RIM on Tuesday announced the availability of a new software update for the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. Before we get into all the details, we should note that this is not the major update PlayBook users have been waiting for that will enable email and PIM functions without the need to tether. Now that we have that out of the way, version 1.0.5 of RIM’s QNX-based operating system brings the following additions to the BlackBerry PlayBook: the Facebook app is now preloaded, in-app payment support has been ...

According to a report from CIO, BlackBerry users who installed RIM’s latest update for the tablet’s QNX operating system are now experiencing weakened battery life. The recent 1.0.3 software update introduced BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) and video chat to the device, but it also appears to have had a substantial impact on battery life, possibly reducing it by 11% or more. RIM addressed the issue by suggesting that users accept the new license agreement for video chat, which may drain the battery if ...

Microsoft on Monday announced that its first software update for the Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system is now available. Unfortunately, this is not the update most users have been waiting for — it does not include the exciting updates Microsoft has been dangling over users’ heads such as third-party multitasking support and better state-saving. In fact, it doesn’t even include support for copy/paste functionality. From Microsoft’s blog:This first update for Windows Phone is designed ...

Microsoft on Thursday published a new knowledge base article to its support site that suggests the first update to the Windows Phone 7 operating system may soon be released. The article details troubleshooting information in the event a software update does not install properly. The highly anticipated first software update for Windows Phone 7 is expected to introduce various new features including the ability to cut, copy and paste text. The update may also fix a bug recently identified by Microsoft that caus...

Reports of a Windows Phone 7 OS update trickling out to developer phones first surfaced over the weekend. As part of that update, it looks like a very highly anticipated feature has finally made its way to Windows Phones — copy/paste. Microsoft admitted months before Windows Phone 7 launched that it would have to omit copy/paste functionality from the release version of its new mobile OS, but it also said an early update would add the feature. Thankfully, it looks like Microsoft will be true to its word and...

It came a bit later than we expected — reportedly due to a last minute Wi-Fi bug on the iPad — but Apple fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Apple has pushed out its iOS 4.2.1 update for the iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and iPod touch. The most notable changes will come for iPad users, who have been anxiously awaiting iOS 4 for what seems like an eternity. They will now be able to enjoy Apple’s multitasking workaround for third-party apps, folders, AirPrint capabilities, a unified in...

Verizon Wireless began rolling out a new minor software update Thursday evening. While the listed improvements are hardly earth shattering, there is one addition that is of particular interest: Verizon’s V CAST Apps store. The new store will allow DROID Incredible users to download and install applications in a manner similar to the Android Market, but V CAST Apps supports carrier billing. This means purchases made can be billed to a subscriber’s Verizon Wireless account as opposed to a credit car...

According to a well connected Android enthusiast with a solid track record, Motorola’s DROID 2 is on the verge of a software update that will bring with it some solid new functionality. While no information is currently available along the lines of a release date for the new OS build, two attractive new features have been revealed. The first is the presence of DROID Pro-like device profiles, allowing the user to easily switch between multiple home screen configurations. The second major change is the pr...

As Google prepares to release a fresh new version of Android, Sony Ericsson has announced that it will finally push out an OS update for three of its smartphones… to Android 2.1. No, the Xperia X10 family won’t be gobbling down Gingerbread any time soon, or even feasting on FroYo. Instead, the Xperia X10, Xperia X10 mini and Xperia X10 mini pro will all be stuck eating Eclair beginning Sunday, October 31st. Oh and if you have an AT&T-branded X10, you’ll have to wait until some time in No...

Most of you G1 owners and Android fanatics have been anticipating “Cupcake” for a while by now – and why wouldn’t you? There haven’t been many details, which always stirs up hype, but word is that there will be plenty of fixes and updates to existing features on the G1 and Android, including an on-screen keyboard. Unfortunately, and we hate to do this to you, there is no solid date or time frame for this update, but according to a report from Engadget states that it should happen...