BlackBerry is finally delivering update OS 7.1 for its devices. In addition to mobile hotspot capabilities for connection sharing over Wi-Fi, it adds Bing’s auto suggestions into universal search, supports Wi-Fi calling, and brings FM radio to Curve 9360 and 9380 owners.
It also integrates unspecified local deals into BlackBerry Maps, and has BlackBerry Tag, which finally unlocks the NFC chips in more recent devices for contact and file sharing, and BBM contact requests. The BBM 6.1 beta that began in November is now available for all, and included in the 7.1 release as well, bringing with it animated avatars, more emoticons, and custom color chat bubbles.
RIM’s native applications such as BlackBerry Travel, BlackBerry traffic. BlackBerry travel gains special deals on hotels, rental car booking, flight status notifications, and promises to scan all your trip details into the app no matter where you book. BlackBerry Traffic now has voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation and uses traffic data to estimate arrival times. The new apps are available in BlackBerry App World now.
