Research In Motion has released the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 update bringing the second-generation operating system to its struggling PlayBook tablet.

The release of the PlayBook OS 2.0 update has been anticipated to be today in light of an earlier leak of what were purported to be internal documents from RIM detailing the date of the launch.

It turns out that the documents first unleashed to the public by Engadget were right on the money as the PlayBook OS 2.0 update was released today, February 21, just as the pictured document has indicated.

Furthermore, RIM also said that it has let loose the initial release of BlackBerry Mobile Fusion.

The release of BlackBerry Mobile Fusion was also revealed previously through the leaked documents from RIM.

“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,” David Smith, RIM’s senior vice president for mobile computing, said in a statement.”

As for what the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 brings to the company’s tablet, RIM lists the following:

• Integrated email client with a powerful unified inbox: With BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 you have the option to use a  unified inbox that consolidates all messages in one place, including messages from Facebook®, LinkedIn® and Twitter®, as well as personal and work email accounts.
• Social Integration with Calendar and Contacts apps:  The built-in calendar harnesses information from social networks and makes it available where and when users need it.  Contact cards are also dynamically populated with updated information from Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to create a consolidated view of contacts.
• Updated BlackBerry Bridge app: BlackBerry® Bridge™ is a unique app that provides a Bluetooth® connection between your BlackBerry PlayBook and core apps on your BlackBerry® smartphone (including BBM™, Email, Contacts, Calendar and Browser) in order to let you view the content on the larger tablet display. With BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0, it’s easier and quicker than ever to take documents, web pages, emails and photos that appear on your BlackBerry smartphone and display them on your BlackBerry PlayBook for an optimized viewing and editing experience. The updated BlackBerry Bridge app also provides a new remote control feature that allows a BlackBerry smartphone to be used as a wireless keyboard and mouse for a BlackBerry PlayBook.
• Improved mobile productivity: Updated document editing functions, the new Print To Go app, and increased control and manageability of corporate data with BlackBerry® Balance ™ allow you to get more out of your BlackBerry PlayBook every day. Plus, an updated virtual keyboard with auto correction and predictive next word completion learns how you type to enable faster, more accurate typing.
• New apps and content: Thousands of new apps are being added to BlackBerry App World™ today (including a range of Android® apps that will run on the BlackBerry PlayBook). A new BlackBerry Video Store1 is launching today. Enhanced web browsing capabilities are also available with BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0.

The BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 is now available via over-the-air update. Image: edans / Flickr (CC)

Many users of the PlayBook tablet have been clamoring for a native email client for the tablet since it was first released so the introduction of one in the PlayBook OS 2.0 update is a welcome treat.

BlackBerry Bridge is also a welcome addition as the company says that it allows for seamless screen switching between the PlayBook and a BlackBerry smartphone.

This effectively makes any BlackBerry smartphone like a remote control for the PlayBook tablet running on the new PlayBook OS 2.0.

The new BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 update is now available to download over-the-air from RIM for PlayBook users.

Meanwhile, here’s a video from RIM about the PlayBook OS 2.0.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxZK2VJyqYs

Source: Research In Motion

About Solon Harmony Dolor

A passion for technology and journalism makes this upcoming writer very interested in social media and technology news. Fresh from finishing an English and Journalism degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman, he aims to bring interesting news to our readers .