RIM is to start accepting app submissions for its high-profile PlayBook tablet computer in the next couple of weeks, as the Canadian vendor aims to capture the attention of the developer community. The announcement was made on a webcast yesterday focused on developing apps for the tablet using Adobe AIR technology. During the webcast RIM stated that the PlayBook will eventually support more than Adobe AIR development; developers will also be able to write apps for the PlayBook in Java and WebWorks.

Other snippets of information revealed on the webcast include: the device will have a series of gestures for switching apps, showing the keyboard and displaying device information such as battery life; the AIR SDK can leverage both front and rear facing cameras; and, although there is no support for app splash screens at present, nor support for Theme Builder, RIM will include these if there is enough developer demand.

RIM’s PlayBook tablet was unveiled in September and is expected to be available in US retail outlets early next year. The 7-inch device runs software acquired from RIM’s purchase of QNX, rather than the traditional BlackBerry OS platform. More details on developer options for the device can be found here.