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.

RIM today posted a new version of BlackBerry Messenger in the BlackBerry Beta Zone. The latest update is now at v6.0.1.25 and includes some bug fixes but no new features. Here’s a note on the changes:

In this latest upgrade, we’ve focused on bug fixes in platform such as avatar changes in Bridge and enabled a ‘Third Party Application’ discovery system message.

For more info and to get the updated BBM beta go to blackberry.com/beta and log in or sign up. Let me know how this version works for you in the comments or in the forums!

RIM today pushed out an update for the BlackBerry Bridge app for BlackBerry smartphones. Now at version 1.0.6.5, there’s no note no what’s new in this update but it’s probably been tweaked in preparation for a PlayBook Tablet OS update. If you update to the new version and notice any changes feel free to mention them in the comments or in the forums. For more info and to get BlackBerry Bridge find it here in BlackBerry App World.

I guess a BlackBerry Bridge update will always mean a Tablet OS update for the BlackBerry PlayBook is on the way. At least that’s been the case so far. RIM today pushed out version 1.0.7.2942 for the PlayBook’s Tablet OS and it includes support for new languages, BlackBerry Bridge updates and multimedia enhancements. From the Inside BlackBerry blog:

BlackBerry® Tablet OS v1.0.7.2942 is available today and it introduces one small but very important new feature: differential updates. The differential updates feature allows us to update only the sections of the BlackBerry Tablet OS that require updating. This should result in smaller download file sizes and therefore faster updating for you! Of course, differential updates feature will also come in handy as we prepare for more feature-packed BlackBerry Tablet OS updates later this year. =D

Other improvements include:

• Improved Wi-Fi® connectivity to WEP networks
• Faster pairing between a BlackBerry smartphone and BlackBerry PlayBook tablet via the BlackBerry® Bridge™ app, and faster attachment opening via BlackBerry Bridge.

To get the update tap on Check for Updates under Software Updates in the Options menu or for help watch this video guide. Let me know how the new version works for you in the comments or in the forums!

via Inside BlackBerry