One of the constant narratives surrounding BlackBerry, outside of its decline in fortunes, is that the BlackBerry 10 platform doesn't have enough apps — or at least the popular ones users want. Filling in the gaps now in a much easier way is none other than Android.



It's been a couple of years since it first became possible to "sideload" Android apps onto the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, which was meant to be a bridge of sorts in sprucing up the lackluster app selection. That approach hasn't changed with BlackBerry 10 and the latest devices running it, except that the recent version 10.2.1 update has simplified the process of sideloading in a big way.



Without getting too technical, the older method required finding BAR (Application Descriptor File) files online and following a set of instructions to the letter to ensure success. But even then, apps weren't guaranteed to work, as some would just crash and burn upon startup. The new update has eliminated the need for BAR files and made it so that simply downloading and installing the APK (Android Package File) directly from your BlackBerry is all you need to do to get an app. No more having to plug into a computer or use special software to make it all happen.



This is significant because it not only increases the likelihood that an Android app would work, it also does so with a greater number of them. Using Instagram, Netflix, Google Maps, Shazam, Candy Crush and others missing from BlackBerry World is relatively straightforward, almost as if they were native to the device. There may still be hiccups, of course, but there's no doubt that the process has improved. There are various facilitators, like Snap, Aptoide and 1Mobile Market, among others, that act as repositories.



This scenario, which is very unique for any of the four mobile platforms, says a lot about the usability of a BlackBerry these days. Known for its unabashed approach to security, the company has paved a smoother road to apps from what is generally considered the least secure platform. And yet, if it wasn't so open, sideloading simply wouldn't be an option. If BlackBerry were to tighten the ship and make it all but impossible to run Android apps, it risks losing the customers it currently has. If it paves an even smoother road, it may be marginalizing its own app store.



BlackBerry has rightly refrained from overly promoting sideloading, likely recognizing the fine line it draws. Still, there's no mistaking that it may be a key selling feature for consumers loyal to the company. New CEO John Chen has already pointed out its future direction toward enterprise and business, though has also made clear that nothing will change on the hardware and software side for the time being.



Either way, the community supporting sideloading is a committed one, and the improved performance and quantity of Android apps makes BlackBerry 10 handsets running them more like hybrids than any other platform on the market.



