Back in February, BlackBerry maker Research in Motion (RIM) distributed the PlayBook OS 2.0, which allows tablet owners to install and run Android applications. These applications must be repackaged by developers and run in an emulator environment on the PlayBook.

While official versions can be downloaded from the BlackBerry App World store, not all Android developers are willing to repackage their apps for the PlayBook just yet. Consequently, unofficial versions of some Android apps have surfaced for the PlayBook OS. These apps have not been repackaged by the original developer, and are distributed outside the Android Market and the BlackBerry App World. In other words, such apps are pirated editions. Skipping the official distribution channels, however, is a big issue, as the original developer does not earn any income from those apps.

In a Twitter exchange with a developer, RIM's Alex Saunders, VP or developer relations, acknowledged that it's not a case of "no harm, no foul," but a serious issue, and pledged to address it. "We're removing sideloading for consumers," said Saunders. "Piracy is a huge problem for Android devs, and we don't want to duplicate the chaotic cesspool of Android Market. Pretty sure we've got a solution for devs," he added.

New Software Update to Block Sideloading

To address this issue, RIM will soon push a software update to the PlayBook, blocking the ability to sideload apps. This change will make apps available only through the official BlackBerry App World. Saunders did not mention, however, whether the upcoming update would also clear the ability to jailbreak the Playbook.

The Twitter announcements have stirred up quite some controversy and raised many questions. On April 10, Saunders posted some clarifications on the BlackBerry Developer Blog. He explained that Twitter's 140-character limit "doesn't allow for nuance," and added that RIM is not getting rid of sideloading altogether.

"We are looking at different options including removal or evolution of our current side loading functionality," Saunders told The Verge. "In the event that we do decide to go down that path, we will definitely work with developers to ensure we have a fully functioning way for them to test applications on hardware. However, we haven't finalized or officially announced any plans yet."

Combating Piracy

On the BlackBerry Developer Blog, Saunders further explains that "side-loading is a developer feature." In conclusion, RIM's intention is not to rob developers of this necessary feature, but to combat piracy. "Starting with our next release of the BlackBerry PlayBook OS, we're introducing a feature that will encrypt apps so they can only be run by the user who purchased the app."

"We're working with you, our developer community, to ensure you can still quickly and easily test your apps on real hardware. That's one of the reasons we're kicking off BlackBerry 10 Jam by giving each developer attendee a prototype device to start building on. I'll be on-hand at the show to answer your questions - look forward to seeing you there. Let's Jam," Saunders ended his post.

(reported by Alexandra Burlacu, edited by Dave Clark)