PlayBook OS 2.0

In February, RIM will release PlayBook OS 2.0 for downloading, finally issuing a revamp promised almost since the tablet launched in April 2011.

The PlayBook’s new integrated messaging app lets users combine their email accounts with the messaging platforms for social-networking Websites such as LinkedIn.

When composing emails, PlayBook users can rely on a variety of rich-text options.

The integrated calendar app will allow PlayBook users to view contacts, with information about the latter automatically consolidated from social-networking Websites.

According to RIM, the PlayBook’s new contacts hub will consolidate everything from news stories to mutual contacts for each contact in one’s list.

An integrated Video Store app will include new releases for rent or purchase.

Other improvements baked into PlayBook OS 2.0 include an updated Documents to Go, with enhanced virtual keyboard support, as well as folders for related apps.

RIM is emphasizing a more robust library of games and entertainment for the PlayBook.

Developers can now use Android tools to submit apps to BlackBerry Marketplace, potentially opening a new market for third-party developers.

The PlayBook’s more noteworthy features upon its release, including the ability to multitask, are preserved in this new release. The same gesture controls apply.