BlackBerry App World applications more profitable than Android apps

Here’s another shocker from BlackBerry’s DevCon event in Amsterdam - RIM execs brought clarity about the BlackBerry App world saying apps on it are actually more profitable than their counterparts in the Android Market.

Newly appointed man-in-charge Thorsten Heins said that the App World is now home to over 60,000 applications. While that’s a mere fraction of the hundreds of thousands on the App Store or the Android Market, Heins said that BlackBerry developers could profit more from their apps than Android programmers. Apps on the App World allegedly bring 40% more profits than Android apps, and an impressive 13% of developers for the platform have cashed in over $100,000 from apps. There are 174 million app downloads each month, equalling 6 million downloaded apps a day, according to The Verge. This brings the total to 30 applications downloaded by each user, which is quite impressive actually.

Finally, Heins added that the BlackBerry PlayBook OS now supports Qt, which is an interesting move that can attract disillusioned Symbian developers.

Blackberry App World Applications Store:

RIM BlackBerry 3G+ PlayBook

It has to be tough for a company that was in a healthy position looking back a few years ago, but since then, they’ve been unable to contend in the competitive smartphone market. Heck, they even made a stab to enter the lucrative tablet market, but as we’ve seen with the PlayBook, it hasn’t quite taken off all that well – and it doesn’t help when reports hint to lackluster sales. Well, with 2011 behind us and 2012 bringing some much-needed change for the company, it’ll be intriguing to see where the company goes with its portfolio.

Interestingly enough, we’re getting a good look into what RIM intends to bring to the tablet this year – well, that’s because RIM’s entire 2012 roadmap has been leaked. First up on the table is what appears to be a 3G enabled version of the QNX based tablet, simply dubbed as the 3G+ BlackBerry PlayBook. Rather than calling it a 4G tablet outright, the attached “3G+” name is on there because the leaked slides mentions HSPA+ connectivity as its biggest differentiator with the previous model, as opposed to being a 4G LTE equipped model. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like we’ll be seeing a 10-inch PlayBook of some sort, as some of the previous rumors have indicated.

Secondly, RIM appears to be positioning two new Curve models as being a part of its “onboarding” category, which is nothing more than internal speak for a device that’s intended to bring feature phone users to smartphones. Looking at the leaked slides, these expected first time smartphone users will probably find the BlackBerry Curve 9220 and 9320 as the perfect models.

Specs-wise, they’re nothing worth bragging about seeing that they’re very entry-level like. In fact, the two smartphones feature a 2.44 QVGA display (not a touchscreen), GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, microSD card slot, 512MB RAM, and that typical Curve keyboard. Well, what’s different between the two is that the 9220 packs a 2-megapixel fixed focus camera, while the 9320 packs on a 3.2-megapixel extended depth of field camera. So yeah, they’re hardly devices deemed as next-generation, but then again, the Curve series has also been associated with low-end specs.

Last on the list and on tap for a later release in the year, is none other than RIM’s first BlackBerry 10 powered smartphone – codenamed London. Initially, it’s expected to land sometime in late September, but the leaked roadmap alludes to a later October release. Needless to say, that can be a damper for those itching to see RIM’s first BlackBerry 10 smartphone, but when you take into account what’s at stake, the later release might be beneficial – especially when expectations are going to be riding high for it.

So there you have it folks! We’re given an idea as to what RIM intends to accomplish this year, but if course, release dates and devices can change at any time.

Asphalt 6 Adrenaline HD for the BlackBerry PlayBook is priced at $0.99 for a limited time

Not too long ago, last month to be exact, iOS users were treated to a free download of the popular game Asphalt 6 Adrenaline, which is pretty nice all around since it normally carries a cost. Well, BlackBerry PlayBook owners have a special deal where they can pick up the game for very cheap.

Specifically, Asphalt 6 Adrenaline HD for the PlayBook is now priced at an easy to swallow price tag of $0.99 for a limited time. Even though it still carries a cost, as opposed to the free one that iOS users were treated to last month, it’s still not bad of a deal – especially when you take into account its usual price of $6.99.

Naturally, seeing that it’s tagged with the “HD” branding with its name, it’s enabled to work swimmingly with the PlayBook’s display and hardware. Therefore, you’ll be treated to a visually intensive game that’s sure to showcase the processing power of the compact tablet.

Who knows how long the game will be priced at $0.99, but you shouldn’t second-guess at making the purchase since it’ll provide hours of extensive game play on the go. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed by it – well, that’s unless they make the game free very soon.

RIM cancelled BlackBerry Colt, Milan, working on only one BlackBerry 10 device?

If trouble for RIM wasn’t enough after it announced that it’s BlackBerry 10 devices will get delayed and released only in late 2012, it now turns out that devices might be a bit exaggerated - the company is rumored to have slashed all development to a single device. And here’s when you can wave goodbye to the BlackBerry Colt and Milan.

The Colt has reportedly been cancelled and the Milan that just leaked out last month was never planned as a QNX BlackBerry 10 handset, but only as a BlackBerry 7 device, according to BGR’s various sources. Carriers have reportedly revolted against selling another BB 7 handset so similar to the Torch and that might have been the reason for the cancellation.

When it comes to the BlackBerry London, it’s still being negotiated with carriers, but it’s said to have changed a little in terms of design. Finally, reportedly when Porsche representatives showed up at RIM’s offices to check on the progress made on the design of the Porshe BlackBerry 9900, they said “it was a complete disaster.”

Now, we’d take this with a grain of salt - it’s nothing but a rumor so far, but BGR has been often spot on with BlackBerry news in the past so it’s possible. Does a single QNX phone release for RIM rings positive or negative prospects for the Canadian company? Weigh on the issue in the comments below.