BlackBerry use of Android backed by Waterloo tests

RIM's suspected plans to run Android apps on BlackBerry were given support on Thursday by unusual findings from ShopSavvy. The mobile app developer said it recorded four instances between January and February of old BlackBerry phones, ranging from the original 8300 Curve through to its 8520 sequel and the 8600, running its Android app. While these could be faked, all of them came from Waterloo, or RIM's headquarter city.

It's doubtful the devices are fast enough to run Android smoothly and would never get the upgrade themselves. They also lack touchscreens. It's instead possible that the devices weren't running Android at all and that a more modern device, such as the PlayBook or a future Curve, was running the OS and using a deliberately masked identity to avoid revealing a device prematurely.

The rumor has never been acknowledged by RIM and is still uncertain. Earlier claims would have the PlayBook and newer smartphones using a custom Java engine that would run most, though not necessarily all, Android apps as though they were native. RIM is thought worried that a lack of apps might hurt its devices and would use Android as a way of padding its platform until more developers write native apps.

By Electronista Staff