Passport - Struggling with Apps
So super excited to get my Passport today:
Pros:
1. Really exceptional device - hardware, build quality
2. I see what people have been saying about the space bar, but it does take some getting used to - you have to hit it in the middle to get a more softer hit.
3. Love the OS changes in 10.3 with email, hub etc.
4. Love the keyboard gestures - it is nice to have combined capability for swipe and hard keys (scrolling has not been a success for me because it is very inconsistent)
5. Love the real-estate. It is really nice to read web pages, articles, documents.
Cons:
There are minor issues, but I'll focus on the only main issue I have- APPS
With apps, I really feel like BB10 has taken two steps back with this device. My initial expectation was that the app gap would be closed significantly, but that is completely NOT the case. Reason I say this is because even though android apps run better in general with this OS, most of the apps I USED to run, don't run on the Passport. It is very hit and miss with apps.
I gave up on Amazon appstore and moved to Snap.
However many apps have constant problems:
Bloomberg app is downright ugly and finicky - was very impressive on BB10 -now I can't even get that back because even BBworld loads the Android port.
Stocks app works, but is very aesthetically challenged.
NFL Now does not scale - video is squished - zoom out/in does not work
Had to sideload Kindle (there's enough ranting on this in the forums), though it works
Despicable Me crashes - uninstalled and re-installed did not work - stuck on loading
Team Stream works but is very clunky - does not look good - looks like a 1998 web page
Other apps fail BB guardian scanning, so I wouldn't load them.
I think overall, I underestimated how much apps would NOT fit well in the form factor for the Passport.
I understand this device is ahead of its time, but for now the app experience is actually worse than I had on my z10, q10, and z30.
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Since I use this primarily for communication, I'm definitely happy to have it. It is awesome for all business stuff that I do on a daily basis. I just wish I could have my Sports and Finance apps as an enjoyable experience on this device - I could easily live without any games.
Anyway, it's been a long day of playing with this device, felt the need to summarize my thoughts.