BlackBerry OS 10.3 to offer ‘shortcut’ for physical QWERTY devices

A new feature in the BlackBerry OS 10.3 will enable the users of the popular physical QWERTY devices to long-press the space bar, thus minimising the app they are using, and returning them to the home screen.

Users can also get the desired results by using the swipe-up gesture, but it might be easier to press the physical key instead. This feature will be integrated with BlackBerry Q10 and the BlackBerry Q5. BlackBerry Classic, formerly called the BlackBerry Q20, will also showcase this feature.

BlackBerry Q20 is slated to be launched in November this year, with some old-school features like a trackpad and some function keys.

The rumoured BlackBerry Q30, aka the BlackBerry Windermere, does not include numbers or punctuation keys. The device, however, seemingly offers a wide body with a QWERTY.

In January, BlackBerry CEO John Chen said that most of the new models offered by the firm would include a QWERTY keyboard. This is believed to include the low-end models for emerging markets.

Such models are being designed, produced, and warehoused by contract manufacturer Foxconn.

Foxconn and BlackBerry have a f ive-year deal under which BlackBerry needs to provide just its name, OS, and marketing for these low-end phones, and both companies split the profits.

BlackBerry will also be developing high-end models like the BlackBerry Classic and the rumoured Q30.