YouTube on BlackBerry PlayBook

If you're one of the 11 or so people who bought a PlayBook, then you know that Google has changed the way YouTube works, so the native app no longer functions. But, don't despair, you can load up the Android version. The most recent version I've been able to get to work is 2.5.16, which is available as a .bar right here.

There are a couple of ways to sideload it, but personally, I use the BlackBerry Graphical Aid, since I used to make apps for the PlayBook, and I already have it installed. You'll have to put your PlayBook into development mode (under security in the settings) in order to install the .bar, but other than that, the process is pretty self-explanatory. Enjoy!

Privacy Policy

My apps do not transmit any user information in any way. Certain information may be collected, but again, it's not transmitted, so it just stays on your device for use by the app.

Some older versions of apps may use the READ_PHONE_STATE permission for ad integration, but the ad networks no longer require that permission, so it doesn't do anything.

This policy may be updated from time to time.

Piano Keys

My most popular app of late has been a clone of an Android app... which was itself a clone of something else if I'm not mistaken. I managed to bang it out in a day, since it's not overly complex, and it's been flying off the virtual shelves at a rate I haven't seen in a while. Maybe things are finally starting to turn around at BlackBerry and more people believe the platform will still be around in six months, so they're willing to pay money for apps. Or maybe the app itself is just super-fun. In any case, the success has encouraged me to stay in the app-making business for a little while longer. Look forward to seeing (slightly) more regular updates here in the future!

Drinki is no longer available

A user has brought to my attention the fact that the latest BB10 OS update breaks Drinki. Therefore, I have withdrawn it from BB World.

If you're looking to try one of my apps, I suggest How Puzzling. It's fun, and it's free!

BlackBerry World Featured Data

On the December 5-12, while it was being featured in the BfB section, Completionist received 1090 downloads, or a daily average of about 136. Outside of that period, it received 178 downloads, or a daily average of around 8. Clearly, being featured in the BfB section of BlackBerry World will give you a boost in downloads. Sales are quite another matter, however. Despite reasonably high ratings indicating that quite a few people actually enjoy the game, it's never really sold particularly well. In total, the free version with paid upgrades has grossed around $12 this year, which makes my share a whopping $8.40. There were two sales during the week Completionist was featured, which means I earned around $1.40. A conversion rate of under 0.2% is really bad. Unfortunately, I'm not sure there's any way to fix things, since people who own BB10 phones just plain don't seem to want to buy what I'm selling.

Featured

Finally, a little recognition. From now until December 12, Completionist will be featured in the Built for BlackBerry section of BlackBerry World.

Right now, it's up at the top of the list, too.

As always, I encourage all of you to download it and have fun. Just click the link or image in this post or open up BlackBerry World and tap the nice Built for BlackBerry tile.

What can Built for Blackberry do for you?

Two of my apps now carry the once-coveted Built for Blackberry designation: Completionist and How Puzzling. But, what exactly does that mean?

Well, I think it means I get some priority in search results, and I get the little Built for Blackberry icon on the apps' info pages on Blackberry World... and that's about it. Oh, they also might be sending me another Z10. But otherwise, BfB has been completely worthless to me. I haven't seen any increase in downloads or in-app purchases for either app. The simple fact of the matter is that not nearly enough people have purchased BB10 phones to make it a viable platform in the long term, and the ones who did just don't seem to care about BfB. I certainly don't.