RIM snaps up mobile app tool developer

BlackBerry maker acquires start-up firm tinyHippos

BlackBerry maker RIM has acquired start-up mobile software development firm tinyHippos.

The start-up has developed a mobile environment emulator tool called Ripple, which tests and debugs HTML5 mobile applications for multiple platforms, from within a browser.

The move comes just a few weeks before the launch of RIM’s tablet device, the PlayBook, which will support Android apps.

“We have been integrating support for web technologies like HTML5 and BlackBerry WebWorks into our developer platform, and working to continually deliver enhanced tools and frameworks to our developer community," said Tyler Lessard, vice president global alliances and developer relations at RIM, on the BlackBerry developer blog.

He added that tinyHippos will further provide a simplified and streamlined experience to BlackBerry developers.

TinyHippos’ Dan Silivestru added on the tinyHippos blog:

“We also want to reassure all new and existing users that we expect that the Ripple product will continue to be offered for download, and the team will continue to develop features, provide support, and help grow the mobile application developer community.”

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.