[collaboration]

[bfrye]

[collaboration]

[bfrye]

[wiktorn]

Hi.

What is expected behaviour of apps whish uses API from 4.0 when placed on device with 3.6 OS?

In general - my aim is to write app which works on 3.6, but when placed on 4.0 calls some methods provided in 4.0

Is there a way of achieving that?

Wojtek

[berryapps]

I think you'll confuse the 3.6 OS if you include 4.0 methods in your code. I'm sure you can put together a really quick test app first to verify if this is the case.

[arconsulting]

I don't think you'll be able to reference v4.0 API calls on a v3.6 handheld.

My guess is the app will refuse to load. But, I agree with berryapps that you should give it a quick test and let us all know.

[wiktorn]

Ok

Looks like I am going to be a pioneer with this.

I'll try to make it. I met some curious obstacles when trying to load an app, anyway I'll do this. ( I use only simulators, have no device ).

I hoped there is well defined behaviour for that case, I wouldn't like to use it when it isn't.

I'll give a shot on simulators an let you know.

Anyway.
I do want to have an app which works on 3.6 and 4.0, but when on 4.0 uses its additional capabilities.

Wojtek

[wiktorn]

Hi.

I played with downloading and installing the app via browser using my IIS and BB simulator.
When tried to download 4.0 app to 3.6 BB it gave an error when installing. Error was not meaningful, just "error".

It'd be good if there was a mechanism of checking or notyfiyng of version incompabilities during app install.
The only mechanism implemented so far is the "_blackberryVersion" attribute of "fileset" field in the .alx file. But this only applies to installing with use of Application Loader.

I thought about using it at least... but changed my mind because there is no good way of maintaining single source code for both versions. (isn't it?)

Looks like targeting the 4.0 OS is the only reasonable solution.

Does anyone have suggestions regarding targeting multiple OS versions?

Wojtek

[berryapps]

you either need to write a app that is specific to the newest OS and will only run on the newest OS or you can write for the lowest common denominator.

If you write an app in the 3.6JDK, 3.5JDK, 3.2.1JDK... it will work on 4.0

[tliou]

Most of the companies I know are upgrading from BES 3.7 to 4.0 for security reasons. You really need to reconsider developing in anything but 4.0.

[berryapps]

What does the BES have to do with the JVM? The blackberry handheld doesn't care which BES it communicates with.

[tliou]

As a result of upgrading to 4.0 BES server, most handhelds (except 7100t) will also upgrade to 4.0 OS.

[berryapps]

I don't know any company that will blindly roll out 4.0 OS to all their handhelds because they upgraded the BES. There's really no benefit for them. You are also forgetting about all the users that are not on a BES that also won't have 4.0.

To develop an application solely targetted for 4.0 at this point would be stupid. Perhaps in 6-12 months it would make sense.

[tliou]

I'm not talking about individual users here. Companies deploying BES 4.0 have good reasons to "encourage" BB handhelds to upgrade to 4.0.

You make money selling to companies, not users. In other word, it is money, stupid.

[greenhut]

Originally Posted by tliou

As a result of upgrading to 4.0 BES server, most handhelds (except 7100t) will also upgrade to 4.0 OS.

No, the handhelds will not upgrade to 4.0 as a result of a BES upgrade. Pushing the 4.0 update is rather involved, requires the optional User Administration Service (disabled by default), requires an update to the latest desktop software (wireless impractical for OS), and requires that IT provision the install per required OS upgrade. Many corporations have devices from different carriers. Many corporations have devices that will not accept the same OS release. Yes, IT will encourage 4.0 adoption - primarily for wireless activation, the ability to move users between servers without recradle, and additional user feature such as wireless everything.

Originally Posted by tliou

Most of the companies I know are upgrading from BES 3.7 to 4.0 for security reasons. You really need to reconsider developing in anything but 4.0

Again poor advice. Unless your appplication needs functionaily of a newer api, you should build in the least common denominator to maximize target market.

jeff