BlackBerry 10 could be RIM’s saving grace with 19k app submissions

It looks like things are going pretty well for Research in Motion (RIM) as it heads towards the final leg before the launch of the much-anticipated and talked about BlackBerry 10. According to the company, it has received a “remarkable” response from the BlackBerry developer community.

Currently sitting with 19 000 apps submitted to BlackBerry World for review, the Waterloo-based company has decided to push back the deadline for its developer incentive program.

“The response and interaction from developers has been nothing short of amazing,” said Alec Saunders, RIM VP of Developer Relations. “This continues to show an overwhelming level of commitment from developers to the BlackBerry 10 platform… The fact is, the volume of apps being submitted for review and entry into the program has been remarkable. Due to that large volume of apps, we are extending the deadline.”

Last year RIM launched its Build For BlackBerry program that allows developers to submit native apps free of charge. At the same time it also introduced its US$10K Developer Commitment, an incentive programme for developers with a promise of a minimum of US$10 000 in earnings from their app.

The 10K Commitment deadline was originally January 21 but RIM’s new scheduling is as follows:

• Apps that have been submitted on or before 8pm EST on January 21 may qualify for the $10k Developer Commitment if the developer agrees to the official terms and conditions and passes Built for BlackBerry testing.
• Developers may apply for Built for BlackBerry review and the $10k Developer Commitment offer in the BlackBerry World Vendor Portal by 8pm ET Feb 18.
• The qualifying sale dates for the 10k Commitment is 12:01am ET, March 4 2013 to 11:59pm ET, March 3 2014.

RIM is taking no prisoners with its latest offering, with a rebranded App World, and the promise and music and video offerings on the horizon it is set to be the best BlackBerry OS to date. Company CEO Thorsten Heins has said that BlackBerry 10 would launch with 70 000 apps in the BlackBerry World and he reckons it could be licensed if successful.

The future of the company could very well depend on BlackBerry 10.

[Hat tip: TNW]