Blackberry is trying every trick in the book to regain its glory days of old. Good E Reader reports that many reputable game and app development companies are being approached by Blackberry to tweak and submit their leading apps on a newly developed section of Blackberry World. Blackberry has, like Apple, stuck to apps developed within their own OS framework but a new firmware update will herald a new era for Balckberry app users. They will be able to directly load Android (apk) files onto their Blackberries. To get the ball rolling Blackberry will offer some new Android apps for download direct from their online app store (Blackberry world).
At recent technology exhibitions (Pepcom & CES) at least four major game and app development companies have confirmed (to Good E Reader) that they have been approached by Blackberry to convert their star titles. Due to the fact that the current Android apps are already designed for 4-6 inch mobile phones, there is almost no work to be done on the developers part. Blackberry’s upcoming 10.3 firmware update will herald a huge change in the functionality of Blackberry phones. The update will allow native android apps to work on the Q5, Q10, Z10 and Z30 and thus give the user free reign as to what is loaded onto his/her smartphone. This will also expand the limited Blackberry World app store to encompass basically the the entire Android app universe.
Unfortunately there has been no official word from Blackberry on the official release date of 10.3, but some rumors suggest that they holding back the start of their marketing campaign until they can confirm at least 10 000 Android apps/games. This is undoubtedly a huge step for Blackberry. I am sure they will feel aggrieved that their own app platform isn’t sufficient, but this will surely make the struggling smartphone brand more attractive. This move can also result in a total Android takeover of Blackberry devices, only time will tell.
Source: Good E Reader
