[Kenton Doerksen]

So I was attempting to load my city's Android app onto my Passport via Snap. Installed fine, but crashes every time. I contacted the city, letting them know that a large number of Android apps can work on BlackBerry, and perhaps there was a simply option to get this one to work too.

Seems to not be a lot of love for BB by their developer, who replied as follows (just thought you all might find it interesting):

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Blackberry seems to be slowly moving toward android compatibility and have been forced to move in this direction because of a very small developer market resulting if fewer blackberry apps. This is a very recent trend (last couple of months)

Below is a link that shows how some Android apps can be installed on a BlackBerry 10 version 10.2.1
It should be noted that this will only get an Android app installed on a Blackberry but does not mean it will function. Features such as push notifications require installed functions that will only run on the proper device and Blackberry still has a long way to go if they are going to move to full compatibility with Android.

From a developer perspective we still need some clear direction that Blackberry is officially moving in this direction before we start investing development time to support this move. As soon as we say you can install and run the apps on a Blackberry we would need to know that there is full compatibility or we will have real problems with our customers and the general public.

On a final note it should be said the Blackberry may never move in this direction officially as the main function of their devices has always been security and Android works on an open market where there are no security checks on the apps as opposed to Apple where every app is manually inspected by an Apple employee before becoming available in the App Store.


The easiest way to install Android apps on BB10 - CNET

Hopefully this helps to explain things that are currently fluid when it comes to reality.

[Cynycl]

Well that basically sums up the situation. What would you have them say?

Chen told everyone to use the Amazon App store. It's a less than ideal solution but that is what Blackberry said to do. The fact that Android apps may not work properly or at all is not the dev's issue. Blackberry needs to deal with the runtime issues or abandon it all together.

[Kenton Doerksen]

Oh, I don't deny that it sums it up. I was expecting a - let's test it and see if we can get it to work.

[laketrout73]

I'm actually impressed you got such a detailed answer from the developer. It showed that they're very much in tune with the app situation with BlackBerry and aren't just ignoring the platform.

Q10SQN100-1/10.3.1.2708 | Bell | via CB10

[tdyhedge]

I'd have to say I agree with their response as well. But let me ask you, have you done everything you can do to try and make it work? Are you on OS 10.3.1? Have you tried patching the app as it probably requires some sort of Google services to run. Have you installed Cobalt's patched Google Services APK? Personally, I've been able to get a lot of android apps to run instead of simply crashing upon opening, if that is indeed your issue. However, there are still apps that won't work, no matter what. But if for some reason, you do get this app to work, you'd at least have something you can take back to your contact to show it will indeed run on a BlackBerry.

Posted via CB10

[Kenton Doerksen]

I haven't done any additional trouble shooting at this point, but will give it a go. Not tonight though, tonight I cheer for the Jets!