BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.0.5 upgrade boosts Facebook interaction

Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) introduced its BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.0.5 over-the-air software update, promising a series of enhancements highlighted by deeper Facebook integration. The revamped Facebook for BlackBerry Tablet app--preloaded with BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.0.5--includes new features like video uploading (leveraging the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet's high-resolution video recorder), enhanced search, improved Pages access, message deletion and an improved news feed. RIM also deleted the Options icon from the Notifications bar but adds users may still access Options as well as the Help Center and Logout button by swiping down from the top frame of the tablet screen.

BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.0.5 also brings support for in-app payments, enabling users to purchase new game levels, new issues of magazines and other virtual goods. BlackBerry developers may now begin submitting tablet applications that integrate in-app payment options. Other BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.0.5 improvements include expanded language support for French, Italian, Dutch, German, Spanish, and UK English, video chat connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot detection and headset audio boost.

RIM notes that consumers who purchase the BlackBerry PlayBook on or after June 7 will be automatically updated to BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.0.5 during the initial setup process. Existing PlayBook users will be presented with a software update notification via the device's status ribbon, or they can locate the update in the Settings Menu under Software Updates.

RBC Capital Markets analyst Mike Abramsky projected last month that RIM has sold roughly 250,000 BlackBerry PlayBook units since launching the tablet in mid-April, adding that sales could reach the 500,000 mark by the end of Q2. RIM has not yet issued official sales figures.

For more:
- read this Inside BlackBerry blog entry

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