As we mentioned earlier, RIM has announced BlackBerry 10 new prototype Dev Alpha C for developers. This is supposed to be the first BlackBerry 10 device with full QWERTY keyboard design. It will allow the developers to test their apps on a more traditional BlackBerry device. The last prototype, which was released to developers back in April, was a touchscreen-only phone.
In its official blog, RIM said that they would distribute Dev Alpha C prototype for developers with a limited number. To get it, developers should have proved themselves developing the BlackBerry 10 applications. During the BlackBerry Jam Asia, it was revealed that there will be only 1,500 of the new prototypes available initially.
RIM brings in a scoring system to decide which developers have the treatment to get the BlackBerry device in advance. Each interested candidate will chalk up points based on various criteria, like how many apps are currently ready for use through RIM’s system. The developers who has developed the RIM certification applications previously, will be awarded the maximum scores by the system.
It is also offering some incentives to development teams. One of which is swapping the the final production handsets for the prototypes. These handsets handsets will be clunkier and will have less-sleek design builds. After all it’s the software that matters.
Earlier, in the annual BlackBerry World developer conference held in the spring this year, RIM had unveiled the first Dev Alpha prototype. Later its upgraded version, the Dev Alpha B was released later this year. Both Dev Alpha prototypes are pure touch screen phones. But with the release of Dev Alpha C means that the company is partially honoring its previous commitment of introducing the touch screen and full QWERTY keyboard device with the release the BlackBerry 10.
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