BlackBerry PlayBook 2.0 update rolls out
RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is a failure, simply not selling in any quantities that correspond with RIM’s expectations. It’s down to under half the price, but somehow people still seem more interested in e.g. the Kindle Fire. Who can blame them, I mean, a tablet without an email client? RIM is still trying to drag the thing out of the mud though, and today sees the release of the 2.0 version of the software.
One of the new features is the inclusion of email, calendar and contacts apps without having to connect to a BlackBerry phone. RIM’s plan that the PlayBook would be an accessory for BlackBeryr phones wasn’t inherently bad, just not very well thought through, as it limits who can buy the tablet to a degree that isn’t necessary. The new Bridge software gives people more reason to pair up like that though, allowing you to do anything from control the PlayBook with a BlackBerry phone to output video from the phone through the PlayBook to a screen. I certainly wouldn’t complain if other companies made something similar – for me it’s Samsung that is behind both my tablet and phone, and I can’t exactly say that the loyalty I’ve shown Samsung has resulted in any bonus features so far – the freaking chargers aren’t even compatible.
The 2.0 update also comes with a better browser and an office suite, but the final diamond in the update is the Android App Player. This is a system to run Android apps on the PlayBook, but RIM requires these apps to be submitted to them for approval first – something that it has recently given away tablets for.
A fairly decent update all around, but I doubt it will save the PlayBook. Keeping existing customers happy is important too though, and this should put a smile on their faces.
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