RIM delays BlackBerry PlayBook 2.0 software until 2012, drops BBM feature

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Despite showing off the new BlackBerry PlayBook 2.0 software and making a version available to developers last week, RIM has announced that it will not release the software upgrade to its ill-fated tablet until February, 2012, much later than originally expected. In addition, the company is not going to offer its BlackBerry Messenger service on the tablet with the upgrade, something that was expected to already be available at this time.

The BlackBerry PlayBook 2.0 software upgrade includes a number of enhancements to the platform, including the ability to run Android applications. It also has support for RIM's new Cascades user interface engine that offers new animations and improved experience for users. RIM also promises to add the long-awaited native email, calendar, and contact apps that users have been asking for since the PlayBook was originally launched earlier this year.

The BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 software is a significant upgrade, and adds a lot of necessary features to the tablet. But, by February, 2012, we are not sure that many people will care. [RIM]