BlackBerry could be following in Google and Apple’s footprints with BlackBerry 10.3 by introducing its own personal voice assistant.
Although BlackBerry is only expected to introduce minor design changes with its next BB10 OS update, some new screenshots suggest the Canadian manufacturer has a big new feature up its sleeves.
According to these leaked screenshots from an early build of BlackBerry 10.3, there looks to be a screengrab from a voice command screen, similar to that we’ve seen of Microsoft’s Cortana voice assistant for Windows Phone 8.1.
There’s no other information as to what features BlackBerry’s potential voice assistant will offer or even if it will make it into the final build of the next BB10 update.
The source of these images, ZonaBlackBerry, suggests that the intelligent assistant in this version doesn’t yet work properly.
Other changes teased by these screenshots include slight modifications to the homescreen, including the removal of the box around icons.
There’s also a new keyboard layout, introducing a more minimalistic style. It also seems to have a slightly different colour scheme.
With the next software update, you’ll also be able to turn off the device’s screen when it is placed screen-down or inside your pocket.
Within the camera app, you’ll get access to panoramic shots, a timer for taking snapshots, HDR suggestions and the option to record video in 720p HD at 30fps or 60fps.
BlackBerry will also add a smart search and subtle changes to the Music Player.
There’s no information as to when the BlackBerry 10.3 update will be released.
Read more: BlackBerry Z10 review
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
