BlackBerry PlayBook to support Android apps in App World

A press release put out Thursday by RIM brought news that has been quite expected. The approximately 250,000 apps in the Android Market will be available for use by those who buy the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. This was a possibility we reported on back in January. Thanks to a high degree of API compatibility, those who have developed Android apps should have an easy time porting their work over to the QNX platform that RIM is using on the PlayBook's OS and leaves open the possibility of having Android apps appearing on QNX flavored BlackBerry smartphones in the future.

Besides adding an app player for Android v2.3 apps, RIM is adding another app player for Java based apps for BlackBerry, which numbers about 25,000. The BlackBerry PlayBook, as we have told you, is expected to launch in the U.S and Canada on April 19th.

According to the press release, Android developers will have to repackage, code sign and submit an entry to RIM for approval.  PlayBook users will be able to download the apps and necessary app players from the BlackBerry App World. With a 1GHz dual-core processor, an open GL solution and the QNX software, RIM is able to bring Android apps to buyers of its first tablet.

Those attending BlackBerry World this May in Orlando (May 3-5) will be able to see demos of the new Java and Android app players. The app players will be available for the PlayBook sometime this summer

source: BGR