Aussie RIM PlayBook gets 2.0 software update

Brenton Currie
Wednesday, 22 February 2012 07:29

Your IT - Mobility

Australian owners of Research in Motion's (RIM) first tablet, the PlayBook, have overnight received news of a new update now available that bumps the operating system to version 2.0.

RIM releases PlayBook 2.0 update (Credit: RIM)

A spokesperson for the Australian division of RIM confirmed to iTech Report this morning that the update is now available for all Australian owners of the PlayBook immediately.

To obtain the free update, users simply need to connect to a Wi-Fi network and a prompt will appear informing users of the pending update and asking for installation acceptance.

So what's new with the update? According to most, it's what the PlayBook should've been like when it first launched, adding a number of features that many simply couldn't believe were missing.

They include an integrated email application that doesn't require tethering to a BlackBerry smartphone for use, and also groups traditional email messages with those from social networking sites Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Social integration has also been added to the calendar application and contacts applications, and improved mobile connectivity thanks to the roll-out of apps including a new Print To Go app and BlackBerry Balance app that allows for the management of corporate data.

Also included in the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 is an updated BlackBerry Bridge app that allows users to connect via Bluetooth to a RIM mobile handset and view core smartphone apps on the larger tablet. The update adds a new feature that allows the smartphone to be used as a wireless keyboard and mouse for a PlayBook, as well as an improved experience when sharing apps between a smartphone and the PlayBook.