BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 Available Today
by Andrew Cunningham on February 21, 2012 5:30 PM EST- Posted in
- BlackBerry
- PlayBook
BlackBerry PlayBook OS version 2.0 has been released to the public, according to a Research In Motion press release that was posted today. The new OS version introduces features meant to close the feature gap between it and competing tablets, and to address some of the criticisms voiced in reviews of the device (including ours).
First and foremost, PlayBook OS 2.0 introduces an email client to the platform, addressing a key issue with the platform as it was at release - the client supports a unified inbox, as well as integration with Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn messages. The calendar and contacts apps can also make use of information pulled from these social networks. The BlackBerry Bridge app has also been updated, and alongside generic promises that it makes things “quicker and easier,” it adds a feature that allows the keyboard on a BlackBerry phone to be used to control the PlayBook.
Other, smaller features include a Print To Go app, an updated touch keyboard with auto correct and predictive typing, an improved browser, and a new BlackBerry Video Store for US users. RIM also announced the availability of a program called BlackBerry Mobile Fusion, which will allow for management of BlackBerry phones and tablets in an enterprise environment. The version released today is a preview, with availability of the final version scheduled for late March.
The BlackBerry PlayBook had a starting price of $499.99 when it launched, but that has fallen by about half at many retailers. If you’re interested in trying some of these new features, getting into a PlayBook is considerably less expensive than it was even a few months ago.
Source: RIM
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Makaveli - Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - link
I updated my work playbook and also the bridge app on the blackberry also needs to be updated.Haven't had anytime to test but that OS download was huge somelike close to 450mb's then I had to download another 350mb file after a restart. Haven't had time to test anything and now that I home it won't be tonight.
A default email apps finally WTF were they thinking releasing it without one.
SandmanWN - Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - link
The predictive typing and auto correct are the most refreshing parts of this. Really need it with keyboard-less design.Tried out some intensive flash websites that would cause the OS1 browser to crash and it held up much better.
Saw the Print To Go app but didn't get a chance to test it out. Looked like a great idea though.
Anonymous Blowhard - Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - link
Shiniest deck brass on the Titanic I've ever seen.SandmanWN - Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - link
Funny, thats kinda how I think of those gigantic iThings people lug around. Giant silver paperweights.MeesterNid - Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - link
That's because you're an idiot. Apple has 1/2 trillion dollar market capitalization, rakes in the vast majority of mobile device profits out there, is constantly increasing market share. On the other hand RIM hasn't released any truly new product in the past 2 years and can't seem to stay out of trouble.But hey, don't let reality get in the way of your delusions!
SandmanWN - Friday, February 24, 2012 - link
They make a great toy, but lets face it, its just a toy. Mattel makes a lot of interesting toys as well. Doesn't mean they have any real value.But hey, don't let me interrupt your moment of internet douchery.
solipsism - Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - link
Apple sold 15 million last quarter and it's Apple second most profitable arm yet the device had been out less than two years despite the tablet market being around for 3 decades. How exactly is the iPad "sinking"?SandmanWN - Friday, February 24, 2012 - link
Didn't say it was sinking. People love their toys. But when you get down to it, it's an over sized cell phone with no balls and locked down to idiot mode so people like you can't get yourself in trouble. It too shall pass.cyabud - Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - link
Is this too little too late for the Playbook? I live in London and I've never seen one in the wild. And yet you can jump on the tube at any time of day and you're guaranteed to see dozens of Kindles, iDevices and various Android handsets. Given that you can pick up a new one for £185, I would have thought some would have taken the plunge.serkol - Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - link
I love in Toronto, they have sold lots of them here. I bought 2 for $200 each. I like that it fits in my pocket. I've bought enough games for my kids. I have 4 kids and they ned more than 1 tablet.