BlackBerry reportedly releasing 10.2.1 on January 28

The rumour mill is abuzz with talks that the new BlackBerry 10 platform’s refresh will be released on January 28. Ubergizmo reports BlackBerry 10.2.1 will carry features such as the floating action bar and the ability to direct download Android APK file without the need to sideload the app. There is no word if the update will come out first in APAC or EMEA or as a global release. For now, we’re keeping watch for the veracity of the rumour. We’ll keep you posted for any updates.

BlackBerry 10.2.1 will include a 'floating action bar'

Despite their current ups and downs in the market, BlackBerry has remained committed to rolling full steam ahead with updates to their BlackBerry OS. Version 10.2.1, which was just released to developers as a Gold SDK, has just had another small feature added to it: a "Floating Action Bar”. Which is essentially sees BlackBerry adding a back button, attachment, send and other icons above the virtual keyboard on some of its screens.

Michael Clewley, Director of Handheld Software Product Management at BlackBerry, said “Users are still accustomed to the gestures based on the user interface and the fact that the BB10 using this strongly we wanted to eliminate confusion on specific screens. With 10.2.1, we added the action bar floating above the keyboard to better show the actions, but also the back button on your doorstep.”

Cool forward-thinking idea from BlackBerry! I look forward to trying it out.

via BerryReview