In moving off BlackBerry 10 OS why didn't (or could they not still) proffer Android with a bb10 RUNTIME (reverse of Passport bb10 with Android 4.3 runtime) ?? THAT would have been a cool device !!
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In moving off BlackBerry 10 OS why didn't (or could they not still) proffer Android with a bb10 RUNTIME (reverse of Passport bb10 with Android 4.3 runtime) ?? THAT would have been a cool device !!
HUH?
Ummmm...
Because of all the unique apps only available on BB10?
I think some would have like a more advance BB10 launcher... but clearly the economics aren't there. And there are some limitations to what an OEM can do with Android and still qualify for the whole Google Play/Services.
Sorry but I just don't get what a BB10 Runtime would have brought to Android.... it the UI that most here miss.
That would have required an incredible amount of work and money and would not have made an Android phone into a BB10 phone. At best, it would have been able to run BB10 apps - but the number of people who care about that are in the dozens, not the hundreds of millions.
It would be like building an 80,000 seat stadium for PeeWee Football games that draw 50 spectators - it would be financially insane.
They could have and still can easily replicate BB10 with a skin. Performance? Who cares at the moment, it doesn't exist but probably should. As far as a BB10 runtime for apps? Absolutely not needed. It would only overcomplicate things just as Android on BB10 turned out to do.
BB10, Palm, WebOS... great things wind up in home appliances...
A concerted attempt by a development studio to make a BB10 launcher got only a few dozen buyers. No one was (or would be) interested.
I think there was interest. Just no one wanted to put their money where their mouth was and pay for it. I guess that means there wasn't really serious interest. Or maybe it says something else about the community.
Posted via CB10 on Z10
It says two things imho:
1. Not enough people interested
2. People don't want to pay for anything. Hence Google rules.
I tried the app and just wasn't polished enough for me. It is still available, however: https://m.apkpure.com/zinqs-launcher...nqs.blackberry if you want to try it.
Agree.
...and everyone is paying for it in a roundabout different way.
Posted via CB10 on Z10
I tried it now... already removed it... not much
He was willing to continue development, but there was no community interest.
I should tell you that version 16 was considered to be the best by many who used it.
Getting a little off topic, but as another measure I wonder how many have some of Cobalt's packages running just to avoid paying a subscription? I am one that is currently willing to put up with periodic ads in the hub on my TabA.
Posted via CB10 on Z10
Find out if BlackBerry starts killing off apps. If they claim low demand or usage, you'll probably have a few of those folks to thank.
Perhaps. It always struck me odd that Cobalt's packages were allowed to still function after the concept was proven.
Posted via CB10 on Z10
They were making so little on the app store that it was cheaper to just kill the payment mechanism early and let it coast to the end with absolute minimum maintenance.
My understanding is that it's the only way to get the BB VKB. Yes? No? Maybe?
Either as part of his package or as a standalone install.... They can't offer it in Google Play, as it's a licensed product that MS owns now. There are some wild rumors about BlackBerry developing their own keyboard... but I question what kind of predictive engine they will be able to come up with on their own.
I expect that for now, enterprise and BBMo are paying most the app development cost...
well...it's just time to say goodbye!
Posted via CB10
So what apps would you run with this runtime?
WHAT??!!! Microsoft owns the BlackBerry VKB??
When did that happen?
Swiftkey was purchased by Microsoft.
We don't exactly know what the licencing agreement was or is, but presumably a fee is involved.
I knew that, but thought the BB VKB was independent of SwiftKey.