One of the features rolling out with BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 is the BlackBerry Remote function.  This allows you to use your BlackBerry smartphone as a mouse and keyboard on your BlackBerry PlayBook.  Awesome.  As you know, BlackBerry Bridge updated a couple hours ago, which is obviously going hand in hand with BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 launching in only few hours (too long if you ask me).  After downloading the new version of Bridge, I noticed the Remote feature is built-in and yes it does work with your current PlayBook OS whether it’s the official 1.0.8 or beta 2.0 as I have tested them both out.  Functionality seems smooth so far.  Easy to switch between applications, two finger scrolls when browsing websites, and pretty much doing everything you want to do without having to actually touch the screen physically.

So this is how it’s done.  Simply open up BlackBerry Bridge and select “Use Remote Control” and you’re set.  Also, PlayBook OS 2.0 Beta is a bit buggy.  You will get a few times where the connection fails when enabling the remote feature.  On OS 1.0.8, we get the feature flawlessly from what I’ve seen first hand from various connect/disconnect sessions.  Enjoy it!

It’s coming!  We’re close to the official launch of BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0.  The OS is definitely something BlackBerry lovers have been following all year and waiting to see when it would finally come.  The rumored launch is tomorrow at 4:01 AM, so we’ll have to wait and see if that time actually comes.  In the mean time, BlackBerry Bridge has updated to version 2.0.0.25 in BlackBerry App World.  As I’m sure you all recall in the past, BlackBerry Bridge would always update right before a new OS update for the PlayBook would launch.  So here it is- we can only assume the launch rumors for PlayBook OS 2.0 are true at this point.  In the meantime stand by as Bridge updates on your smartphone or click the link below to download it manually.

BlackBerry Bridge >>

 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

BlackBerry Bridge got a small update from version 1.0.7.4 to 1.0.7.5 today, which addressed a single bug.  The issue some people were having before was that the add a new tablet function would not appear or work on some devices.  That seems to be the only fix.  Once upon a time we received Bridge updates when a new OS would be releasing but this doesn’t seem to be the case here.

Download BlackBerry Bridge >>

So the mobile hotspot feature finally leaked out last week in an OS 7.1 build for the BlackBerry Bold 9900.  It’s still an early build and we hope to see better stability in the future.  So I was curious to see how well it would do hotspotting to my PlayBook while having Bridge connected and using it as I normally would.  That includes moderate email usage, BBM messaging (replies as they come) and web browsing.  Oh yes, and I downloaded N.O.V.A. 2 HD which actually finished in under 20 minutes (impressive).  My battery started off at full of course and in a matter of three hours I was in the red zone ready to charge again.

So lesson learned, I’m going to need to stack up on my 9900 spare batteries or get some kind of extended battery or charging case for the thing if I’m going to indulge in WiFi hotspotting and overdose on Bridge (as I do now keeping it on all day).

BlackBerry Bridge updated earlier this morning to version 1.0.7.4.  It’s nice to see a Bridge update since usually an OS update comes to the BlackBerry PlayBook after, but this doesn’t seem to be the case for now.  Perhaps it ties in with users on OS 2.0 on their PlayBooks.  So for those running the developer beta, let us know if you see Bridge working!

Download BlackBerry Bridge >>

I’m surprised to see this one fly by approvals in BlackBerry App World.  Here’s an alternative Bridge application for BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 users.  Originally Bridge just wouldn’t work at all.  Then we let you know about a not so convenient work around, but it still worked!  Now we bring you a third party app the does the trick!  The only features missing here are Bridge Browser and Bridge Files.

Download Bridge OS2 >>

BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 is under a developer beta now, but open to the public to try out.  I went ahead and put it on my own personal PlayBook rather than just using the one RIM gave out at DevCon with it preloaded.  The dilemma faced? Bridge apps were not working at all!

Now for the solution.  Did you know you can access BlackBerry Bridge apps from your Bridge Browser? Here’s how to do it!

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One of the key features of the BlackBerry PlayBook is BlackBerry Bridge.  Some see it as an inconvenience because they’d rather have everything natively on the tablet, while others see it as a secure way of accessing your personal stuff including email, BBM, calendar, and more.  I find myself not using Bridge as much as I see others use it and wanted to know how the majority went about it.  Some people I found having it connected all the time when using their PlayBook and others only did when wanting to BBM or email freely on a larger touchscreen display.  Let us know in the comments!

Earlier today BlackBerry Bridge updated to version 1.0.6.5.  You know what that means – a PlayBook update soon perhaps? That’s the way it’s been so far and I doubt we’ll be disappointed today.  Also tonight is RIM’s earnings call and maybe they’ll mention an OS update for the PlayBook, hoping it’s 2.0 so we get Android Player and native PIM apps.  In the meantime, click the link below to download the latest version of BlackBerry Bridge.

Download BlackBerry Bridge >>