I recently got an email from a tech magazine I’m subscribed too. Usually they have interesting articles, and all the news in the world of Computers and Technology, as would be expected. However, in last weeks magazine, there was an interesting article relating to Blackberry and their flagship tablet, the PlayBook.

With the imminent release (at time of writing) of their OS2.0 software, Blackberry have decided to give away free (yes, FREE) PlayBooks to any developer who submits an app specifically for the tablet before the deadline. Since the new OS contains its own implementation of Android, which allows Android Apps to run pretty much natively, the offer was originally open exclusively to Android developers. However, with a flood of complaints from existing Blackberry devs, and some noise from iOS and WP7 developers, Blackberry decided to open up the offer to any dev, of any platform, who submits an app before the deadline. Originally the deadline was Monday 13th Feb 2011, but since they’ve had an overwhelming response (over 6000 new devs submitting at least 1 app) since last week, they have extended the deadline. Developers have until Wednesday the 15th of Feb to register as a dev, and until March 2nd to submit an app.

Blackberry PlayBook

There is a bit of small print, however. Not every app will be accepted, and qualify for the free PlayBook. The app has to be of sufficient complexity, and be deemed (by a human tester) to be something that people will be interested in. Examples of apps that will be rejected are: Web Browsers, shortcuts, themes/wallpapers and web apps. They’ll also reject apps with a single function like a “Fart Button” or Buzzer app.

Since I stumbled across this offer, I have submitted my Lotto App, which has been accepted. I even got the email asking for my shipping address, and expect the tablet to be shipped any day now, all for the one time fee of ZERO!! 😀

For anyone looking for info, here’s the latest link with info on the deadline extension:

Free PlayBook offer extended

Technical Specs of PlayBook:
1Ghz dual core processor
1GB RAM
HTML5 / Flash 10.2
Proper multitasking due to QNX
7 inch screen
Weight: 0.9lb/425g
Width: 7.6/194mm
Height: 5.1/130mm
Thickness: 0.4/10mm

1080p Playback
3MP front camera
5MP back camera