RIM unveils push API for 3rd party applications

Today Research In Motion announced the availability of a new BlackBerry Push application programming interface (API) specification for developers. This API will allow developers to push real-time content to applications running on BlackBerry smartphones.

This means that applications will no longer need to constantly check for updated data, something that consumes both data and battery power. Instead, the applications will be notified of new data in the same way that a BlackBerry's email application is notified when a new message has arrived on the server.

With the new push system, developers could build apps that inform users immediately when, for example, local severe weather alerts are issued, or when a scheduled flight is delayed. RIM says that a number of companies are already developing applications with the new API, including DevlopIQ (7digital Music Store), Handmark (PocketExpress), and Salsplace (SalesNOW).