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Version 2.0 Won’t Fix All of BlackBerry App World’s Problems

Word has been spilling out all over the Web today about the impending release of BlackBerry’s App World 2.0, bringing carrier billing, QR codes and easier search, to name a few new features.

Sure, these things will ultimately improve the App World experience, but will it really help the platform?

BlackBerry App World is RIM’s attempt to provide a one-stop-shop for BlackBerry apps. Although, with so many other options available to users, the App World’s many shortcomings have caused more seasoned BlackBerry users who know better to get their wares from other sources.

The modern smartphone market is a world of app stores. It’s a win/win for manufacturers and developers alike, in that a dev’s app gets the exposure it needs to succeed, while the manufacturer gets a piece of the action.

The problem RIM has in trying to tap into this genius idea made popular by the iPhone and continued by Android is that, for so long, it has allowed any Joe Blow to host his BlackBerry applications on his own site for easy over-the-air download. This is proving to be quite counterproductive to an attempt at keeping up with the times.

While there are some great additions supposedly coming with App World 2.0, the aforementioned dilemma and a few others will still be a problem for RIM in its quest to remain relevant.

Installation method

To a non-BlackBerry user it may come as a disgusting shock, but virtually every single app that you can possibly download to your RIM equipment still requires a complete reboot to to fully install every time there is an update. And this is BlackBerry we’re talking about, so obviously, a complete reboot is nothing to sneeze at.

Personally, I’ve literally put off updating apps for days, simply because I wasn’t in a position where I could feasibly deal with that wait.

Want to remove an app from your phone? Hope you have time for a reboot again, because that application will not actually be removed until you have done so.

Platform limitations

Any BlackBerry developer will tell you there are some things about the platform that simply can’t go unchanged for much longer.

User interface design alone is a daunting task when something as simple as a transparent image can’t be overlaid in the app without a dreadful end result.

Many of the platform’s limitations will likely be removed for BlackBerry 6, but right now, it’s a tough environment.

Popularity

Let’s face it, BlackBerry devices aren’t exactly the most sought after gadgets anymore. Sure, RIM still has the most units out there as far as U.S. smartphones go, but excitement levels and initial sales paint a very different picture when it comes to what’s hot today.

The sad reality is that many current BlackBerry users aren’t exactly BlackBerry users by choice. But countless employers still recognize and prioritize the eternal flawlessness of BlackBerry as a secure and reliable messaging device.

A new App World isn’t going to push fence-sitters in RIM’s direction. At least not with the current upgrades taking place.

It’s no revelation that RIM has some obstacles ahead of it in its apparent mission to keep up with the smartphone Joneses, but as of late, these obstacles are becoming more and more prevalent as competitors continue their expeditious advancement.

RIM can either remedy these increasingly conspicuous issues, or cling to them while the ship sinks.

This post originally appeared on Know Your Cell on June 16th, 2010.

Tags: App World, App World 2.0, BlackBerry, Competition, Innovation, Latest, Operating Systems, RIM, Stagnation