What we should know about the awaited BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0

Overview

Research In Motion (RIM) has delayed the release date of BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 until February 2012. The new version of PlayBook’s operating system was earlier scheduled to come out late this year. It is then, David J. Smith, one of senior executives of RIM last week stated that the company had taken a disappointing decision to delay the release date of BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 until early next year. The original software of PlayBook was released in April this year on BlackBerry PlayBook. Due to several serious glitches, PlayBook has been receiving huge criticism from all corners in last months. The Canadian technology maker is now in efforts to fix all issues with the second generation PlayBook OS.

BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0

Pricing and availability

BlackBerry PlayBook OS is not for sale. It comes preinstalled with PlayBook, RIM’s tablet PC. The new BlackBerry OS will either appear on the original PlayBook or a new upgrade. RIM has already released the beta version of the upcoming software. BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 Developer Beta will be available for attendees of BlackBerry DevCon Americas 2011 for testing.

What’s great

Major features of BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 beta version are listed below. The public version of the software is still away; so complete details of the features of PlayBook 2.0 can’t be given here. Anyway, let us see the features RIM claims the beta version of the software has.

BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps: Lack of apps has been one of biggest curses BlackBerry PlayBook had last months. To resolve the issue, RIM has included an option to modify existing Android apps for BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 platform. The software will come with a toolset, including an Eclipse plugin to let you modify Android apps and run them on BlackBerry PlayBook.

BlackBerry WebWorks: A revamped WebWorks SDK v2.2 is available for developers on BlackBerry PlayBook 2.2. The new WebWorks version offers many incredible features like full system level file manipulation, updated tablet simulators and support for WebGL on BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0.

Adobe AIR: The new PlayBook OS version comes with Adobe AIR 3.0 Runtime. Adobe support will bring you amazing web experience on the device. You can enjoy features like Enhanced Native Extension Support to incorporate native libraries and code bases into apps and others.

What’s not so great

RIM has itself revealed that PlayBook 2.0 will not have BlackBerry Messenger (BBM). While announcing the delay in the arrival of the new PlayBook OS update, Mr. Smith said the company has decided to defer the inclusion of BBM. The company is evidently working to develop a more advanced BBM and push based messaging options for the platform.

Things to watch out for

RIM has really failed to make its PlayBook tablet a success in global markets. Launched earlier this year, BlackBerry PlayBook has not attracted lots of customers. In battle against Apple iPad and Android tablets, BlackBerry PlayBook could not survive. Maybe with the second generation software, PlayBook will be able to gain some ground in the crowded tablet market. RIM is a traditional maker of smartphones. The company is well-known for its line of QWERTY keypad BlackBerry smartphones. As the tablet market warmed up, RIM jumped on to release its own tablet PC. But unfortunately, BlackBerry PlayBook could not become a key player in market. The device was sidelined by Apple iPad and key Android tablets like Samsung Galaxy 10.1 and others.

Verdict

RIM earlier promised to bring out BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 late this year. Tech geeks have been in anticipation for the new PlayBook software. It is then that the company has gone on to delay the release until February 2012. RIM has not revealed the reason for the delay, however. Most possibly, RIM may also be working with a new PlayBook device. It is actually the right time to roll out a second generation PlayBook with more advanced features and offerings. According to RIM, the new PlayBook software will be a grand one with many capabilities and features.