BlackBerry has just released an update to the software for BlackBerry PlayBooks. While it’s not a full BlackBerry 10 update, the 133MB PlayBook update brings some great changes and lays the groundwork for bringing BlackBerry 10 to the device. The changes that come with this update include:

• Browser Improvements
• Audio Boost
• BlackBerry World Storefront rebranding
• SMS over Bridge
• And much more

You can download this update immediately on your PlayBook. If it’s not showing up automatically, just check for a new update in the settings menu to trigger the download. Keep in mind that this update will be available immediately for WiFi PlayBook owners and it will rollout to 4G PlayBooks with carrier approval.

Here’s a surprise update coming from RIM just hours before the official BlackBerry 10 unveiling tomorrow. They have updated BlackBerry Bridge for BlackBerry Smartphones to version 3.0. Typically we see a BlackBerry PlayBook OS update when we see an update to the Smartphone companion app, so this could mean that RIM has another Tablet OS 2 update coming tomorrow or they could have a nice BlackBerry 10 surprise for PlayBook owners coming soon.  This update is available now in BlackBerry World, however, it could take up to 24 hours to fully for all users worldwide.

RIM has updated the BlackBerry PlayBook Operating System again tonight. The update brings the OS to version 2.1.0.1088. The update addresses some issues that users were having with keeping contacts and calendars loaded up on their PlayBook. There are a few other minor fixes and improvements, but nothing notable. This update is for the WiFi-only version of the PlayBook. 4G LTE PlayBooks will be updated by carriers as the updates are approved.

RIM has just released the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 update and they have also released an updated version of BlackBerry Bridge to go with it. BlackBerry Bridge v2.1.0.26 is now available from App World. Here are the changes for this version:

• View and respond to text messages on your PlayBook
• BlackBerry Bridge can now use Wi-Fi to transfer bridge data when the BlackBerry smartphone and PlayBook are connected to the same Wi-Fi network
• Improved stability with pairing and includes connectivity bug fixesVarious improvements to the overall user experience
• Support for PlayBook OS 2.1

If you’re a PlayBook user, be sure to update your BlackBerry Bridge for all the latest features and OS 2.1 support. Grab it from the link below.

• Download BlackBerry Bridge in App World

RIM has finally released BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 to all PlayBook owners. This release has been in Beta testing with developers for a few months and is now ready for public consumption. Some of the major changes RIM is highlighting include:

• Updated BlackBerry Bridge: Now you can view, respond and compose new SMS messages on their BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet when connected to a BlackBerry smartphone over Bluetooth®. You’ll also enjoy increased performance and speed of other BlackBerry Bridge functions as well. So you can do more, more efficiently. Txt away, my friends.
• Email and PIM Enhancements: You’ve asked for it and we’ve delivered portrait support for email, calendar and contacts, giving you the option to use your tablet in either orientation to message. This will definitely come in handy for those of you who enjoy thumb typing in portrait mode like I do.
• Improved Android Application Support: Includes Multi-Window Applications, Camera Support and In-App Payments. We all love a richer app experience, and with the improvements to the Android runtime, that’s just what you’ll get. Running the applications in separate windows allows you to multi-task between Android apps easier, and in-app payments will make it easier for you to enhance your app content. Game on!
• Secure all data on the tablet: the enterprise-grade encryption can now be extended to secure personal data stored on the device
• Print To Go Update: “Print” documents from a PC to a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet using the Print To Go app even if the PC and tablet are connected to different networks;
• Enterprise Improvements: Improvements to Enterprise functions including over-the-air enrollment to the BlackBerry Mobile Fusion server, support for ActiveSync certificate-based authentication, and additional IT Policy controls.

To update your PlayBook OS, just tap the update notification icon on the menu bar when it pops up. If you don’t want to wait for the notification, you can manually check for the update by going into the settings menu, tapping “Software Updates” and then tapping “Check for Updates.”

Important Compatibility Note: This update is only available for WiFi-only BlackBerry PlayBook models in 16, 32, or 64GB. The 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook is updated by the respective carrier and not by RIM directly. Your carrier will need to approve a version of OS 2.1 and push it out if you’re using a 4G LTE PlayBook

Source : Inside BlackBerry

We’ve been patiently waiting for RIM to release PlayBook OS 2.1 to consumers for a few months now. They released a Beta for developers a while back and have issued subsequent updates. Now, it’s looking like we will be seeing PlayBook OS 2.1 hitting all PlayBook tomorrow. A leaked carrier document shows the update date to be October 3, 2012 and has a long list of updates, including:

• Allows PIM (Messages, Calendar, Contacts) to be viewed in portrait orientation
• PIM – Deep Folder Hierarchy. Previously, if a customer had multiple nested folders within email
• Allows for WiFi to be used for Bridge between 2 devices if they’re on the same WiFi network
• BlackBerry Bridge will now support viewing SMS messages on the PlayBook
• Print to Go will now work across different networks
• Android apps will now be run in separate windows instead of one window for every Android app
• Android apps will now have the ability to use the PlayBook camera
• A customer will now be able to make in-app payments within Android apps

While this doesn’t guarantee a release tomorrow, it certainly sets us up for a release sometime in the next week or so. We’ll let you know as soon as OS 2.1 becomes available for download.

Source : Mobile Syrup

RIM released some information on a BES 5 and Mobile Fusion update this morning and they made some blog posts to accompany those updates. Hidden in one of those blog posts was some information confirming that BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 is releasing soon. The post states:

“Updates for BlackBerry Device Service that involve functionality for managing BlackBerry PlayBook tablets will become functional after the upcoming release of BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1.”

So there it is for all the people asking about the PlayBook OS 2.1 update. It’s not an official release date or anything, but it is confirmation that the release is “upcoming” and we will hopefully be seeing it on our PlayBooks very soon. We’ll let you know as soon as the update is announced and when it’s available, as well as keeping you up on all the latest BlackBerry news.

The BlackBerry PlayBook 4G LTE was released last week in Canada and it was announced that a US launch would soon follow. We all assumed that Verizon and AT&T would be the two US carriers launching the 4G PlayBook. Now, we have some additional evidence that confirms AT&T is testing out the PlayBook. In the latest PlayBook Developer Beta OS Preview two new icons are showing up. Those two icons are direct AT&T links, one of which is a link to the AT&T website and the other is a link to AT&T’s FamilyMap service.

While this doesn’t guarantee a 4G PlayBook launch on AT&T, it sure gives us a good indication that it may be coming. Also, this obviously not a planned application release by either RIM or AT&T. This is most likely a mistake on the part of RIM and we may see these icons removed shortly. We’ll let you know if and when we hear more on this possible mix-up.

RIM has released a new version of the OS 2.1 Developer Beta Preview for the BlackBerry PlayBook. The updated OS, version 2.1.0.840, is a full OS update, coming in at 458 MB. The update brings lots of new features and support to the PlayBook and updates the following application environments:

• Android Runtime
• Adobe AIR
• WebWorks
• Native API

If you’re a BlackBerry Developer, you can head on over to the link below to register your PlayBook and install the Developer Beta. If you already have the previous Beta installed, try checking for updates. If you aren’t getting the update, you can register again to have it pushed automatically.

• Register for and Download the PlayBook Beta OS

Today is August 9th, and if you’ve been keeping up with the BlackBerry news lately, you know what that means. Today’s the day that RIM is launching the BlackBerry PlayBook 4G LTE in Canada. The new PlayBook comes with a 4G LTE radio, 3G cellular ability, and an upgraded, 1.5 GHz processor. The 4G PlayBook is now available through the Big Three carriers in Canada. Here’s the rundown on pricing for each carrier. Just click the carrier name to head over to their website to check out the 4G PlayBook.

Rogers

• $349.99 with a 3-year contract
• $549.99 with no contract

Telus

• $549.99 regardless of contract choice

Yesterday RIM announced the BlackBerry PlayBook 4G LTE and said it was launching in Canada first. Today, we have found out some of the pricing for this device from both Rogers and Telus. First up, let’s take a look at the Rogers pricing. You’re looking at:

• $549.99 full-retail
• $499.99 with a 1-year contract
• $449.99 with a 2-year plan
• $349.99 with a 3-year plan

The Telus pricing for the 4G LTE PlayBook looks to be very similar. So far, we only have confirmation that the full-retail on Telus will be the same $549.99 as on Rogers. The PlayBook 4G LTE will be launching on both these carriers, plus Bell Canada, on August 9th. If you’re in Canada and looking to grab RIM’s first 4G device, get ready for August 9th.

Source : MobileSyrup

On the heels of the BlackBerry PlayBook 4G LTE announcement, RIM has pushed a software update for owners of the WiFi BlackBerry PlayBook. This OS update is version 2.0.1.668 and it is cited as a maintenance release. I know that most users were hoping to see PlayBook OS 2.1, which has been in Developer Beta for a few months, become available soon, but that didn’t happen today. The new 4G PlayBook will not be launching with OS 2.1 either, so it may still be a while before we see it become available. Either way, there’s a new OS available for your PlayBook right now, so hit that software update button and get to downloading.

RIM has gone ahead and officially announced the often rumored BlackBerry PlayBook 4G LTE. The updated 4G PlayBook will be the same size as the current WiFi model, but will feature 4G LTE, HSPA+, and an updated 1.5 GHz processor.  The new 4G PlayBook will only be available with 32GB of sotrage space, rather than the 16 and 64GB versions offered with the WiFi model.

The 4G PlayBook isn’t available today; however, it’ll be launched on select wireless carriers in Canada on August 9th. The 4G PlayBook will be making the rounds to the US, Europe, and other countries in the coming months. Check past the break for the full Press Release from RIM regarding the launch and availability of the BlackBerry PlayBook 4G LTE.

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**Update: CrackBerry has confirmed that these boxes do indeed contain the security display devices for BlackBerry PlayBook 4G LTE devices. Look for the launch sometime this week or next.

We had originally heard that the BlackBerry PlayBook 4G was slated for a Q4 2012 Launch and then we heard last week that date had been pushed up to July 31, 2012. Well, yesterday was July 31st and the day came and went without any PlayBook 4G launches. However, that doesn’t mean that the 4G PlayBook isn’t coming very soon. Select Rogers stores across Canada have been receiving display security packages marked “PlayBook Security.” This indicates that the stores should be getting the 4G PlayBook in sometime soon and we should see a launch in the coming weeks. We’ll let you know as soon as we hear more.

Source : MobileSyrup

We have heard about the 10-inch BlackBerry PlayBook many times in the past, most recently in the BlackBerry 2012-2013 Roadmap. On that roadmap, the 10-inch PlayBook is referred to as the “Blackforest” and slated for a Q3 2013 release. This time; however, we aren’t just hearing about the oft-rumored, 10-inch slate. We are actually getting a good look at the thing.

The 10-inch PlayBook that’s being shown off in these photos features a sim card for 4G connectivity, something we can expect to see RIM rely on heavily as we move forward. Besides the 10-inch screen, not much as changed from the current PlayBook. The only noticeable difference is the screen’s aspect ratio.

It looks like the 10-inch PlayBook will feature more of a square screen instead of the rectangular screen on the current 7-incher. With a release set for mid to late 2013, these photos are certainly of an early prototype for the device. Things could change between now and then, but at least we have some visual confirmation. Check past the break for a bunch more photos of the device.

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