Shaping up as one of the big hardware launches of 2011, RIM has opened submissions for developers wanting to have launch apps and games available for its PlayBook tablet.

Its BlackBerry App World portal is now accepting content, and if apps are submitted and approved prior to the North American launch (date to be confirmed), developers will be eligible to get a free PlayBook, terms and conditions withstanding.

"Interest and momentum behind the BlackBerry PlayBook continues to build and we are thrilled with the positive response from both the developer community and our customers," said Tyler Lessard, RIM's veep global alliances and developer relations.

"We are very pleased to be working with developers in advance of the product launch and the opening of BlackBerry App World to accept PlayBook apps is an important next step."

Sharper tools

RIM also released an update to the beta version of the BlackBerry Tablet OS SDK for Adobe AIR.

This now supports Flash Builder 4.5 (Burrito/Flex Mobile) with plug-ins that work with either Flash Builder 4.0 or the pre-release version of Flash Builder Burrito. Flash Builder Burrito adds drag and drop capabilities, while the latest beta of the SDK also supports Windows in 64-bit and includes a simulator for Linux.

Developers can find out more about the free PlayBook offer here and PlayBook development here.