Rumor: RIM Playbook OS 2.0 update set for February 17 2012 release

Much unlike what HP boffins did to the TouchPad, the PlayBook tablet from RIM has not been pushed into oblivion in spite of it also not faring too well in the market. However, the PlayBook is not expected to do any better anytime soon as the much awaited update that will enable the PlayBook to play host to Android apps is not likely to come along anytime soon. The good thing though is that there now is a specific time frame set by RIM — 17th February 2012 — for the update 2.0 to come along. The flip side of it all, February 17 is still some way off and we will surely be witness to lots of Ice Cream Sandwich and Apple iPad 3 action in the between.

What should be of further bad news is that the BlackBerry Messenger won’t be part of the upcoming update. Not until RIM guys are able to allow users to access their BBM account with both the BlackBerry smartphone as well as the PlayBook tablet, something that is troubling RIM engineers right now. BBM though continues to be available via the BlackBerry Bridge.

What’s going to be part of the update include native email along with PIM access. Then of course the PlayBook will open up to Android Apps, which surely will make the PlayBook a much better device to own.

As of now the user would have to load two BBM apps, one each on the BlackBerry and the PlayBook independently and individually maintain contacts on the smartphone and tablet separately. Surely that’s not the best option for users. Also, this is not the first time the much awaited 2.0 update has been pushed back though we do hope this is the last.

via blogs.blackberry

Sovan Mandal  (1917 Posts)

Sovan Mandal is the senior tablet and tech corespondent for goodereader.com. He brings a international approach to news that is not just applicable to the North American market, but also Asia, India, Europe and others. Sovy brings his own writing flavor to the website and is interested in Science Fiction, Technology and Writing. Any questions, send an email

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