There are a number of special features incorporated in the Blackberry OS that many users are unaware of and are only discovered as you extensively use the smartphone. Here are ten ways to simplify your use and save your precious time.

Using shortcut keys to traverse your e-mail inbox:

Many of you Blackberry users, when reading your e-mails, exit one e-mail message to open another one. You may find it easier to navigate by pressing the N key to go to the next message, the P key to go to the previous message and the T key to return to the top of the inbox. The C and R keys can be used for composing a new message and replying to the already open e-mail respectively.

Having an interface like the iPhone:

iPhone has an interface that has persuaded a lot of the Blackberry users to switch over to the Apple device. Now you can have a similar interface for your Blackberry by downloading and installing the app bPhone. Your phone must have the Blackberry OS 4.2.1 or a later version.

Taking notes in the middle of a call:

There are several instances when you want to jot something down on hearing something during a call. Press the Blackberry trackwheel, navigate to the Notes icon and open a new note to start writing down the information. The best part about these notes is that they remain attached to the number of the person you are in a call with in the log.

Playing videos on your Blackberry:

The Blackberry Video Converter is a great bit of freeware that can convert your favorite videos to play them on your Blackberry without a hitch.

Rebooting your Blackberry using a ‘soft reset’:

There are several occasions when your phone hangs which could be due to memory or application issues. The easiest way out would be to perform a ‘hard reset’ by removing and reinstalling your battery. However, the ‘soft reset’ is a better option since you would not need to open the phone up. To do that, press and hold the ALT, Right Shift and Delete keys together.

Saving the battery life:

The Blackberry’s auto on/off feature can help you to prolong the battery life. The smartphone can be set to turn off automatically if it is not being used for an extended time period. The way to do this is by going to the Options menu -> Device -> Auto On/Off.

Switching between programs:

When you have got multiple programs and applications running simultaneously, you may want to switch between them instead of closing them. Press the ALT and the ESC keys together and then while holding down the ALT key, use the trackwheel to make the switch to any program.

Typing ‘@’ or ‘.’ in and e-mail:

You Blackberry is capable of recognizing which of the two characters are required when and where. All you have to do is simply double-tap the space bar.

Capitalizing a letter:

Press down your desired letter for slightly longer than normal and it will be capitalized.

Getting help from your Blackberry:

In which ever menu you are stuck in, there is always help available. Press the ALT, Left Shift and the H key simultaneously to access the Blackberry Help for that particular menu.