RIM is in the process of planning for a QNX-based future. The robust operating system is the basis of the upcoming Blackberry Playbook, and BGR is reporting that some decisions are coming down the pike that could allow Android apps to run on RIM’s QNX devices. RIM is likely going to use a new Java virtual machine to allow legacy apps to work on QNX. Among the candidates is Dalvik, which is the VM used in Android.
If RIM chose Dalkiv, they could use the open source version of the VM with no dealings with Google. This would allow users to sideload Android app APK files. If RIM really wants to blow consumers away, they could come to some arrangement with Google to certify the Playbook for the Android Market. This last bit sounds like crazy talk to us, but anything is possible.
The Playbook is running on ARM architecture like all other Android devices, so apps would likely work to some degree. We can’t be sure about how well they will work, but it should technically be possible. Does this sound plausible to you?
