Blackberry to cut side-loading of apps

[pyroscott]

In a "security move" RIM announced that future blackberry OS updates will stop the ability of users to side load apps. This will be similar to iOS which requires all apps to come from iTunes unless you have jailbroken the iOS product. RIM quoted security and piracy concerns since it is easier to regulate malware when everything goes through the marketplace, and Android piracy is estimated at nearly 25% of paid apps being pirated. Developers may show more interest if side loading is stopped since it will force consumers to purchase the app rather than pirate it.

 

Still, it was relatively easy to convert an APK to a BAR (the blackberry package installer) and sideload an Android app to your blackberry device. With blackberry's anemic supply of apps this kind of function might be a reason for someone to tolerate using a blackberry.

 

http://crackberry.com/future-blackberry-playbook-updates-eliminate-ability-side-load-applications-really-such-bad-thing

[Duffman]

RIM has since backtracked... "Looking at options"

[pyroscott]

RIM has since backtracked... "Looking at options"

 

Probably a good thing to "look at options" when you have 10% of the apps in your market of other competing OS'.

[Duffman]

Heh heh. Agreed.

[pyroscott]

BUT, you have to keep developers happy.

[hescominsoon]

Side loading is staying around...bb10.2 adds the ability to run 4.2.2 apps..