BlackBerry Playbook finally gets Android update

Published January 12, 2012 2:05pm

A much-needed software upgrade has given BlackBerry's PlayBook tablet the ability to play with apps made for Google's Android OS.

Research In Motion's BlackBerry PlayBook 2.0 software update is free and is to come to all PlayBook users in February, tech site PC World said.

PC World said that, while developers have to tweak their Android apps and submit them to RIM for approval in its App World, "the experience to users is seamless."

"If RIM gets lots of developers on board with the conversion and keeps apps updated, it could dramatically boost its app selection--long a sore point with the PlayBook," it said.

PC World said that while there was a little lag opening apps in its demo unit, playing games "looked great, with smooth graphics even on a 3D app."

Updated home screen

RIM updated the home screen, with the favorite icons dock now at the top of the apps menu page.

It also matches iOS and Android by allowing a user to create folders.

The PlayBook also has a new onscreen keyboard and a more crowded notifications area.

Also in the upgrade are long-overdue apps for e-mail, calendar, and contacts.

"The email app operates similarly to the standard BlackBerry Messenger app. You can combine multiple message sources into a universal inbox, so personal email, work email, and even messages from social sites like Linked In and Twitter (the only two so far)," it said.

Social hub

PC World likened the contacts app to a social hub with contact information and image; a view of the contact's card, or other information the user selects.

Cloud syncing means changes to contacts and calendars on PlayBook will be made on the BlackBerry phone, and vice versa.

"PlayBook 2.0 supports syncing with Gmail, Hotmail, AOL, and Yahoo for calendar and email; as well as with Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Domino," PC World said.

Docs to Go has improved functionality, including PowerPoint editing, enhanced formula support, and the capability to embed images. — TJD, GMA News

Tags: researchinmotion, blackberry, blackberryplaybook,