RIM's decision to support Android apps was taken by many as a shrewd way of ensuring PlayBook has access to a sizeable app library from launch - April 19 in the US. 

The firm's argument, however, is that it's just one element of a strategy that make BlackBerry the most suitable home for developers.

In a post on the firm's official blog, RIM's SVP of software, services and enterprise markets Jim Tobin describes BlackBerry as being "the most committed of any mobile platform to providing both our customers and developers with uncompromised solutions."

Super stars

Indeed, he goes as far as to claim that developers utilising the BlackBerry tools are able to create - in official RIM speak apparently - Super Apps.

These are apps that use the "growing set of on-device APIs to enable best-in-class integration."

As such, RIM would rather studios work on titles specifically designed for PlayBook - showing the device in its best light – but, from a consumer basis, adding Android support was a no brainer.

"The bottom line is we continue to advance software technologies and other capabilities in order to offer the best platform for both users and developers," says Tobin.

“Our customers will benefit from having access to highly optimised and integrated apps developed specifically for the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet using BlackBerry tools, as well as a much bigger catalog of apps drawing from multiple other sources, such as the Adobe Flash and Adobe AIR, HTML5 and JavaScript developer communities and now the Android developer community."

Step by step

Keeping things tied to BlackBerry App World isn't just a way of ensuring RIM has a hand in any revenue generated, either.

Rather, Tobin argues, it will enable RIM to deliver a seamless experience that will ensure consumers aren't left scratching their heads.

"This is all being done through our BlackBerry App World storefront to manage the app discovery and download processes for consumers," he adds.

It all suggests RIM's newfound take on open development is designed to coax developers into the BlackBerry ecosystem, and then get them hooked.

The prospect of serving up Super Apps – tapping into full multitasking, faster processing HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript support - could tempt those who originally launch Android apps to expand their activity into something more extensive.

RIM has also confirmed that full tooling support for native C/C++ development on PlayBook will launch in the coming months, as will support from development tools such as Ideaworks Labs' Airplay SDK. 

After Android

"Because of the app players we're providing, if there are developers currently developing for the Android platform, they can now rapidly move onto our platform while they evaluate our other development paths," says Tobin.

"We can now offer such developers an on-ramp to package and distribute their apps to our growing customer base of consumers, enterprises and governments."

RIM will lift the lid on further details regarding PlayBook development at the BlackBerry World conference in early May.

[source: RIM]