Research in Motion (RIM) is giving away BlackBerry 10 Dev device called “BlackBerry Dev Alpha C” as a start for its next Developer Program for BlackBerry 10.
Dev Alpha A, B and C
The dev device is the first one to include the industry-defining keyboard termed BlackBerry QWERTY. Since the launch of its developer program in May, the company has used some live events to feed its developer community with touch screen – only units labeled BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha A and B.
Developers can start getting the crack of BlackBerry 10 handset styles with Dev Alpha C – with keyboards or without keyboards. RIM promised to release BlackBerry 10 in the first quarter next year. RIM has been generous, giving Dev Alpha models which have become 7,500 to date. The manufacturer says that the most recent testing units shall only go to a select group.
Points System
Only developers who can present two or more BlackBerry apps to be evaluated may apply to receive Dev Alpha C. Only 1,500 shall get the device though. RIM will choose the lucky few based on merit points and shall definitely not a random selection. Developers who received a Dev Alpha A or B get 200 points right away, and so are BlackBerry Elite Members. Thereafter, points are awarded depending on the types of apps that they submit.
Apps receiving Built for BlackBerry certification gives the developer 1,500 points. Other apps earn 250 points except those from other platforms which only gain 50 points. The more apps submitted, the more chances of gaining more points.