Internally, RIM has been testing 2.1 builds of their BlackBerry PlayBook OS for quite some time now. Shortly after the big 2.0 OS drop, RIM hopped right into building 2.1 and now they seem ready to go ahead and give folks a look at just what they've been working on according to some tweets from Michael Clewley, BlackBerry PlayBook Product Manager at RIM.
Lots of questions about the #PlayBook 2.1 beta, they will be answered in the blog post when it's available so stay tuned!
Right now, the ETA is sitting at "end of May" -- so take from that what you will. The beta process will be the same as the previous one but we're now hearing the version that is being tested for developer beta release sits 2.1.0.560. What changes will it bring? We'll have to wait and see but I know for sure, PlayBook fans will enjoy going through it and picking out the highlights.
Discuss more in the CrackBerry Forums
sickyute May 29, 2012 at 8:28 pm
Good stuff! Looking forward to it!!
jechow May 29, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Is that your case? Looking forward to native bbm.
BBforAll May 29, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Here is the change log:
- Security updates.
rexrim May 29, 2012 at 8:38 pm
Hope native twitter relese on this ths os!
Bla1ze May 29, 2012 at 8:53 pm
Don't hold your breath.
axllebeer May 29, 2012 at 9:11 pm
Can I hold my breath for USB host? :P
Bla1ze May 29, 2012 at 10:55 pm
Yes. I say that because it is suggested to of have been included with this release however, I cannot confirm that 100%. But what I do know is it was on the table for inclusion.
axllebeer May 30, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Sweet. I'll cross fingers for hope then. Thanks for the info :)
terminatorx May 31, 2012 at 12:31 pm
I hope not. Do you think everyone uses Twitter? It's not a necessity to have a native Twitter, or Facebook for that matter. If you like Twitter, load the app and use it or go to the website via browser.
pushfan May 29, 2012 at 8:54 pm
very informative
diegonei May 29, 2012 at 8:56 pm
I'd be glad with enhanced stability and memory management... I have a dreadful memory leak somewhere right now...
rexxenex May 29, 2012 at 9:22 pm
Berry pomegranate what?!
Mikhou May 29, 2012 at 9:30 pm
Maybe before Rim will Shut Off: http://alturl.com/dm53f
Rootbrian May 30, 2012 at 9:52 pm
Misleading. What an arse of a blogger you linked.
El Platanero May 29, 2012 at 9:50 pm
My guess would be the keyboard. Since their are those making the imitation why not just release it?
the_sleuth May 29, 2012 at 9:52 pm
Hopefully better email app.
ClassyBOLD May 29, 2012 at 11:28 pm
Here are the rumored updates in 2.1:
-Portrait orientation support for PIM apps (Email, Calendar, Contacts)
-Bridge update to enable SMS/MMS and Bridge via wifi
-Multitasking support for Android runtime
-Additional APIs for the Android runtime(camera and in-app payments)
Other rumored updates (unlikely unless they announce PlayBook 4G LTE):
-Support for mobile network and data provisioning
mckillio May 30, 2012 at 10:26 am
Updated browser too.
terminatorx May 31, 2012 at 12:35 pm
Yes, that would be nice if they did. With better bookmark management. At least providing the ability to import a bookmark.html file exported from a desktop browser.
ndsouza May 29, 2012 at 10:42 pm
Lessen the start up time and better memory management!!!!
cblguy May 29, 2012 at 10:48 pm
Non duplicating email!!! Honestly, who tests these updates? How do I get those big $$$?
BB_Bmore May 29, 2012 at 11:30 pm
Usb host? Wtf took so long! Rim needs to do big things to get big results.
joski May 30, 2012 at 7:06 am
While I think USB Host can be extremely useful (I'm an Arduino nerd), I think it leaves a gaping hole in security - similar to the lack of SD card-ness.
I'd never trade security for a feature like that. It would feel like I was using an Android device - not that that's terrible or anything though.
biglo30 May 30, 2012 at 12:44 am
Skype and native BBM is all I want.
Rootbrian May 30, 2012 at 9:53 pm
RIM doesn't make skype.
terminatorx May 31, 2012 at 12:37 pm
Skype and *native BBM* would be great. Somebody else mentioned native Twitter, and I'm like what???
immovablesoup May 30, 2012 at 2:33 am
I can haz BBM?
Superfly_FR May 30, 2012 at 6:37 am
Isn't a "developer" missing in "BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 Beta" title ? I mean, is this a dev beta or a public beta ? As of now, I thought this was a dev one, intended to run (runtime, compatibility box, whatever) BB10 apps with cascade over a physical device.
Was I wrong ?
rickgainsmith May 30, 2012 at 8:47 am
Enhanced super dupa airplane mode?
Caspan May 30, 2012 at 8:50 am
Okay RIM will this finally fix the PlayBook issue that you will not seem to make public knowledge even thought every exchange 2007 user has encountered since 2.1 upgrade? We are sick of telling our employees they cannot use their PlayBooks for corporate use because it sends duplicate emails! 2 months guys 2 months this has been an issue and you have known about it.
http://forums.crackberry.com/showthread.php?p=7425070
http://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/BlackBerry-PlayBook/E-mail-duplic...
have a read and tell me you think this is responsible to your corporate clients!
halftime2 May 30, 2012 at 9:00 am
I only want 3 improvements: Skype, Skype and Skype.
mckillio May 30, 2012 at 10:26 am
Skype is creepy, keep it away.
Sucroid May 30, 2012 at 3:01 pm
I only want 3 things: PDF API, USB host mode, CJK keyboard.
Sucroid.com - Sweet apps for the fans
Rootbrian May 30, 2012 at 9:54 pm
RIM doesn't make the skype app.
shemaree09 May 30, 2012 at 10:19 am
I have this Playbook Case!! Its a Cygnett Lavish Earth Playbook Case.
Its so nice!
crackcookie May 30, 2012 at 11:42 am
Being able to run things such as Skype and or netflix are half the reason why people get a specific device. If this device has Skype it would sell more, period. It already has a front facing camera.
And the website, imo doesn't work properly.
Rootbrian May 30, 2012 at 9:55 pm
RIM doesn't make the apps for skype or netflix.
lebird May 30, 2012 at 8:19 pm
Please sir, can I have more?.... just a little Skype
Rootbrian May 30, 2012 at 9:55 pm
But RIM doesn't make that app.
myklgrant May 30, 2012 at 10:42 pm
So, does anyone think sideloading will go?
udayapavan May 31, 2012 at 11:16 am
Just waiting for the Update
BB_Bmore May 31, 2012 at 11:56 am
its coming "soon" but for real this time :)
masterscarhead1 May 31, 2012 at 5:33 pm
The camera function now works in andriod. I'm not sure about the mic. Only time can tell whether skype video chat will work with the android function. Hold tight. Once it starts downloading, I will report back. My guess is it won't work, but keep you fingers crossed.
andey_ Jun 10, 2012 at 7:10 pm
it's June 10th, where is it?
WonderfulWaterloo.com Jun 25, 2012 at 2:04 am
Please include USB Host in the next update.
BM02GAN Jul 11, 2012 at 6:44 am
Is this out at all yet?