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RIM launches BlackBerry 7.1, previews PlayBook OS 2.0

January 9, 2012 — 11:06am ET | By Jason Ankeny

Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) unveiled version 7.1 of its BlackBerry smartphone operating system, highlighted by the introduction of the new BlackBerry Tag content sharing feature. RIM will begin rolling out BlackBerry 7.1 today, stating the update will expand to carrier partners worldwide in the weeks to come.

First announced in October, the Near Field Communications-based BlackBerry Tag enables consumers to share contact information, documents, URLs, photos and related multimedia content simply by bumping their BlackBerry smartphones together. Users can also pair their BlackBerry device with an NFC-enabled Bluetooth unit and transform their phone into a mobile hotspot capable of supporting up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including tablets and laptops. BlackBerry 7.1 additionally supports carrier-implemented Wi-Fi voice services.

BlackBerry 7.1 brings version 6.1 of RIM's signature BlackBerry Messenger feature. In addition to BlackBerry Tag support, BBM 6.1 boasts new animated avatars and emoticons, customizable chat bubbles and expanded online profiles. Also new: BlackBerry Traffic 3.0, which brings hands-free turn-by-turn voice guidance and estimated times of arrival determined by current traffic conditions, as well as an enhanced BlackBerry Maps bringing special offers, coupons and discounts from nearby vendors.

BlackBerry continues to fall from favor with consumers: The operating system currently powers 16.6 percent of all U.S. smartphones, down from 19.7 percent in August 2011, according to research firm comScore. Devices running Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android make up 46.9 percent of all smartphones across the U.S., followed by Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS at 28.7 percent.

During this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, RIM also is previewing the forthcoming PlayBook OS 2.0, promising tablet users new tools to improve personal and professional interactions. Highlights include a new unified inbox, multitasking within email, a new calendar app touting information about contacts and companies in the user's meeting schedule, a relationship-centric contacts app and new productivity features.

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