BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 beta rolling out in a few days’ time?

Word on the street has it that Research in Motion (RIM) has every intention to roll out their first beta of the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 before the month is over. Considering how there are just a couple more days after today before May makes way for June, does this mean the next couple of days will see PlayBook users (yes, all 10 of you at the back of the room there) will be an occasion to celebrate? In fact, a PlayBook product manager did confirm the news via Twitter today, so I guess all there is to it would be an official press release and the thing is as good as gold.

Some of the new features in this next version of the operating system will include the ability to use email, calendar, and contact apps in portrait mode (strange how that never made it in the first place at the very start), support for multi-tasking with Android apps, Camera API and in-app payments for developers, text messaging via BlackBerry Bridge when paired with a smartphone, and personal encryption support.

Do take note that BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 beta is tipped to do away with support for side-loading Android apps onto the tablet, but I am quite sure if that happens, there will be a workaround somewhere by the community.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Tablets
Tags: playbook, RIM