BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 Arrives with New Video Chat Capabilities

The BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 that started to arrive on RIM’s first tablet PC out there brought along a nice set of new features and enhancements. 

Among them, we can count a series of video chat capabilities that will certainly make PlayBook users rejoice. 

There is a new interface for users to take advantage of, along with contact integration and optimizations for the larger screen of the PlayBook. 

“Simply put, Video Chat on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet allows you to make and take video calls with your friends, family, and colleagues who also have a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet,” Vivek Gupta, RIM product manager, explains. 

“(Note: Both users of the Video Chat feature must be connected to the Internet for a chat to be enabled.) With just one click, you’ll be able to have virtual face-to-face conversations using the HD video cameras and stunning high-resolution screen on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.”

The Video Chat user interface resembles the one available for the new email, calendar and contact apps and should deliver a new feel to all users. 

In the new PlayBook 2.0 OS, those who will use Video Chat will also be able to take advantage of the multitasking capabilities of the device so as to view pictures, write notes, browse the web and do more. 

Moreover, there is a Presenter Mode included into the mix, offering the possibility to project a video chat on a larger screen for better viewing. If in a conference room, users will also be able to share slides and spreadsheets without disrupting the video chat.

“One of the key differentiating features of the new Video Chat for the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is that it now automatically discovers which of your contacts are Video Chat “capable” and displays their “availability” to Video Chat – no guesses and disappointments,” Vivek Gupta continues.

Users will be able to view, edit, and create new contacts for Video Chat straight from the Contacts application, as well as from the updated Video Chat software. They will also be able to make a video call straight from the Contacts application when viewing the contact’s information details.

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