BlackBerry Dev Alpha

BlackBerry 10 Alpha – Frequently Asked Questions

Rapid John·
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RIM has published a frequently asked questions page about the BlackBerry 10 Alpha Device. This is available at the DevAlpha DevZone page and will be updated regularly.

If you have a Dev Alpha device, keep an eye on this page.  We will, of course, keep you uptodate with everything going on.

It is good news that RIM are going out of their way to keep alpha device owners informed and providing a bit of support for them.  This level of support shows RIMs commitment to BlackBerry 10, down to the smallest detail.

Let’s hope they get more of these devices out to Developers as soon as possible.

Here’s the current FAQs for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common device issues:

  • Is there a simulator for BlackBerry 10?

    1. Yes, a simulator with the same operating system build as the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha prototype device is available. These simulators are available for Microsoft Windows XP, 7 (32 and 64) and Macintosh OS X Lion and Snow Leopard.
    2. Simulators are available for download from their respective SDK download pages.

  • What device functionality will developers have access to with the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha prototype device?

    1. The BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha prototype device is being made available to developers so they begin testing their BlackBerry 10 apps on a physical device. The device includes:
      1. Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth radios
      2. Front and rear facing cameras
      3. Accelerometer, magnetometer and gyro

  • What size of SIM does it take?

    1. It takes a Micro-SIM. It can be inserted by placing the SIM in the provided cradle and inserting the cradle to the designated slot in the top-left.

  • My device won’t boot, what can I do?

    There are a few possible causes for this:

    1. The battery could be dead. Please try charging the device for an hour on a wall charger (not USB). After this is done please power on the device.
    2. There could be an issue with the OS image. Please try reloading the OS using the steps provided here.
    3. If neither of the above help then please send an email btsbetasupport@rim.com for next steps in support.

  • Can I install apps via the BlackBerry App World storefront?

    1. No. Applications can only be installed by side-loading using BlackBerry 10 development tools. BlackBerry App World is not included on the operating system build of the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha prototype device or the BlackBerry 10 simulators.

  • What BlackBerry 10 SDKs will be available to build with?

    1. There are four BlackBerry 10 SDKs:
      1. BlackBerry 10 Native SDK (including Cascades)
      2. BlackBerry 10 WebWorks SDK
      3. BlackBerry10 SDK for Adobe Air
      4. BlackBerry 10 SDK for Android apps

  • Does my app need to be code signed to run on the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha prototype device?

    1. Yes applications will need to be code signed.

  • I have an existing BlackBerry PlayBook app available in BlackBerry App World. Will I need to make changes to it for it to work on BlackBerry 10?

    1. Yes, although it should be minimal. While BlackBerry 10 is built on the BlackBerry PlayBook OS foundation, there have been changes to existing APIs and a number of new APIs have been added that you may want to take advantage of.
    2. In addition to the API changes, the screen resolution of the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha is slightly different and you may need to modify some screen elements or user interface flow.

  • Will BlackBerry 10 apps run on PlayBook?

    1. Not at this point. The new APIs and infrastructure are different, so developers will need to build separately.

  • Is the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha a BlackBerry 10 device?

    1. The BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha is not a BlackBerry 10 device. It is a testing device for developers who want hardware for testing their BlackBerry 10 applications as they build them.
    2. This is a sign of our commitment to our developer community. We are making sure they have the best software tools to build, and with this device, the best hardware to test.

  • Is this in any way indicative of a BlackBerry 10 device or the BlackBerry 10 OS?

    1. This is not indicative of BlackBerry 10 hardware or software. This is test device that allows developers access to features they need most to test apps, such as camera and browser.

  • Where do I get a BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha?

    1. BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha units are being given to BlackBerry 10 Jam attendees. We have not announced any plans to seed the devices outside of the show at this time. Stay tuned to http://devblog.blackberry.com/ in the event any further seeding programs are announced.

  • What are the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha device specs?

    1. 4.2″ screen; 1280Ãâ 768 resolution.

  • Can I use BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha as my primary phone?

    1. Although, the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha will have cellular connectivity, this is a stripped down OS for developer testing and the experience of the device would be limited by that.

  • Where do I go for support issues for BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha?

    1. Please refer to the http://bb10alpha page for support options currently available.