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RIM updates Webworks SDK for Playbook
SMARTPHONE MAKER Research in Motion (RIM) has released the second version of its Webworks software development kit (SDK) for its Blackberry smartphones and Playbook tablet.
RIM's Webworks 2.0 SDK is aimed at getting web developers using Javascript, Cascading Style Sheets and HTML5 to create applications for RIM's devices. With Adobe's AIR Blackberry SDK also coming out of beta, it should result in a new wave of applications for RIM's Playbook tablet. The goal is to easily turn websites, even ones that include Adobe Flash, into Playbook applications.
Reviews have criticised the software on RIM's Playbook and, while the firm did release prior versions of Webworks before the Playbook hit the shelves, developers had only a software simulator to test out their work. While helpful, a software simulator doesn't accurately convey the user experience on a device where touch and physical movement are the primary input methods.
Webworks isn't the only SDK RIM has made available for the Playbook, with the firm producing a native C++ SDK and an Android Java version to further entice developers. However RIM might need more than just a fancy SDK to lure people in, as reports have been coming in that suggest that the company is having trouble flogging the Playbook.
While RIM has been busy updating its Webworks SDK, the chaps at Ifixit have been taking the Playbook apart. It found that Texas Instruments supplies eight of the chips inside the device including the 1GHz dual core processor and a number of auxiliary chips. The 1GB of RAM in the device comes from Elpida while the 16GB of NAND Flash memory is sourced from Sandisk with the audio codec running on Wolfson's WM8994E chip.
Now that developers have access to RIM's Playbook, the Webworks SDK should help RIM start to build a library of web applications that will get enterprises interested in buying Playbooks. µ
Tags: Software
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RIM needs to hurry up and pick up the pace. First off their advertising campaign was nonexisten for the Playbook. Even I could have done a Hell of a super job advertising this product. They should have had been advertising even BEFORE it came out, done a count down and all. Second, they need to speed up the Apps process even pay some of the popular apps makers to get them out SOON. I'm talking about Skype, OoVoO, Angry Birds, CNN, FOX channels the works. They need to speed it up and get people talking and excited about this product if its to succeed. Like I said, I could have done alot better than they are currently doing. They need to be doing triple the advertising showing its capabilities and how people can uuse this gadget in everyday and helpful things such as school and work.