Blackberry released two bits of news today. The first was about the upcoming new version of it’s mobile application store, Blackberry App World. Version 1.1 of the app store will be available in 11 more countries, and in a variety of languages. But before the arrival of ver1.1, Blackberry is launching a new independent mobile developer portal, to help third-party developers submit apps to the store.
On 31st of this month, Blackberry App Store ver1.1 will launch. It’s coming to 11 new countires: France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Austria, Luxembourg, Republic of Ireland (woot!), Belgium, Portugal, the Netherlands and the Channel Islands. The portal will have fully translated search and exploration functions, as well as locally relevant app suggestions.
But ahead of that, this Sunday the new submission portal will launch. The new portal allows developers to upload multiple language versions of their apps, which they can target via particular networks in the country.
More info on the update, along with SDKs for developers, are at www.blackberry.com/developers
What we think?
Blackberry are trying to attract smaller developers to the portal with prize money. For developers who submit an app before the end of September, there’s the possibility of winning $100,000. It’s not a random draw – Blackberry is looking for innovative apps. But it does show something of the lengths Blackberry will go to to attract developers to its platform.
