SUPPORT FOR ANDROID APPS COMING TO BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK

RIM, makers of the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, is expected to launch the much awaited PlayBook OS 2.0 later this month. The new version of the operating system will add features such as a new calendar, contact and email apps.

The beta version of the PlayBook OS 2.0 which has been available for a while also includes an Android App Player which allows you to install Android apps that have been modified to run on the tablet.


RIM says that when PlayBook OS 2.0 releases this month, users will be able to download Android apps from the BlackBerry App World the same way they would download any other app for the tablet. RIM has already invited app developers to submit their apps. Those apps submitted for approval before February 6th will be available when PlayBook OS 2.0 launches.

One of the major problems that plagued the PlayBook tablet is the limited availability of third party apps. By adding support for Android apps RIM is hopping that it will be able to solve this issue. Meanwhile, RIM has no plans to exit the tablet space. The company will reportedly launch new tablets with faster processors and larger displays later this year.