BlackBerry has announced the BlackBerry 10 OS version 10.2.1 update that activates the FM hardware present in existing BlackBerry 10 handsets, adds actionable lock screen notifications, brings picture password for unlocking, and a few other features.

The latest software update - that has already begun rolling out in India and other regions - will activate the FM hardware already present in BlackBerry Z30, BlackBerry Q10 and BlackBerry Q5 handsets. The update also brings actionable lock screen notifications, which means you can now tap to open a message that appears on the lock screen, letting you respond to an important message quickly or to check messages more discreetly.

BlackBerry 10 OS version 10.2.1 brings picture password for quick unlocking that lets you unlock your BlackBerry 10 phone using a combination of a picture and a number (0-9) of your choice, which you place at a particular point on the image. When you try to unlock the phone, the picture will appear along with a grid of random numbers. To unlock, simply drag the grid so the number you selected overlays the particular point on the image.

The update includes a new feature that lets you filter messages and notifications in the BlackBerry Hub using a pinch gesture. The release also brings a new incoming call screen that lets you swipe to the left to answer or swipe right to ignore a call. If you cant take the call right now, you can respond via BBM, SMS or email by choosing from a list of standard automated responses or with a custom message.

Other new features in the update include SMS and email groups, customisable quick settings menu, an offline reading mode in the browser, optional automatic software updates, device and battery monitor, and the ability to set an account as your preferred contact sync option.

While some users have already reported receiving the update, in case you bought your BlackBerry 10 device from an operator, it may be a while before the update shows up on your handset, as the operator needs to finish its own testing before giving the rollout a green light.

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Google is pushing Android to cars. The search giant unveiled the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA) at CES 2014 to make the connected cars of the future a reality.

Car giants Audi, GM, Honda, Hyundai and chip maker NVIDIA are first on board of this new "global alliance of technology and auto industry leaders committed to bringing the Android platform to cars starting in 2014." The OAA comes with one main task - to create a unified platform allowing for effortless integration of Android in the car. The alliance will also be tasked with developing the tools to allow developers to easily build Android apps for the connected car. The alliance hopes to get more car makers on board soon as well.

The OAA is already negotiating the use of the system in cars with the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Nonetheless, Google is not the first or the only partner of car makers in the effort to bring the connected car of the future. Apple has earlier unveiled its “iOS in the car” partnership with an impressively large list of car makers including Honda, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Ferrari, Chevy, Infiniti, Kia, Hyundai, Volvo, Jaguar, and Acura, while others like Ford with its own Microsoft-based Sync system are working on different solutions. The Open Automotive Alliance, however, is still larger than initial rumors of a Google-Audi-only alliance.

The OAA expects to see the first Android smart connected cars arrive by the end of 2014, but there are no details on the exact make or model.PhoneArena

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