Thread: RIM Releases Android App Player Limitations

BlackBerry PlayBook owners have known for quite some time now that they should expect to be able to run Android applications using RIM's Android App Player. We have even been able to get a hands-on demo of the player with a leaked version that came out a few months ago. It looked great, and appeared to be everything that we hoped it would be.

Things may have changed now. In a recent developer conference, Droidcon 2011, RIM engineers had quite a few discouraging words for the upcoming PlayBook Android App Player. Some key components will be missing or flat out not supported in the final release of the player. Some of these limitations include:

• SIP VoIP
• Widgets
• All apps that rely Google Maps and text-to-speech will be blocked
• Google's in-app purchasing system
• Cloud-to-device messaging
• Android Live Wallpapers
• Android apps built On Android Native Development Kit
• Apps that contain more than one activity tied to the Launcher

Small list? Its not when considering how many applications these individual components represent. If your like me you have some questions running through your mind right now like, What will the player be able to run?, and Will I see something that's actually worth waiting for?

Doesn't this type of release sound familiar. Did we not see this type of integration with the initial release of the PlayBook? After all we were presented with an unfinished product with huge limitations. I love my PlayBook, but I have to ask myself, Whats going on up there at RIM. How do you feel about these limitations? Did this news disappoint you? Share your thoughts.

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With the release of the Amazon "Kindle Fire" for <$200.00 RIM needs to rethink some things and very quick IMHO.

The Kindle Fire is as much a threat to the PlayBook as the Facebook phone is to BlackBerry devices.

After looking over this list, here are my thoughts on it...

SIP VoIP -

I'm assuming this means Skype. But I'm assuming that Skype will make an app for the PlayBook regardless considering it's video chat capabilities. Also, RIM may just be being cautious on running a VoIP through a virtual player.

Widgets -

This really isn't a big deal as the PlayBook is centered around great multitasking which replaces widgets in my opinion.

All apps that rely Google Maps and text-to-speech will be blocked -

This seems to be saying that apps that RELY on Google services will be blocked. This however doesn't mean we won't see some Google apps made for the PlayBook.

Google's in-app purchasing system -

This is an obvious one as RIM has stated already that all purchases will be processed through BB App World.

Cloud-to-device messaging -

I guess we won't be seeing cross platform Messaging apps that can compete with BBM. Not a big deal if you are already a BB user and have Kik on your device.

Android Live Wallpapers -

I could care less about this, but some people may disagree.

Android apps built On Android Native Development Kit -

What I expected. I never thought that everything Android would work on the PlayBook. Most things Android will, and that will still give BB a huge boost, so I'm not really that upset that a few other things are missing. Companies like Netflix and Skype will have to develop using the BB SDK, but I'm sure they will given the demand is increasing.

Apps that contain more than one activity tied to the Launcher -

This is smart thinking on the side of RIM. We don't need apps that have 5 different processes going on in the background of our PlayBook's creating a battery drainage hole from hell.

All in all guys, the Android Player will still be a useful way of getting something we have been wanting for our PlayBooks... APPS!!

Originally Posted by Joe Jerde

All in all guys, the Android Player will still be a useful way of getting something we have been wanting for our PlayBooks... APPS!!

It will, but the last thing I want is another unfinished release. I just want them to take their time.

Originally Posted by ice2921

It will, but the last thing I want is another unfinished release. I just want them to take their time.

Agreed....and I think it will, because if not I do not believe RIM could stand the negative reviews on yet another highly anticipated OS falling short just to get something out.

We got used to a flurry of updates when the PB first came out, now we want substance.