Android apps will run on the BlackBerry Playbook, Research in Motion (RIM) has confirmed, massively boosting the range of applications on offer at launch.
Speculation that RIM would offer support for apps created for Google’s OS first surfaced earlier this year. However, the phone maker has now made it official after issuing a statement that apps created for Android devices packing the 2.3 version of the OS will be fully compatible with the Playbook.
The company stated: “Developers wanting to bring their new and existing apps to the highly anticipated BlackBerry PlayBook tablet will soon have additional tools and options to enhance and expand their commercial opportunities.
“Developers currently building for the BlackBerry or Android platforms will be able to quickly and easily port their apps to run on the BlackBerry Tablet OS thanks to a high degree of API compatibility.”
RIM added: “The new optional app players will be available for download from BlackBerry App World and will be placed in a secure ‘sandbox’ on the BlackBerry PlayBook.”
The move is a real fillip for the first-ever BlackBerry slate as it looks to take on its Android powered rivals and see off the just-launched iPad 2. Not least because apps for BlackBerry kit tend to be productivity and business-focussed titles that lack crossover appeal.
UK consumers are expected to be able to get their hands on the PlayBook from June.
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