On Tuesday, Research In Motion Limited (TSE:RIM) announced that BlackBerry 10 is ready for software developers. At the upcoming Blackberry World event, they will give developers a prototype called the DevAlpha device, which is a phone that looks a lot like an Android with a 4.2″ screen, OMAP processor, and HDMI output.
They are also releasing the native software development kit which will give developers a key to access Application Programming Interfaces so they can access core device functions and build HTML5 apps. It will also feature Cascades user interface framework to create rich looking graphics.
Cascades was originally created by The Astonishing Tribe, a company that was bought up by RIM two years ago.
RIM hopes to release a revolutionary BlackBerry later on this year.
Unlike some of their competitor companies Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), RIM has had a hard time getting third-party companies to create applications for BlackBerry devices but Alec Saunders (RIM’s head of developer relations) claims this new phone will feature cutting-edge applications for a more interactive experience.
RIM has also mentioned that they’re working with a few companies to ensure that they have new applications in time for when the devices are released. The list of developers include Wikitude(augmented reality software), Poynt(local search app), Endomondo(fitness app), and PixelMags(magazine store).
Does this mean that Research In Motion has a promising future? It is too early to tell, but some developers are actually looking forward to BlackBerry 10. TruPhone’s Adam Linford says that RIM is going down the right path and their platform support for open-source components that make it easier to build apps.
It sounds like RIM is working hard to make up for lost revenue but is it too late? Many companies have already put a lot of stake in creating apps for successful tech companies like Apple and Android, I really doubt they would take a risk in developing applications for a failing company.
