BlackBerry unveils Amazon Appstore deal

Los Angeles - Smartphone and tablet maker Blackberry is partnering with the Amazon Appstore for the launch of BlackBerry 10.3 operating system this fall to expand access to applications, the Canada-based company announced on Wednesday.

This move will give BlackBerry 10 device customers access to a greater variety of applications including Netflix, Pinterest and Candy Crush Saga, according to the announcement.

The Amazon Appstore offers more than 240 000 Android applications worldwide.

"Making the Amazon Appstore available on BlackBerry 10 devices will help BlackBerry continue to meet two essential needs: greater app availability for our smartphone users and enhanced productivity solutions for enterprises," said BlackBerry chief executive John Chen.

BlackBerry has been struggling to attract leading apps for its marketplace, due to its smartphones' lack of popularity.