[vlade31]

Via BGR
PlayBook OS 2.0 in mid-February, BBM support still a struggle for RIM

RIM to release PlayBook OS 2.0 mid-February, still struggling with multi-device BBM support



BGR reported exclusive details of RIM�s upcoming BBX-based smartphone code-named the BlackBerry Colt earlier this year, and we have since heard that there is going to be a big emphasis on video calling with the company�s first super smartphone. This obviously means the device will feature a front-facing camera. As far as the BlackBerry PlayBook goes, RIM recently demoed OS 2.0 for the PlayBook, an update to the original OS that brings Android app compatibility along with native email and PIM access. As we reported before, however, there were tremendous obstacles that have prevented Research In Motion from shipping native email, calendar, contacts, BlackBerry Messenger, and other core system apps on the new QNX-based operating system. RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie said during the company�s last earnings call that the PlayBook would see an update in October but unfortunately, RIM is still struggling with these challenge. Hit the break for more.

RIM has never allowed more than one device PIN per BlackBerry account, so it hasn�t been possible to use both your smartphone and PlayBook PIN for your email or BlackBerry Messenger at the same time. We have heard that RIM is trying to take a page out of Apple�s new iMessage service and make BlackBerry Messenger work much the same way on both your BlackBerry and PlayBook, but �that isn�t happening� according to our source, and right now RIM�s solution involves �two independent BlackBerry Messenger apps with different contact lists.�

This issue, combined with others, has caused the release of PlayBook OS 2.0 to be delayed until mid-February 2012, we have been told. One specific date we have heard is February 17th. It also seems like employees within RIM aren�t exactly excited about this new OS update, but we�ll have to wait for it to be released to give it a go ourselves.

A RIM spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

[BBA Brian]

How is BGR able to obtain this info, yet, the whole Crackberry team and the broader net of Blackberry Fanboy sites don't get a sniff of this info?

Either BGR's info is dead wrong... or the Crackberry community is out of the loop

[princesultan]

hope it's not true

[anon3396357]

I wouldn't put much weight on BGR's articles. Their reputation as a tech blog is right down there in the dumpsters.

[JazzL5]

More bile from the BGR crap "source".

[berklon]

I wouldn't put much weight on BGR's articles. Their reputation as a tech blog is right down there in the dumpsters.

While true that it's hard to trust BGR, it's not like RIM is good on their word either.

It's sad, but I'm leaning towards BGR having accurate information.

[MADBRADNYC]

My PlayBook is great just the way it is.............

[pkcable]

While I don't think it'll be February, clearly Oct is out, and Nov isn't looking too promising either in my opinion. I DO think they will try to get it done in time for the Christmas rush, but with RIM lately you never know.

[48Forward]

February? What the ****? C'mon RIM I can't believe you announce version 2.0, release a beta version and then say nothing so the story can come out on BGR! Policy number 1, make quality products, not quanity. Policy number 2, release teasers of said quality products only when completely ready. Policy number 3, release quality products on time.
Policy number 4, release of all software update teasers/rumors/announcements from the Executive Suite will have real meaning. No crying wolf. Policy number 5, release all software updates will occur within a month of announcement. Four more months is just obnoxious, how many Kindle Fires will be sold in the meantime? I am just hoping that the BGR article is a bunch of garbage and you are putting the finishing touches on the OS and will release it very soon.

[rellyrellz]

I just hope that RIM is doing a better job as far as the new QNX phone goes. As for me not having native email on my PB is not a big deal. But i know for others it is. Sorry to hear that about RIM.

[Blackberry_boffin]

Basically noone knows anything.
RIM and BGR are never to be quoted on dates.

[anon(749368)]

or they could include an option so that when you first power up the playbook you get to choose whether you want to use you Blackberry PIN or the PIN of your Playbook (for those without a blackberry smartphone). Wouldn't that solve the dual PIN issue?

[DBX00]

RIM: The whole point of OTA updates is to be able to release fast updates. If you have everything else ready in OS 2.0 then release the darn thing and include BBM support in version 2.1

It'll give you another reason to have positive press a month after the release. It isn't like BBM fans can't just bridge to get BBM and other people can live without what they haven't had for a month. The average consumer is more concerned with email, calendar, and contacts. Only in your world do you think BBM is a must have item on a tablet...Forget pushing stuff back and get in the release and iterate world that we live in TODAY.

[allengeorge]

I'd estimated mid-February for the release anyways, so this news doesn't surprise me. That said, two separate contact lists sounds totally broken from a usability standpoint. Take till February to release it, but don't release a broken implementation at that point.

(I know someone back there will shake their head at me, but hack the server to support multiple PINs per account - there has to be a way)

[JDukeOSBB]

BGR...nuff said. This will remain in the BS column until I see corroboration

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[brucep1]

Well, the silver lining is that Blackjack said he won't be back until 2.0 is released.

[takeo]

and in March/April the iPad 3 is coming... probably a lot better than the current Playbook (which would be no problem as its gonna be a year old by then...)

That's just pathetic.

[rellyrellz]

Well how big of a deal would it be for some of you guys if you had two different PINS one for you BB and one for your PB?

[howarmat]

I posted this in the other thread that got closed but will repost

Im not sure how true this is but one thing is nice about BGR, they make false claims and general RIM will respond and set the record straight. So hopefully RIM responds...if they dont i am going to assume there is more truth to the rumor than fiction

[guerllamo7]

Unfortunately, the one down side of free information is that someone like BRG can say something and call it news. It can and often is dead wrong but the unsuspecting reader may just make a judgement based on it.

I don't really believe this date is correct. I expect this will happen in early November or sooner. DBX00 is right about the BBM. If you use BBM you have a BlackBerry and it would be no big deal to just bridge. I do it now. However, all the other features would make RIM have a happy holiday season as they would bring in now BB users to the tablet. Especially if they release BB Movies and maybe a little credit for a few movies if you buy before the holidays.
I enjoy my Playbook as is and my wife and I use our PB all the time but I think the point is to open it up to non-BB phone users as well.

[brucep1]

Unfortunately, the one down side of free information is that someone like BRG can say something and call it news. It can and often is dead wrong but the unsuspecting reader may just make a judgement based on it.

I don't really believe this date is correct. I expect this will happen in early November or sooner. DBX00 is right about the BBM. If you use BBM you have a BlackBerry and it would be no big deal to just bridge. I do it now. However, all the other features would make RIM have a happy holiday season as they would bring in now BB users to the tablet. Especially if they release BB Movies and maybe a little credit for a few movies if you buy before the holidays.
I enjoy my Playbook as is and my wife and I use our PB all the time but I think the point is to open it up to non-BB phone users as well.

So in two weeks? Sorry, but I think Feb 17th is more realistic than in the next two weeks.

[bbqkid8]

BGR just keeps on swinging for the fences and hope that one out of every who know how many will be hit out of the park. I for one do not believe this... and I agree with Howermat's assessment and hope that RIM responds. Just like how they responded to the BGR rumour that the Playbook was going to be discontinued completely.

[biggulpseh]

I posted this in the other thread that got closed but will repost

Im not sure how true this is but one thing is nice about BGR, they make false claims and general RIM will respond and set the record straight. So hopefully RIM responds...if they dont i am going to assume there is more truth to the rumor than fiction

Youre right, RIM has replied incredibly quickly in most cases. To be honest, hearing that February is now the planned date wasn't as hard for me as hearing it wouldn't be until after DevCon. After a whole summer of disappointment followed by that just made me despise RIM. I will say though, if they respond to BGR with a confirmation but don't give an explanation as to why, I'm going to single-handedly spam every single RIM message board and employee on twitter until I get an answer.

[Superfly_FR]

[already posted in rightfully closed other post, but since it's going deep ...]

Whether stated or not , this does not means that the OS will not improve until then.
As I own a BB Phone, I won't give a penny for native mail,calendar,contacts or whatever bridge (or droid runtime) perfectly delivers now.
There are numerous urgent improvements that does not require a whole version; DLNA, better network support, spell, BlueTooth ... and many more that may come as separated updates of current 1.0.7.

But I don't get the BB ID thing ...
- If you have PB+BB phone, you don't need a single ID, while the phone's bridged (PB BBM will only be a UI container) .
Oh, big deal ... all is on the phone ... is that a problem ?
- If you have a PB alone ... then you've got a single ID.
So, what's the point ?

Sometimes, I feel like people are making nodes just for the pleasure of undoing it after a wash ...
But still, I'll wait, as I have in hands almost what I need yet.

[notfanboy]

Mid-February is not surprising at all. Myself, I had estimated mid-March.