15,000 BlackBerry 10 Apps Submitted In 37.5 Hours

More than 15,000 BlackBerry 10 apps have been submitted in just 37 and a half hours as part of RIM’s BlackBerry 10 Community Port-A-Thon.

The initiative started on 11 January and encouraged developers to build or port applications for the upcoming BlackBerry 10 platform, with app creators no doubt encouraged by the financial incentives on offer.

BlackBerry 10 apps

Developers of approved applications were entitled to receive $100 from RIM, while the first 200 to have between 5 and 10 applications approved receive a Blackberry 10 Alpha device. If more than ten applications are approved then developers receive the device but also a chance to attend BlackBerry Jam Europe.

“Well there you have it. 37.5 hours in, we hit 15,000 apps for this portathon. Feel like I’ve run a marathon. Thanks to all the devs!” wrote Alex Saunders, vice president of developer relations at RIM on Twitter.

RIM has been keen to get as many developers on board ahead of the launch of BlackBerry 10 and has promised $10,000 to creators of apps that generate more than $1,000. If an app earns at least $1,000 in net revenue but less than $10,000, RIM will pay the difference.

The Canadian manufacturer has also announced a series of initiatives for enterprises in an effort to assist its customers make the jump to the new platform.

The perpetually delayed BlackBerry 10 operating system is seen as vital to RIM’s future after seeing its share of the smartphone market eroded by rivals such as Apple and Samsung. The first smartphones running the platform are due to be unveiled later this month.

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