[neteng1000]

Makes you wonder which side is telling the truth.


RIM continues to defend its position with developers, saying they're thrilled with its BlackBerry 10 platform. On July 19, RIM released two important new tools for those working to be BlackBerry 10-ready.

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion opened a BlackBerry App World Vendor Portal July 19, enabling developers to begin submitting applications for BlackBerry 10 devices. The goal, for now, is to make the apps available to other developers who are likewise tinkering with Dev Alpha test devices and developing for RIM’s upcoming—and hopefully business-changing—platform.

During a not-for-the-faint-of-heart earnings call June 28, RIM announced it was delaying the launch of BB10, which will consist of an entirely new operating system and new devices, until the first quarter of 2013—a decision that has left RIM executives insisting the company is not in a “death spiral” and otherwise working overtime to patch up what they insist is not a sinking ship.

Alec Saunders, RIM's vice president of developer relations, apologized to developers for the delay in a June 30 blog post, writing that RIM understands they have "skin in the game" and "rent to pay."

On the same day as the new Vendor Portal, RIM released a free update to the BlackBerry 10 toolkit it first offered to developers at its BlackBerry World event in Orlando, Fla., in May. Most notably, the new toolkit features two key sets of APIs—an application invocation framework that will allow BB10 apps to interact with each other, and Push APIs that enable developers to send notifications and other content to BB10 devices.

So far, developers’ response to BB10 has been “absolutely phenomenal,” Martyn Mallick, RIM vice president of global alliances and business development, told eWEEK during a July 19 interview.

Now, midway through its BlackBerry 10 Jam World Tour—a 23-city event designed to bring a better understanding of RIM’s now-twice-delayed new platform to developers around the globe—the company has found itself defending not only BB10 but the allegiance of its developers, a group that can make or break the success of an ecosystem. Before Google and Apple held their developer conferences in June, analytics firm Flurry described the very critical need for OS makers to woo this workforce that “can largely impact the fate of some of the most prolific, innovative forces in the world’s economy today.”

While RIM has, of late, been in damage-repair mode, this particular defense was prompted by a July 13 report from All Things D. Citing a Baird Equity Research survey on developer sentiment, the site wrote that RIM is “bleeding developers.” According to the survey, devs’ sentiment toward BB10 fell from 4.6 during the first quarter to 3.8 during the second, while their feelings toward BlackBerry 7 declined to 2.8 from 3.8. Sentiments toward Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android, meanwhile, hovered around the 9.0 mark during both quarters.

The report stood out, and warranted a response post on the BlackBerry blog from Saunders, said Mallick, because it ran contrary to the positive feedback and “quite astonishing” growth that RIM has been seeing.

“We’ve seen just really strong growth from a vendor perspective, coming into the platform; we’ve seen really strong growth from the different applications being submitted on the platform; we’re seeing strong growth from monetization—just all of the indicators that we look at to measure the performance of the platform … are really, really strong,” said Mallick.

Mallick added, “We grew by over 200 percent in the first quarter alone—we’ve had over 25,000 applications submitted to that platform.”

The feedback from the World Tour has likewise been “incredibly positive,” said Mallick. One of the most satisfying things, he said, was how quickly developers were able to adopt the tools and produce a product—within days of the event, developers have been emailing the RIM team, asking for ways to share their newly created apps with other devs, for feedback. In one instance, a developer showed off an app he’d built that day.

“That’s just incredibly exciting for us, because when we looked at BlackBerry 10, we made a very deliberate decision to make it a developer device, one that’s extremely friendly for app developers to build amazing applications with, to have phenomenal user experiences with,” said Mallick.

A pleased developer community, while essential, is only part of the equation. What message does RIM have for the enterprise customers holding out—or debating whether to—for BB10?

The new platform, said Mallick, is going to marry all the “core tenants of an enterprise-grade solution—security, the reliability, manageability” with multimedia applications and more “gaming-type things,” to keep users happy in and out of the office.

“From an enterprise developer perspective,” Mallick added, “the message is: Hey, go grab the tools. They’re in great shape. People are building applications really quickly. Grab those tools, take a look at them, start playing around, and get your enterprise applications up and ready to be prepared for the launch of BlackBerry 10.”
BlackBerry 10 Seeing 'Phenomenal' Response From Developers, RIM Insists - Mobile and Wireless - News & Reviews - eWeek.com

[mikeo007]

Makes me wonder what their definition of phenomenal is. I have no doubt they've seen an influx of new developers looking the create apps for the brand new BB10 platform. But how many of these devs are just kicking the tires? And how many former BB devs have they already lost? There are many sides to a story like this, so I wouldn't be surprised if everyone's story had a hint of truth.

[berklon]

The proof is in the pudding.

Let's see the apps when (IF) BB10 is launched.

[Houshinto]

Having been to the BBjam event in Montreal it's was clear there was a lot of interest and support by Dev's of all types.

Even during the in-depth sessions the enthusiasm and questions showed that devs were genuinely interested in exploring the platform.

Considering the idea of developing for blackberry before was "wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole" the current response I saw was indeed phenomenal.

[hpjrt]

The proof is in the pudding.

Let's see the apps when (IF) BB10 is launched.

No, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

That said, I agree, the proof of developer interest/participation will be in the presence/absence of apps on BB10.

[Rickroller]

I'm not interested in what a bunch of possibly amateurish devs can do with the device (as is evident in the Playbook app selection). RIM had better be concerned as to getting the big players on board if they want any kind of consumer interest.

[randall2580]

I don't know what folks expect RIM to say "OMG I can't believe we can't get developers invested in our new platform"? Of course they are going to say this.

I wish we would see some of that enthusiasm translate to the PlayBook in apps we could see and more importantly use in the meantime. So far the games are great, but the practical apps are still lacking, and I would lose my lunch if I saw an new app that I might like to use, "work on the PlayBook" next to the usual iOS and Android posting.

[mikeo007]

I don't know what folks expect RIM to say "OMG I can't believe we can't get developers invested in our new platform"? Of course they are going to say this.

I wish we would see some of that enthusiasm translate to the PlayBook in apps we could see and more importantly use in the meantime. So far the games are great, but the practical apps are still lacking, and I would lose my lunch if I saw an new app that I might like to use, "work on the PlayBook" next to the usual iOS and Android posting.

You won't see much until OS10 is on the playbook. Everyone who is developing is pretty focussed on OS10. It would be a waste of time developing for the Playbook at this point (unless you're developing games which won't touch any of the new APIs)

[morlock_man]

It'll be interesting to see what kind of industry response there is as companies begin to license BB10 to replace the obsolete Windows CE platform.

There will be a big need for developers to create the apps that will interface with the new equipment.

[aniym]

It'll be interesting to see what kind of industry response there is as companies begin to license BB10 to replace the obsolete Windows CE platform.

There will be a big need for developers to create the apps that will interface with the new equipment.

I dont' understand what this is supposed to mean. How would BB10 replace the Windows CE platform, which doesn't exist on smartphones? Windows CE today generally acts as an embedded system in things like ATM and subway ticket machines and certain types of medical devices. The Windows CE kernel still exists in WP7 and legacy Windows Mobile smartphones, the latter of which are exist solely on devices no longer in production. But 'kernel' and 'platform' are two different things and regardless, WP7 has basically zero uptake in corporations anyway.

[morlock_man]

QNX has always been one of the most reliable embedded platforms, it's just been lacking a solid UI. The old Photon GUI never really produced much 'wow' factor and app design for it was limited. The ability to use Cascades to develop interface apps will provide that necessary flash.

RIM has mentioned licensing the BB10 platform several times, but until its ready we won't know much about who they're partnering with.

Either way, the QNX kernel architecture makes it an ideal replacement for Windows CE, especially when coupled with the BB10 frontend.

[jd914]

I'm not interested in what a bunch of possibly amateurish devs can do with the device (as is evident in the Playbook app selection). RIM had better be concerned as to getting the big players on board if they want any kind of consumer interest.

Exactly as for the hype RIM claims, I'll believe it when I see it.

[GTiLeo]

I'm not interested in what a bunch of possibly amateurish devs can do with the device (as is evident in the Playbook app selection). RIM had better be concerned as to getting the big players on board if they want any kind of consumer interest.

considering there are a ton of gameloft games on the playbook some of the big name devs are writing for the playbook, and seeing as how my playbook has "lets golf 2" as does a co workers ipad and the quality of the game is the same if not better i'd think RIM has a chance to fully establish a well rounded dev base, and the playbook isn't even a complete OS or even a phone with more possibilities for apps

[aniym]

The big devs won't want to develop for BB10 unless they see market traction. That was made crystal clear when looking at the current state of App World.

What App World also shows however is that there is a sliver of hope with regards to game development. I sometimes think it might not be a bad idea for RIM to provide seed funding to indie or small-shop developers so they can experiment with game concepts or ideas that aren't currently able to due to budget constraints. If the concepts can be fleshed out into full-fledged games, then RIM can set up either an exclusivity period for for the game on BB10, or take a percentage of sales revenue across all the platforms it's released on.

The only way BB10 will realistically claw back any market share is if it has a solid differentiating quality other than "security" and "true multi-tasking" which not enough people care about. Just as Apple fought off bankruptcy by building a market around something they had no competition (digital music), RIM needs to target a potential growth market in mobile apps (NOT low-margin "emerging economies") and invest capital in it.

Of course, this requires some staff in RIM acting as venture capitalists, and I'm not sure they really have that kind of talent to do so.

[bk1022]

The PB has plenty of pay and free apps with very good coverage. Yes, it's missing plenty of apps that trick your children into buying stuff, and unending duplicates of the same stuff.

Presumably, if BB10 becomes popular, this will turn on a dime.

Other than skype and netflix, what exactly can't I do on a Playbook that I am missing out on?

[rdkempt]

I am seeing BlackBerry enthusiasts trying to learn to write apps... I am not seeing many established developers showing any interest in BlackBerry 10.

[Rickroller]

Other than skype and netflix, what exactly can't I do on a Playbook that I am missing out on?

All's i'll say is that the selection of kid friendly apps is laughable, the music and video player apps are atrocious..I mean the fact you can't even find an app to create multiple playlists is a joke. Other than games (and paid ones at that) there is very little for app selection. Considering that the Playbook was supposed to be the app testing ground for BB10, it doesn't leave me very inspired for what RIM has in store.

[BlackStormRising]

All's i'll say is that the selection of kid friendly apps is laughable, the music and video player apps are atrocious..I mean the fact you can't even find an app to create multiple playlists is a joke. Other than games (and paid ones at that) there is very little for app selection. Considering that the Playbook was supposed to be the app testing ground for BB10, it doesn't leave me very inspired for what RIM has in store.

Are you saying there is no way to put music playlists on the Playbook? Or just no way to do it with the native music player and no 3rd party apps available to accomplish this?

[Rickroller]

Are you saying there is no way to put music playlists on the Playbook? Or just no way to do it with the native music player and no 3rd party apps available to accomplish this?

There is 1 Play list for the PB. There is no way that I found that could create multiple playlists such as Rock Mix, Party Mix etc. I downloaded just about every free music app I could find to find one with multiple playlists to no avail. I even created separate "Mix" folders and added them into my library.. But the Playbook just separates them all into individual files. Idk.. Maybe someone else found a better way.. But it is/was an extremely frustrating procedure for me..

[BlackStormRising]

There is 1 Play list for the PB. There is no way that I found that could create multiple playlists such as Rock Mix, Party Mix etc. I downloaded just about every free music app I could find to find one with multiple playlists to no avail. I even created separate "Mix" folders and added them into my library.. But the Playbook just separates them all into individual files. Idk.. Maybe someone else found a better way.. But it is/was an extremely frustrating procedure for me..

I haven't created any lists myself yet. The help icon says you use desktop manager to move lists you created with iTunes or Windows media. If that works it might discourage a dev from writing an app I suppose.

[Rickroller]

I haven't created any lists myself yet. The help icon says you use desktop manager to move lists you created with iTunes or Windows media. If that works it might discourage a dev from writing an app I suppose.

It's quite possible Desktop Manager does this.. But if that's the case it's a hassle Imo. For existing BB users it would make sense to have DM installed.. But for a regular user they won't have it.. And shouldn't need it. If I had to go thru Google for something as simple as a playlist I'd be just as frustrated. And I really hope with BB10 they drop the need for having to use a desktop for anything other than file sharing.

[bk1022]

All's i'll say is that the selection of kid friendly apps is laughable, the music and video player apps are atrocious..I mean the fact you can't even find an app to create multiple playlists is a joke. Other than games (and paid ones at that) there is very little for app selection. Considering that the Playbook was supposed to be the app testing ground for BB10, it doesn't leave me very inspired for what RIM has in store.

Well, you can make playlists with itunes and sync them, I guess that's why no one has bothered to create an app for that. For simple things like this, if no one is going to provide something for free, RIM should create an app, put it on sourceforge for example, and let people just make it better. It is an oversight to say that RIM must court the developer community for every little thing. There are ways to make things so simple that you couldn't stop someone from making something great, and RIM hasn't ever taken that approach.

As far as kid friendly apps, I don't know what you mean. My son has hundreds of apps, most of them were free. He's turning 4. He can play cut-the-rope and angry-birds as well as the rest of them. He's got plenty of early learning programs that he won't play anymore because they are all boring -- including the ones on his grandpa's iPad.

But yes, the pickings are certainly slimmer. However, anything that's remotely popular makes its way to all platforms. So we're really just talking about either being timely or the niche stuff. If BB10 OS version changes don't deprecate all previous apps like their Java OS has, maybe the app world would be full of niche apps.

I can only hope that BB10 phones become popular and therefore apps will be ported to BB10 phones concurrently.

[Rickroller]

Well I don't use iTunes for my music. If I wanted to use iTunes I'd be using Apple products I'm sure. Point being you shouldn't have to use a desktop for anything Imo. And I'm curious how you managed to get Cut the Rope and Angry Birds for free..as almost any of the popular games I found to be $5. And I personally refuse to pay $5 for an app my son will just become bored with in a short period of time.

[randall2580]

The PB has plenty of pay and free apps with very good coverage. Yes, it's missing plenty of apps that trick your children into buying stuff, and unending duplicates of the same stuff.

Presumably, if BB10 becomes popular, this will turn on a dime.

Other than skype and netflix, what exactly can't I do on a Playbook that I am missing out on?

I agree that now there are some very nice games coming to the PlayBook, or so it seems, I am not heavy into games but I did get Uno HD which is very nice and there are a few I might add over time.


There are few if any real productive apps for the PlayBook. I realize there are some work arounds for some of the things I would like to be app based, but what frustrates the out of me is if it can be done with the work around - why folks aren't making these things for the PlayBook from the start? (Logmein is a great example - no plans for a PlayBook app - asked and answered)

Then there are baseball games. The MLB12 app for Android is great can do everything from check the score, listen to the radio broadcast, to watch the game on the tv channel of my choice. If you are a baseball fanatic (I am) this is an absolute must have! I understand the NHL is exactly the same though I haven't the experience with that one. On the PB you have to get the game on a desktop computer and send the link to the game by email then it works - why? Why can't it just work? There is another work around using SimpleBrowser. Why can't there just be an MLB12 app for the PlayBook with the exact same functionality of the iOS and Android app? The app for BB phones only provides the radio (I think - I won't get it)and doesn't yet exist for PlayBook.

NBC just came out with a great app that will allow you watch every minute of Olympics coverage - works on iOS and Android - no mention at all about BB. I can go on if you let me but this post is long enough.

[JeepBB]

You could add to that list of Apps that BB/PB gets the smelly end of the stick even where in-house Apps are concerned. DocsToGo is produced by a RIM-owned company and yet the App experience is richer on the versions produced for iOS and Android.

As to BB10 seeing "'Phenomenal' Response From Developers"... apologies for mangling the quote, but (almost) in the words of Mandy Rice-Davies: "They would say that, wouldn't they?"

Is anyone really surprised?