RIM to unveil new Playbook features at CES this week

LAS VEGAS – Research In Motion will be offering a sneak peek at some of the new features of BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 later this week at the Consumer Electronics Show, the company revealed Monday.

Some of the new functionality will include the BlackBerry Video Storefront, initially available in the U.S., offering “thousands of movies and TV shows” for download, with new releases made available for purchase or rent the same day they come out on DVD. Another feature is the new BlackBerry Bridge which will allow a user's BlackBerry smartphone to act as a keyboard and mouse for their PlayBook.

"BlackBerry PlayBook is already recognized for delivering powerful performance, true multi-tasking, advanced web browsing and HD multimedia in an ultra-portable design," said president and co-CEO Mike Lazaridis, in a statement. "With BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 we are building on this strong foundation, as well as leveraging our strengths in communications, social integration and productivity, to allow people to use their BlackBerry PlayBook in new ways throughout the day."

The PlayBook software update will be available as a free download for all users starting next month.

The company also said that it is showcasing the new BlackBerry 7.1 OS as well as updates to the BBM (BlackBerry Messenger), plus BlackBerry Traffic and BlackBerry Travel apps.