Although the Playbook doesn’t have OTA capabilities there is another way users can load non App World applications. This method, perfected by Keeper (Berry Review Forums), is ideal for sharing ported applications and, in case you are a developer, allowing Playbookers to beta test your applications. Side Loading, as it’s come to be called, requires a PC and a few programs. Here is my attempt to create a tutorial for the process. Hopefully RIM simplifies this process but until then this is what we have.
First (on your PC) download and install JRE (Java Runtime Environment)
Then download and install the Development Mode Installer which is used to load applications on your Playbook.
Once you are all set up on the Pc end you must enable Development Mode on your Blackberry Playbook.
Open your Playbook Settings (Swipe Down From Center on Home Screen)
Under Security select Development Mode and switch it to ON.
You will be prompted to enter a password . Make sure you enter something that is easy to remember.
Go back to your Home Screen. You will now see an icon of a character on your Home Screen Tool Bar.
Make sure you are connected to your Wifi and select the icon. You will see your I.P. address shown.
Write down or remember your I.P.
Now, on your PC open the DDPB Installer. Enter your I.P. and Password you chose earlier.
Side Loading is ideal for users that can not access App World (Only available in US/Canada). Louis.Keeper has put together a healthy list of 50+ applications that will keep you busy. These are all available on App World and are intended for those who can not access App World. They are also all free.
http://www.mediafire.com/?qv7odxcxt28s7
Save the desired applications to your computer (make a new folder where you can easily access them).
In the DDPB Installer, click Add and select the Application(s). Make sure they are checked (check-box) in the DDPB Installer and click Install.
You will see this screen confirming the Applications are installing to your Playbook.
Once completed you can see them and use them on your BB Playbook.
Side Loading can also be used by Developers to share beta versions of their App World applications or rejected apps. Simply package your applications as a .Bar and find a suitable host and there you have it! Anyone with the know how can download your .Bar apps to their Playbook!
Major thanks to Keeper of the BerryReview Forums for bringing this to everyone’s attention. Check out his original thread for more support:
http://www.berryreview.com/forums/topic/playbook-apps-installer-method
More on BerryReview
No comments:
Post a Comment