The main reason: Applications developed specifically for BBX, using native development tools, will be able to take advantage of everything the latest and greatest BlackBerry hardware has to offer, including graphics, display and processor enhancements, Saunders says. Because Android apps weren't built specifically for BlackBerry, they'll work but often won't be as "polished" or advanced as native apps.

Saunders thinks the Android Player creates a great opportunity for Android developers to quickly and easily cater to BlackBerry users via BlackBerry App World. But Android apps will still be at a disadvantage when compared to native apps for the above-stated reason, he says.

When asked why he's confident about joining RIM at a time when the company is steadily losing customers to Apple and Google and from a skyscraper, Saunders calmly states that he has direct experience working with companies in major transitions.

"I have history doing this," he says. "I worked for Microsoft throughout the 90s, focusing on developers. I love developers. I like to work with them. I've walked in the shoes of people doing this kind of work."