Can I get Android apps on a BB Z10?

[xl · Accepted solution]

To clarify... which apps are interested in?

Some apps have been Ported by the author. Some apps need to be sideloaded.

[JellyBelly · Accepted solution]

I'd like proper google maps with traffic layer. When I search the BB apps for google maps I get weird versions but nothing with traffic?

[xl · Accepted solution]

In the old days, you wanted an App in order to access the GPS.

Today, the browsers have access to Q10's GPS.  Thus an app is no longer required.  iPads work on the same principle when Crapple maps were introduced.

Take your Q10 browser and bookmark https://maps.google.com.  I'm amazed how fast it's able to find my current location.  For traffic, tap on the layers icon on the upper right for traffic.  I supplement this activity by looking at the regional webcams to plan my drive home each day.

[adaml · Accepted solution]

You can get Gmaps on a Z10, but for the moment it needs to be sideloaded.

It's a bit of a tedious process, but there are a lot of step-by-step tutorials out there,

[polgara59 · Accepted solution]

Check out the Crackberry forums. There's a whole section on sideloading Android apps, and the process is pretty simple.

Good luck!

[Silver_Arrow · Accepted solution]

As mentioned before it is possible to port them over. Underneath BB10 the phones run Android 2.3 Gingerbread, though the BB 10..2 update will bump that up to 4.2.2 

[KC · Accepted solution]

If you're looking for a Google Maps alternative, check out BeMaps 10 from Bellshare on BlackBerry World. It's a few bucks but well worth it. It's native (not an Android port) and uses Google Maps.

[xl · Accepted solution]

To clarify... which apps are interested in?

Some apps have been Ported by the author. Some apps need to be sideloaded.

[JellyBelly · Accepted solution]

I'd like proper google maps with traffic layer. When I search the BB apps for google maps I get weird versions but nothing with traffic?

[xl · Accepted solution]

In the old days, you wanted an App in order to access the GPS.

Today, the browsers have access to Q10's GPS.  Thus an app is no longer required.  iPads work on the same principle when Crapple maps were introduced.

Take your Q10 browser and bookmark https://maps.google.com.  I'm amazed how fast it's able to find my current location.  For traffic, tap on the layers icon on the upper right for traffic.  I supplement this activity by looking at the regional webcams to plan my drive home each day.

[adaml · Accepted solution]

You can get Gmaps on a Z10, but for the moment it needs to be sideloaded.

It's a bit of a tedious process, but there are a lot of step-by-step tutorials out there,

[polgara59 · Accepted solution]

Check out the Crackberry forums. There's a whole section on sideloading Android apps, and the process is pretty simple.

Good luck!

[Silver_Arrow · Accepted solution]

As mentioned before it is possible to port them over. Underneath BB10 the phones run Android 2.3 Gingerbread, though the BB 10..2 update will bump that up to 4.2.2 

[KC · Accepted solution]

If you're looking for a Google Maps alternative, check out BeMaps 10 from Bellshare on BlackBerry World. It's a few bucks but well worth it. It's native (not an Android port) and uses Google Maps.

[ET]

To install Android apps on a Z10 or Q10 is called side loading. Check this video, it's the best one.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD8cpeolQcU. I hope it helps.

[james_moss · Accepted solution]

I use a site called goodereader.com. This site has a link to download a DDPB installer that you will use to install sideloaded apps. They also have a vast library of android apps that are available for sideloading. They have true google maps and many other fantastic apps.