BlackBerry has often been criticized for the gaping app gap its new BB10 platform has with rival platforms like iOS and Android. The Canadian manufacturer already allows customers to sideload Android applications on their smartphones, and while it was recently rumored that perhaps it may also add the Google Play Store, BlackBerry has denied that its going down that road. However, the next BB10 OS update will not only bring an improved Android runtime, it will also bring the ability to install APK files on the device itself using file manager or the browser.
Those running a leaked BB 10.2.1 OS version report that they’ve been able to install apps from Amazon Appstore. Amazon has said that while the Appstore doesn’t support BlackBerry devices, those who can install apps from it can feel free to “enjoy” it. A BlackBerry 10 user wrote to Amazon regarding support for BlackBerry 10 devices. The company says that the Appstore isn’t officially supported on any BB device but “if you are getting the service please enjoy it.” Furthermore, the company also says that by using Appstore, BB users are not violating any law. However, it users run into issues with the app, they will have to contact the developer directly as the Appstore can not intervene due to lack of official support. So if the final version of BB 10.2.1 OS includes the ability to install APK files directly, BlackBerry 10 users will be opened up to a whole new world of apps that they’ve desperately been craving.
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