Research in Motion (RIM) released its latest upgrade for the PlayBook’s operating system on Feb. 21, 2012. This release comes almost a year later from when RIM should have deployed the upgrade.
Release Details
- The upgrade includes built-in email, calendar and contacts for the PlayBook.
- The PlayBook OS 2.0 is a free download. A user may now use a BlackBerry as a keyboard or mouse with the tablet.
Analysis of the Release
This release does little to regain interest with smartphone users. The public already knows the company has encountered a delay with its software platform for BlackBerry users. Because the PlayBook has not lived up to expectations, RIM will have to attempt to win back market share in the smartphone industry. The BlackBerry upgrade should take place later this year. While the company had to deploy the latest OS for its PlayBook, focusing on its smartphone users seems the company’s only hope.
While the company has 75 million subscribers, analysts report that RIM will continue to lose market share internationally, as the company has in the United States. Perhaps the latest figure regarding RIM’s net worth says it all – the company is now worth $7 billion. That is down from $75 billion a few years ago.
Concluding Thoughts
RIM still has many challenges to overcome. While the company appointed a new CEO last month, has slashed tablet prices and has finally released the PlayBook’s latest operating system, many of these moves may come too late.
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