To enhance the experience of tablet users, RIM has announced a new BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 available for download. RIM has also announced initial release of BlackBerry Mobile Fusion that will include support for managing BlackBerry PlayBook tablets and BlackBerry smartphones in an enterprise. The full release of BlackBerry Mobile Fusion (with mobile device management capabilities for iOS and Android devices) is planned for general availability in late March 2012.
With OS 2.0, one can use its PlayBook in new ways throughout the day - both at work and at play. "Building on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet’s proven web browsing, multimedia and multitasking strengths, the new BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 introduces a range of new communications and productivity enhancements as well as expanded app and content support," said David J. Smith, SVP - Mobile Computing, Research In Motion.
"PlayBook OS 2.0 promises unified inbox that consolidates all messages in one place, including messages from Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, as well as personal and work email accounts. Contact cards also get dynamically populated with updated information from Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to create a consolidated view of contacts," informs Ranjan Moses, Carrier Product Manager, RIM India Ltd.
The updated BlackBerry Bridge app provides a new remote control feature that allows a BlackBerry smartphone to be used as a wireless keyboard and mouse for a BlackBerry PlayBook. Not only this, PlayBook OS 2.0 launch is complemented by thousands of new apps added to BlackBerry App World today. This also includes a range of Android apps that will run on the BlackBerry PlayBook. A new BlackBerry Video Store1 is also being launched today. Now even 3D content viewing is a reality on PlayBook.
Indranil Aikat, Vice-President - International Business & Alliances, Apalya Technologies (P) Ltd., shares, "They are developing both non-3D and 3D movie content for BlackBerry PlayBook. And there would be various plans announced soon for the consumers to choose from." Whether 3D glasses would be bundled with the tablet would be known in the days to come. But one thing is sure it would be a joint initiative between RIM and a developer like Apalya.
