RIM Releases PlayBook OS 2.1, Android Runtime Improvements

For those of your rocking a PlayBook tablet, be advised that Research In Motion (RIM) has now made available a new version of its mobile operating system, PlayBook OS 2.1. There are three main things RIM has chosen to highlight in this latest update, not the least of which is improved Android application support.

On that front, PlayBook OS 2.1 introduces multi-window applications, camera support, and in-app payments.

"We all love a richer app experience, and with the improvements to the Android runtime, that’s just what you’ll get," RIM stated in a blog post. "Running the applications in separate windows allows you to multi-task between Android apps easier, and in-app payments will make it easier for you to enhance your app content. Game on!"


In addition, RIM updated the BlackBerry Bridge so that you can now view, respond, and compose new SMS text messages on your PlayBook tablet when tethered to a BlackBerry smartphone via Bluetooth. Performance and general speed improvements were made to the BlackBerry Bridge, too.

The third thing RIM chose to highlight is email and PIM enhancements. As was frequently requested, PlayBook OS 2.1 brings portrait support to email, calendar, and contacts, which will come in handy if you prefer to hold the tablet upright and type with your thumbs.

Unfortunately for 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook owners, you'll have to wait until next month to download the 2.1 update. For those who own the Wi-Fi version, you can grab it immediately.