However the Canadian mobile manufacturer opened up its OS to allow installation of android apps (apk) since the release of BB10 version 10.2.1. Where as BB10 version 10.3 has native access to Amazon App store.
Nevertheless Play Store is the ultimate source to download Android apps. So in this tutorial we are going to install Google Play Store on Blackberry BB10 devices.
- A Blackberry device with BB10 version 10.3 or higher (10.2.x is not supported)
- Google Account manager here ( Ver 4.3.2)
- The versions of apps mentioned above are the latest while writing this tutorial. For any further updates check this page where you can also find version history of different versions.
- I am using Blackberry Z10 with BB10 OS ver 10.3.x in this tutorial.
1. Transfer above downloaded (3) files on to your Blackberry device or you can download them directly on to your device which is much easy.
2a. Install "com.google.android.gsf.login-V4.3.2.apk", open the app and login with the same google account you added earlier in your device. This app closes on successful completion of signing in.
3. Install "cobalt.blackberry.googleid-2.1.1.apk", open the app and register your device with Google Play services and close the app once you register successfully.
4. Install "com.android.vending-5.7.6-cobalt-build1.apk" which is the Google Play Store apk file.
There you go, now you have the official Google Play Store on your Blackberry device and with Play Store installed your Blackberry, it is no less to any android device out there.
I personally feel Blackberry OS and hardware are very capable, smooth and easy for one handed use because of gestures like swipe to close etc.. and also I never felt any lag or snag even after installing tons of android and blackberry apps and opening many at a time which is the major problem in android devices these days.
Note:
- All these apps must remain installed on your device or else Play Store stops working
- Some apps require 'Google Play Services' to run which can be installed following this tutorial
- If you face any trouble please visit FAQ on this page or post a comment here.
- I have installed big gameloft games like Asphalt 8, Siegefall, and Real Racing etc... everything works fine though it may take little time to start up.
- Yes we can have two whatsapp installed, one from Blackberry world and other from Google Play store. But yet to try with two numbers!!
- By default Play Store auto updates apps over wifi. To stop this change settings in the Play Store.