RIM will add Android apps to Blackberrys in 2012

BLACKBERRY MAKER Research in Motion (RIM) reportedly will enable running Android apps on its smartphones next year.

According to a Reuters report, RIM's upcoming phones, which are expected to run its yet to be released QNX operating system, will be compatible with Android software applications.

RIM's Playbook tablet might get the update sooner, with an upgrade for Android apps available later this year. In February, The INQUIRER reported that the Playbook would add Google apps support to its Playbook tablet.

However, RIM's smartphones will have the Android player already enabled in QNX when they go on sale rather than available as an upgrade.

The capability to run Android apps might give a boost to RIM, which is struggling to gain traction with its own app store as Android surges in popularity. µ