Looks like RIM is getting prepared to rollout another major upgrade to the BlackBerry PlayBook OS. We’ve seen hints that OS 2.1 will be coming soon (beta has been out since the end of May), but below is the full change log. In addition, a previous leaked roadmap pointed towards OS 2.1 being unveiled sometime between Q1 2013 and Q2 2013. However, in the document we posted earlier this week the upcoming 4G LTE-enabled PlayBook will still have OS 2.0 at launch. Here’s what you can expect:
– Software updates are no longer mandatory during setup. The customer can choose the best time to update for them
– Setting Up WiFi connection is no longer mandatory at setup
– Software updates can be done over a cellular network (4G models only)
– Portrait Mode can now be used with the Email, Calendar, and Contacts App
– Greater flexibility and control over which folders are wirelessly synced when using Active Sync
– Full access to IMAP Email folders
– The BlackBerry PlayBook now gives you the ability to conduct a video chat over 4G Cellular Networks (Some Carrier Restrictions May Apply)
– Print To Go – Now you can send content to your BlackBerry PlayBook even if it’s not connected to the same WiFi network
– Android Apps will now run in individual windows rather than being lumped into one Android Player Window
– Apps which require access to the camera are now supported
– In-App Payments can now be submitted. Buying that next power-up in your game is easier than ever!
– Video Store is now available in Canada. Thousands of movies and TV shows, new & old, available on demand to rent or buy New releases available same day as DVD
– Text Messaging is now supported with BlackBerry Bridge. When Bridged you can read, send and receive text messages on your BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.
– When Bridged, and connected to WiFi, the BlackBerry PlayBook automatically sends and receives data over the WiFi network to decrease cellular data usage, and increase performance
The update seems impressive with great features, namely Texts supported with BlackBerry Bridge, video chat over cellular networks (no word on Canadian carrier adoption), and that customers can choose when to upgrade to the latest OS. RIM has sold over 1.35 million BlackBerry PlayBooks to-date.
Source: CrackBerry
