Rumour: Leaked changelog reveals what’s new in BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1

RIM BlackBerry PlayBookIt looks like Research In Motion is getting ready to release an update to its PlayBook Tablet OS. Version 2.1 has been in beta for some time, giving everyone a sense of what to expect. A leaked changelog document obtained by CrackBerry has now given us a detailed list of upcoming features and changes, including some not in the current beta. It includes the following:

  • Software updates are no longer mandatory during setup. The customer can choose the best time to update for them.
  • Setting Up Wi-Fi connection is no longer mandatory at setup
  • Software updates can be done over a cellular network (4G models only)
  • Portrait Mode can now be used with the Email, Calendar, and Contacts App
  • Greater flexibility and control over which folders are wirelessly synced when using Active Sync
  • Full access to IMAP Email folders
  • The BlackBerry PlayBook now gives you the ability to conduct a video chat over 4G Cellular Networks (Some Carrier Restrictions May Apply)
  • Print To Go – Now you can send content to your BlackBerry PlayBook even if it’s not connected to the same WiFi network.
  • Android Apps will now run in individual windows rather than being lumped into one Android Player Window.
  • Apps which require access to the camera are now supported
  • In-App Payments can now be submitted. Buying that next power-up in your game is easier than ever!
  • Video Store is now available in Canada. Thousands of movies and TV shows, new & old, available on demand to rent or buy New releases available same day as DVD
  • Text Messaging is now supported with BlackBerry Bridge. When Bridged you can read, send and receive text messages on your BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.
  • When Bridged, and connected to WiFi, the BlackBerry PlayBook automatically sends and receives data over the WiFi network to decrease cellular data usage, and increase performance.

It’s likely that BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 will be the last update before the PlayBook gets upgraded to BlackBerry 10. A Q1/Q2 time frame is rumoured for that update.

There is no word yet on when RIM will release BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1. Maybe it will do so around the launch of the BlackBerry PlayBook 4G on July 31st.

Read more: CrackBerry