Love of BB vs. apps

**Plazmic Flame** · 05-27-2012, 07:49 PM

When the Blackberry is your first smartphone, the way I see it, you will always come back....

I was just like you, tempted by "apps"...

I switched from Blackberry to iPhone 3GS
then back to Blackberry
Then switched to Android
then back to Blackberry
Then switched to iPhone 4S

Now I'm waiting for BB10... with QWERTY keyboard. Going back to BB once and for all.

Apps are a passing fad unless it's a productivity app specifically geared towards your line of work. As for myself, I need my emails and messages to be sent and received quickly and with accuracy.

**drwho2383** · 05-27-2012, 10:34 PM

Just today I was thinking how there are some apps that are just more supported on iphone/android phones but I could never give up the email and keypad on the BB - it's far superior.

Then I read this article in the news:

Blackberry admits defeat in consumer market - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Apparently, BB will be a niche market if they take this path.

**hurds** · 05-27-2012, 10:38 PM

I used an iPhone for over 3 years and I don't see myself ever buying another apple 'phone'. With BB10 i may never see myself even buying a itouch either, plus I have my old iphone for that now.

I agree with other people who say they arent loyalist anything. For me though right now I am definitely a big RIM supporter after using their products for the first time and liking them as a company.

**hurds** · 05-27-2012, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by drwho2383

Just today I was thinking how there are some apps that are just more supported on iphone/android phones but I could never give up the email and keypad on the BB - it's far superior.

Then I read this article in the news:

Blackberry admits defeat in consumer market - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Apparently, BB will be a niche market if they take this path.

Ya, media definitely has an agenda.

I think its funny thats what was getting published then at the most recent keynote they show things like the ability to alter portions of photos to make it so everyone is smiling. That seems like a real enterprise focused idea.

**Rello** · 05-28-2012, 07:49 AM

I am glad RIM is headed in a new direction with BB10. Personally, I always wished BB had many of the apps/games that IOS and android had, but I never switched because ive had a blackberry for so long and I'm not a person that likes to switch to something entirely new when I have something I already like. It's fine for people to say they use their device for productivity and that they don't need the apps, but they have to realize most people do want them apps. Between, Netflix Skype, words with friends, draw something, instagram and many others, BB users have had to miss out on many great applications. I truly hope RIM corrects this app gap with BB10. Do we need 500,000 apps like IOS? Of coarse not but when these big name apps do start popping up, hopefully BB devices will no longer be excluded from the party and won't have to wait long to get them after IOS and android. I have faith RIM will be able to accomplish this..

**mkelley65** · 05-28-2012, 08:29 AM

"Between, Netflix Skype, words with friends, draw something, instagram and many others, BB users have had to miss out on many great applications."

All are available on a computer. No one is missing out on anything. Don't need that crap cluttering up my mobile device anyway.

**Tre Lawrence** · 05-28-2012, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by mkelley65

"Between, Netflix Skype, words with friends, draw something, instagram and many others, BB users have had to miss out on many great applications."

All are available on a computer. No one is missing out on anything. Don't need that crap cluttering up my mobile device anyway.

Much like telephony features are available on a landline. Some people (you included, it seems), like that feature in a mobile device.

**qbnkelt** · 05-28-2012, 08:43 AM

There is only one app that I use every day that is not available on my BB and that is there on my Androids and my 4S - the DC circulator app.
There is one app that is indispensable to me that is not available on Android or my 4S - BBM.
Easiest decision in the world to make.

**whodathunkit** · 05-28-2012, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by Rello

I am glad RIM is headed in a new direction with BB10. Personally, I always wished BB had many of the apps/games that IOS and android had, but I never switched because ive had a blackberry for so long and I'm not a person that likes to switch to something entirely new when I have something I already like. It's fine for people to say they use their device for productivity and that they don't need the apps, but they have to realize most people do want them apps. Between, Netflix Skype, words with friends, draw something, instagram and many others, BB users have had to miss out on many great applications. I truly hope RIM corrects this app gap with BB10. Do we need 500,000 apps like IOS? Of coarse not but when these big name apps do start popping up, hopefully BB devices will no longer be excluded from the party and won't have to wait long to get them after IOS and android. I have faith RIM will be able to accomplish this..

Hey RIM - listen to Rello, he has my vote for getting the big picture

**kraski** · 05-28-2012, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by drwho2383

Just today I was thinking how there are some apps that are just more supported on iphone/android phones but I could never give up the email and keypad on the BB - it's far superior.

Then I read this article in the news:

Blackberry admits defeat in consumer market - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Apparently, BB will be a niche market if they take this path.

Now, that "news" story ought to be preserved for eternity so that journalism students can recognize a totally slanted, biased form of reporting.

Yes, RIM has said they're still going after the enterprise as much as they always did. In context of reports they were abandoning the enterprise to BYOD, focusing more on consumers.. If you read enough statements by those who count at RIM, the company, they're not intending to give up the enterprise market without a fight. At the same time, they're working toward a larger piece of the consumer market pie.

Just remember that, just because you read words strung together to make real sentences, it doesn't mean those sentences have any basis in anything other than the writer's imagination or misinterpretation.

**pantlesspenguin** · 05-28-2012, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by BerryGuy25

Apps are a passing fad unless it's a productivity app specifically geared towards your line of work. As for myself, I need my emails and messages to be sent and received quickly and with accuracy.

I'm trying to wrap my head around this statement. The concept of apps is nothing new, and hardly a fad. The first phone to use apps was developed in 1992. And you do realize that you send and receive emails using an app, correct? Native apps are still apps that need to be developed and constantly evolving.

I've used apps since early 2007 on my Sidekicks. I saw them as extensions of the capabilities of my phone, and over 5 years later I still feel that way. Only now I have many, many more options than I had back then.

**kraski** · 05-28-2012, 10:32 AM

This comes down to platform vs what runs on that platform. Both are important. Here's why:

I own a Torch 9810 and I bought a Playbook for a new job. I have enough apps on the BB to handle most of what I do. But, unless I only have that with me, I don't want to spend too much time working only on a phone sized screen. So, I got the Playbook.

The Playbook has a very elegant gesturing system. And the 7" screen is much better than a phone screen. The gesturing is awesome. And Bridge is a killer set of functions that looks to only get even better. But there are some things that just beg for an even larger screen. And, frankly, a lot of what I wanted a tablet for isn't handled by native apps. Which makes the use of "repackaged" Android apps a compelling feature. But even the ones that work well may stop working right. So, I've been trying a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.

The Tab is Android and runs all the Android apps natively. Obviously. There are things that make my work easier that won't run repackaged on the Playbook. At the same time, it's just so much easier and nicer getting to apps and app features in QNX. So, what about huge app markets?

It's a no brainer that the wider variety of apps, the better. But what's the tipping point where too many choices of the same kind of app makes the consumer's choice more difficult rather than easier? And, in any of the app stores, how do we know that the app with six glowing 4 and 5 star reviews wasn't reviewed by the dev using an alias, along with five of his friends? That can be true of any of the app markets. Have you looked at some of the reviews for BB apps by the Jared Co.? In contrast to the reputation they have among most users who've used a BB longer than 6 months?

Admittedly, my experience and ideas are subjective, based on my wants and needs. But I don't think I'm alone in my decision making. Right now, I'm double minded as to which tablet I keep and which one I sell. It's not the sheer volume of apps that should count, but the variety, the quality, how well they fit our needs, and how well they work on the platform you're using that should be deciding factors. For me, while the Playbook doesn't quite cut it, now, there's future potential with the BB10 upgrade coming. At the same time, while the Tab has all that I need to get the work done, it lacks good multitasking and easy app switching.

Getting back on topic, sheer numbers of apps is meaningless without usability and quality. At the same time, an elegant platform for using apps is meaningless without having all the apps to get the job done. And what combination of factors works for me may not be the best solution for you. Just sayin'.

**tang63** · 05-28-2012, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by kraski

Getting back on topic, sheer numbers of apps is meaningless without usability and quality. At the same time, an elegant platform for using apps is meaningless without having all the apps to get the job done. And what combination of factors works for me may not be the best solution for you. Just sayin'.

I like how you aptly put it. I couldn't agree more. Nowadays, I stare at my iPod Touch for something to entertain me from the app store, and one would notice that all the apps are following the same trend, same concept. Novelty is lost after awhile.

The phone does a dozen things, but it fails at what it is supposed to do from the start, communicate.

And no other phone does it better than Blackberry. Contacts, Email, Social Platforms, BBM, all on your fingertips.

**kilted thrower** · 05-28-2012, 10:43 AM

I don't understand the mentality of hoping a phone brand doesn't get apps like Netflix and etc. This seems like a knee statement to spite those that are on other devices or those that are considering going away from a BB. I don't see the harm if apps like Netflix, Skype, etc are in the BB app store that can be downloaded if a user so chooses.

I can think of more than a handful of times that apps like Oovoo and skype were essential for my masters classes. My laptop was having issues and couldn't run skype but my phone could. In this instance, skype was a productivity app that was a must for several class projects. I had two major group projects that were almost entirely completed with skype, GroupMe, and Google Docs. I realize what is productive to me might not be productive to another but it's nice when you have a smartphone that is capable of meeting your needs when it comes to productivity. I can careless what brand name is on the back or front of my phone; I want it to be able to do what I need it to do. And I'd certainly like to walk into AT&T and be able to choose if I want a BB because it can do the same thing as A, B, and C other brands.

I played Angry Birds for about 15 minutes before uninstalling it because I don't like the game. I kept Words with Friends for about a week in which I got bored with it and uninstalled it. I don't need LED notification blinking lights. I've watched Youtube under a half dozen times on my phone and always through the web browser, so I don't need a youtube app. Just because one person doesn't use the app doesn't mean we should limit those others that do want the app. With the attitude of don't allow apps that one person doesn't use, then if you don't use mobile banking, then by God, no one should have access to mobile banking on their phone!

And when, or if, Netflix and etc comes to BB, those of you that are wishing and praying it doesn't, are y'all going to write angry protest letters and ditch BB for providing more options for users?

I guess I'm wrong to assume that at the core of this forum, we're all smartphone enthusiasts. Forget that this is Crackberry for a second. Those of us that visit and participate in these sites like imore, xda, Crackberry, Android Central, etc are individuals that *love* their phone (or, at the least, have a much higher interest in them than the normal person). Isn't the more capable the better?

I guess my thinking is why limit the options? How about if you don't want to use it, then just don't install it and use it?

**Tre Lawrence** · 05-28-2012, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by kilted_thrower

I don't understand the mentality of hoping a phone brand doesn't get apps like Netflix and etc. This seems like a knee statement to spite those that are on other devices or those that are considering going away from a BB. I don't see the harm if apps like Netflix, Skype, etc are in the BB app store that can be downloaded if a user so chooses.

I can think of more than a handful of times that apps like Oovoo and skype were essential for my masters classes. My laptop was having issues and couldn't run skype but my phone could. In this instance, skype was a productivity app that was a must for several class projects. I had two major group projects that were almost entirely completed with skype, GroupMe, and Google Docs. I realize what is productive to me might not be productive to another but it's nice when you have a smartphone that is capable of meeting your needs when it comes to productivity. I can careless what brand name is on the back or front of my phone; I want it to be able to do what I need it to do. And I'd certainly like to walk into AT&T and be able to choose if I want a BB because it can do the same thing as A, B, and C other brands.

I played Angry Birds for about 15 minutes before uninstalling it because I don't like the game. I kept Words with Friends for about a week in which I got bored with it and uninstalled it. I don't need LED notification blinking lights. I've watched Youtube under a half dozen times on my phone and always through the web browser, so I don't need a youtube app. Just because one person doesn't use the app doesn't mean we should limit those others that do want the app. With the attitude of don't allow apps that one person doesn't use, then if you don't use mobile banking, then by God, no one should have access to mobile banking on their phone!

And when, or if, Netflix and etc comes to BB, those of you that are wishing and praying it doesn't, are y'all going to write angry protest letters and ditch BB for providing more options for users?

I guess I'm wrong to assume that at the core of this forum, we're all smartphone enthusiasts. Forget that this is Crackberry for a second. Those of us that visit and participate in these sites like imore, xda, Crackberry, Android Central, etc are individuals that *love* their phone (or, at the least, have a much higher interest in them than the normal person). Isn't the more capable the better?

I guess my thinking is why limit the options? How about if you don't want to use it, then just don't install it and use it?

In all fairness, it ain't RIM that thinks that way. While we can argue about the efficacy of its efforts, RIM seems to want a vibrant ecosystem.

**whodathunkit** · 05-28-2012, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by kraski

Getting back on topic, sheer numbers of apps is meaningless without usability and quality. At the same time, an elegant platform for using apps is meaningless without having all the apps to get the job done. And what combination of factors works for me may not be the best solution for you. Just sayin'.

The sheer numbers of apps IS important not for the fact that we need 10 applications for any one task but because every user has different needs and wants. The more good quality apps relating to different ideas and subjects and functions the better it is to meet everyones needs.

**whodathunkit** · 05-28-2012, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by kilted_thrower

I guess my thinking is why limit the options? How about if you don't want to use it, then just don't install it and use it?

Well said. For that matter, throw away your smartphone and get an old style flip phone with no app capabilities so you won't be tempted.

**Tre Lawrence** · 05-28-2012, 11:17 AM

I have never understood that either... like there is a kill squad that waits behind you, ready to execute you if you don't install an app that is available.

**Rello** · 05-28-2012, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by mkelley65

"Between, Netflix Skype, words with friends, draw something, instagram and many others, BB users have had to miss out on many great applications."

All are available on a computer. No one is missing out on anything. Don't need that crap cluttering up my mobile device anyway.

Lol no offense, but if that was your argument its no wonder RIM is in the position its in.

I am seriously glad so people in here aren't leading RIM. The company would've been long gone by now. Hoping the platform doesn't get Netflix Skype or instagram...I don't think I've ever read something so absurd in my life. Ya'll must think RIM doesn't need BB10 then too right?

Some people seriously don't understand that RIM needs to evoke and become much more than what they've ever been and that includes bringing these big name apps into their ecosystem. If u really want RIM to become the niche player that tends only to business needs then stick with OS7 devices. I love my 9900 like many others but I cant wait for RIM to deliver a device that not only can meet my messaging needs (which BB is already amazing for), but also allow me to enjoy the social gaming and what not that current android and IOS users enjoy and that's exactly what they will be doing with BB10.

**BB_Bmore** · 05-28-2012, 12:03 PM

I dont need half a million apps. I just need about 50-100 good ones and i think Rim will easily pull this off.

**kilted thrower** · 05-28-2012, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by Rello

I am seriously glad so people in here aren't leading RIM. The company would've been long gone by now. Hoping the platform doesn't get Netflix Skype or instagram...I don't think I've ever read something so absurd in my life. Ya'll must think RIM doesn't need BB10 then too right?

+1

Okay. So this reminds me of the thread or post that creeps up that slams an iPhone or Android user for supposedly wanting RIM to fail or dissing on BB phones. Well in this thread you have Android and iPhone users actually wanting RIM to be more successful than they are. And some BB users are screaming, "No! BB is great the way it is! No changes!"

It's 2012. Shouldn't I be able to pick up a Windows/BB/iPhone/Android and chat on tango or skype, play Words with Friends, watch a video on Netflix, make a call, and then get my email?

**siddo_d** · 05-28-2012, 12:48 PM

I love my BB but we need apps. PERIOD.

**cleacy** · 05-28-2012, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by kilted_thrower

+1

Okay. So this reminds me of the thread or post that creeps up that slams an iPhone or Android user for supposedly wanting RIM to fail or dissing on BB phones. Well in this thread you have Android and iPhone users actually wanting RIM to be more successful than they are. And some BB users are screaming, "No! BB is great the way it is! No changes!"

It's 2012. Shouldn't I be able to pick up a Windows/BB/iPhone/Android and chat on tango or skype, play Words with Friends, watch a video on Netflix, make a call, and then get my email?

Very much in agreement with you. I'm not a huge fan of any one particular brand: They've all got things they do very well, but they're all missing something i'd like. Improvements in one company translate to lower prices and improvements in the other companies hardware.

What's most important *to me*? It needs to be able to play media files by smb mounting on a reasonable sized screen. After that? A reasonable selection of apps. End result? Android it is.

**ADGrant** · 05-28-2012, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by Qbnkelt

There is only one app that I use every day that is not available on my BB and that is there on my Androids and my 4S - the DC circulator app.
There is one app that is indispensable to me that is not available on Android or my 4S - BBM.
Easiest decision in the world to make.

For a lot of people including myself, iMessage is far more useful. I only had two BBM contacts.

**ADGrant** · 05-28-2012, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by jamezalexander

Old BB phones
non BB10 phones all are built on JAVA
Which in today's landscape is a dinosaur of a mobile OS
The new RT OS that will come with BB10 (already used within the Playbook in PB Tablet OS) will utilize more mainstream coding languages like C++.
In other words, BB10 will give all the devs we see on other platforms a new ecosystem for them to design in. I think Blackberry's looming popularity will make it the next jump for developers. But it is all about $$$ at the end of the day so we'll see. Microsoft has plenty of cashola to buy the apps it needs to garner users to their platform.

BBX is the sleeping giant, but Blackberry has notoriously released "half-baked" devices. Playbook being most notable. If the year and a half they've been falling hasn't taught them what they need to do, then they don't deserve to exist in the consumer sphere because they just don't get it. Play your strengths or fix your weaknesses regardless

The long road to BB10 is paved with seeded playbooks and HTML 5's rise to standardization across the web. At this point it's all or nothing. I personally think the platform will be a game changer

Java and C++ are both mainstream programming languages. Java is more mainstream than C++ in many respects. It is also a more modern OO language than C++. Java is used for Android app development and a similar language, C# is used to develop Windows phone and Windows desktop apps.

BB OS is a dinosaur of a mobile OS because it was designed and shipped before the 2007 launch of the iPhone. All existing mobile OSs were obsoleted by iOS. aside from BB OS and Symbian the rest are already gone.