RIM kicks BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 into the field

The software upgrade to RIM's BlackBerry tablet adds security and some minor fixes.

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Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).

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Jessica Dolcourt

Oct. 3, 2012 8:15 a.m. PT

Former RIM CEO Mike Laziridis first introduced the BlackBerry PlayBook in 2010. James Martin/CNET

Blackberry PlayBook owners will see a small bump in features and capability with its next OS update to PlayBook software 2.1.

Among the changes available for the Wi-Fi tablet are security features that let owners lock down all data with enterprise-level encryption, not just corporate secrets.

RIM also shares a new version of the BlackBerry Bridge software that lets PlayBook owners access typical phone features; now when you pair a BlackBerry smartphone with a PlayBook tablet, you'll be able to send SMS texts from the PlayBook. You'll need to download the new Bridge app from BlackBerry App World.

There are a few more minor tweaks as well, including using contacts, the calendar, and messaging features in portrait mode in addition to landscape, a capability that's been a long time coming. Developers will be pleased to see that in-app payments now applies to their ported Android apps as well as native PlayBook apps.

PlayBook owners will receive the OS update over the air through an automatic notification. You can also manually check for new software updates. You can learn more at RIM's blog.

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