Yesterday I let you know that BlackBerry Bridge was updated to version 2.0 to go along with the PlayBook OS 2.0 update. After updating to Bridge 2.0 some of you non-BES users may have noticed that the Bridge Browser icon is nowhere to be found. Here’s why according to a knowledge base article from RIM:

Overview

After upgrading to BlackBerry® Bridge™ 2.0 on a BlackBerry® smartphone that is not associated with a BlackBerry® Enterprise Server, the Bridge Browser icon is no longer present on the BlackBerry PlayBook.

Cause

This is by design as the native Browser provides the same functionality when bridged, therefore making the Bridge Browser redundant.

Additional Information

The Bridge Browser is present when connected to a BlackBerry smartphone associated with a BlackBerry Enterprise Server in order to allow browsing corporate intra-nets.

There you have it. So don’t worry, your service provider didn’t block Bridge browsing or anything like that.

via KB29992

Along with the official release of BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0, RIM today also released an update for the free BlackBerry Bridge app. If you want to take advantage of the extra features offered by pairing your BlackBerry smartphone with a PlayBook, and especially if you updated to OS 2.0, you’ll want to grab this update. New in Bridge version 2.0.0.25:

• Use your smartphone’s keyboard, trackpad and touchscreen to remotely control your Playbook™ tablet*
• Open attachments, files and Browser URLs directly on your PlayBook™ tablet from your BlackBerry® smartphone’s menu
• Copy/Paste from anywhere in BlackBerry® Bridge PlayBook apps
• Use Device Properties menu to turn on and off BlackBerry® Bridge™ email, calendar, and address book accounts
• Improved stability with multiple pairing and connectivity bug fixes
• Various UX improvements

For more info and to get the new version of BlackBerry Bridge find it here in BlackBerry App World.

Press Release

New OS delivers an enriched user experience for BlackBerry PlayBook tablet users

Waterloo, ON – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) announced that the new BlackBerry® PlayBook™ OS 2.0 will be released for download today. BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 delivers an enhanced tablet experience and allows you to use the BlackBerry PlayBook in new ways throughout the day – at work and at play.

“Building on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet’s proven web browsing, multimedia and multitasking strengths, the new BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 introduces a range of new communications and productivity enhancements as well as expanded app and content support,” said David J. Smith, SVP Mobile Computing, Research In Motion.

FULL PRESS RELEASE!

I just showed you RIM’s preview video for BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 and it looks like they’ve put up another one, this time for updates made to BlackBerry Bridge on the new Tablet OS. With the new Bridge technology in PlayBook OS 2.0, you’ll be able to do even more when you have your BlackBerry smartphone connected to your PlayBook tablet. Here’s the description for this video:

With the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 software update, and an updated BlackBerry Bridge application for BlackBerry smartphones, the functionality of the two devices will expand to include remote control, Open on PlayBook, and much more. Check out Michael Clewley and Jeff Gadway as they walk through a few of these features at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show.

Watch the video above to see it in action!

Press Release

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA–(Marketwire – Jan. 9, 2012) – (CES 2012) – This week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) will be previewing new features of BlackBerry® PlayBook™ OS 2.0 that will enable customers to stay even more connected and productive in their personal and professional lives.

“BlackBerry PlayBook is already recognized for delivering powerful performance, true multi-tasking, advanced web browsing and HD multimedia in an ultra-portable design,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. “With BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 we are building on this strong foundation, as well as leveraging our strengths in communications, social integration and productivity, to allow people to use their BlackBerry PlayBook in new ways throughout the day.”

CES 2012 attendees who visit the BlackBerry booth at CES (South Hall 3 Booth # 30326) will get a sneak peek of upcoming BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 functionality including:

READ MORE!

Besides for updating the Facebook for PlayBook and Twitter for BlackBerry apps today, RIM also updated the BlackBerry Bridge app. Now at version 1.0.7.5, this update includes a bug fix “where the Add new tablet button did not appear on some devices”. If you had problems adding a tablet because of the button issue be sure to update to the latest release. For more info and to get the app find it here in BlackBerry App World.

Earlier today I let you know about a rumor that claimed OS 2.0 for the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet would be delayed until February of next year. RIM confirmed this rumor with a blog post on the official Inside BlackBerry blog in the form of a letter from David J. Smith (SVP, BlackBerry PlayBook). According to the letter, PlayBook OS 2.0 will not come with its own BBM (BlackBerry users still have to Bridge) and it will in fact be delayed until February 2012 with no specific or guaranteed launch date since they “expect to deliver” it. Check out the full letter below and let us know what you think in the comments or in the forums!

LETTER FROM DAVID J. SMITH!

RIM posted a new version of BlackBerry App World in the BlackBerry Beta Zone. The latest beta is at version 3.0.1.20 and includes a bunch of fixes. Here is the list of changes for this update:

• Performance and speed enhancements across all BlackBerry devices
• Multiple translation/localization errors
• Multiple instances of UI lag
• Apps not appearing in “My World” for some users
• User continuously notified to update the same applications when on the latest version
• Memory leak occurring and taking up too much device memory
• Null pointer exception during downloads
• Escaping out of viewing app description returns user to top of installed/uninstalled list – App World should not go back to the top of list but return to the previously viewed app in the list
• Error when opening and closing some apps with the error message: “Uncaught Exception;Attempt to delete a field that doesn’t belong to the manager”
• Unable to upgrade “Try and Buy” app after installing App World 3.0
• “OutOfMemoryError” when attempting to launch App World
• No “reinstall” button available for Facebook / BB Bridge / etc in App World after deletion
• The “Reboot” option is available in the menu of AppWorld 2.1.x.x and it does not show in AppWorld 3.0.0.x

If you download this beta and get stuck on the loading screen, try these temporary fixes:

• While in App World, hold ALT and type RST.  This will reset the App World cache.  A user has told me that after doing this 3-4 times, App World now works.
• Uninstall App World and then Reinstall.  This has worked for one user after 2 attempts.

For more info and to get the updated beta of BlackBerry App World sign up or log in at blackberry.com/beta.