RIM has today announced that it has made a decision to delay the release of its second-generation tablet software until February 2012. This delay is intended to give the company some much-needed development time to tweak their new software, aiming to make it a viable competitor to Apple’s iOS 5 operating system. The decision underscores RIM’s commitment to delivering a polished and feature-rich experience for its users, even if it means waiting a bit longer.
RIM also announced that it was going to leave out a few elements of the service, including its BBM messaging application. This omission will likely cause more aggravation for BlackBerry users, as they will still need to connect their BlackBerry smartphones to the PlayBook to be able to send e-mail from it. The absence of BBM, a cornerstone of BlackBerry’s communication suite, could be seen as a significant drawback for users who rely heavily on this feature for their daily communication needs.
Developer Access and Expectations
Developers have already been given access to the BlackBerry SDK For The PlayBook OS 2.0, which RIM now hopes will allow them to develop applications ready for the launch in February 2012. This early access is crucial for building a robust app ecosystem that can compete with the likes of Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store. By providing developers with the tools they need well in advance, RIM aims to ensure that a variety of high-quality applications will be available at launch, enhancing the overall user experience.
RIM explains: “As much as we’d love to have it in your hands today, we’ve made the difficult decision to wait to launch BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 until we are confident we have fully met the expectations of our developers, enterprise customers, and end-users,” This statement highlights RIM’s focus on quality and user satisfaction, even if it means delaying the release.
Challenges and Market Impact
The delay comes at a challenging time for RIM, as the company has been struggling with a shrinking customer base and declining sales. The PlayBook, which was initially launched to compete with other tablets like the iPad, has faced criticism for its lack of native email and calendar apps, among other issues. The hope is that the new OS 2.0 will address these shortcomings and make the PlayBook a more attractive option for both consumers and enterprise users.
However, the delay could also have negative repercussions. In the fast-paced tech industry, timing is crucial, and any delay can result in lost market opportunities. Competitors are continuously releasing new products and updates, and a delay could mean that potential customers might opt for other devices that are readily available and offer similar or better features.
On the flip side, a well-executed OS 2.0 launch could rejuvenate interest in the PlayBook and help RIM regain some of its lost market share. The inclusion of new features, improved performance, and a richer app ecosystem could make the PlayBook a compelling choice for users looking for an alternative to the iPad and Android tablets.
Let’s hope the delay doesn’t add more problems to RIM’s shrinking customer base and sales. The company is at a critical juncture, and the success of the PlayBook OS 2.0 could play a significant role in determining its future in the highly competitive tablet market.
Source: V3
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
