RIM is considering adding a feature to its BlackBerry devices that will allow them to run Android apps. So says BGR, which has been told this by multiple sources. There are many tech considerations to this, if this does indeed become a reality - BGR does an excellent job of outlining these issues. For marketers, the possible consolidation of these two platforms - at least from an app perspective - is only good news. In one scenario, Google and RIM might agree to provide official support to Android apps on RIM’s OS, and would feature the Android market, Google’s Gmail and other apps, BGR said.
Google Dissatisfied
It would seem that RIM has the most to win from this deal - and in fact it does stand to gain a lot, assuming the accounts are true. At the same time there are also signs that Google is dissatisfied with the progress Android has made, according to a Forbes blog.
Although the number of Android smartphone users may be rising quickly, the number of purchases of paid apps in the Android Market is not doing nearly as well - something the is downright unhappy about. A venture with RIM is clearly one way to boost app sales.
Others, suggested in the post, which quoted Android platform manager Eric Chu, include an in-app payments system, carrier billing, better search for apps and more social functionality.
