BlackBerry update gives users access to Android apps via the Amazon Appstore

BlackBerry today has revealed a major software update for all of its BlackBerry 10 devices. Most notably, the update adds the ability for all BB10 devices to access Android applications. Bumping the build number to version 10.3.1, this update is rolling out to all BlackBerry 10-powered devices, including the Z10, Q10, and Z30. The company announced announced its intentions to add this feature in June of last year.

The update gives users access to the Amazon Appstore, in addition to the BlackBerry World app store. Access to the Amazon Appstore means that users can access almost all of the applications that Android users can. The Amazon Appstore is home to more than 240,000 apps and was announced back in 2011.

In addition to access to the Amazon Appstore, today’s BlackBerry update also adds a new feature called Blend. Blend allows users to easily communicate via email, text, and other services while also accessing files, contacts, and calendars. Blend works with BlackBerry, Mac OS X, Android, and Windows.

Finally, the update introduces the new BlackBerry Assistant feature, which is the company’s competitor to Siri and Google Now. The update, BlackBerry says, is dependent on carrier approval and should begin to rollout starting Thursday.