Research In Motion reveals its Playbook update, which remedies two major critiques the original OS: evolved email and Google Android apps.
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The Playbook OS 2.0 is available as a free download for current users and is already integrated into the new tablets. The biggest boost the new OS received was its email, which no longer requires the user to have a BlackBerry. RIM has finally caught up with other device designers, allowing Playbook users to access both personal and professional email as well as messages from the social media trifecta: Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Social features are also integrated into the tablet’s planning apps.
Speaking of apps, the company promises not only more options in its own library (RIM said it had 60,000 earlier this month and is adding “thousands” more), but also “a range” of Android apps. Finally, RIM’s video store, featuring 10,000 movies and TV shows, will be the icing on the content cake. However, the store will only initially be available in the U.S.
BlackBerry bonus: Those who do own the RIM smartphones can connect them to the tablet and use their keyboards to input text on the Playbook. This announcement was expected at Mobile World Congress, leaving many wondering what RIM has in store for next week.
Here’s how shares of RIMM are trading now:
Research In Motion Limited : RIMM shares recently traded at $15.09, up $0.02, or 0.13%. They have traded in a 52-week range of $12.45 to $69.34. Volume today was 1,891,940 shares versus a 3-month average volume of 23,498,900 shares. The company’s trailing P/E is 3.58, while trailing earnings are $4.25 per share.
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To contact the reporter on this story: Lindsey Grossman at staff.writers@wallstcheatsheet.com
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Damien Hoffman at editors@wallstcheatsheet.com
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