RIM announced updates concerning their Blackberry 10, new features that are slated to be introduced and the carrier testing which will start sometime next month. Apart from this, RIM also launched an update to the BlackBerry 10 development tools beta, helping improve performance and speed while designing apps for the operating system.
RIM is looking at something big, having updated the software of the BlackBerry 10 Alpha and the BlackBerry 10 stimulator, both of which will now support core apps on BlackBerry 10. These core apps include the calendar, contacts, BlackBerry 10 messenger and BlackBerry 10 message center. Besides, developers can now design apps for Blackberry 10 with the integration of BBM as well. Game developers are in for more updates as RIM is now offering a native C/C++ plug-in for its Microsoft Visual Studio, therefore allowing developers to quickly transfer games to the BlackBerry PlayBook and devices running on Blackberry 10. The Ripple Simulator is also expected to receive updates. Currently it incorporates the Adobe Cordova, API emulation and supports Blackberry 10 devices. Owing to the increasing demand for the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha Testing device, the production and distribution of the device has been pumped up, clearly to support their community of developers, enabling them to build excellent quality software and then effectively test it with the help of this device.
In the wake of heavy losses suffered by RIM, thanks to the domination of iOS and Android, it is important to watch how RIM now works on handling their relationship with developers involved with BlackBerry 10. Luring customers into switching to BlackBerry 10 over Android or iOS is going to be a task for RIM, something it will be able to successfully achieve only with the help and support of its developers. So far, they seem to be doing well on that front at least.
Currently, BlackBerry 10 is the most open ecosystem in the smartphone industry that allows developers to work on apps using the framework and language they are most comfortable with, be it HTML5, Qt, Android Java or Adobe AIR. This has so far resulted in the designing of engaging and high quality apps on the developer’s end. Hopefully, these updates and developments with the BlackBerry 10 will help RIM find their way back into the smartphone market amidst tough competition.
