RIM Needs to Have Its Own Apps Updated for Device Launches

Posted
by
Kyle McInnes
on December 5, 2011, at 11:04 AM
in Editorials
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Comments: 8 responses
8 Comments

There has been a slew of new BlackBerry 7 devices that have launched recently and one of the first things you notice about them is the number of “not available for your device” messages in App World. This sends a negative message to not only the consumer, but especially to developers. Why should developers update their apps for OS 7 when RIM doesn’t even see the need to prepare for launch date?

blackberry curve touch

A good example of this is with the BlackBerry Curve 9380 which has already launched on carriers such as TELUS and O2. Here are some first party apps that by RIM that aren’t available for the Curve 9380:

BlackBerry Mobile Conferencing
BlackBerry Travel
BlackBerry Traffic
BlackBerry News

The Tungle app for the Bold 9900 has been set to available in App World but it comes with a big white bar along the right hand side. After emailing Tungle, we got a message back saying that the app is not compatible for the Bold 9900. Then why would they have it listed as supported? This company has been acquired by RIM and the whole device support listing is messed up.

Whenever I think of apps that I’d like to see updated for OS 7 such as LinkedIn, I can’t help but think that maybe if RIM took the time to make sure its own apps were updated, it would encourage third parties to do the same.

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  • http://BaconOnTheGo.com Jeff Bacon

    I totally agree on this one. RIM does a very good job of getting lots of pre-release devices in their partners hands and encouraging them to get their apps compatible with the new OS and devices, but when they themselves can’t get all their apps working on all new devices, the cries about apps on their new platforms ring a little hollow. Yes, it takes a significant porting team to keep all those app updated on all new BlackBerry devices. Maybe if RIM had that group as a separate porting team they’d be able to quickly see the costs of new device and OS features and identify with that marketplace discussions on fragmentation hindering application support on hew platforms.

  • http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/vendor/1111 Eric at Ebscer

    The 9380 is the easiest new device to support ever. If you want to take the easy way out, all you have to do is use the same build that you have for the 9800. There is no excuse for this.

  • elite1

    The worst is app dev’s just not updating their compatible device lists. Using LinkedIn example given in article… it works perfectly on my 9900! Why don’t (more) app dev’s at least try it on the simulator?

  • http://about.me/kylemcinnes Kyle McInnes

    I agree. There’s even a lot of apps out there that will work if you simply disable compatibility mode.

  • http://about.me/kylemcinnes Kyle McInnes

    How did you get the LinkedIn app on your 9900? If you hit the OTA page it gives an “unsupported device” notice.

  • http://twitter.com/MaxPayne79 Winter Bourne

    yeah i wish there was a way to fool appword into thinking it’s running on the torch 9800  because i barely have the apps i want. i managed to “sidelaoad” the critical ones, but not a single news app works except bb news. am not happy.

  • http://twitter.com/MaxPayne79 Winter Bourne

    oh and bb news is out now for this device. 

  • Anonymous

    i think it’s also plagued by developers going “why bother with bbos7 when it’s dead soon” mindset and just focus on BB10, which makes sense. it can take a lot more resource on app developing than people give them credit (just because it looks lightweight and simple)

    it’s a bit upsetting than RIM is very slow to upgrade to the next gen and you have to admit, current bbos feels dated compared to playbook os or rival os. it’s sad to see if RIM ends up like Palm (please no). 

    which is also the reason why, I as a new BB interest, still having seconds thought of upgrading to BB (after my pre died). I love the QNX webos like interface XD! and BB phones are not cheap!

    unfortunately it’s the waiting game for me. either stick to my really old phone until then (new rumor of launch in summer 2012 instead of march 2012) or get a different smart phone for now and try not to forget my current affinity to BB to jump ship later

    sigh…