RIM Released Playbook 2.0, Is It the Rise of the Playbook?

One of RIM's policies that we have been waiting for finally arrived. On Tuesday, February 21st 2012, RIM released the latest operating system for Blackberry Playbook tablet. These tablet users may be able to download the latest operating system for free. In a news release, RIM BlackBerry Playbook claimed that the new OS 2.0 will provide an increased experience using the tablet, thus it could make users having every best moment by using their BlackBerry Playbook in daily life both at work or play.

Not many surprises that RIM has presented in this update. This operating system allows Playbook running Android application which had been converted (as already discussed previously in DailySocial). As addition, finally, Playbook 2.0 has the default application allowing users to receive email from their Playbook.

Rather than to attract new users, this Playbook update is more to impress or satisfy existing Playbook user. An email application is allowing users to receive email from multiple accounts but this isn’t their advantage. Almost all Android tablet and iPad are able to do this since their first launched.

Blackberry Messenger (BBM) as the advantage of BlackBerry isn't presented in this update. RIM only provides BlackBerry Bridge, an application that allows users using their BlackBerry smartphone as a remote for the tablet. With BlackBerry Bridge, tablet users will be able to write BBM to be delivered via smartphone. Thus, user must have BlackBerry smartphone to be able to use BBM feature. BlackBerry Bridge also allows user opening a document/email/image from smartphone to Playbook screen.

Android Runtime

The presence of Android apps in BlackBerry App World is an important breakthrough. However, CNET wrote that due to Playbook hardware limitation in the, Android applications are present in the BlackBerry App World is an old version of android application. So, it seems that BlackBerry Playbook wouldn't be more interesting than Android tablet with Android Ice Cream or even Android Honeycomb.

In addition, the number of Android apps in BlackBerry App World is a little dubious. One of RIM's efforts to embrace it via BlackBerry DevCon Europe yesterday, apparently encountered few obstacles. RIM, through their BlackBerry Developers Blog announced that Playbook for free program for developers who are willing to convert their Android application to be run on the Playbook 2.0 is extended. The program which was originally offered until February 13th is extended until March 2nd 2012. Apparently, the number of 1500 new applications submitted by developers isn't making RIM satisfied thus they extend this offer.

With relatively a little breakthrough plus an intense competition (rumour: iPad 3 will be out shortly), it seems Playbook isn't an option for consumers who want to buy a new tablet. Although the price is cheaper than iPad or Android tablet from leading brands most consumers will probably choose to pay more to get a bigger screen, faster processor or the availability of more variety applications. At least, this update showed RIM's commitment to satisfy the tablet users. RIM also hoped to attract fans to connect BlackBerry smartphone with their Playbook. Is it to increase sales significantly? Hhmmm, apparently not yet.