[SenorPistachio]

Guys ( and gals ), help me out here.

Blackberry uses the Android runtime which is a great feat, but i don't understand how this is possible.

How can Google allow this? Is Blackberry paying Google, do they have some sort of deal?

I tried Googling it but nothing came up, so i thought i'd ask it here.

[sinnar]

I believe they have an agreement with google but dont quote me on that

Posted via Blackberry Q10

[airninja]

I thought Android was open source.

Posted via CB10 on my Z10 running 10.2.1.1925

[asmiley]

Android is open source and anyone can use it. The "Google" features like Play and Google Maps are add ons that are Google specific which is why they aren't available on BB.

[bobshine]

OP... it's the same way how Amazon has it own Amazon store filled with android apps.

Posted via CB10

[rustmonkey]

Android is open source. That's why everyone and their dog makes android devices lol

Posted via CB10

[AcADIeN]

This is why https://source.android.com/

more specific here

"From there you can create custom variants of the Android software stack, port devices and accessories to the Android platform, and ensure your devices are compatible with the Android compatibility definition."

and here https://source.android.com/source/index.html

[BoldBigWorm]

Open source like everyone else is saying. That's
why developers & phone company's love it.

[AidenSurvival]

They can (legally) do this due to them not including Google Play services and Google Apps. Google charges a fee (about $1 per device) to include Google apps.

Sent from my fabulously white Blackberry Q5!

[SenorPistachio]

Thanks for the answers guys.

Come to think about it, it was kind of a silly question ( since you have non branded dongles with android on them and such ), but it's just a really cool extra which combines ( in my opinion ) the best of both worlds, the added compatibility of android apps withouth having to run the dreaded android os.

[dpw09]

They can (legally) do this due to them not including Google Play services and Google Apps. Google charges a fee (about $1 per device) to include Google apps.

Sent from my fabulously white Blackberry Q5!

I would be willing to purchase Google services for $1 in BlackBerry World.

Via Z10STL100-3/10.2.1.2141

[delroyj]

Thanks for the answers guys.

Come to think about it, it was kind of a silly question ( since you have non branded dongles with android on them and such ), but it's just a really cool extra which combines ( in my opinion ) the best of both worlds, the added compatibility of android apps withouth having to run the dreaded android os.

Reason why bb10 is now "God mode" as one poster said so succinctly.

My Z30 just keeps me moving.....

[Korr Valmoria]

It's simply "open source" same kernel as linux

Posted via CB10

[Tre Lawrence]

The part of Android that companies like is the non-open source aspect. GAPPS is what the OEMs crave. Having Android without GAPPS is tough, as Amazon and B&N (prior to last year) can tell you.

Google charges $1/device for GAPPS? Never new that. I thought OHA membership was enough.

[axeman1000]

Android is open source and anyone can use it. The "Google" features like Play and Google Maps are add ons that are Google specific which is why they aren't available on BB.

This!!! Open source! Like Linux! Can use or rewrite the kernel as you want.

Hate solves nothing, Respect gains everything!

[Jerale]

WTF OP!!! Why you want BlackBerry to be sued? Don't they already have enough issues? Let the company focus on its turnaround. It's not like BlackBerry is full on Android anyways. Geesh.

Posted via CB10

[Ferrari430Spider]

I'm agree with OP

He is just asking a general question....



Posted via CB10

[jevinzac]

I would be willing to purchase Google services for $1 in BlackBerry World.

Via Z10STL100-3/10.2.1.2141

If people are willing to pay for Google services, then why can't BlackBerry avail this offer so that they don't have to pay for it, only those who wants it can use it after paying for it!

Posted via CB10

[collinc93]

OP why are you giving Google ideas? Seriously man....Google watches everything...they might take your idea...you never know

[Pete The Penguin]

Guys ( and gals ), help me out here.

Blackberry uses the Android runtime which is a great feat, but i don't understand how this is possible.

How can Google allow this? Is Blackberry paying Google, do they have some sort of deal?

I tried Googling it but nothing came up, so i thought i'd ask it here.

BlackBerry use the Dalvik VM, it's open-source software. That's why Google don't sue.

[AidenSurvival]

Here guys, I have the link on Google licensing cost: http://androidandme.com/2014/01/news...ar-on-average/

You can't pay Google per se, it'd have to be BlackBerry.

Edit: Licensing is free, the testing is not.

If BlackBerry were to include Google services, it'd be the testing process that'd cost I believe.

Not sure if BlackBerry can afford it.

Sent from my fabulously white Blackberry Q5!

[chalx]

If people are willing to pay for Google services, then why can't BlackBerry avail this offer so that they don't have to pay for it, only those who wants it can use it after paying for it!

Posted via CB10

Its not only about license, there are some strings attached to the right to use Google services. If I remember correctly, you have to comply with some rules defined by some Google regulated body...

[nycspaces.]

Its not only about license, there are some strings attached to the right to use Google services. If I remember correctly, you have to comply with some rules defined by some Google regulated body...

I think i've read that it also requires integration with google's PIM apps and the reason we can't get play services is due to bb's core OS.

Posted via CB10

[omega supreme]

Open source like everyone else is saying. That's
why developers & phone company's love it.

....i feel it's also why it's the most vulnerable in terms of security.

Posted via CB10

[WhateverColorBerry]

If it's open source why is it so unsecured? Media tells us that open source = secure

Posted via CB10