tablets only have a maximum of a further five-year life span, and that they really do not need to invest in plans for a new tablet.

This could just be talk, although all we could see from BlackBerry by way of news on a tablet next month is BlackBerry 10 support for the PlayBook, which would be a shame, but hardly surprising. We have to wonder what Heins has been drinking, as he has also said he believes BlackBerry will be the leader when it comes to mobile computing.

This is a strange admission from the CEO, could you see the likes of Apple and those supporting Android devices to put money and effort into something that will only be around for another half a decade? We also find it hard to believe BlackBerry will finally be able to surpass iOS and Android devices considering how much of a stranglehold they both have on the market.

Having said that, there will be some of you who agree with him and would suggest that with smartphone screen sizes increasing, there might not be a need for a tablet, as the handset will be able to do what a tablet can do and more. Although, this would be foolish to think that, because we are not likely to see a 10-inch smartphone now are we?

BB10 seemed like a breath of fresh air when it was first released, but it never takes long before users begin to see a few kinks in the armor, which is why an update will be welcome. Having already discussed some of the features of BlackBerry 10.1 and how the Q10 would see the most benefit from the update, we now thought we would look at some of the other features.

The BlackBerry 10.1 camera update is just one of numerous improvements that will help to make the Z10 a far better device, as well as the upcoming Q10. The shooter will get a HDR camera mode, which is meant to capture a greater dynamic range, but the result is not always as good as what you would expect. Having said that, the camera software on the BlackBerry Z10 is already pretty decent, so another update will be welcome for owners.

That’s not all, as BlackBerry 10.1 will also bring with it PIN to PIN messaging in BlackBerry Hub, APN editing will now be enabled, an improved version of Text Picker, Sharing menu will get a color change to black, like on the Q10, a facility to turn off alerts for certain apps, you will now be able to paste phone numbers into the dialpad, checking for updates will be easier, and much more, all of which can be explained by CrackBerry.

It’s not a huge list of changes, but it’s more than we had first assumed. I love my iPhone, but to receive an update like this would have been done over several iOS updates.

What other updates would you liked to have seen with BlackBerry 10.1, or what other new features would you think version 10.2 would benefit from?

When BlackBerry release their Z10 device, it was their first handset to run on Blackberry 10. As you would imagine there have been a few issues, which only became apparent once users got to try these devices out for themselves.

Thankfully there is to be a BlackBerry 10.1 update a little later this month, and we are told that the BlackBerry Q10 will maximize these new BB10.1 features upon release. Some of you will be unhappy that you rushed out to get the Z10, only for the Q10 to get the full advantage of these new features, without having to go through the rough stages of a new operating system.

There are several new features with BlackBerry 10.1, such as Type N Go, which allows a user to command certain functions of their BB10 device just with a quick range of commands. The feature is simple to use, so you could type email and then a contacts name will then launch the email client, they will also be added as the recipient.

Other new features include BB Mobile Voice System Support, Dark Theme Support Mnemonic Phone Dialing, and much more. It’s not known if there will be any bug fixes, but since the Z10 has suffered from a few problems, you would think BlackBerry would iron out these issues.

We’d like to know what you think of these new changes (more of which has been detailed here) and if this is a worthy first update to BlackBerry 10? We’d also like to know if you feel as though BlackBerry has done enough, or if you would have liked to see more new features, although Apple never offers anything as substantial with minor updates with iOS.

If you are a developer, then you will be able to download the BB10.1 SDK here.

When BlackBerry 10 was launched in January 30, 2013 with it came a host of social tools to help lure consumers and business users in, although these were the usual apps such as Facebook, Twitter, FourSquare etc. In order to become far more than the sum of its parts there needed to be more choice, and that’s just what BB10 has to offer.

CrackBerry has been looking at some of the best BlackBerry 10 social apps in 2013 and we thought we would pick a selection of what we believe stands out in that list.

First up there’s Trapeez that allows you to blog and publish quick posts while you are out and about, as well as being able to find new users. You can even leave your posts in chat forums allowing members to comment. This app costs just $1.99.

If you are into your videos then Keek could be the BB10 app for you, as it allows you to share short video clips direct from your BlackBerry handset. The tools that are available to you make it much easier to find the right people to follow, be it by subject or popularity. The best thing about this app is that it is free.

One social app that is very popular throughout all the platforms is WhatsApp, so had to be included on this list. This messaging client allows you to stay in contact with your friends for free and has a neat feature that tells you when your friends are online or not. You can even share pictures and videos and even voice notes, ideal if you are a business user or just want to have fun with your mates.

Other apps worth a mention are Untappd and Neatly, but if you feel you have a better BlackBerry 10 social app to add to the list then please do.

Go back five years and BlackBerry was the big players in the business sector, but move forward to present day and the landscape is a little different. Back then the iPhone was just getting off the ground and Android was just about to test the waters with the first Android powered handset. Now those two platforms have changed the business landscape for the time being, but with the launch of BlackBerry 10 it shows that the Canadian company is not about to give up soon.

Enterprise users are still very important to BlackBerry, which is why they have more than 100 UK businesses trying out BB10. These organizations will be trialing BlackBerry 10 features to see if they have anything new and unique to offer when compared to rival mobile OS platforms.

A lot of effort is being put into BlackBerry 10 UK businesses, and a fine example of this was how the first BB10 device was launched in that country before Canada and long before the US market. It’s not just big corporations trying out the latest version of BlackBerry becasue a recent article reports that certain health organizations in the UK are also seeing if the new platform is perfect for their day-to-day use.

BlackBerry 10 for business users is far more important now than it ever was and if these tests prove successful then there is the hope that the adoption rate for this platform will show that there is still life in the old dog yet.

Since the release of the Blackberry Z10 it seems as though sales have been better than expected, and while there are reports that the new handset has been outselling the iPhone and Galaxy S3, we find that a little hard to believe.

Having already seen rumors that Instagram could be coming to Windows Phone because the icon was seen on a Nokia Lumia 620 banner, this led to speculation that this was just a clever piece of Photoshop work. However, more fuel has been added to this rumor since there are now reports that the social photo-sharing app is in testing for WP devices.

If we are to believe this latest piece of news then Instagram for Windows Phone might very well exist and if it does, then it is a kick in the teeth for BlackBerry 10.

It has already been reported that Instagram will not be made available for BB10 devices, and although this will not be enough to put people off purchasing the Z10, it will make them stop and think what else they will miss out on in the future.

Knowing that Windows Phone handsets could soon get Instagram because we are told that the app is in testing, this will surely be a boost for the platform, which as we know is still struggling to hold onto the coat tails of Android and iOS.

Let’s say that this news is the real deal, then we can also tell you that Instagram for Windows Phone 8 (not 7.8) could offer a special edition filter, although we have no idea what this filter would be.

Update: Thanks to our readers who informed us that there is in fact Instagram for BlackBerry 10 devices, but as yet this is not an official version and only a port for now.

BlackBerry 10 handsets may not be available in the US yet, but we have some great news for consumers looking to pick up the Z10 when it finally does reach Stateside. The new operating system is available for buyers in Europe and we’re pleased to say that the BlackBerry team have just released their very first major software update for BlackBerry 10, adding five notable new features and improvements for those with a handset.

If you have the BlackBerry Z10 now, you may have already had a notification to download the first software update OTA. The new version will bring your device to BlackBerry 10.0.10.85, although BlackBerry recommends users to install using a WiFi connection as the update is a rather sizable 150MB.

If you haven’t had a notification, you can alternatively head into your device settings, then software updates section to attempt to push the update manually. BlackBerry has said that while the update is available now, carrier rollouts will be happening in phases so don’t panic if you don’t have it yet.

The five main updates included involve battery life, the camera, browser and media, phone, calendar and contacts, and finally third-party app performance. Over on the BlackBerry Blog you’ll find a detailed guide on what changes have been made, such as a new optimized camera for taking better pictures in low-light situations.

You’ll also be delighted to hear that Whatsapp is also confirmed for a release sometime in March – nothing on other popular apps such as Spotify yet. BlackBerry also mentions around 60 battery life improvements to BlackBerry 10, so it’s a nice update all around that current users should appreciate.

Everyone loves software updates don’t they? Let’s hope that BlackBerry makes it a regular trend after listening to the community. If you have installed this update already, let us know what performance is like for you at the moment. Are you a happy BlackBerry 10 customer?

The first BlackBerry 10 OS update is now available, although we have to warn that 10.0.10.261 update is not official so you install this on your Z10 at your own risk. Having said that, knowing that you will be able to have the latest software on your BB10 device will prove tough to resist.

As yet there are no details as to what features and fixes Blackberry 10.0.10.261 update includes, but you have to be weary, as this could not only resolve some issues but also create new ones as well. If this does not serve as a deterrent and you are still eager to add some new features to your BlackBerry Z10 then head over to this Forum for all the details.

However, we have to warn that that you will need to use a Windows PC in order to install Blackberry 10.0.10.261, which could be an issue for those who do not own one. Having said that, we would not risk it ourselves, but you already know those risks when downloading and installing an unofficial update.

We are hearing that several people are having issues getting this to install, while others report no such problems. On the same Forum above there seems to be some confusion because some members are saying that this is not the latest version, and that their Z10 is running an even newer version all ready, we’d love to have your input into what version you are running.

It’s obvious that BlackBerry is already working on the first official update to help rectify some issue with the software; we just hope that it will help improve the battery on the Z10, as a review here points out that it could be better. We already gave you some ways to help improve your Z10 battery life, but this was only a temporary measure.

The release of the first BlackBerry 10 handset seems to be going pretty well as 50 percent more Z10 handsets have been sold at launch when compared to BlackBerry’s previous efforts. There is currently just the one BB10 handset available for now, but we do know that the Q10 will follow shortly. However, what consumers and certain business users want is a budget version, but they may have a wait on their hands.

If you were hoping to see a next-gen Curve later this year then we’re afraid that you will be out of luck. We say this because the 2013 BlackBerry 10 phone lineup will not include any budget models, well that’s according to BlackBerry’s Stephen Bates. This does seem to go against what was said last week, because CEO Thorsten Heins said that they were to release cheaper BB10 handsets this year.

So whom should we believe? The smart money would be to believe that a budget BlackBerry 10 smartphone would be released later this year in the hope of bringing the new OS to those with a limited budget. However, it’s more likely that the Canadian phone maker will focus more on the Z10 and the Q10 this year, as they need to prove that they have what it takes to compete with the likes of the iPhone 5 and the Galaxy S3, well soon the S4.

It’s not all bad news though, because according to the Tech Radar report, BlackBerry could still offer a mid-range portfolio in 2013. This will not go down well with BlackBerry customers who much prefer their budget handsets.

What the company needs to do now is issue a statement on their intent, just to prove that they have not forgotten about any of their customers.