Netflix unlikely to develop BlackBerry 10 app anytime soon, report says

By Trevor Mogg March 5, 2013

In order to become the number three platform in the mobile market after iOS and Android, BlackBerry really doesn’t want to see too many more instances of big-name companies pulling back from developing an app for its recently-launched BB10 platform.

With this in mind, news this week that Netflix has apparently said it has no plans to create an app for BB10 is certain to come as a blow to the Ontario-based mobile maker.

An unnamed Netflix spokesperson reportedly told AllThingsD that the streaming video service has “no current plans for a BlackBerry app” – native or port. Of course, such a comment leaves the door open for the possibility of an app at some point, but for the time being at least, it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.

While it’s true to say that most Netflix members still opt for the big screen when it comes to watching content – meaning the lack of a mobile app may not be too much of an issue for many BB10 users – the presence of a Netflix app would still benefit BlackBerry in that it’d be able to inspire confidence in developers thinking about creating for the platform by saying, “Look at all the big-name apps we already have! Come join the BB10 party!” Or words to that effect….

Last month photo-sharing company Instagram also reportedly said it had no immediate plans to create a native app for BB10, though it is apparently working on a port of the Android version.

Once BlackBerry 10 becomes more widely available – the US launch of the touchscreen-only Z10 device is set for this month, with the QWERTY-touch hybrid Q10 following a couple of months later – the mobile maker will be hoping to see its BB10 user base grow fast, at which point companies like Netflix and Instagram may well be persuaded to invest resources in developing native apps for the platform.

BlackBerry 10 launched with around 70,000 apps in its BlackBerry World store, though a good many of these are Android ports, which means in some cases the user experience may not be as smooth as you’d get with a native app.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Contributing Editor

Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…

Mobile

BlackBerry Key2 LE: Everything you need to know

The BlackBerry Key2 LE is back home at Verizon, but only for business types

BlackBerry Key2 LE Hands On

The BlackBerry Key LE is a lower-cost version of the Key2, doing away with some of the more high-tech features seen on the expensive sister phone, and cutting costs by using different materials for the body, to create a more affordable but still distinctly BlackBerry smartphone.

You can check out our Key2 LE review to learn more about what it's like to live with the phone, but in the meantime, here are all the technical specs, details, and availability options.
Updates
The BlackBerry Key2 LE is available to buy at Verizon, but only to business and enterprise customers, according to reports. Verizon's selling the Key2 LE for $450 without a contract, or for $100 if you sign up for a two-year plan. The phone does not show up on Verizon's non-business store, so there does not seem to be the option to buy the phone for this price without a business plan.

Mobile

The iPhone 16 Pro Max may get a very important battery upgrade

An iPhone 15 Pro Max laying face-down outside, showing the Natural Titanium color.

iPhone 16 dummy models Sonny Dickson / X

The iPhone 16 still has many months to go before its anticipated announcement in the fall, but we’ve already gotten a slew of rumors, leaks, and speculation about its specs and capabilities. One of the latest rumors about the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and it regards a new battery Apple is putting into the device.

Mobile

Best Google Pixel deals: Save on Pixel 8, Pixel Buds, and Pixel Watch

The home screen on the Google Pixel 8 Pro.

If you’ve been shopping headphone deals, smartwatch deals, or phone deals and haven’t found the savings you’re looking for, we’d like to introduce you to Google’s Pixel lineup. It has a lot to offer when it comes to mobile devices, and most of them can keep up with the likes of Apple and Samsung. Many people love Google’s software ecosystem, with the various generations of the Google Pixel phone often among the best Android phones. We’ve tracked down all of the best Google Pixel deals you can shop right now. Same of the standouts are Google Pixel 8 deals and Google Pixel Fold deals, so read onward for all of the details on how to save.
Google Pixel Buds Pro -- $140, was $200

If you need new wireless earbuds, you should check out the various models of the Google Pixel Buds, particularly the Google Pixel Buds Pro currently discounted. They offer long battery life, and while they're at their best when you're connecting them to another Pixel device or an Android-powered smartphone, you can also use with with iPhones or other Bluetooth-enabled gadgets.