Research In Motion has updated its developer ecosystem programs, designed to drive enthusiasm from the developer community as they build for the BlackBerry 10 platform.

The Canadian telco firm says the enhancements include BlackBerry Dev Alpha test devices, the 10k developer commitment and updated tools.

“Developers from around the world are joining us on the last leg of the journey to the launch of BlackBerry 10 and we are thrilled at the enthusiasm we see from them," says Alec Saunders, vice president, Developer Relations and Ecosystems.

"We have worked hard, and continue to work hard to meet the needs of developers.

“Developers asked for hardware to test their apps, and we delivered. They asked for the roadmap about the tools, and we posted it. They asked for RIM to show our confidence in developer success, and we’re doing it.

"We’ve continued to refine and add on to our developer programs to ensure we are giving developers the best opportunities for success with BlackBerry 10.”

Saunders says the BlackBerry Dev Alpha program is expanding to include a BlackBerry Dev Alpha C test device for developers who want to test applications on a BlackBerry 10 device with a physical keyboard.

Developers currently testing applications on BlackBerry Dev Alpha test devices can now apply to be eligible for a limited edition BlackBerry 10 device, as RIM will swap a BlackBerry Dev Alpha test device for a limited edition BlackBerry 10 smartphone after the launch.