Research In Motion has released a free upgraded operating system for its struggling PlayBook computer tablet. The release comes nearly a year later than it initially said it would be coming out. And some investors are wondering whether it is too late.
The BlackBerry maker said the software allows for built-in email, calendar and contacts on the tablet. When RIM launched the PlayBook last April, it said would add the features within 60 days,but later pushed that back to the summer, then to October and finally to February.
The PlayBook got negative reviews for lacking an email program and the popular messaging service BlackBerry Messenger. Even so, the new version still doesn't include the popular messaging service.
The PlayBook OS 2.0 software update is available as a free download. It also allows users to use their BlackBerry phone as a keyboard and mouse for the Playbook. PlayBook was RIM's first effort to move beyond smartphones But, the tablets haven't been selling well, forcing the company to sell them at a deep discount.
(Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)