Android apps may reach BlackBerry handsets as well as PlayBook
Evidence emerges of testing that may solve RIM's application worries
Published: 25 February, 2011
READ MORE: US | Research In Motion | Applications | Handset | Tablet
It has been reported by app developer ShopSavvy that an upcoming Android application it has created has been tested on a number of BlackBerry handsets. This intriguing news comes not long after rumours that RIM were considering making its PlayBook tablet compatible with Android applications. Some were skeptical at the news but this is further proof that RIM is working on a radical solution to its lack of Apps.
Apart from the fact that it doesn't run Android the PlayBook is a promising tablet in every other respect with a dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM and a competitive price tag. As RIM has shown with its failure to attract the same amount of developers to its BlackBerry OS as Android and even Windows Phone 7 has the chances of the PlayBook of being popular with consumers and businesses users will be limited by its number of apps. The last official milestone to be announced for its app world was 10,000 compared to Android which has ten times that amount in its store.
It is not known how RIM is getting the Android apps to run on its handsets but it was said that they were experimenting with the Dalvik Virtual Machine which would allow the PlayBook to run the applications.
Three models of BlackBerry phone have been found to be used for the testing including the BlackBerry 8300, BlackBerry 8600 and Blackberry 8250. The fact that tests can be traced back to Waterloo, Ontario where RIM is based supports the idea the phone maker is in fact working to get Android apps on its phones.
The PlayBook looks set to be released in March and even if doesn't come with access to Android apps is still expected to sell 3m units by the end of February 2012. The coming weeks should yield more information on what exactly is going with RIM and its attempts to harness the power of Google's Android apps.
More US News
More RESEARCH IN MOTION News
More PROCESSOR News
COMMENTS
BYOD: Market Analysis and Forecasts
An in-depth insight into the rise of BYOD policies within the enterprise and analysis of the impact the trend will have on IT departments,...
Voice Command, Control and Search on Mobile Phones: Market Analysis & Forecasts
This report provides a comprehensive insight into the growing importance of voice command, control and search on handsets, analysing...
Data Centre Network Equipment: Market Analysis and Forecasts
This report provides a global assessment of the data centre network equipment market. Besides assessing the key market trends, sub-markets...
HetNet Market Summary & Forecasts: Macro Cells, Small Cells & Wi-Fi Offload
Carriers are struggling to cope with the explosion of data traffic on their networks, and the additional deployment of LTE and legacy...
Over-the-Top Communications: Threats & Opportunities for Mobile Operators
This report examines the implications of widespread adoption of mobile over-the-top IP communications for mobile operators, handset...
Portable Gaming Consoles: Market Analysis and Forecasts
This report provides a global assessment of the PGC market. In addition to assessing the key market drivers, market barriers, vendor...
Satellite Phones: Will Dual Mode Help the Phoenix Rise from the Ashes?
Satellite phones have followed an arduous path since their much-hyped launch more than a decade ago. The hype was followed by an e...
