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Can I install Android apps on my Blackberry Z30?

MustangMan-1
Newbie
‎02-15-2014 09:05 AM

Need a double check on the following as I stayed with the Z30 to have the benefits of blackberry and android.

Received yesterday my Verizon Z30 (STA100-3) with OS 10.2.0.1233 and when I download an APK and tap to install it I receive the error "Unable to open appname.apk". On the Verizon forums folks are stating they can install APK files directly and it is not clear they have a newer version of OS then mine. What I have noticed on other posts is a recommendation to check application permissions as follows: "Settings>App Manager>Installing Apps> Allow Apps from Other Sources to be Installed>Yes". This is utterly missing on my Z30, or I cannot find it as it is not on the screen following the path above.

Is that setting not part of that build? Or is it not allowed by policy?

On my AT&T (dumped them for Verizon) Z10 I have been able to side load APK files converted to BAR files and they worked fine. So I tried to side load the APK files the same way I did on my Z10 and that fails as well. Next I shall try a BAR file will post the result.

Thanks fo rany help or advice.

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BB_Power
Enthusiast - Level 2
‎02-15-2014 07:30 PM

Hey man I see your having issues getting Android Apps on your BB.

There is a software upgrade that was released 3 weeks ago, yet Verizon has refused to push it for q10's and z30"s, Z10's have it. When we are able to get this update it will allow for the direct APK downloads to the device from a 3rd party app store such as amazon app store or 1market.

Until then in order to side load APK apps you can go to this site called goodereader ( here's the link http://apps.goodereader.com/apk-2-bar/)  You will have to download DDPB once you do that you can downloads apps that you want right from the site, have them converted and install on your Blackberry.  

There is a how to video if you get stuck anywhere its real easy. BTW there will be some apps that still wont work, and some wont work due to the lack of Google play services.

Hope this helps.

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BB_Power
Enthusiast - Level 2
‎02-15-2014 07:30 PM

Hey man I see your having issues getting Android Apps on your BB.

There is a software upgrade that was released 3 weeks ago, yet Verizon has refused to push it for q10's and z30"s, Z10's have it. When we are able to get this update it will allow for the direct APK downloads to the device from a 3rd party app store such as amazon app store or 1market.

Until then in order to side load APK apps you can go to this site called goodereader ( here's the link http://apps.goodereader.com/apk-2-bar/)  You will have to download DDPB once you do that you can downloads apps that you want right from the site, have them converted and install on your Blackberry.  

There is a how to video if you get stuck anywhere its real easy. BTW there will be some apps that still wont work, and some wont work due to the lack of Google play services.

Hope this helps.

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MustangMan-1
Newbie
In response to BB_Power
‎02-18-2014 07:36 AM

I was able to install a BAR file I had I will now try the good-e-reader apps and wait for the the update.

Thanks for the response.

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jsanders
Enthusiast - Level 3
In response to MustangMan-1
‎02-20-2014 05:51 AM

Another good source of very clear and detailed instructions on using Snap to install apk file is located here:

You Upgraded to OS 10.2.1 and want to run Android

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jhanks64
Enthusiast - Level 3
‎02-18-2014 02:40 AM

I've found that using Sachesi is much easier for updating the OS and also installing .bar files.  It's very easy to use.

Introduction to Sachesi: http://forums.crackberry.com/bb10-leaked-beta-os-f395/sachesi-firmware-extractor-searcher-installer-...

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BB_Power
Enthusiast - Level 2
In response to jhanks64
‎03-09-2014 01:54 PM

Hey Quick question, Have you used Sachesi and if so Did it work and which country codes did you use? Also how long did it take.?

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jhanks64
Enthusiast - Level 3
In response to BB_Power
‎03-09-2014 02:03 PM

Yes, Sachesi works great, I've used it many times.  Downloading the update will vary depending upon your internet speed.  The upgrade process probably takes about an hour, make sure you make a backup with BlackBerry Link first.

For full instructions by John Clark, look here: http://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/BlackBerry-10-OS-Device-Software/Upgrading-BB10-OS-Using-Sach...

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BB_Power
Enthusiast - Level 2
In response to jhanks64
‎03-09-2014 02:17 PM

Yea I found that information I am just wondering which codes u used. For example It defaulted to Vodaphone in the UK when i started sachesi ,did you use the update from that carrier or did you use rodgers (Canada), also are the radios still the same ( meaning i will still be able to make calls) also did you leave the sim card in or not, and did u turn the phone off or not.

  Thanks in advance.

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jhanks64
Enthusiast - Level 3
In response to BB_Power
‎03-09-2014 02:45 PM

Country Code 234,

Carrier 015

Device Z30

Variant STA 100-2

Mode Upgrade

You can of course use Canada:302, Rogers:720 and Variant:STA100-5

I think that Rogers adds a couple of extra apps that you have to delete, but otherwise is identical.

From what I understand, the Z30 Radios are all the same, but I'm not expert on that.

I don't think it matter if the SIM card is installed or not.  The phone should be on, but you could put it in Airplane mode to prevent phone calls and such coming in during that time.

When I got my Z30, I used an AutoLoader to wipe and install 10.2.1.2141 fresh because I didn't have anything on it.  I have upgraded multiple Z10's and my Q10 using Sachesi.

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jsanders
Enthusiast - Level 3
In response to jhanks64
‎03-09-2014 03:33 PM

This link is to an instructional to installing Snap for loading android apps:

http://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/Downloaded-Applications-for/You-Upgraded-to-OS-10-2-1-and-wan...

Here are very clear & detailed instructions on using Sachesi to perform an OS upgrade:

http://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/BlackBerry-10-OS-Device-Software/Upgrading-BB10-OS-Using-Sach...

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MustangMan-1
Newbie
In response to jhanks64
‎03-17-2014 02:24 PM

So this is not a defense of Verizon but I did notice that the Sarchesi tool locates files on a Blackberry server not a Verizon or any other carrier server.  So any valid file could be loaded on the server and located by country and carrier codes the model and version.  Or you can just type in a valid version of the OS and find it that way.

The link for a build of 10.2.0.1233 is http://cdn.fs.sl.blackberry.com/fs/qnx/production/4377068037824c159ae31a299656fe29215990dc

So why can't BB just post the file to the BB server if it is solid code?  What would Verizon have to do with that?  For example:

Capture.JPG

Or looking by version type:

Capture-1.JPG

And a success:

Capture-2.JPG

What I cannot find anywhere is a build for my phone: Z30 STA100-3.  Could it be the code is really not ready???

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BB_Power
Enthusiast - Level 2
In response to MustangMan-1
‎03-17-2014 02:47 PM

This is what I used Country 234 Carrier 015 Sta-100-2 Mode Upgrade server: Production, Maybe verzion is adding something Idk But i have had the update for about 2weeks with no issues what so ever  it took and hour for the phone to sync yet everything else was normal and running smooth. I still get great battery and Apk apps run smooth, Make sure u us sachesi 1.1.3 as it is the most recent.

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MustangMan-1
Newbie
In response to BB_Power
‎03-17-2014 03:49 PM

What version is that? I just did an update for 10.2.1.2141. Have it running for all of 30 minutes and so far do good. Listening to radio as I write this.

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MustangMan-1
Newbie
In response to BB_Power
‎03-17-2014 08:13 PM

Duh, I see it is the same version.  Anyway a few key applications do not install well.  Cisco Jabber being the most important to me.

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roller2442
Enthusiast - Level 2
‎02-24-2014 02:23 PM

It's sad that any customer needs to revert to any 3rd party source, when they do business with the alleged "best wireless" company. Any OS prior to 10.2.1 is considered deprecated due to the significant advantages of the update.

Verizon should understand that offering the update in a timely manner, could only be advantageous and prudent.

No one will recieve the update until they click to download it. So why on earth are you keeping it from someone who is paying to have it available. Seriously considering cancellation after 1 week.

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jhanks64
Enthusiast - Level 3
In response to roller2442
‎02-25-2014 01:53 PM

Unfortunately, this is a common issue with all of the carriers.  In this one instance, Verizon released the update first.  Not sure about Sprint, but AT&T and T-Mobile have not released any updates at all in months.  Switching to another carrier won't make things any better for the customer, except going from one crappy support system to another.

BlackBerry has done it's job for the most part, releasing updates to fix bugs and add features.  Most of the carriers have ignored the updates and lied to customers, saying that they are waiting on BlackBerry.

To be fair, Android phones have the same issues on all carriers, many of them never get updates.  Apple is the only phone maker that seems to have forced the carriers to allow updates to come from Apple directly.  Of course, they often screw up the updates and mess up peoples phones too.

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MustangMan-1
Newbie
In response to jhanks64
‎03-09-2014 07:36 AM

While on a call with Verizon support for an unrelated matter asked about the upgrade. I was told that Blackberry has effectively  total control over release of the upgrade. When asked about it being released and then pulled she told me a bug was discovered. She then stated that the re- release was expected any day and would be slow rolled out.

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jsanders
Enthusiast - Level 3
In response to MustangMan-1
‎03-09-2014 07:46 AM

I'm afraid that tech support individual was either misinformed or just making stuff up. BlackBerry released the 10.2.1.2102 upgrade about two weeks ago. It is totally in Verizon's control at this point.

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MustangMan-1
Newbie
‎03-09-2014 07:27 AM

Downloading that app turned into a nightmare as there are multiple download links and  they install some app that installs a root-kit which changes the search engine and is awful to remove.

so goodbye Goode-e-reader.

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jhanks64
Enthusiast - Level 3
In response to MustangMan-1
‎03-09-2014 01:23 PM

I'm not sure which "links" you are referring to and what malware you got.  It's not uncommon for some of the cloud storage/download services to "offer" to install other programs.  99% of the time, you have to uncheck a box so that crap isn't installed also.

It's definitely a Down-loader Beware  world out there.

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