BlackBerry first allowed PlayBook users to install Android apps on the tablet, hoping that allowing Android apps would attract more users seeing as how the company’s own app market isn’t exactly bursting with quality applications. Installing apps wasn’t easy though, users had to sideload them on to the tablet. This didn’t change with BlackBerry 10, which opened up the new BlackBerry smartphones to Android apps. Direct Google Play Store access would make it a lot easier for users to install Android apps on their BlackBerry device, and if purported screenshots are to be believed, then in the company’s new OS 10 update, OS 10.2.1 to be precise, Google Play Store might be added to the BB10 devices.

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BlackBerry 10.2.1 OS is reportedly being tested internally at the company. OS 10.2 was released only recently, so it might take a while before this update is rolled out. Apparently it comes with a new Android runtime which will bring Google Play Store access to BB10 powered smartphones. This would mean that users would no longer have to sideload apps, and they’ll have access to a much bigger collection of compatible applications. BlackBerry hasn’t commented on these leaked screenshots as yet, for all we know it just might be running some tests without any intention of ever bringing the Google Play Store over to its devices. [Images via Crackberry]

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