BlackBerry says it’ll make the Amazon Appstore available on BlackBerry 10 smartphones from this autumn, when version 10.3 of the BB10 operating system is due to be launched. It’s a move that’ll let BlackBerry focus more on developing enterprise and productivity applications.
Both companies will work with BlackBerry application developers to help them make their BB10 apps available on the Amazon Appstore.
Most Android apps can already be used on devices running the current version of BB10, although the introduction of the Amazon Appstore will make it easier for consumers to find and install applications. There are currently more than 240,000 Android applications available via Amazon.
John Chen, BlackBerry’s CEO, said “Making the Amazon Appstore available on BlackBerry 10 devices will help BlackBerry continue to meet two essential needs: greater app availability for our smartphone users and enhanced productivity solutions for enterprises. We’ve listened to our customers and have taken this important step to deliver on their needs, while executing on our strategy.”
Quarterly results published today by BlackBerry showed net income increasing to $23 million (£13.5 million) from the $84 million loss reported for the same quarter last year, although revenue fell to $966 million.