NerdBerry » Android

Is BlackBerry 10 doing well in Canada, the UK and South Africa?

@B_ren8 — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:59:49 +0000

We are quickly approaching the Q1 earnings from BlackBerry on June 28th, and we are expecting to see some good numbers for BlackBerry 10 sales. There have been the usual critics that don’t believe that the Z10 and Q10 are doing that well, however there have been some good reports coming from Canada the UK and Africa, who were amongst the first to launch BB10 devices.

StatCounter Global has done some studies and found that BlackBerry has been doing better than some would have thought. In Canada BlackBerry has surpassed Android and taken second spot to iOS with an approx. 30% market share. In the UK, BlackBerry has held onto third spot with 18% market share.

We all know that BlackBerry has made it very clear that emerging markets are important, and the numbers coming out of South Africa and showing how important they are. BlackBerry has remained as the top mobile platform in South Africa with a 40% market share.

While we don’t really know how well BlackBerry 10 has been doing in the US, we are expecting that it will remain in third or fourth position with a lower market share than we have seen in this other countries. Hopefully June 28th will bring some surprising numbers for US sales, and we will see some of the analysts and critics disproven.

Via:N4BB
Source:SeekingAlpha

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BlackBerry 10.2 brings Android Hardware Acceleration

@B_ren8 — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:12:07 +0000

When BlackBerry 10 devices first launched we were all very aware that it was utilizing the Android 2.3.3 Runtime, or Gingerbread for those familiar with the names. However there were promises from BlackBerry that an updated Android Runtime, Android 4.2 or Jelly Bean, would be arriving sometime this summer. Now that we have seen the BlackBerry 10.2 SDK get released, we are getting more excited about seeing this update.

The hardware acceleration that Jelly Bean will bring to the Android Runtime will help make Android ports run that much smoother, as well as provide a more current UI. This update should quell some of the critics of Android ports coming to BlackBerry 10, as many people have sworn off of Android ports. Now what is more interesting is that yesterday and today CrackBerry has posted a few articles that reveal how well pretty much any Android app can be ported over to BlackBerry 10. Basically what they were able to discover is that Android ports will run using native Android code and not simply the Dalvik JVM.

With this new method of porting, and the fact that it seems apps will run off of native Android code, apps that previously wouldn’t run at all on BB10 will now run smoothly without any noticeable lag or stuttering. This is a very interesting development and it begs the question as to what kinds of restrictions will still be in play when the Android Runtime is updated? And why BlackBerry hasn’t been more aggressive with developers letting them know that BB10 will in fact use some portion of native Android code.

Via:Berryreview, CrackBerry

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SoundCloud for Android v2.4.5 BAR File Now Available for BlackBerry 10

@sleepy2009 — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:31:32 +0000

SoundCloud for Android is a very popular music application for Android. This APK file has been fully converted to a BAR file for use on BlackBerry 10 devices and is fully functional on them. This BAR file is version 2.4.5 and again has been optimized for BlackBerry 10.

Hear fresh tracks from the world’s largest community of musicians, bands, producers and audio creators of all types. Play great free music straight from the cloud.

SoundCloud is the world’s leading social sound platform, with over ten hours of music & audio posted every minute. Tap into a world of fresh new audio; find great music, comedy, news and more. With the SoundCloud app for Android, you can hear anything, wherever you are. All of the great music & audio on SoundCloud is free to listen to, with no ads and no monthly payment plan required.

Key features:

NEW: Google+ Sign-in and share!

Search and discover new music & audio

Discover and follow diverse music & audio creators

Listen to sets (collections of tracks), or create your own and share them with your followers

Listen to a stream of new tracks wherever you are; streaming audio playback over WiFi or cellular data connection

Record your own sounds with one touch and share to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr

Includes optional Record Widget for the homescreen

Lockscreen playback supported (play, pause and skip tracks without unlocking the screen)

How to use SoundCloud:

SoundCloud brings you the very best new music & audio direct from the creators themselves. Find and follow your favourite bands, singers, DJs, producers, radio stations and podcasters so that their latest tracks, sets and recordings appear in your stream.

Sharing your favourite music and audio to social networks is simple and fast; post tracks to Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr so your friends can listen to them too.

Discovering great new music has never been simpler. Use the powerful search feature to search for specific people, sounds or sets. Whether you are seeking dubstep, R&B, classical music or the latest news & current affairs, you can find it on SoundCloud.

Download the BAR file for SoundCloud

Via: BBOS

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How-To: Run Just About Any Android 2.3.3 app on BlackBerry 10

@sleepy2009 — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:10:28 +0000

xsacha has put together a great how to on being able to run just about any Android 2.3.3 application on BlackBerry 10. This process is not really geared for the noobs but more for advanced users. Check out the how to below and let us know in the comments what apps you have working on your BlackBerry 10 device.

Hey guys. If you are worried about Android app compatibility in Blackberry 10. Worry no longer.
This method allows you to run any Android 2.3.3 app in Blackberry 10.1. Even if the app using NATIVE CODE.
This includes games, instagram, netflix, teamviewer, you name it.

Requirements:
1. Android SDK
2. A debug token

If you have a new Android SDK (4.2.2) copy everything from sdk\build-tools\android-4.2.2 to sdk\platform-tools first.

Steps:
1. Download this package: here.
2. Edit zandroid2bb.bat and change the first line to point to where you have the Android SDK installed.
3. Put your debugtoken.bar in the same directory as the script.
4. Now just drag any Android app .apk on to zandroid2bb.bat. A .bar should be generated (otherwise check the error).

Now you can install this .bar on your device and it should just work. You can use the included zInstaller.bat or other means.

Screenshots:
GLBenchmark Egypt (Native Code)
Pudding Monsters (Native Code)

This has been working for months now. Sorry for not getting it out to you guys earlier!

Learn more here

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10Tons Releases Sparkle 2 for BlackBerry 10

@sleepy2009 — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:35:20 +0000

Five-Star Action Puzzle Sparkle 2 Now on Five Platforms – Tampere, Finland, June 13th 2013 – Finnish game developer 10tons Ltd. announced today the availability of Sparkle 2 on Blackberry 10, Windows 8, Symbian S3, and webOS. Sparkle 2 debuted on iOS on June 6th and currently carries a nearly five-star user review average.

“Sparkle 2 is an amazing game and the reception on iOS has been overwhelmingly positive. Critics and gamers alike love the game, so it’s no wonder Sparkle 2 has broken all our launch week sales records.”, says Tero Alatalo, CEO of 10tons.

“Currently 85% of the users who reviewed the game gave Sparkle 2 five stars. We’re sure that the customers on platforms announced today will also love Sparkle 2.”, continues Sampo Töyssy, Vice CEO of 10tons.

Features:

Superbly polished premium action puzzle gameplay
Spectacular powerups and special effects
Three game modes: Story, Survival, and Challenge
16 selectable Enchantments with more than 200 different combinations
More than 90 levels throughout the storyline
Exciting locations to discover
Soundtrack by the award-winning composer Jonathan Geer

Sparkle 2 (Windows 8 and RT) on Windows Store: http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/app/sparkle-2/c2429a11-3625-4aac-851f-c44ee040a98a

Sparkle 2 (Blackberry 10) on Blackberry World: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/29682889/

Sparkle 2 (Symbian S^3) on Nokia store: http://store.ovi.com/content/374074

Sparkle 2 (webOS) on App Catalog: http://developer.palm.com/appredirect/?packageid=com.10tons.sparkle2

Sparkle 2 (iOS) on iTunes App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sparkle-2/id639268676

Official trailer: http://youtu.be/giB9y6-cBFM

Android, Windows Phone 8, Windows XP/7/Vista and Mac OS X versions of Sparkle 2 will be released soon.

For more information and assets, see: http://www.10tons.com/Game/sparkle2.html

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BlackBerry Q10 & Z10 Unlock Codes Now On Sale For Only $30!!!

@sleepy2009 — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 02:09:41 +0000

Unleash the power of your BlackBerry Q10/Z10 by unlocking it and being able to use it on just about any GSM carrier you’re heart desires! Our unlock codes are generated so that you have no problems what so ever with them. The entire process takes about 60 seconds to order your unlock from us. We are currently running a sale to unlock the BlackBerry Q10 or the BlackBerry Z10 for a mere $30. It is currently TBD when the sale will end. By unlocking your device you also increase the resale value of the device as well as increase your potential buyers. So click the banner below or head on over to http://www.nerdberryunlock.com/

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New Version of QNX CAR Platform Expands Design Choices to Include Android Apps and Qt User Interfaces

@sleepy2009 — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:40:42 +0000

Enables automotive companies to tap into vast ecosystem of mobile developers creating Android, HTML5, OpenGL ES, and Qt apps

DETROIT, MICHIGAN–(Marketwired – June 05, 2013) – QNX Software Systems Limited, a global leader in software platforms for in-car electronics, today demonstrated how the new version of its QNX CAR™ Platform for Infotainment will enable developers of car infotainment systems to leverage an even broader choice of mobile apps and content.

The QNX CAR Platform already supports both HTML5 and OpenGL® ES, the two most popular open standards for mobile app development. With the new version, 2.1, the platform extends its reach to support Android apps, as well as apps and human machine interfaces (HMIs) built with the popular Qt® 5 application framework.

“Automakers need to tap into the rapid innovation of the mobile app community – it’s the surest way to keep vehicles fresh with new and engaging features, stay connected with consumers, and, ultimately, build greater brand loyalty,” said Andy Gryc, senior automotive product marketing manager, QNX Software Systems. “From the beginning, the QNX CAR Platform for Infotainment was designed to support mobile standards and, thanks to its flexible architecture, our customers will soon have the opportunity to access an even larger share of the mobile ecosystem.”

To maximize reliability, the QNX CAR Platform for Infotainment 2.1 runs Android apps in a separate application container, much like it handles HTML5 apps. This sandboxed approach keeps the app environment cleanly partitioned from the HMI, protecting both the HMI and the overall system from unpredictable web content.

The platform’s support for the Qt 5 application framework provides a flexible, high-performance option for creating both apps and HMIs. Qt 5 takes advantage of OpenGL ES 2.0 hardware acceleration to deliver optimal graphics performance. It also provides HMI developers with the choice of using native C/C++ or a JavaScript scripting engine. And it supports the concept of state machines, making it easy for developers to graphically model and design complex, event-driven HMIs that comply with automakers’ specifications.

Developers can also build complete HMIs with the HTML5 framework integrated into the QNX CAR Platform for Infotainment. The framework includes an optimized WebKit-based HTML5 engine that supports audio and video, geo-location, WebSockets, offline applications, session storage, canvas, and other standards, such as CSS3 and JavaScript. Optimizations include pixel-accurate zooming, physics-based scrolling, and high-performance panning (ideal for maps and navigation). Developers also have the option to create HMIs with third-party design tools such as Elektrobit EB GUIDE and the Crank Storyboard™ Suite.

Expanded Hardware and App Support

The QNX CAR Platform for Infotainment 2.1 introduces several other enhancements to increase flexibility and performance, including improved power management, optimizations for faster boot time, and support for more hardware platforms – choices now include Freescale® i.MX 6Dual and i.MX 6Quad, NVIDIA® Tegra® 3, Texas Instruments OMAP™ 5, and Texas Instruments Jacinto 5 Eco. The platform’s rich suite of pre-integrated partner apps has been expanded to include HearPlanet, Parkopedia, Soundtracker, and wcities eventseekr.

The QNX CAR Platform for Infotainment is based on QNX® technology deployed in millions of cars. It supports an exceptionally rich set of pre-integrated technologies, both from QNX Software Systems and dozens of ecosystem partners, to help automotive companies reduce the time required to build connected infotainment systems.

Availability

The QNX CAR Platform for Infotainment 2.1 will be available in July to select automotive customers through an early access program. Product availability is scheduled for Q4 2013.

QNX Demos at Telematics Detroit

This week, QNX Software Systems will demonstrate the QNX CAR Platform for Infotainment 2.1 running Android apps in an HMI based on HTML5. It will also showcase the QNX reference vehicle, a Jeep Wrangler Sahara running an HMI based on Qt 5, and the QNX technology concept car, a Bentley Continental GT outfitted with a center stack that uses DLP display technology from Texas Instruments (TI), a reconfigurable digital instrument cluster, video conferencing with realistic telepresence, and other unique infotainment features.

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App Converter Coming to BB10 – Eliminates Sideloading

@MrBrennen — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 02:46:12 +0000

Every version of BB10 has supported Android apps by “sideloading” the .bar files on your device. BlackBerry 10.2 is slated to launch this month with Jelly Bean support so users can install the latest versions of the popular android apps that are available. Unfortunately BB10 still does not have a native converter that is built into the OS to eliminate the need to sideload these apps. There is an app converter that is in the works that would automatically convert the android .apk files to .bar files and allow users to install them without having to sideload the .bar files manually. While this app will eliminate the need to convert the files it will not give these applications a place in the Blackberry App World as they have not been formally submitted to App World for approval and addition to the catalog.

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If the BlackBerry 10 user base grows Google will build BlackBerry 10 apps

@sleepy2009 — Fri, 31 May 2013 13:04:45 +0000

Those of us that us BlackBerry 10 devices have longed for certain Google applications on our devices such as Google Maps, Google Now, Google+, Google Music and the other Google apps that are currently available. Currently Google only supports Android and iOS at this time. Speaking at D11, Sundar Pichai, Google’s SVP of Android, Chrome, and Apps, spoke to Walt Mossberg about what it would take to get Google on BlackBerry 10:

We want to reach as many people as possible. For platforms that don’t have that many users at scale, we have great HTML5 apps. If they get more users, we will make apps.

Now this is really not what we wanted to hear, but it is something. The question is how many users are we talking about to get Google apps on BlackBerry 10 and Windows phone? Let us know in the comments what you think.

Check out the full D11 interview

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BES 10 client for iPhone updated with support for unreleased Secure Work Space

@B_ren8 — Tue, 28 May 2013 23:49:45 +0000

During BlackBerry Live we were told that BES 10 clients for both iOS and Android would be receiving an update that would add support for the Secure Work Space. Now during the conference we were told that we could expect this in June, but it seems that BlackBerry may be a little ahead of schedule.

It seems that the iOS BES 10 client in iTunes has already been updated to support Secure Work Space, however the Android version in Google Play has not. The note attached to update in iTunes is “This version adds compatibility for BES 10 with Secure Work Space for iOS devices.” In case you have forgotten what Secure Work Space is, it basically allows for data to pass through iOS and Android while at rest securely. This is done by passing the data through the BlackBerry infrastructure and eliminates the need for a VPN.

We can only imagine that we will also see the Android version of the BES 10 client get updated very shortly. It is great to see that BlackBerry is following through on their promises of providing a Secure Work Space to IT departments that have to manage multiple mobile platforms.

Via:BerryReview

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