RIM gives free PlayBooks for Android app submissions
updated 10:00 pm EST, Thu February 2, 2012
Promotion runs for two weeks
Research In Motion is currently running a promotion for Android developers, handing out free BlackBerry PlayBooks to devs that submit apps to the BlackBerry App World. The program was announced by RIM's VP of developer relations, Alec Saunders, in a recent Twitter post.
Saunders' post directs developers to the company's DevZone site with a variety of tools designed to ease the transition to the PlayBook OS. The tools can be used to verify compatibility with the tablet and repackage apps for submission.
The free PlayBook promotion marks the latest attempt to woo Android developers to RIM's tablet platform. Although the tablet is capable of running standard Android apps, RIM is expected to maintain a focus on its own app portal rather than allowing users to access Google's official Android Market.
Developers will be able to receive free PlayBook tablets until February 13, which coincides with rumors pointing to February 17 as a launch date for the upcoming PlayBook 2.0 software upgrade. The update will bring a long list of improvements, including the Android Player that was initially expected to arrive last year.
