BlackBerry 10: Overview and Suggestions (Please Contribute!)
- This is my in-depth overview for like-minded BB10 users about bugs and features.
Please share your own bug encounters or suggestions. Even agree or disagree with my information. Is any bug a feature? Some are observations rather than complaints. My hope is that we learn from each other new ways to be productive and that our contributions make BlackBerry aware of what to fix on the next OS update. Most of this focuses on the BB10 user experience from which we can expand onto other BB10 features.
BlackBerry is a tool we all use differently, but the use case can be refined and even help make day to day life more complete. Some of the time BlackBerry saves us is in the form of less screen time. So these are my efforts for BB10 not only as efficient as possible, but useful.
Improved Quick Settings Order
The yen and yang of each setting is paired. Quicker to see at a glance with improved flashlight access from the trackpad.
Slide 1:
1: Settings | Flashlight
2: Brightness | Battery saving
3: Notifications | Alarm
4: Device monitor | Blend
Slide 2:
1: Mobile network | Wi-Fi
2: Bluetooth | NFC
3: Location | Airplane mode
AutoText (Text Substitution) and SmartCase (preserve exact capitalization of macro)
BlackBerry 10 includes a very intuitive prediction in the OS itself. It works quite well, but there are considerations to make.
Try typing " Ill be waiting " (automatically adds ' ) and " Are you feeling ill? " (doesn't add ' ). BlackBerry can handle situations like this by automatically predicting punctuation depending on the point of the sentence you are in in relation to what words came before or whether you start or end a sentence with it. "Its" is another word to watch as you type. It will leave out the ' when "it is" wasn't intended, such as "on its own".
If you want to control it, use autotext. You could have "its" be unchanged, and make a rule for "itss" resulting in "it's" if you want to do punctuation without holding the ALT or SYMBOL key. Stretch the word or shorten it so that it doesn't interfere with rules.
I make use of %b which is the global operator for backspace. It only works when if used in Text Substitution, but bear in mind it may behave differently in different text fields. Always check the result. My favorite use is typing "but" and it resulting in ", but". In Text Substitution this looks like "%b, but". The operator allows the comma to be against the previous word.
I REPEAT, BB10 doesn't properly use %b. It is very selective. It will not work the same in all applications so be careful where you use it. For example in writing text messages it works great. When writing in the subject line of a new e-mail, it is fine. Go into the BODY of an e-mail though and it breaks. When it breaks it will ignore %b and the comma will be floating between both words instead of against the last, or in worst cases it will delete as many letters from the last work as the replacement has before making the change. Watch how it works to know when it is safe to use. Recent updates fixed some issues,
AutoText/TextSubstitution examples:
A powerful feature. Only examples. Save time or embarrassment by seeing where this could be useful for you.
- visavis -> vis-�-vis
- il -> i'll (type common words with less effort and format it proper)
- ill -> ill (if you type it out fully, you mean it instead of i'll)
- isnt -> isn't (this word and "havent" are a couple examples of words to fix with autotext or have "isnt" become "is not")
- ll -> (enter)•(space) (indent-bullet-space combination, make lists anywhere without enter key)
- wel -> we'll ("well" or "we'll" may not always be left to decide itself. "he'll" and "she'll" and "we're" may get confused too)
- wer -> we're ("we are" or "were" is too risky to let it guess)
- but -> %b, but (even on other OS this has been overlooked)
- qq -> %b? (backspace then adds questionmark without holding alt)
- ttyl -> talk to you later (acronym can change to full form)
- bb -> BlackBerry (in the OS by default. Example of saving time and proper capitalization settings with the checkbox)
- htw -> http://www. (would be useful, but it doesn't work in the browser)
Operators for Text Substitution
- %b - FOR SUFFIXES, Backspace BEFORE adding text like ", but"
- %B - FOR PREFIXES, Delete AFTER adding text for replacements such as ( or [
- %d - date short form 10/9/15
- %D - date long form including weekday and month name (by default the 'ld' macro uses this)
- %p - your phone number (by default the "mynumber" macro uses this)
- %P - your pin (by default the "mypin" macro uses this)
- %t - hours and minutes timestamp
- %T - timestamp including seconds (by default the 'lt' macro uses this)
- %V - your device model and operating system version (by default the "myver" macro uses this)
Keyboard Speed Dial (ideas for best uses on a PHYSICAL KEYBOARD)
Memorize default shortcuts you like, but consider adding your own for the best productivity.
They can't all make sense, just be sure to remember or make them memorable.
- B = Browser (done by default)
- N = a Note app
- F = Flashlight (only can be done with Keyboard Shortcuts app from BlackBerry App World)
- P = Parrot (voice note app)
- V = Smart Tags (code and nfc scanning)
- Y = SoundHound (recognize a song fast, Y because it could symbolize a speaker shape)
Calendar Holidays without iCal file
Most holidays can be done by Calendar automatically. Read on to see how.
Christmas is always December 25th. Thanksgiving is more complicated. This is where BlackBerry's custom calendar settings come in.
With the exception of Easter and Chinese New Year, most holidays can be set. (share a solution to this if you have one)
All federal holidays seem to land on a specific day of a certain # week of the month. This is true for Mother's Day and Father's Day too.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public..._United_States
When editing a date, change Repeats to "Custom" choose "Repeats every... 1 ...Year(s)"
From there select 1st/2nd/3rd/4th or Last for which week. Then select the day of the week and the month and you're set.
Examples of other uses which can be useful, but bothersome are the two Daylight Savings Time dates per year, or astronomical events you won't want to miss such as an eclipse.
"Remember" app
An overlooked feature, try adding Task Groups the menu in Remember app. If SlickTasks from App World is too overpriced (and it is compared to the iOS and Android version) there are alternatives. Some such apps come with a service for web based management from a PC as well.
WiFi Hotspot and Tethering (before and after 10.3.1)
If you want to tether without being scammed by your carrier, any OS 10.3.1 or above isn't possible yet because a step required Adobe Air which is gone. All BlackBerry Classic users can't tether without flashing a 10.2 version of the OS. Not worth it to me.
Diagnostics Screen is accessible in the browser by going to escreen:// in your browser, but isn't useful unless the Adobe Air app is remade.
Attempts to search for information brought me to this thread which is still vague until I found this specific post.
More about eScreen:
eScreen Unlock Key Generating app for BB10 + launch Dev Mode
How to access the engineering (Help Me!) screen on BlackBerry 10
eScreen Keygen
No such information really exists about Hotspot/Tether on 10.3.1 or above without reverting to an older version.
Pointless Battery Saving
Bluetooth and NFC can safely be left on constantly as long as they are idle. What you need to watch for are BB10's Pictures or Music apps being left as an active frame. When not in use it will sometimes rapidly drain your battery when they idle. They can take hours off your battery life from unexplained CPU spikes.
App Suggestions
Native BlackBerry Apps worth looking at. These are the best I could find and I have bought most of the paid ones.
* = Paid Only
Writing
SaveDreams - productive dream diary, faster to start writing
Writer * - my favorite notepad app
ClipMan * - keeps a history of your clipboard for later reference
Noted * - if Writer is too clean for you, this is the best
SlickTasks * - if "Remember" doesn't cut it. Is $6.99 on sale, normally $9.99
Media
Neutron * - best music player
ModPlayer or ModPlayer Plus - A music player with unique features
SoundHound - much faster than Shazam
PlayCloud 10 - better file manager with cloud and ftp support
Sync * - if you need to sync instead of manage files, consider PlayCloud first
Parrot - voice notes (a Pro version is available as in-app purchase)
Camera++ * - better camera, lacks B10 features, but gives more control
Screen Recorder * - capture screen to a video file
Web Content
Browsie Browser * - responsive web browser, has adblock
FastTube - youtube viewer (a Pro version is available as in-app purchase)
bPod * - audio or video podcasts
SoundNine * - best sound cloud player
FeedMinder * - best rss feeds viewer
Reddit in Motion - Reddit viewer
Blink - incomplete twitch viewer, but continues playing minimized
Origami Pedia - a quick origami reference, if that is your thing
Locale
WhereIs...? * - find places near you by category
StarTracker or StarTracker Lite - better than Google Sky View
BeWeather 10 Pro * - The best weather app, but hourly detail is lacking.
AccuWeather - A better AccuWeather than included on BB10?
Rain * - Interesting, but found out BeWeather may do this too.
Interesting Tools
Burning Platform * - separate apps: hourly chime, sun/moon, biorythm, streetview
Talking Timer - have multiple timers, voice reminds you time remaining
Pomodoro - a timer for better productivity
Honest File - HASH a file or message, more security if you compare hashes
CodeBrowser - view source of a page by sharing link with this app
Prompter4Q - your own personal teleprompter
Downloader (Download Manager) * - if your browser won't download a file
TimeLine - make timelines
RetroArch - Multi-system emulation uses physical keyboard controls and many game systems. Console games on the go. NOT on App World. More info here and here
Make BB10 Better
BeBuzz 10 Pro (BerryBuzz) * or Hub++ * - notifications, LEDs, repeat alerts
Power Tools * - does everything, see for yourself
Backup Pro * - backup your phone regularly
Keyboard Shortcuts * - more shortcuts, launchers and Flashlight shortcut key
QuickLaunch * - hold volume with screen on for launcher, even within apps
Custom Shortcuts - create homescreen shortcuts and more
Bugs
Help make BlackBerry aware of bugs to make BB10 more polished.
BB10 and Official Software Problems
1. TEXT SUBSTITUTION: as said earlier the %b (backspace) operator won't work the same in all situations. Slightly better as of 10.3.2.556.
2. EMOJI: BlackBerry has capability of displaying and copying full color emoji, but there is no menu to utilize the vast collection of additional emoticons which iPhone allows for. This would add to the user experience. Since emoticons made their way into the business world and we cannot disable them, we should be allowed the full use especially since BB10 has some of the most well-designed emoji of any OS, many superior to even iOS when viewed on a BB10 device.
3. BROKEN HOMESCREEN: Typing at the home screen or using the BlackBerry Assistant button will ruin the homescreen IF it happens while in a folder or a folder is left open. It is the same if Assistant is opened while a folder is open during the phone being locked. Active Frames end up in view and you see dots as if still in the folder. Only going to the hub or going into and out of an application will fix it, or swipe left to get back into the folder and exit normally.
4. TRACKPAD SENSITIVITY: settings won't save. This is at least true after reboot and my settings are a few ticks from the highest and when I notice it feeling sluggish I go back and see they are still high, somehow below the surface the speed isn't being enabled in all cases.
5. DOWNLOADS: will not show any progress if the server doesn't report the filesize to the Browser. It should at least show download progress.
6. COUNTDOWN TIMER: if set with a longer sound file will stop after a couple seconds if vibrate is set.
7. FILE BROWSER: retains last view for the next app using it as it did for the last. It appears normal with ability to select files, but attempts to select or navigate do nothing until it finally resets the view. Only happens when any app needs to "browse" for a file.
8. HEADLESS APPLICATIONS: sometimes become closed and will not open. This may relate to the OS as it affects multiple apps.
9. VOLUME CONTROL: Controlling volume while media is playing (when the extra panel with track options appears) it steals focus. This is partially fine if that is how it gives trackpad focus to the play/skip controls, but when it remains so for a few seconds each time and halt productivity slightly. It isn't a problem if it is a tradeoff, but this on screen volume overlay should have a toggle option. On legacy BlackBerry could control volume without showing it visually on the screen.
10. BOTTOM MENU: The bottom bar throughout the OS, particularly the "back" and "menu' buttons are instant coming up instead of animating like the bar between, unpolished. When sliding down they stay with the middle bar. Coming up is instant while the middle bar animates coming up separately.
There is no easy way for us to officially report bugs to BlackBerry for consideration. We should try to before the next update.Last edited by SC9530; 10-09-15 at 07:02 PM. Reason: Added list of Text Substitution Operators
10-09-15 03:53 AMLike 14 -
- Add some of my Apps in there and it will be complete :P
Good list though
Posted via CB10 v....not telling10-09-15 01:39 PMLike 0 - Yes, I always keep these off also. I would also like to know if this is true. Anyone with an explanation. I am not entirely sure but I think BT version 4 and up have the ability to limit polling of nearby devices (or am I just blabbering?) to reduce power consumption. Experts weigh in here please........10-09-15 02:17 PMLike 0
-
- Everyone please share your knowledge too.
I appreciate the feedback so far though. Correct me if any information is incorrect.
Promote apps you love, explain features I overlooked, or your own BB10 findings.
I know I have overlooked some details. Here is a new addition I just made.
Operators for Text Substitution
- %b - FOR SUFFIXES, Backspace BEFORE adding text like ", but"
- %B - FOR PREFIXES, Delete AFTER adding text for replacements such as ( or [
- %d - date short form 10/9/15
- %D - date long form including weekday and month name (by default the 'ld' macro uses this)
- %p - your phone number (by default the "mynumber" macro uses this)
- %P - your pin (by default the "mypin" macro uses this)
- %t - hours and minutes timestamp
- %T - timestamp including seconds (by default the 'lt' macro uses this)
- %V - your device model and operating system version (by default the "myver" macro uses this)
They likely ordered it by what would be used most. My ordering makes most sense for me.
This is why I want contributions. I'm not the oracle of BlackBerry. I'm learning too.
I want to find all the underappreciated apps and popularize them. They deserve the love.Last edited by SC9530; 10-09-15 at 07:01 PM.
10-09-15 06:41 PMLike 0 - Dark hub
Pptp and OpenVPN
Quick setting for enable / disable data
Open source android player or at least rootable
Turn off the dialing button sounds
Proper stock contact editor with full options
Import vcf file fast and without duplication
These are
Posted via CB10SC9530 likes this.10-10-15 01:44 AMLike 1 - For it to end like that would be a disappointment. Since they are working on making a new build you would think it wouldn't be hard for them to throw in the switch to make the hub dark like Calendar and Text Messages do. A few little changes could go a long way. Even if we have wishful thinking about features I think fixing bugs and very slight customization or polishing of what is already there are reasonable requests.
I'm not seeing many users report actual bugs, but I still think this is a helpful topic to continue to cover.
We can't give up on BlackBerry yet!10-11-15 08:41 AMLike 0
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BlackBerry 10: Overview and Suggestions (Please Contribute!)
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LINK TO POST COPIED TO CLIPBOARD