RIM launches BlackBerry PlayBook 2.1.0 beta for developers

It was just a few days ago when we said that BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 beta will be rolling out in a few days time. And true enough, today, RIM has just launched the BlackBerry PlayBook 2.1.0 beta for developers. RIM explains that the beta will include major enhancements to the Android Runtime. This means that Android apps can now run in its own window and access to the camera is now supported. RIM hopes that this will  improve the overall user experience and allow more application types to work on its PlayBook tablet. Also, in-payments are now supported via the BlackBerry Payment SDK in the beta, allowing Android applications to feature virtual items for purchasing.

RIM also confirmed a list of extra enhancements for its end users. The said features will include portrait support for email, contacts, and calendar, proper IMAP folder support, full device encryption, improved HTML5 support, and better screenshots. “The other 2.1 features will come full steam when the new OS is commercially released. The 2.1 Android SDK will be released in beta coinciding with the OS release, and the 2.1 Native SDK will be posted next week, with an update to the Adobe AIR SDK to come shortly after,” RIM said via its blog.

Gene Ryan Briones
Categories: Tablets
Tags: BlackBerry, playbook, RIM