Amazon Appstore & Passport: Unbelievable situation!
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Ok, and your just someone that goes around making short simple minded posts like that to try and get peoples goats, with no back up criteria or nothing., lets get one thing straight, its not a androids fault, its amazons. but that does not mean amazons bad either, it just means amazons lacking on this supposed partnership with bbry09-28-14 11:04 PMLike 0 - Quick tip for download and installing .apk's right from your phone without even using snap, DDPB, or any sideloaded app. Works on 10.2+ obviously, since prior OS versions do not know what to do with .apks.
Just google search for the app you want, click the play store link, and right from your phones browser edit the url to replace "play.google" with "apk-d"l. IE, "https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netflix.mediaclient&hl=en" becomes "https://apk-dl.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netflix.mediaclient&hl=en"
Boom, direct .apk download to your device and just click it from the downloaded file list to install. Every once in a while it shows an error, just hit refresh once or twice and it will work.
This makes sure you get the latest verion of an app, but it will be the original android version - not a fully compatible blackberry version like the Amazon store would have in theory.09-28-14 11:09 PMLike 3 - Quick tip for download and installing .apk's right from your phone without even using snap, DDPB, or any sideloaded app. Works on 10.2+ obviously, since prior OS versions do not know what to do with .apks.
Just google search for the app you want, click the play store link, and right from your phones browser edit the url to replace "play.google" with "apk-d"l. IE, "https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netflix.mediaclient&hl=en" becomes "https://apk-dl.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netflix.mediaclient&hl=en"
Boom, direct .apk download to your device and just click it from the downloaded file list to install. Every once in a while it shows an error, just hit refresh once or twice and it will work.
This makes sure you get the latest verion of an app, but it will be the original android version - not a fully compatible blackberry version like the Amazon store would have in theory.09-28-14 11:21 PMLike 0 - Quick tip for download and installing .apk's right from your phone without even using snap, DDPB, or any sideloaded app. Works on 10.2+ obviously, since prior OS versions do not know what to do with .apks.
Just google search for the app you want, click the play store link, and right from your phones browser edit the url to replace "play.google" with "apk-d"l. IE, "https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netflix.mediaclient&hl=en" becomes "https://apk-dl.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netflix.mediaclient&hl=en"
Boom, direct .apk download to your device and just click it from the downloaded file list to install. Every once in a while it shows an error, just hit refresh once or twice and it will work.
This makes sure you get the latest verion of an app, but it will be the original android version - not a fully compatible blackberry version like the Amazon store would have in theory.
FYI, as Google tightens its grip on Android vendors, more and more apps are becoming tied to Google Play Services, making the Play Store increasingly useless for the major apps. A lot of newest versions are either spotty or don't run at all any more. This will get worse as Android L hits mainstream. The Amazon App Store is critical to BlackBerry.
Posted via CB1009-28-14 11:25 PMLike 0 - 09-28-14 11:30 PMLike 0
- Good tip but please let's not get off topic here. This is an important topic that needs to be resolved.
FYI, as Google tightens its grip on Android vendors, more and more apps are becoming tied to Google Play Services, making the Play Store increasingly useless for the major apps. A lot of newest versions are either spotty or don't run at all any more. This will get worse as Android L hits mainstream. The Amazon App Store is critical to BlackBerry.
Posted via CB10
Google's already getting backlash for trying to make devs add their home addresses to the apps store page. so not allowing apps to run on other android based platforms would pretty much send googles existance back to a search engine. lol i mean hey if anything apple would have done this "app exclusive" stuff first. ;p09-28-14 11:37 PMLike 0 - Name me a new product that doesn't have a bug at first? They get fixed. Everyone calm down.
Posted via CB10Thunderbuck and Elite1 like this.09-28-14 11:39 PMLike 2 - as much as google wants to tighten its grip it won't they rely on apps like netflix, hulu and majority of the king games for example to keep their marketplace have ppl coming back for more, and they can't lose them to apple, and if the devs who make those apps feel pressured, well there go play store ratings.
Google's already getting backlash for trying to make devs add their home addresses to the apps store page. so not allowing apps to run on other android based platforms would pretty much send googles existance back to a search engine. lol i mean hey if anything apple would have done this "app exclusive" stuff first. ;p
Anyway, this is way off topic. If we want to discuss Google Android vs. AOSP, and Google's control over Android then let's start a new thread.
Posted via CB1009-29-14 12:07 AMLike 0 - Quick update. I'm getting my Passport today (it's out for delivery now) and I will test the Amazon App Store issues as soon as I have set the device up. I?m going to do a test with shipping firmware and with an update, if any is available.
Posted via CB1009-29-14 10:33 AMLike 0 - So here is the digest of what I am about to post:
A lot of apps from Amazon, that can be downloaded using 10.3 leaks on Z10/30/Q10/5, are blacklisted for the Passport.
Apps like Kindle, Netflix or Printershare (one of the current free offers) cannot be installed on Passport through Amazon Appstore.
It is unbelievable that they would blacklist the Passport, an official 10.3 device, while users running a leak can access them no problem. It is equally unbelievable that I can download these apps in .apk form and it turns out they run flawlessly. Heck Kindle even recognised my Amazon Appstore and automatically logged me in.
I just spent an hour with Amazon CS reps troubleshooting this issue. They hardly understood what I meant at first, but eventually we got to the core of the issue: they cannot find any reason for the blacklisting, but they cannot undo it either.
I have contacted a few devs about this issue (not only large apps are affected), but it seems they do not understand either how to get their apps "approved".
Tech SupportYou are now connected to Muqtadir from Amazon.com
Me:Question about app availability for BlackBerry 10 (Some apps show only for Q10, some only on Passport etc.).
Muqtadir: Hello, My name is Muqtadir. I'll be happy to help you today.
Could you please let me know the name of the App you're referring to?
Me:Yes I can
Kindle for Android, Netflix, Printershare. (can only install on Q10)
Mangarock (can only install on Passport)
Muqtadir:Thank you for providing me with the information Glenn. I would need to transfer this chat to the Appstore team who would be able to assist you better in this regard.
A Customer Service Associate will be with you in a moment.
You are now connected to Kumar from Amazon.com
Me:Hello there!
Kumar: Hi Glenn
Are you referring to kindle app ?
Me:Yes, Kindle and 3 more apps
Kumar:Let me connect you to concerned department
Me:Sure, thank you!
A Customer Service Associate will be with you in a moment.
You are now connected to Keishamei from Amazon.com
Me:Hello Keishamei, can you see the rest of the chat or do I need to repeat my issue?
Keishamei:Hello there! Thank you for taking the time to contact Amazon Kindle Support. My name is Keishamei, your Kindle Specialist. I'll be more than happy to assist you today.
I understand that you are inquiring about the availability of apps on your BlackBerry. I�m going to do everything I can to help.
Me:Yes thank you in advance!
Keishamei:Not a problem. Can you please tell me more of the issue?
Me:Ok I will explain with Kindle for example:
On the website it says Compatible with Q10 but Not compatible with Passport. But if I install Kindle (from .apk file) to my Passport it works very well.
The problem is I cannot see it from the Appstore on my Passport, so I have to find an .apk manually
Keishamei:Thanks for the info.
Me:I would rather do it in an official way
Keishamei:I'm sorry however I'm not familiar with Q10 or Passport.
Are these features on your device?
Me:How do you mean?
Keishamei:May I ask on which website you saw that the Kindle app is compatible with Q10 and not with passport?
Me: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...UvbUpU10904820 full link)
There is a small box on the right side of the screen that shows "Compatibility with your devices"
Keishamei:I see. Thanks for the info. In this case, I'll be needing to connect you to our AppStore Department for further assistance. Please stay connected. This will just take a moment.
A Customer Service Associate will be with you in a moment.
You are now connected to Kumar from Amazon.com
Me:Hello again Kumar
Kumar: Hi Glenn
Let me connect you to concerned department
A Customer Service Associate will be with you in a moment.
You are now connected to Sachin from Amazon.com
Sachin:Hello, I�m Sachin a part of Amazon Kindle Chat Support.
I'm so sorry about the multiple transfers.
Please allow me 2 minutes while I check your previous correspondence.
Me:That's quite allright
If I need to explain more just say so.
Sachin:Sorry for the delay. Thanks for your patience.
So you weren't able to install the Kindle for Android App, right?
Me:Yes
On my BlackBerry Passport I have access to the Amazon Appstore, but Kindle does not show in it.
And the same applies to Netflix and Printershare. On my BlackBerry Q10 I can install and use these apps so I know they work on BlackBerry devices.
Sachin:Okay. I'm checking on the possible troubleshooting steps. Allow me 2 minutes.
Me:Go ahead.
Sachin:Thanks for waiting. I've checked and see that the Kindle for Blackberry is the app that should work for your device. But unfortunately, the app has been removed recently due to which the problem. I'm so sorry about the inconvenience. However, you may use this link to check our availability of Kindle apps for various platforms :
Amazon.com: Free Kindle Reading Apps
Me:So if the app comes back it should be called Kindle for Blackberry in the menu?
Sachin:Yes Glenn.
Me:And what about the other apps I mentioned?
Sachin:Are you referring to Netflix on your Kindle Device?
Me:Netflix on my BlackBerry device*
But it should be the same app, so yes.
Sachin:A member of our App Store team will be the perfect person to help you with this. Let me connect you to a member of our App Store team. It will only take a moment.
A Customer Service Associate will be with you in a moment.
You are now connected to Munira from Amazon.com
Me:Hello Appstore team Munira!
Munira:Hello Glenn!
Hope you are doing well today.
Me:I am, but I will be better if you can help me out of course
Munira:I'll try my best. I believe this is regarding the Netflix app on your Blackberry?
Me:I will state my issue again shortly: I use the Amazon Appstore on my two BlackBerry devices, a Q10 and a Passport.
On my Q10 I can download and use Netflix.
But on my Passport this is blocked, I cannot find it in the Appstore.
Munira:Yes Glenn. As part of the BlackBerry launch, numerous apps were blacklisted from the device. These apps are incompatible and would not show up as part of the search due to this.
Me:I can understand that, but my question is: Why are they blocked?
If I install them from another source to test these apps, I can see they are working very well.
Munira:I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. However, I currently do not have the information towards why this decision has been made after the launch. You may want to get in touch with developers of the Netflix app and the Passport for specific details over this.
Me:Sure, thank you. I just find it very strange that these apps work on my Q10. Should also be blacklisted I think? :s
Munira:I was checking on some of my resources here and see that there are instances of the blacklisting mostly on Blackberry Passport device, this may have been an internal decision on blackberry's part after the launch for this model.
Me:Well thank you for your time and effort.
I will try to sort this out through other areas then.
Munira:Its my pleasure, Glenn. I'll let you know personally if I find out more on this or if there are any new updates regarding the apps on passport.
Thank you very much for your understanding with this.
Would there be anything else I can look into for you today?
Me:No not really, thank you.
Munira:Alright then, thanks for reaching out to us Glenn.
Hope you have a great day!
Hopefully both BlackBerry and Amazon will correct this issue and allow all BB10 apps to be downloaded. The user can decide if the screen size doesn't make the use of the app ideal. I'll say that I haven't found one that doesn't work well on the Passport yet!09-29-14 10:55 AMLike 0 -
- Good tip but please let's not get off topic here. This is an important topic that needs to be resolved.
FYI, as Google tightens its grip on Android vendors, more and more apps are becoming tied to Google Play Services, making the Play Store increasingly useless for the major apps. A lot of newest versions are either spotty or don't run at all any more. This will get worse as Android L hits mainstream. The Amazon App Store is critical to BlackBerry.
Posted via CB10
Just sharing a quick and easy tip for those that have their passports and do not know how or what to sideload apps like snap onto it. IT is the simplest and easiest way to get a non-listed .apk file without any fuss or drama...if you can edit two words of a url, you can install an android app .09-29-14 06:18 PMLike 0 - Bla1zeCB OGFWIW, I reached out to BlackBerry to inquire about this after having confirmed it myself. They were unaware of any reasoning as to why this would be happening but they are now aware of it and are currently looking into it. If / when I hear from them I will update you all here.
One thing to note that's important and COULD be relevant here is the fact that Amazon is working with BlackBerry to ensure apps run correctly, so there is a GOOD chance that some apps are just being adjusted and will return once they've passed testing. That however, is not an 'official' response, just me thinking out loud knowing how things are actually being handled from previous discussions with BlackBerry.
I'm sorry I don't have a better answer than that right now but I am looking into it and have even offered my own assistance to BlackBerry to further troubleshoot it / find the root cause of it. I don't think it's a HUGE conspiracy theory or anything like that lol. There is legit reasons that it could be happening, so hopefully we'll get to the bottom of it.09-29-14 09:18 PMLike 13 - Thanks Bla1ze. That's exactly the reason I started the thread, so someone could inquire about this through official channels.
In an sure you are right, and there is some reason like ensuring compatibility. It's just odd that it seems like these apps are available for some but not others. Unfortunately I have not heard back from any developer to see how they have been informed of the issue.
Well I did get a reply from one, they made their app available on Amazon/the Passport, removed Play Services requirement, and it runs great! But that did not give me any clue as to why the others do not work.
BlackBerry Passport signed.Elite1 likes this.09-30-14 12:57 AMLike 1 - FWIW, I reached out to BlackBerry to inquire about this after having confirmed it myself. They were unaware of any reasoning as to why this would be happening but they are now aware of it and are currently looking into it. If / when I hear from them I will update you all here.
One thing to note that's important and COULD be relevant here is the fact that Amazon is working with BlackBerry to ensure apps run correctly, so there is a GOOD chance that some apps are just being adjusted and will return once they've passed testing. That however, is not an 'official' response, just me thinking out loud knowing how things are actually being handled from previous discussions with BlackBerry.
I'm sorry I don't have a better answer than that right now but I am looking into it and have even offered my own assistance to BlackBerry to further troubleshoot it / find the root cause of it. I don't think it's a HUGE conspiracy theory or anything like that lol. There is legit reasons that it could be happening, so hopefully we'll get to the bottom of it.09-30-14 01:58 AMLike 0 - Can someone tell me whether or not the Xbox 360 and Xbox One Smartglass apps are available for Passport on Amazon App Store?
Posted via CB1009-30-14 02:30 AMLike 0 - I have them both installed through Amazon, have not had a chance to test them though!
Fwiw: Printershare just became available for download on my end. I contacted the Devs and showed them it worked on Q10, so maybe they acted on that information.
BlackBerry Passport signed.Elite1 likes this.09-30-14 02:53 AMLike 1 - It's funny you mention that one. I just spotted it in the Amazon app store and installed it on my Passport about an hour ago. It's hard to understand why some people are seeing these apps and others aren't.09-30-14 08:09 AMLike 0
- That's really weird Ubizmo,
I only noticed it because I figured that I'd embrace the Amazon way as it comes preloaded. So I was going through snap and seeing which apps could be downloaded from Amazon to support the cause.
I'm sure it will all be sorted out soon enough.09-30-14 08:20 AMLike 0
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Amazon Appstore & Passport: Unbelievable situation!
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