RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 released
updated 06:15 am EST, Tue February 21, 2012
RIM releases long-awaited OS 2.0 for PlayBook
RIM has finally made the long awaited major upgrade to the original BlackBerry PlayBook OS available for download today, as had been rumored. Almost inconceivably, and around a year since the device first launched, the PlayBook OS 2.0 allows users to enjoy native calendar, messaging and e-mail apps. The new e-mail app also includes an extended unified function, integrating not only multiple e-mail accounts as well as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter messages.
Social integration also extends to the new calendar app that integrates information from social networks in addition to standard work and personal events and appointments if optioned by a user. Contacts are now also dynamically populated with updated information from Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as well.
As expected, the other headlining feature is the new Android app wrapper built in to the OS, allowing ‘a range of Android apps’ to be run on the PlayBook. For ease of use, compatible apps can be found in the BlackBerry App World.
BlackBerry Bridge has also received an overhaul allowing users to view and edit documents, webpages, emails and photos that appear on users BlackBerry smartphones. The latest version also allows users to use their BlackBerry smartphone as a wireless keyboard and mouse for a PlayBook. Also announced is a new video store for BlackBerry PlayBook users.
The update is being pushed OTA to devices now and can be accessed through the settings function. RIM has also devoted a new microsite to demonstrate the updated OS in action. [via Crackberry]
