The blogosphere is buzzing right now with rumors that Research in Motion may allow Android Applications to run on the BlackBerry PlayBook and other QNX powered devices if they decide to use the Dalvik VM, the same Java Virtual Machine used in Android. We figured that this would be a good time to ask BlackBerry users what they think, so, we put up a poll…
Dalvik VM
RIM Considering Allowing Android Apps To Run On The BlackBerry PlayBook
We just heard that Research in Motion is tossing around the idea of allowing Android Apps to run on the BlackBerry PlayBook.
We know that RIM is working on a Java Virtual Machine that will allow legacy apps to run on the BlackBerry PlayBook, and, according to BGR, there is a good chance that RIM could use the Dalvik VM. Yes, the very Davlick VM used in Android that would allow devices running QNX to run most apps developed for Android.
There are various approaches to this situation — one where RIM uses the open source Dalvik VM and does not involve Google, and another (incredible) scenario where RIM and Google might reach an agreement (basically “certify” the device/platform) that would provide official support to Android apps on RIM’s QNX-based OS, and would feature the Android Market, Google’s Gmail, Maps, and other apps.
On two occasions I’ve said that Research in Motion should build a device that runs Android. Although the BlackBerry PlayBook won’t run Android, RIM giving it the ability to run Android applications, if they choose to do so, is about the next best thing.