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BlackBerry PlayBook 4G LTE hands-on
RIM's attempts to get a cellular-equipped version of the BlackBerry PlayBook have been troubled, to say the least. The company signalled its intentions around Mobile World Congress last February, only to watch as carriers backed off -- partly as RIM focused its attention on LTE, and partly after carriers grew skittish over sales of the WiFi version. A year and a half later, we finally have an LTE version, and with a faster 1.5GHz processor to boot. But do 4G data and a processor bump make all the difference? And does the upgrade stand a realistic shot in a competitive field that has moved on since the original PlayBook? We'll find out in our hands-on. %Gallery-162114%
BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 now ready for download
After touring the exhibition circuit for what seems like an eternity, PlayBook OS 2.0 is finally ready to settle down and make itself available for download. Check for updates via Settings on your tablet and you should see it sitting there, wearing last season's fashions but nevertheless looking every inch the major OTA update that it is. Expect improvements like native email, calendar and contacts, integration with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, some newfangled Bridge functions, and access to the first crop of Android apps in BB App World. You'll find more details in the PR after the break and how-to demos at the More Coverage link. Enjoy!
RIM shows off new features for PlayBook 2.0 at DevCon
All eyes are on Amsterdam this morning, as RIM hosts DevCon Europe. Among all the usual avowals about how well things are going are a few nuggets of the new and the noteworthy. One such morsel was a demonstration of new BlackBerry Bridge features. Now, swipes and touches from your BlackBerry handset get translated over to the Playbook, as well as keyboard input. This means you can use your phone much more like a controller, while taking advantage of the PlayBook's generous display. The calendar also gets a healthy dose of social lubricant, showing you info about the people you'll be meeting, and stressing how busy you are by visually emphasising dates when you are busier. Fortunately, PlayBook 2.0 is slated for release this month, so the more eager amongst you shouldn't have to wait long to give it a spin.
BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 hands-on (video)
Highlighting RIM's presence at CES 2012 is the official unveiling of PlayBook OS 2.0. On track for a February arrival, this release will deliver many features that productivity-minded users have pined for since the tablet's arrival. First and foremost, we were given a demo of the PlayBook's new email client and address book. The new software is functional and intuitive, which offers a unified inbox, application integration and ties to social networks such as Twitter and LinkedIn. Also quite nice, the calendar displays both day and agenda views, along with the individuals you'll meet during the day. We also saw a quick demo of the BlackBerry Bridge functionality, which offers integration between the smartphone and tablet. While the PlayBook fell on its face a few times during this bit, we ultimately saw the smartphone successfully push web links and pictures to the tablet for easier viewing. Due to the Bridge hiccups, we noticed the PlayBook took especially long to boot, which RIM states is due to the support for Android apps. We were given a quick demo of this feature as well, and much to the company's relief, this segment went quite flawlessly and without fanfare. Be sure to check the full demonstration just after the break.
BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 to be shown at official CES 2012 event, BB 10 OS coming at MWC
Whoa, look what just showed up in our inbox! Research in Motion, of all outfits, ain't waiting until Mobile World Congress to generate itself some positive buzz, with the company announcing that it'll be holding "an intimate event" in Las Vegas on January 10th. Topics of conversation? For one, PlayBook OS 2.0 will be on-hand, and given that we'd heard it was delayed until February, one can only hope that it's launch has been accelerated. There's also BlackBerry 7 OS, which we suspect will generate roughly as many snores as it has the past eight months. Whatever the case, you can bet we'll be there bringing you the deets. Update: In related news, Pocket-lint has confirmed that BlackBerry OS 10 will see a proper launch at Mobile World Congress next month. Anyone care to ask Mr. Eldar if that's soon enough?
PlayBook OS version 2.0 leaked: is RIM really sacking BES?
This one comes with a health warning: even if the leaked screenshot above is legit, it's easy to over-interpret. Nevertheless, it purports to show the account setup page from BlackBerry Tablet OS 2.0 and it distinctly lacks any option to sync with BlackBerry Enterprise Server or Internet Service. Instead, you're able to configure Exchange/Active Sync, IMAP, POP, CalDAV and CardDAV accounts, which suggests that RIM is switching to the same integrated email, contacts and calendar solutions as everyone else. Of course, it could be that the BES/BIS simply isn't enabled on this particular device, or that it'll be added in a later version of the OS. Then again, we can't help but recall those Colt rumors which also hinted that RIM's in-house service would be incompatible with QNX. Another juicy tidbit: a second screen shot after the break reveals a green robot icon in the far left. So, even if its Android integration has been delayed, at least it hasn't been forgotten.
