Cloud storage is all the rage. On the surface, it seems like PlayBook owners have been left out in the cold. When we look closely, however, we can see that it is easy and powerful to manage all our cloud storage needs right from the PlayBook.

We know that we need more native apps for our beloved PlayBooks. We also know (even more so after BlackBerry World 2012) the BlackBerrys are for people who need to get stuff done. In today's world - no matter what business you are in - getting stuff done means having access to cloud storage.

For some platforms, there is an app for everything - including cloud storage. Our sister site (iMore) ran a great article on all the available apps for cloud storage on iOS, and it is worth a read.  For us PlayBook owners, we need to get a bit more creative. The good news, however, is that we can access all major cloud storage services on our PlayBook as easily and as effectively as any other platform...we just need to work a bit harder at it!

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If you've ventured into the CrackBerry BlackBerry PlayBook forums lately, you've no doubt seen some threads discussing the app situation on the BlackBerry PlayBook. I say "app situation" in an effort to avoid taking a side one way or another when it comes to what, exactly that situation is. PlayBook owners have noticibly been divided on the matter. Some say the app selection is fine while others, disagree very passionately shall we say.

In any event, the PlayBook app selection has grown over time and again some would say for the better while others would it's for the worse. No matter how you feel about the situation, there is a new thread in the forums from biggulpseh that seeks to offer a good explanation of what the situation is at the heart of the matter and when it all will be addressed.

The secret sauce as they say will be Cascades. Something that RIM has yet to fully reveal to developers but is most certainly on the way and really is the key to alot of things people are (have been?) waiting for on the BlackBerry PlayBook. If you're frustrated about the situation on the PlayBook then read through the post, it's great insight as to what is just around the corner for the BlackBerry PlayBook -- remember, BlackBerry World happens in May and RIM has a lot of exciting things planned for BlackBerry World and more importantly, the BlackBerry 10 Jam.

The App Conundrum: If you're fed up with the app situation on PlayBook read here

While RIM rolled out PlayBook OS 2.0 to our beloved tablet some time ago, we’re still uncovering some hidden features, and today I’ve uncovered a neat lesser known feature. If you’re like me you have meticulously placed all your applications into respective folders, sorting them from “HD Games” to “entertainment". While it keeps everything organized getting in and out of a folder could be just a hair faster, and I’ve found out a way to accomplish this.

Instead of clicking on the small little “X” on the folder you can actually swipe from the center of the bottom bezel to the left side of the PlayBook (see image above). Doing so will cause the folder to quickly close letting you get back to what’s important, using your PlayBook. Now this has got me thinking, what other secrets are laying within the PlayBook OS 2.0? If you’ve found one let CrackBerry Nation know in the comments or in the forums at the link below. It’ll be interesting to see what else can be found.

Familiarize yourself with other Tips and Tricks from the forums

A complete, no command line process to convert Android .APK files to BlackBerry .BAR files!

Since the release of PlayBook OS 2.0 we've been covering a lot of different ways to get Android apps onto your BlackBerry PlayBook. Most of the methods covered take into account that you may already have the Android .APK files converted to a BlackBerry PlayBook compatible .BAR file and go from there. Gathering up converted .BAR files and installing them is the easy part, but what if you want to convert your own Android files for use rather than downloading those already converted?

There are already a few great guides in the CrackBerry forums but most of those are geared towards Windows users. We will also cover Windows users in this guide, and those of you out there who use a Mac will find that this will be one of the easiest guides to follow to complete the task of converting your own Android .APK files to .BAR files, signing them and even installing them directly to your BlackBerry PlayBook for immediate use. Sound good? If so hit the break to get started.

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RIM held a cozy little developer panel at Mobile World Congress, where VP of Developer Relations, Alec Saunders, got folks from Zinio, Marmalade and Pacemaker to talk about precisely how awesome it was developing for BlackBerry. While most of the conversation was predictably positive, the Q&A with press was a bit more critical. I made sure to voice a few questions that were raised by you guys and fellow CB staffers. 

The biggest issue raised on the developer front, especially since support for Android apps launched in the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0, is how RIM intends to attract, promote and retain quality developers. Supporting Android introduces a few problems; one that was brought up in the Q&A is piracy. There have apparently been many attempts to submit apps that have been blatantly stolen from other developers.  Luckily, RIM is committing to diligence on this front, and has already caught a couple of shady dealers. Alec said "We don't want the 'wild west' of the Android Market in App World"-- which is reassuring. 

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The Messaging app in PlayBook 2.0 is one of the most welcomed new features. From one, central location, you can check, respond and compose messages. Both Email and Social Networking messages can now be handled in one app.

When you see that blinking red light, a simple touch of the Messages icon will allow to you to see your new Email, Twitter Direct Messages, LinkedIn messages and Facebook messages. We will show you how to check your messages, read them, reply and start a new message for any one of your connected accounts right from the Messages app. Read on for all the answers to your Messaging questions! 

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The Unified Inbox may very well be the "killer feature" of Playbook 2.0. Having one place in which to read and send all your messages is the future of mobile communication.

Prior to the OS 2.0 upgrade, the only way to email or message was to "Bridge" your BlackBerry to the Playbook. Even when bridged, you only had access to your various email accounts that were on your BlackBerry.

The Playbook surpasses virtually every other platform with the inclusion of a unified messaging inbox. What that means is that in one place - the Messages app - goes not only your email, but also Facebook messages, LinkedIn messages and Twitter Direct Messages.

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In addition to the official release of the BlackBerry Native SDK 2.0, RIM has also rolled out v1.0 of the Scoreloop SDK. With the Scoreloop SDK developers can add in social aspects to their PlayBook OS 2.0 games such as:

• Leaderboards – Allow players to compete on regional and global leaderboards
• Awards and Achievements – Keep players engaged with challenging achievements
• Player Challenges – Add competitive edge with social challenges
• Player Profiles – Personalize the experience with editable profiles
• Friend Management – Spur competition between closest rivals

To highlight the release, RIM worked with Paw Print Games Ltd. to integrate Scoreloop into their agaming title KAMI RETRO HD. Developers interested in learning more, can head on over to the Scoreloop hub page via the link below.

Learn more about the Scoreloop SDK

By now, I'm sure most CrackBerry readers have updated to PlayBook OS 2.0 and have already been through the ins and outs of it all but in case there is anyone out there who hasn't updated yet -- when you do, you will notice there will no longer be a "BlackBerry Bridge Browser" on your PlayBook. It's not something wrong with the OS, in fact -- it's done that way by design as noted below:

Overview:

After upgrading to BlackBerry® Bridge™ 2.0 on a BlackBerry® smartphone that is not associated with a BlackBerry® Enterprise Server, the Bridge Browser icon is no longer present on the BlackBerry PlayBook.

Cause:

This is by design as the native Browser provides the same functionality when bridged, therefore making the Bridge Browser redundant.

In other words, when you are connected to your PlayBook via BlackBerry Bridge the browser will use your BlackBerry connection for data usage, unless WiFi is enabled. If WiFi is enabled it will automatically use the WiFi connection associated to your PlayBook. Now, no one has to wonder which browser to use as there is only one to choose from and it will use the appropriate connection.

Source: RIM KB29992

FINALLY!! After what's been a Long Road to BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0, it's finally here and available for download! If you own a BlackBerry PlayBook, just go to Settings > Software Updates > Check for Updates and you should find PlayBook OS 2.0 available for wireless download. Follow the instructions on screen for the easy installation process. When a new PlayBook OS update becomes available it sometimes takes a little while for it be accessible by all users, so if you check and it's not there just yet, have patience. It will be there soon. We promise.

BlackBerry PlayBoook OS 2.0 is a MAJOR software update to the operating system of Research In Motion's first tablet, and it brings with it a ton of upgrades that owners have been waiting for. In addition to a revamped homescreen experience, native email, calendar and contacts along with social service integration (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) are onboard. Behind the scenes, the introduction of the Android App Player in OS 2.0 will broaden the selection of apps available via BlackBerry App World. And for those who own a BlackBerry Smartphone, combined with an update to the BlackBerry Bridge app you'll unleash some useful and fun functionality, like the ability to use your phone's keyboard to enter text on the PlayBook or use your phone as a remote control for your tablet.

PlayBook OS 2 offers a ton of other feature enhancements as well, and we'll bringing them all to you here on CrackBerry this weeek and beyond. We have a ton of great coverage planned, so you'll want to be visiting often. In the meantime, get that software update going and be sure to jump into CrackBerry's BlackBerry PlayBook forums, the hub for BlackBerry PlayBook owners worldwide!

Visit CrackBerry's BlackBerry PlayBook Forums

While we're all anxiously awaiting the release of PlayBook OS 2.0 in February, it looks like RIM is already hard at work on a refreshed version of their tablet. The rumored 3G+ BlackBerry PlayBook will be sporting some upgraded hardware in addition to OS 2.0. According to a leaked slide, the 2nd tablet from RIM looks to feature a 1.5GHz processor, 42Mbps HSPA+ Connectivity and NFC. We're not sure just what else the new tablet will be packing, but this is a pretty good start. Look for more on this in the coming weeks.

Source: BGR

Now that we know what to expect from the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 update that is due to be released in February, CrackBerry wants to know which of these features you are most looking forward to. Is it the native email, contacts, or calendar? Does the BlackBerry remote feature look exciting? Or is there something else you spotted that has you on the edge of your seat waiting? Vote in the poll and let us know in the comments what you think of the upcoming new features!

From the looks of it the latest BlackBerry PlayBook 2.0 developer beta is finally sporting A2DP Bluetooth. This has been a much requested feature and it's great to finally see it available in the OS. If you don't already know, A2DP is a Bluetooth profile that essentially lets you stream audio to Bluetooth headphones, car stereos etc. Unfortunately if you aren't using the beta software you'll have to wait until the big Tablet OS 2.0 update in February, but it is definitely something else to look forward to. If you're running the beta and A2DP is working for you be sure to let us know in the comments.

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If you're currently running the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 beta then you'll want to go ahead and check for system updates. Right now v2.0.0.6149 is currently available for download. The change log, while slim, does mention new laguages, updates to BlackBerry Bridge as well as multi-media enhancements, but that all seems rather standard plus -- it remains unchanged from previous versions. There are likely some security enhancements in there to block the DingleBerry exploit as well but, that remains to be seen as it is not specifically outlined. Go head and grab the update -- let us know what changes you're seeing.

Discuss in the CrackBerry forums

The DingleBerry tool for the BlackBerry PlayBook opens up all kinds of new possibilities for hardcore users everywhere. While there isn't too much you can do just yet, many PlayBook owners have had plenty of sleepless nights pushing the tablet to its limits and finding new things to do. One of which comes from eltecnoblog and shows off a rooted PlayBook with a USB support (much like what was shown off by the guys at TAT). As seen in the video above, the PlayBook is able to read a USB flash drive and play movies from it thanks to some hard work and a bit of hardware. It's definitely a great start and a good sign of what can be done on a rooted PlayBook. Check out the full video above, then drop a comment with your thoughts!

Discuss more in the forums

Source: eltecnoblog
Via: BerryReview