Developers who work on Android apps have been asked to repackage applications for use on RIM’s updated PlayBook. The latter is expected to be released later this month.
I am not sure when this request was put out by Research in Motion but, the deadline is the 6th February, which seems rather short notice to me.
Without a doubt, RIM is really trying to regain much of the ground it lost this past 12 months. Whether this latest news helps is yet to be tested. However, RIM is keen on getting the new version of the PlayBook out along with the new operating system. So from the company’s point of view it makes sense for developers to work as quickly as possible if they want to reap early rewards.
However, RIM is confident app developers can do it. A spokesperson for the Canadian outfit said “I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy the porting process is.”
RIM’s request to app developers does come with a few “rules” though. Perhaps the most interesting one is that the word Android must not appear in any repackaging. Also, any previous links to the Android Market must be removed.
Why has RIM decided to open up the PlayBook to Google Apps users?
The company management probably feels that not to do so is likely to cause more consternation. The BlackBerry tablet is struggling; Android isn’t. So, it probably makes marketing sense to go with the market leader.
I agree.
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