RIM Readying BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 Launch, New Features Included in Final Version

The latest rumors point to a possible July 31 release for the BlackBerry PlayBook 4G LTE tablet, but RIM also plans to release the next version of PlayBook operating system, OS 2.1.

Since the first details on the beta build of the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 emerged a while ago, RIM fans have been quite excited by the new features it promises to bring. The good news is that the folks over at CrackBerry managed to get their hands on the documentation of the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1, but these do not mention any release date for the platform. However, if previous rumors on the upcoming availability of the PlayBook 4G LTE launch are accurate and the tablet will hit shelves on July 31, we could see the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 live as early as next week. As we already mentioned, some of the changes added in this build are only available for the 4G-enabled PlayBook tablet, such as the ability to conduct a video chat over 4G cellular networks (some carrier restrictions may apply) and the ability to update the slate over a cellular network.

Check out below other highlights of the next version of BlackBerry PlayBook OS:

• Software updates are no longer mandatory during setup. The customer can choose the best time to update for them;
• Setting up Wi-Fi connection is no longer mandatory at setup;
• 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;
• Print To Go - Now you can send content to your BlackBerry PlayBook even if it’s not connected to the same Wi-Fi network;
• Android Apps will now run in individual windows rather than being lumped into one Android Player Window.

For more details on the upcoming BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 changes, head over to CrackBerry’s original post.

BlackBery PlayBook OS 2.1
Image credits to CrackBerry

Posted in: Preview, Software, Tablet