As expected, Research in Motion released BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 beta last night. The new operating system for RIM’s 7 inch tablet includes a number of improvements affecting web browser performance, the behavior of Android apps, and the default contact, calendar, and contact apps.
The latest version of the Android Runtime for PlayBook OS 2.1 allows Android apps to access the tablet’s camera. Android developers can also tap into the BlackBerry Payment SDK to collect money by selling items within an app.
Every Android app also now runs in its own window.
Email, calendar, and contact apps can now run in portrait mode. PlayBook OS 2.1 includes support for full device encryption. And screenshots are now saved as lossless PNG files.
You can sign up to receive the OS 2.1 beta on your tablet by registering your device with RIM. There are also simulators available for Mac and Windows computers.