14 DAY TRIAL // Today, Canadian mobile phone maker Research In Motion has started the roll-out of the long expected PlayBook OS 2.1 upgrade for its 7-inch tablet PC.
The new software release brings along new functionality to the operating system, while also being meant to resolve some of the issues that were found to affect users’ experience on their devices.
RIM has officially announced the immediate availability of the platform upgrade for all of the Wi-Fi versions of the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, while announcing that the 4G LTE flavor of the device will receive it starting with the next month.
The reason for that is a simple one: the 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook is being sold via carriers, and they need to approve the software before pushing it to devices.
As soon as the update is available for their units, owners of the WiFi PlayBook will receive a notification on the matter.
Of course, those who do not want to wait for the notification to appear on their BlackBerry PlayBook tablet status ribbon can head over to the Software Updates section in the settings menu and tap Check for updates.
Some of the main changes in the new PlayBook 2.1 OS release include:
- Updated BlackBerry Bridge: Now you can view, respond and compose new SMS messages on their BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet when connected to a BlackBerry smartphone over Bluetooth. You’ll also enjoy increased performance and speed of other BlackBerry Bridge functions as well. So you can do more, more efficiently. Txt away, my friends.
- Email and PIM Enhancements: You’ve asked for it and we’ve delivered portrait support for email, calendar and contacts, giving you the option to use your tablet in either orientation to message. This will definitely come in handy for those of you who enjoy thumb typing in portrait mode like I do.
- Improved Android Application Support: Includes Multi-Window Applications, Camera Support and In-App Payments. We all love a richer app experience, and with the improvements to the Android runtime, that’s just what you’ll get. Running the applications in separate windows allows you to multi-task between Android apps easier, and in-app payments will make it easier for you to enhance your app content. Game on!
Additionally, RIM notes that there are various other enhancements included in the new platform version for its enterprise users, offering the possibility to easily separate work from the personal life.
The OS also comes with new applications and content, as well as updated software, including the Print to Go app and more (such as the Canadian video store, no longer needed to be downloaded from the App World).