BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 could arrive next week
The latest verson of RIM's PlayBook OS could trickle out to users as soon as early next week, according to various reports.
BlackBerry PlayBook users eager for the long-awaited 2.0 upgrade could get their wishes answered next week.
The new OS is expected to launch February 21, according to blogging site N4BB, relying on intel from its own sources. The confirmation followed previous "rumblings" pointing to that date for the launch.
Canadian blog site Mobile Syrup also added its take by revealing an upcoming Best Buy flyer listing the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 upgrade as arriving in February. The flyer is due to hit the public on Friday and stretch out for one week, hinting that the new OS will reach users sometime before the end of next week.
Mobile Syrup picked up one more clue. The latest version of the BlackBerry Desktop Software has been available since Tuesday. The new version 7 of the client software is likely needed for users who choose to upgrade their tablets to OS 2.0 by syncing with their computers.
Research In Motion did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment.
But these latest rumors follow the company's earlier announcement that the PlayBook OS 2.0 would debut in February.
Previewed at last month's CES, the upgrade will bring a variety of much needed features to the tablet.
Chief among them will be native e-mail, calendars, and contacts.
All three features have been missing in action since the PlayBook debuted, requiring users to find unwieldy workarounds, such as connecting their BlackBerry phones to their tablets. And like many apps today, all three will play nicely with social networks, letting users access their Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts.
PlayBook OS 2.0 will also finally let people run certain Android apps. One major app that won't appear is BlackBerry Messenger. However, an updated version of Bridge is expected next week. The new Bridge 2.0 will let users remotely control their tablets from their BlackBerry phones.