RIM Reveals PlayBook Update
RIM's PlayBook tablet will soon receive a free over-the-air update to BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.0.5. With this new version, users will get a Facebook app optimized for the tablet, support for in-app payments, additional language support, charging enhancements, video chat connectivity, and Wi-Fi hotspot detection. The charging enhancements make it easier for users to adjust the screen brightness or restart, turn off, or put the tablet into standby mode (a real bonus since the power button is so small). The PlayBook is also getting support for the TURN (Traversal Using Relay NAT) protocol, which will enhance Video Chat connections between users. Users will receive a software update notification on the BlackBerry PlayBook status ribbon. If you're too impatient to wait, you can check for the software update in the settings menu under Software Updates.
BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.0.5 Update: Facebook, Language Support and More!
06.07.11 - Michael here again with more exciting news for BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet owners: a new BlackBerry® Tablet OS update is now available! BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.0.5 introduces a variety of new features and enhancements, so similar to our BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.0.3 update post, I’ve compiled a handy list of important need-to-know information so you can hit the ground running with your updated BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. Let’s do this!
Facebook for BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet Update and Preload
In addition being available on the BlackBerry App World™ storefront, the first tablet-optimized Facebook® application will come preloaded within BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.0.5. The Facebook for BlackBerry PlayBook tablet app has been updated to include video uploading, Message deletion, Facebook Search enhancements and more! There’s so much in the Facebook for BlackBerry PlayBook tablet update that we gave the app its own post, so click the link and check it out!
Facebook for BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet Update Now Available!
In-App Payments Support
The BlackBerry App World storefront now enables BlackBerry PlayBook applications with in-app payment support. Whether it’s buying another level in a game, or a new edition of a magazine, in-app payment support means dynamic possibilities for BlackBerry PlayBook applications and better apps for users. Developers should read this important post, Introducing the BlackBerry Payment Service and BlackBerry Payment Service SDK, to learn more about updating and submitting their apps to include in-app payment support.
Additional BlackBerry Tablet OS Enhancements
BlackBerry PlayBook Charging and Battery Pop-up:
The BlackBerry PlayBook tablet can now be charged even when fully powered down.
BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.0.5 now alerts you if you are using an incorrect charger with your BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. For example, if you accidentally plug a BlackBerry smartphone charger into the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet you will now receive an alert on the screen to let you know that this charger will not charge your tablet.
After touching the battery indicator on the top right corner of the home screen, a pop-up will appear and you can now choose to restart the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, turn it off, or put it into standby mode. You can also adjust the screen brightness from this same pop-up.
Additional Language Support:
With BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.0.5, we have added support for the following languages: French, Italian, Dutch, German, Spanish, and UK English.
Video Chat Connectivity:
We’ve added support for the TURN (Traversal Using Relay NAT) protocol, which enhances Video Chat connections between users when their call is crossing between a public network and an enterprise network behind a firewall.
Wi-Fi Hotspot Detection:
Automatic Wi-Fi hotspot detection in the BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.0.5 makes it easier to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot (at a coffee shop or airport, for example) during the set up process.
Headset Audio Boost:
This new option allows you to add an extra level of volume to help maintain an enjoyable audio experience with your headset in noisier areas, such as airplanes.
How to upgrade to BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.0.5
Users who purchase and activate a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet on or after Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 will be automatically updated to v1.0.5 as part of the BlackBerry PlayBook setup process. Existing BlackBerry PlayBook users will be presented with a software update notification on the BlackBerry PlayBook status ribbon, or they can go check for the software update at any time in the Settings Menu under Software Updates.
