At BlackBerry Jam Asia, Bangkok, Thailand, Research In Motion (RIM) has announced updates to its developer ecosystem programs, as well as BlackBerry Dev Alpha devices, the 10k developer commitment, with updated tools and more. These programs continue to drive enthusiasm and momentum of the BlackBerry 10 platform as it approaches its official launch in Q1 2013.
RIM has expanded its BlackBerry Dev Alpha program to include a BlackBerry Dev Alpha C test device for developers who want to test applications on a BlackBerry 10 device with a physical keyboard.
Developers who currently test their apps on BlackBerry Dev Alpha test devices can opt for a limited edition BlackBerry 10 device. RIM will swap a BlackBerry Dev Alpha test device for a limited edition BlackBerry 10 smartphone after the launch.
Ensuring that all apps pass RIM’s strict quality and certification, RIM has the Built for BlackBerry certification lab where developers can submit their apps for testing. Apps that pass the certification process will be considered for the 10k commitment. RIM would top up the amount a developer earns on a BlackBerry 10 app to $10,000 if the app has been approved through the Built for BlackBerry program and has earned a minimum of $1,000 over 12 months.
The BlackBerry 10 SDK also received the latest update. Some notable changes include additional support for installing BlackBerry 10 IDE on Mac OS X, an update to the Visual Studio Plug-In beta, forward compatibility for BlackBerry WebWorks HTML5 apps, sensor and orientation APIs for BlackBerry WebWorks, and more. The BlackBerry 10 SDKs will come out of beta into full launch on December 11, 2012.
The BlackBerry App Generator, powered by Mippin, can turn online content (RSS, Facebook®brand/fan pages, blogs, online galleries, etc.) into a great looking native BlackBerry app within minutes, making easy for developers to develop and publish apps.
RIM and Appcelerator are offering developers an opportunity to port their apps with Appcelerator’s Titanium platform and be rewarded for their efforts. The first 100 Appcelerator developers will receive a BlackBerry Dev Alpha test device once their applications have been submitted for review on BlackBerry World.
Check out the BlackBerry Developer blog and BlackBerry 10 official page.
[spoiler title=”Read full press release”]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BlackBerry 10 Developer Program Updated
Tools updates, new rewards, hardware opportunities, and revenue commitments to help drive further momentum among developers
Bangkok, Thailand – BlackBerry Jam Asia – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced updates to its developer ecosystem programs, including BlackBerry® Dev Alpha test devices, the 10k developer commitment, updated tools and more. These programs continue to drive enthusiasm from the developer community as they build for the BlackBerry® 10 platform.
“Developers from around the world are joining us on the last leg of the journey to the launch of BlackBerry 10 and we are thrilled at the enthusiasm we see from them. We have worked hard, and continue to work hard to meet the needs of developers,” said Alec Saunders, Vice President, Developer Relations and Ecosystems. “Developers asked for hardware to test their apps, and we delivered. They asked for the roadmap about the tools, and we posted it. They asked for RIM to show our confidence in developer success, and we’re doing it. We’ve continued to refine and add on to our developer programs to ensure we are giving developers the best opportunities for success with BlackBerry 10.”
BlackBerry Dev Alpha C
The BlackBerry Dev Alpha program is expanding to include a BlackBerry Dev Alpha C test device for developers who want to test applications on a BlackBerry 10 device with a physical keyboard. For now, developers can sign up for more information on how they can qualify for this upcoming test device. More information is available at: http://developer.blackberry.com/devalphac
BlackBerry Dev Alpha Device Swap*
Developers currently testing their applications on BlackBerry Dev Alpha test devices can now apply to be eligible for a limited edition BlackBerry 10 device. RIM will swap a BlackBerry Dev Alpha test device for a limited edition BlackBerry 10 smartphone after the launch. The deadline for applying is January 21, 2013 and developers must have an app submitted and approved on BlackBerry® World™. More information is available at: http://developer.blackberry.com/limitededition
Quality Apps and the BlackBerry 10k Commitment**
The Built for BlackBerry® certification lab is now open. Developers can submit their apps for testing to earn the Built for BlackBerry designation, which will signify a high-level of quality for customers. Developers can submit an app for Built for BlackBerry certification once the app has been submitted on BlackBerry® World and approved for sale. Applications need to pass the certification before they can be considered for the 10k commitment. RIM has previously announced that it would top up the amount an eligible developer earns on a BlackBerry 10 app to $10,000, if the app has been approved through the Built for BlackBerry program, and has earned a minimum of $1,000 over 12 months. More information and the full Terms and Conditions are available at: http://developer.blackberry.com/builtforblackberry/documentation/10kterms.html
BlackBerry 10 SDK Update
The BlackBerry 10 SDKs get their latest update today. The developer community has been providing feedback on the tools and this update will add support for installing the BlackBerry 10 IDE on Mac OS X, an update to the Visual Studio Plug-In beta, forward compatibility for BlackBerry® WebWorks™ HTML5 apps, sensor and orientation APIs for BlackBerry WebWorks, and more. The BlackBerry 10 SDKs will come out of beta into full launch on December 11, 2012. More information is available at: http://developer.blackberry.com
BlackBerry App Generator Gold Launch
The BlackBerry® App Generator, powered by Mippin, can turn online content (Rss, Facebook® brand/fan pages, blogs, online galleries, etc.) into a great looking native BlackBerry app within minutes. Apps built with the BlackBerry App Generator for BlackBerry® OS 5, OS 6, OS 7 and the BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet include social sharing organically, including BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™) integration. The BlackBerry App Generator can automatically take current BlackBerry App generator apps and create a BlackBerry 10 application, and publish it on BlackBerry World in time for the launch of BlackBerry 10. More information is available at:
BlackBerry and Appcelerator Offer*
RIM and Appcelerator are working together to offer developers a unique opportunity to port their apps with Appcelerator’s Titanium™ platform and be rewarded for their efforts. The first 100 Appcelerator developers will receive a BlackBerry® Dev Alpha test device once their applications have been submitted for review on BlackBerry World. Up to 10,000 developers will receive one year of free Appcelerator Cloud Services and Analytics once their apps are approved and up for sale on BlackBerry World. More information is available at: http://www.appcelerator.com/blackberry10
Useful Links
Appcelerator Press Release – http://press.rim.com/newsroom/press/2012/appcelerator-blackberry.html
BlackBerry Developer Community Jam Zone – http://developer.blackberry.com/jamcommunity/
DevBlog – http://devblog.blackberry.com
BlackBerry 10 Information Page – www.blackberry.com/blackberry10
* Restrictions apply. See Terms and Conditions for complete details.
** Restrictions apply. See Terms and Conditions for complete details. All amounts are in U.S. Dollars
[/spoiler]
