BlackBerry Playbook — another Day, another Update

It’s true — the heart of the tablet is in the OS. And the heart of OS is in the apps. BlackBerry’s attempts at improving their PlayBook 2.0 and subsequent upgrade to 2.1.0, is a reminder of both.

Edits without credits

Tech updates are much like editing an article: both are intended to improve the quality. But this thankless 

job is not given due credit even when it involves having to rewrite the entire article in the name of editing. Just like that, sometimes it’s better to simply create new apps than to recompile and transfer to another OS especially when the Application Development fails to gel on multiple Oss.

 

At the start of this year, BlackBerry Tablet 2.0 OS provided the opportunity for app developers to transfer Android apps to BlackBerry Application Development World. Brilliant idea that did not entice enough Android apps into the BlackBerry fold. Of those that did make the attempt reported crashes and bugs.

Apps without ads

This was perhaps the most disincentive term set by RIM.  Android developers mainly rely on Android app monetization through ads and in-app purchases. To provide the same for free on PlayBook or charge directly was enough to discourage porting their apps.

But the scenario isn’t all dismal. Android Community reported more than 800 apps successfully installed on PlayBook and social app integration was among the best of them.

Success without conditions

Needless to say, one of the requisites for OS compatibility was whether the same app will work on the mobile device as well as the tablet. Some apps do not mention that, making app discovery turn into an unpleasant experience.

While some terms and requisites were downright easy to implement, others resulted in a web of confusion. The developers were required to remove the name Android when transferring applications to PlayBook. But other developments were sending off red signals which brought app usage and development to a standstill on the device. One was RIM’s announcement three months ago that side-loading apps will no longer be permitted for Android apps on PlayBook. The reason for this was to control “app piracy”. Foresight on this might have controlled the situation but they must be credited for following best practices even during their dire need for apps.

Despite all this, things are looking up and efforts are still ongoing. Rooting or jail breaking the device has proven more successful, although not for all Android apps. Recent news of transferring Mobile Applications Development on PlayBook has also provided hope. Then there’s the gaming sector without which no app store is complete and PlayStation Games can now be played on the tablet.