Research In Motion (RIM) is in crisis. Its global sales figures is decreasing and the company experiences a huge loss. Its newest operating system, the BlackBerry 10 which mentioned to be able to save RIM, is postponed until next year. However, RIM is still trying hard to embrace developers, one of the ways is holding BlackBerry 10 Jam, including in Jakarta, last Tuesday.
The result, developers’ enthusiasm is seen in the event. Around 350 developers from many places are present in the event which introduce the BlackBerry 10 operating system. In addition to show how to build an app for BlackBerry 10, RIM also gives out BlackBerry Dev Alpha to help developers in building apps for BlackBerry 10.
I had the chance to contact three developers who participated in BlackBerry 10 Jam. The three of them give a good impression about BlackBerry 10, both from the presentation they see and after trying BlackBerry 10 in the BlackBerry Dev Alpha device they received. They are especially impressed with BB 10’s smooth and lag-free multitasking system. The look of BB 10 is also far better than the previous operating system.
In addition, Prasetyo Andy Wicaksono, CEO of Layang-Layang Mobile, says that the migration to BlackBerry 10 opens a new opportunity of BlackBerry 10 apps developing. Developers have a lot of options to build an app using WebWorks, Adobe Air, Android runtime or developing a native app with Cascade or C/C++. This openness can attract many developers who already learned to use those tools to build apps for BlackBerry 10.
Delay Becomes Opportunity
The delay on BlackBerry 10 launching is actually a blessing for developers. This delay means more time for developers to learn more on how to develop apps for BlackBerry 10. Ibnu Maksum, the developer of NuxRadio for BlackBerry, says that this delay is a chance for him to learn app developing for BlackBerry 10 using Cascade technology.
While learning to build app for BlackBerry 10, Fakhrur Rida, freelance developer for BlackBerry app and usually known as Edo, will still develop apps for existing BlackBerry operating system. He thinks that the demand for apps both from company and retail, is so high. This seems to be what makes the developers to remain focusing in developing apps for BlackBerry.
The developers I contacted also admit that they already prepare a plan for apps for BlackBerry 10. At least, they will port the apps they have made to be able to run on BlackBerry 10.
They are also confident that BlackBerry 10 will be able to lift RIM from its current condition. RIM’s superiority in its safe network is able to support productivity added with the good BlackBerry 10 operating system are the factors that support said confidence. However, time is important because if it miss again, RIM will lose the momentum and may meet failure.