We mentioned File Commander for BlackBerry PlayBook before, and it looks like it is receiving another update to version 2.0.  Some of these new features in this update are:

• much better performance and speed
• sorting by date
• directories
• files counting
• improved file details
• displays free space on your PlayBook
• some new file format support
• minor UI changes
• bug fixes

We first told you about SMS Bridge back in August, and its ability to bridge your text messages to your BlackBerry PlayBook. Over the months we have watch this app add some really cool features, and with SMS Bridges latest update to version 13.18 it adds an auto-restart feature. When your BlackBerry smartphone reboots it automatically turns SMS Bridge on, so for those who always keeps their BlackBerry bridged this is a great feature for you. The app (for first time users) is reasonably priced at $3.99.

You can grab the SMS Bridge update here.

The Jared Company let us know they put out their popular application called Message Prevue on sale for only 99 cents.  Message Prevue provides a way to view incoming messages without exiting the screen you are already on.  We can look at this like notifications on the iPhone where a pop up comes up rather than having to exit out completely and open up messages.  Features of Message Prevue include:

• When you receive an BBM, email or SMS, a small pop-up appears on your screen showing name of sender and subject line. Nothing to open, nothing to boot, nothing to lose. You remain connected.
• The information won’t clutter your screen because the pop up slowly fades after you’ve seen who’s reaching out. Read and *poof*. Gone.
• You never have to access your email folder to see who’s contacted you. Senders and subjects of incoming texts are right in front of you. Sweet.

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Aside from the Client for Google Chat, the same developer released Client for Facebook chat, also for the BlackBerry PlayBook.  The Facebook chat feature is available through the native Facebook client, but some prefer a standalone chat application.  We have one for BlackBerry smartphones too which seemed to take off well.  Client for Facebook Chat carries a $1.99 price tag so determine if it’s something you’d like to buy.

Client for Facebook BlackBerry PlayBook >>

There’s no native Google Talk client for the BlackBerry PlayBook yet, so third party applications are the way to go for getting your fix for now.   Client for Google Talk is a simple and elegant app which of course allows you to chat with your Google Talk clients on it.  You can grab it at BlackBerry App World for $1.99.

Surely there are remote desktop apps for the BlackBerry PlayBook already, but those all require software to be downloaded on your PC or Mac.  Remote Desktop for BlackBerry PlayBook allows you to access Windows based computers.  All you’ll need is access to Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol which is obviously running on remote desktop services.  Features include:

• 8, 16, 24 and 32 bit color support
• Standard screen resolutions including the BlackBerry PlayBook native 1024×600
• Maintain a list of server with a single tap to connect
• Pinch-to-zoom
• RDP data compression and caching to save bandwidth
• Scroll lock to all for mouse integration for scrolling windows
• Double tap to open files
• Right Click button for context menus
• A menu icon to show the keyboard to ease text input
• Fit larger resolutions to the BlackBerry PlayBook screen to see your whole desktop or quickly switch back to the connected resolution with the tap of a button
• Maintain multiple connections t the same time and jump between them

  Last November, We let you know back in November, about an app for the BlackBerry handhelds called Pencil Camera. Well it looks like Eddy Liu has brought his app to the BlackBerry PlayBook, but it adds more features that you won’t see on the BlackBerry handheld version.

This app offers some great features such as:

• Six different art filters available. (Standard Pencil, Chalk, Colored Pencil, Charcoal, Brushed, Water Paper).
• Take a photo using camera directly within the app.
• Load and convert an existing photo into a work of art.
• Fast photo conversion process.
• Real-time brightness and contrast processing.
• Easily share photos on Facebook
• Simple, intuitive, and “lagless” UI.

The title says it all.  SimpleBrowser provides an alternative to your BlackBerry PlayBook web browser.  Based on the description, there’s the standard SimpleBrowser which will give you a super easy to use interface for web browsing without many bells and whistles in your way.  As for SimpleBrowserPlus (which is premium for $1.99), you’ll get features such as ad blocking, browsing in a 4 tabbed in environment, bookmark management, and more.  Click the links below to check it out.

SimpleBrowser (Free) >>

SimpleBrowserPlus (Premium) >>

Something I’ve been needing for the BlackBerry PlayBook was a solid remote desktop application which was smooth in operating and didn’t lag so much like most applications do.  I found Splashtop Remote Desktop HD for the BlackBerry PlayBook which provided just that.  Setup for it was a breeze and functionality was great.  Also, it’s compatible with both PC and Mac so it’s good for everyone (just about).  Splashtop Remote Desktop HD is also on sale for a limited time for only $4.99 as the regular price will be $19.99 once the promotion is over.  Click the link below for more information or to grab a copy.

Splashtop Remote Desktop HD for BlackBerry PlayBook >>

Last week we let you know about SayIt for BlackBerry which is a Siri-like application but for BlackBerry smartphones.  It was under beta for a bit then went on sale for $4.99.  Now the application has been approved in BlackBerry App World for those who were waiting for it to go all the way legit.  There’s a lot of fun voice prompts in the app so give it a shot!

SayIt for BlackBerry >>