Disqus
BlackBerry Widgets, a web-based development platform RIM had released in October, has been renamed WebWorks, and will be an open-source project. Using the BlackBerry Web App Packager, developers will be able to create full-fledged programs using familiar web languages, like HTML5, CSS, XML and the like.
RIM made bold claims about their significant contributions to open source already by way of their work with the WebKit browser in OS 6, commenting that the Torch had “the most advanced HTML5 implementation on the market”. WebKit aside, WebWorks has a distinctive drive to it that signals RIM’s direction with open-source in the future; a rep even said “This is step one,” and that we could expect more open-source projects from RIM in the future. To what extent that applies is open to interpretation, but for now, there should there be enough developers who just can’t be asked to work with the standard BlackBerry SDK who will find solace in WebWorks.
Hit up github to see the open-source project for yourself and get involved if you’re so inclined.
About The Author
Simon Sage
Simon Sage’s education largely surrounded writing, technology and online community, leading him to begin his blogging career at www.BlackBerryCool.com and to quickly discover a vibrant and active community surrounding BlackBerry and mobile technology. In exploring RIM’s platform, he has learned what enterprises are looking for in mobility as well as what makes the innocuous BlackBerry so appealing to them. Recently Simon’s been covering RIM’s gradual move into an already-crowded consumer market, and the impact of burgeoning challengers, such as the iPhone, as well as long-time leaders, like Nokia, on BlackBerry’s advancement. With plenty of content under his belt, Simon will be branching off a bit to see what other smartphone manufacturers are working on while still using BlackBerry as a barometer. At IntoMobile, you can count on his posts being even-handed, well-informed and thought-out.
