CES 2012: 'Thousands' of new apps on board as RIM dishes the details on PlayBook OS 2.0

After a dire start, RIM will be hoping the forthcoming roll out of version 2.0 of its PlayBook OS will help boost sales of its flagging tablet.

The OS update – which follows the firm's decision to slash the device's RRP to $299 to shift surplus inventory – will be officially unveiled at CES 2012, bringing what RIM claims is thousands of new apps to the platform.

Naturally, the new version of the OS brings with it a host of fresh or updated features, such as a native e-mail client designed to enable tab-based browsing through multiple e-mails.

Support for Rich Text documents is also on offer, as well as an update to the contacts and calendar applications, with better integration between PlayBook's contacts list and multiple social networks and e-mail contacts.

There's no word on how games will benefit from the update, though RIM has chosen to showcase the already available Angry Birds and the forthcoming Cut the Rope at the event.

Leverage

"BlackBerry PlayBook is already recognised 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."

Other updates include the ability to remote control PlayBook via a BlackBerry smartphone, wireless printing and BlackBerry Balance and Mobile Fusion – technology that enables both personal and corporate data to be shared within a business securely.

[source: RIM]