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BlackBerry Playbook OS 2.0 Media Preview

RIM showed to members of the media a preview of the BlackBerry Playbook OS 2.0. And while we wait in the next two weeks for the OS update to roll out to devices, we’ve got some alone time to play with it.

RIM has done a lot of improvements on the Playbook OS to make it more usable this time (I bought a BB Playbook a couple of weeks ago to prepare for OS 2.0).

One of the major adjustments they made is to add a native Email app, Calendar App and Contacts list. These apps were previously deactivated when you’re not “bridged” to a BlackBerry handset and was the single biggest issue a lot of Playbook users were complaining about. BBM will still not run on the Playbook as well as SMS synching (RIM has taken note of the latter).

RIM has also upgraded Documents to Go to Premium version so you can use the tablet more for productivity (more on this later on) and editing documents on the go.

Android Apps will finally be available on the Playbook. This will be the main attraction for people to finally get one.

The Playbook OS 2.0 will finally support Android apps via a port. RIM is currently working with Android Developers to port their apps over to the BlackBerry App World. They could not say how many apps or developers have already committed to do so but I guess it will be in the thousands. They also recently launched an “App for a Playbook” campaign to encourage more developers to make the move.

RIM has also improved and added more features on the use of the BlackBerry Bridge. With OS 2.0, you can now use your BB handset to remotely control your Playbook (he handset may be used as some sort of wireless presenter while the tablet is hooked up to a monitor, HDTV or a projector). Here’s a quick demo I uploaded on YouTube.

Reps from RIM would not exactly say when will the global roll-out would be but promises it will be before end of February (which is like in the next 2 weeks). My guess it that they’ll put it out during the Mobile World Congress on the 27th.

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Avatar for Abe Olandres

Abe is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of YugaTech with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is one of the pioneers of blogging in the country and considered by many as the Father of Tech Blogging in the Philippines. He is also a technology consultant, a tech columnist with several national publications, resource speaker and mentor/advisor to several start-up companies.

18 Responses

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  8. Avatar for Kaloy Kaloy says:

    Guys,

    I badly want BB Playbook. saan pinaka mura na 32gig? planning to get 2 playbook. thanks

  9. Avatar for R2 R2 says:

    very excited, just in time for my Playbook’s arrival. :D

  10. Avatar for Rolly Rolly says:

    I have ported my Android app (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.matangrolly.android.phweather) PH Weather to Blackberry Playbook Tablet OS 2.0. Here it is: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/85510/?lang=en

    Thanks.

  11. Avatar for aimiff aimiff says:

    Hi,
    Would u happen to know when is the official roll-out of OS7.1 here in the Philippines? I’m excited for my 9900. Thanks!

    • Avatar for JAL JAL says:

      I guess you can try checking for updates starting this 17 upto the end of the month, but I cant be too sure.

  12. Avatar for Joshua Joshua says:

    Yeepee! Looks like 2.0 would be promising for BB Playbook, good thing I still have 1 unit left, I guess ill save it for my own use!

  13. Avatar for koolfire koolfire says:

    im crossing my fingers they will release it tomorrow Feb 17 since they released Blackberry Desktop Manager 7.0 yesterday and there’s an image of the playbook with OS 2.0 that the date on screen is Feb 17 2012 but i cant find the link anymore

    • Avatar for JAL JAL says:

      I think I read this Feb. 17, 2012 launch of the OS 2.0 from Crackberry, Berry Review or Technorati which states that the launch shall be on the 17 but there also a rumor that instead it shall be moved to the 21 since improvements for the final release are on its finishing stages.

    • Avatar for Carl Bytes Carl Bytes says:

      Now, there is a hard print showing Feb. 21 release as per Engadget.

    • Avatar for JAL JAL says:

      Yup, the launch will be on the 21 as per engadget and this time they are quite sure

  14. Avatar for Carl Bytes Carl Bytes says:

    I’m also waiting for this OS2 update. A cheap tablet with a fresh UI look, new OS version, Android apps, good specs and portability.

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