As the first major update to PlayBook OS nears launch, so RIM is ramping up its efforts to court Android developers.

It's almost a year since RIM first announced its intention to support Android apps on its debut tablet, but only now has the company begun accepting submissions, with VP of developer relations Alec Saunders offering studios a free PlayBook if they make the leap.

Free for all

"The plan is to provide one free 16GB BlackBerry PlayBook to every registered BlackBerry App World vendor who converts their Android app for use and BlackBerry PlayBook and submits it to BlackBerry App World between 2 February and 13 February," confirmed the firm on its developer's blog.

"The applications will need to meet the BlackBerry App World Vendor Guidelines and there will of course be some terms and conditions that are principally designed to prevent abuse of the promotion."

RIM has also set up a new Runtime for Android site designed to help studios through the process, detailing the repackaging process and the various tools available for developers looking to bring their apps across to PlayBook.

[source: RIM]