[anon2100101]

May be I�m too old and my play instinct is already gone, perhaps I�m too legitimate to be susceptible for every mutants of spirits of the age (zeitgeist) and possibly I�m to reasonable and bourgeois, but beside the fact, that the 10.2.1.xxx is ABLE to support apk.files I hate this...
My decision to purchase BlackBerry since years was the fact, that Blackberry was always a statement AGAINST mainstream, a statement for security and also a statement for convenience. Blackberry was always outstanding and nobody cares about the unprogressive specs, cause Blackberry was the best device in context of communication.

I understand that Blackberry is forced to sell and earning money, but I want to see a Blackberry in its tradition. Whit the ability to sideload apk.files Blackberry becomes insecure and opens a door to the -up to now declined- world of snoopery. It demotivated developer of native apps. It makes a BlackBerry to a "Samsung-light" (I never would purchase!). Blackberry was known as an elitist device with high demands to its user. But now it mutated to a htc with different UI (needs getting used to) and the inability TO BE a complete android-device...

Somebody who wants all the gimmickry stuff of Android will still purchase a htc or samsung or alike... But a BlackBerry-User like me lost its unique selling point, the security and the hope, that all the big-name-apps will ever appear as a native BB-app.

The question is if BlackBerry should compensate its lack of apps either becoming a elite supporter for native apps or by a transformation to a capitualting hermaphrodite....

[qbnkelt]

I'm one of a tiny minority that agrees with you. I'm running my Q10 devoid of Android apps except for Poynt. I haven't gone to one third party store nor grabbed one APK. I buy my BlackBerry to be a BlackBerry, not some BlackBerry/Android hybrid. My main consideration when buying a BlackBerry is security.

[serbanescu]

BlackBerry is now between a rock and a hard place: if it gives up Android sideloading, it will lose customers. But if BlackBerry keeps it, it will dilute the most important competitive advantage it has - security (see: http://forums.crackberry.com/news-ru...sables-901849/).

It's hard to be in their shoes right now.


--------------------

Screen Timeout - app for BB10

[tomsobon]

guys it's all about choice!
no one is forcing you to download any APK the new OS just gives you a choice, and with choice comes responsabilities it's up to you to make good jugment

The fact is, apps are useful, and provide fast access to the content you need. Most of us need apps.

qbnkelt, you dont have any android apps EXCEPT for Poynt see, there's always an exception

Shazam
Teamviewer
trip advisor
Bloomberg anywhere
MEGA
Google Maps

guys these are powerful apps without any potential compromising risks, and if the only way to get them is through android, then android it is!

blackberry remaines blackberry, but now you just have a choice.

Discouraging developers to build native? i think there were discouraged since day one of BB10, i really dont see that as a risk. I actually think that if they see the volume of android apps on blackberrys phone, MAYBE that will incentivise them to build native versions to increase.

but hey, this is just my opinion

[qbnkelt]

guys it's all about choice!
no one is forcing you to download any APK the new OS just gives you a choice, and with choice comes responsabilities it's up to you to make good jugment

The fact is, apps are useful, and provide fast access to the content you need. Most of us need apps.

qbnkelt, you dont have any android apps EXCEPT for Poynt see, there's always an exception

Shazam
Teamviewer
trip advisor
Bloomberg anywhere
MEGA
Google Maps

guys these are powerful apps without any potential compromising risks, and if the only way to get them is through android, then android it is!

blackberry remaines blackberry, but now you just have a choice.

Discouraging developers to build native? i think there were discouraged since day one of BB10, i really dont see that as a risk. I actually think that if they see the volume of android apps on blackberrys phone, MAYBE that will incentivise them to build native versions to increase.

but hey, this is just my opinion

I've got Poynt from BBW. I didn't go to 1mobile. I didn't grab an APK. And I've used Poynt for years, it's a trusted app. I've got no trust in any third party store, especially 1mobile.

And I did say I was part of a tiny minority. I will gladly stay there.

[conite]

What if a single banking app, or another specialised app was all that was holding someone back from getting a BlackBerry?

In my opinion, the android runtime is not about turning your BlackBerry into an Android, but gives you the flexibility to have a true BlackBerry phone with all of its goodness while allowing you to install those few apps that you need and can't get through bbw.

Z30STA100-5/10.2.1.1925

Posted via CB10

[MartyMcfly]

I agree with the op. I think blackberry should push for more native apps. The android app experience on my z10 is a joke when compared to the s4. I'm hoping more big developers jump on board and create native apps.


Sent from my  using Tapatalk

[qbnkelt]

What if a single banking app, or another specialised app was all that was holding someone back from getting a BlackBerry?

In my opinion, the android runtime is not about turning your BlackBerry into an Android, but gives you the flexibility to have a true BlackBerry phone with all of its goodness while allowing you to install those few apps that you need and can't get through bbw.

Z30STA100-5/10.2.1.1925

Posted via CB10

That is a very interesting point. For years, when I stated that I bought my iPhone and my Android devices in part for their apps, I was called a troll and was told to use the browser, set bookmarks, and place them on my homescreen. Here we are, years later, and I'm told that in order to run my BlackBerry with needed apps I should put Android apps on my devices. From the same platform that is deemed to be a magnet of malware. On my BlackBerry, where I've got my most sensitive stuff because....well....it's a BlackBerry and I buy it for security. So in a very interesting turn, I'm using my Q10, which a love, and I'm bookmarking banks and putting them on my homescreen because I haven't got my banking apps.

Strange, the twists and turns.

[akawarrior]

With old school Blackberry models under permissions you most
of the time had the choice to restrict apps from different permissions
and the app ether worked or didn't. However with OS 10 Blackberry
has given the choice to the developers to gray out permission
of their choice and you have NO choice of blocking at all. So,
in my opinion and everyone has a right to one. You are no better
off running an Android app over a native. Besides when you
load an app at all it's really up to the developer on what data
is collected. You can't packet filter every slice of data and
it's destination or collection. All this media buzz over NSA
collection of phone data proves that none of us are really
safe to think any of us have data security at all. Face it, apps
native or not, carrier this or that, doesn't mean a hill of beans.
Our rights to privacy is under attack by all sides. FACT: There is no
such thing as digital security.. However, you can make wise
choices that can help but still the door is always wide open..
Best thing is, don't put anything or do anything with a phone
or a PC that you don't want someone else to have.

akawarrior.. IS 34years..

[Bbnivende]

Ok I will bite. For the average Joe consumer how is a BB10 device more secure than a iphone. If security for the BlackBerry is superior then why is not BlackBerry advertising this feature heavily.

[wincyUt]

That is a very interesting point. For years, when I stated that I bought my iPhone and my Android devices in part for their apps, I was called a troll and was told to use the browser, set bookmarks, and place them on my homescreen. Here we are, years later, and I'm told that in order to run my BlackBerry with needed apps I should put Android apps on my devices. From the same platform that is deemed to be a magnet of malware. On my BlackBerry, where I've got my most sensitive stuff because....well....it's a BlackBerry and I buy it for security. So in a very interesting turn, I'm using my Q10, which a love, and I'm bookmarking banks and putting them on my homescreen because I haven't got my banking apps.

Strange, the twists and turns.

We humans can never be satisfied, no matter what. The ironies of life!

[anon2100101]

Security is only one aspect of being a BlackBerry. But its also important for a brand to keep the own identity alive... Nobody wants a BlackBerry who wants to be half a Android-Phone... I�m not naive about security and the omnipresent digitization of my personality and private sphere... But nevertheless it becomes unavoidable I wont hasten it...

The average Joe has no choice! He is a sport of infantile surgency and thats the reason why Android dominates the market....

Call me frumpy, but Blackberry has to decide if they want to dwell an outstanding brand beside the noncritical mainstream or to satisfy the requirement of gluttons...

[web99]

OP, it's called "Freedom of choice". You and others have made a choice not to download any Android apk's on your device. On the other hand, there are others who have made the choice to download Android apk's because some apps that they need are not available in BB World.

Neither group is wrong, in my opinion, so why do you want to impose your views on others who choose to do so?

Posted via CB10 from my spectacular Z10

[lnichols]

I'm one of a tiny minority that agrees with you. I'm running my Q10 devoid of Android apps except for Poynt. I haven't gone to one third party store nor grabbed one APK. I buy my BlackBerry to be a BlackBerry, not some BlackBerry/Android hybrid. My main consideration when buying a BlackBerry is security.

I finally broke down and got Sachesi to work on my Z10 and loaded 10.2.1. Loaded SNAP too since it is accessing Google Play store. Loaded Instagram, SiriusXM, Pandora, and some other apps. Still trying to decide on the Banking ones. I would think that the Play store should be safe as long as the apps are from the sources. I was going to hold off, but I only have Jr carry one phone, and the update plus the apps really makes the Z10 a complete device IMO. Totally understand your decision though and the reasoning.

Posted via CB10

[anon2100101]

For me its a question of recklessness and convenience: as I said before- I�m not naive about security and the omnipresent snoopery of NSA and pack alike... but what I really NEED? Communication seems to be necessary, but what about seemingly indispensable "banking-apps"? What have we done in the past? I never will use a banking-app- neither at my BB nor at my PC. At least "Angry Birds" spy for this...
For me its not the freedom of choice- for me its the duty to bedevil my digital detraction by google, NSA and others... My POV.

[Bbnivende]

For me its a question of recklessness and convenience: as I said before- I�m not naive about security and the omnipresent snoopery of NSA and pack alike... but what I really NEED? Communication seems to be necessary, but what about seemingly indispensable "banking-apps"? What have we done in the past? I never will use a banking-app- neither at my BB nor at my PC. At least "Angry Birds" spy for this...
For me its not the freedom of choice- for me its the duty to bedevil my digital detraction by google, NSA and others... My POV.

My Banking App alerts me of any activity on my bank credit card and debit card . Alerted me to a fraud transaction right away. I think it is a good to have. My Thermostat app alerts me when my furnace fails when I am away ( great for Canada). Apps with notifications can be very worthwhile.

[dtarin]

Side loading is very important right now for BlackBerry. For those that switch from Android to BB, it at least creates a bridge between what people had on their current [android] phones and what is on BB.

This is similar to Macs and how they grew to run Windows via boot camp or via a virtual machine. Software for OSX was not going to all appear overnight and in some cases never (feature parity Quicken anyone?). It was never ideal to run apps this way due to the performance hit but it was necessary for some apps. Over time apps started to show up on OSX making running the windows version less necessary.

So likewise I think having android side loading on BB10 is an important bridge for now and for a long time to come. If BB10 keeps gaining market share we'll hopefully see more native versions of apps but until then at least we can tap into the Android world of apps to find what we need.

I will always choose native over side loading but if side loading gets me the app I need I will grudgingly use it.

Posted via CB10

[Denise in Los Angeles]

I don't think the ability to use Android apps hurts BlackBerry's reputation. It is just a choice that we can use the function or NOT use it. Choice is good. If you never use an Android app, how is that a bad thing for you?

[anon2100101]

Unfortunately english is not my mother tongue. And beside the fact that the english language isnt as multifaceted as the german language is (with the most nuanced synonyms), I have difficulties to express my intention:
Its no doubt about it, that there is a lack of apps at BlackBerryWorld.
Its also correct, that BlackBerry needs other sources to increase this lack.
I agree that a lot of apk-apps are usefull and in its function are welcome.
I understand the point of view that everybody has a choice, although I didnt agree.
I dont want to express, that the apk-apps are needless.

Some month ago we all were part of the fate of BlackBerry. Blackberry could be sold.... In this context was a discussion what happens, if Lenovo would purchase BlackBerry... I remember a lot of dues which express a big fear of chinese spyware which could be implemented in BB-devices.

Beside the fact, that the chinese arent able to spy the americans as the americans do to the rest of the world, the same people now have no problems to disclose there privacy to data kraken like google, NSA and alike, cause the app is so "usefull"!

I see the need for solutions but I fear we have opened Pandora�s box and its not unrealistic that BlackBerry have to bear a fate in the meaning of Johann W. von Goethes "Zauberlehrling": Spirits that I've cited - My commands ignore...

The brand BlackBerry needs to be BlackBerry and not an accomplice of flashiness which could be a beginning sell-off of identity.

[randall2580]

For me, BlackBerry has been about compromise for years now. I don't see this as a sea change of any sort really. While I have put Android apps on my Q10 they aren't used much as if I want Android I use my Note 3, though it does come in handy if I have the Q in my hand and need to reference an Android application.

If this ability had been available on the legacy OS I doubt I would own an Android phone today. In fact I bought the PlayBook because this feature was promised (though never fully realized as it is on the Q's and Z's today).

[Denise in Los Angeles]

The real problem is not lack of apps. The real problem is not having the "Big Name Wanted" apps. Whether it is Netflix, Instagram, or name whatever popular app... if a phone reviewer is like the guy on the Los Angeles morning news, he won't care anything about how great a new BlackBerry is, he will just say the phone can't get the popular apps. He acted totally bored for the 15 seconds he dismissed the Z10. That's what is ruining BlackBerry's reputation.

We at CrackBerry would buy a BB 10 phone without the popular apps, but not people who use iPhones or Androids. By increasing the access to popular apps, there is a possibility to improve the BlackBerry rep.

Right now, the BlackBerry reputation is of a secure phone with no apps. Okay for business people, but the attitude is "my job is forcing me to use this phone."

[Signhere]

Haha, just gimme the apps and leave me and my Z30 alone. As long as I can have the best BlackBerry possible then that's all I personally care about.

DirtyThirty Zed it

[jh07]

I think the worst thing that is going to happen is that developers aren't going to make native BlackBerry apps if the majority of the users are happy with the Android apps. It's definitely a catch 22 for BlackBerry.

Posted via CB10

[eywong]

It seems to me that most of my favorite BB10 apps on BlackBerry World are merely repackaged Android apps. For whatever reason, their developers do not update the BB10 versions as frequently as the corresponding Android versions. And there are other favorite apps that are not available on BBW, but are available on Google Play.

I recently decided to abandon BBW in favor of Google Play as the source of an app when feasible. Some Android apps are buggy on BB10, but their developers seem to want to quickly fix any issues.

[ubizmo]

It demotivated developer of native apps.

I agree with some of what you say, but you can't demotivate people who aren't motivated in the first place. It's not as though BlackBerry has pulled the rug out from all those developers. The problem is, there's no one standing on the rug!

Obviously I exaggerate. I don't want to imply that there are no native app developers, but it's true that the developer community has largely ignored BB10, and with perfectly good reason.

The question is if BlackBerry should compensate its lack of apps either becoming a elite supporter for native apps or by a transformation to a capitualting hermaphrodite....

I like my hermaphrodites submissive! But the question is, what does it mean to be a "supporter of native apps"? They've been supporting them all along, but far too few are interested. It just isn't happening. Consider: If Amazon isn't willing to make the trivial effort to port Audible to BB10 and list it in BB World--and we know it works just fine sideloaded, so functionality is no problem--then what could possibly persuade them to spend the money to build a native app?

Before we talk about "supporting" native app development, we have to consider the reality that even easily portable Android apps aren't getting listed.

I keep reading the complaint, "Why should developers go to the trouble of writing a native app when they can just port the Android app?" But many, many developers aren't even doing that!

Microsoft has a lot more money to throw around than BlackBerry can dream of, but getting apps on the platform has been a slow climb for them. They can afford to wait; BlackBerry can't. I wish it were otherwise, but that's how it is at the moment.