Since the release of PlayBook OS 2.0 we've been covering a lot of different ways to get Android apps onto your BlackBerry PlayBook. Most of the methods covered take into account that you may already have the Android .APK files converted to a BlackBerry PlayBook compatible .BAR file and go from there. Gathering up converted .BAR files and installing them is the easy part, but what if you want to convert your own Android files for use rather than downloading those already converted?
There are already a few great guides in the CrackBerry forums but most of those are geared towards Windows users. We will also cover Windows users in this guide, and those of you out there who use a Mac will find that this will be one of the easiest guides to follow to complete the task of converting your own Android .APK files to .BAR files, signing them and even installing them directly to your BlackBerry PlayBook for immediate use. Sound good? If so hit the break to get started.
Prerequisites
In order to get things rolling, you're going to need a few things. A few downloads from the BlackBerry Developers Jamzone site and one from the Android developers site and you'll be up and running. My personal suggestion would be to download these items to your desktop, so that you know exactly where they are -- you'll need to reference them later.
-
Request code signing keys - You'll need these right away, so get them ASAP and store them somewhere safe. *Remember your PIN, this is not your device PIN. It's chosen by you and must be alpha-numeric, lowercase and contain 6-10 characters*
-
Download The Android Command Line Tools - Don't let the name scare you, you won't really need to use command line.
-
Download The Android SDK - Grab the version most compatible with your system. ie: Mac for Mac, Windows for Windows. Unzip it and go to the "Tools" folder where you will need to run the file named "Android" and grab the updates.
-
Download The BlackBerry Tablet OS Graphical Aid - This is the magic that makes it all happen. Make sure you grab the right version. ie: Mac for Mac, Windows for Windows. Unzip and install the file.
Set Up
With all your stuff now downloaded and installed, your code signing keys should have arrived in your email. If so, you're ready to get started on registering them and you're one step closer to being able to convert your own Android apps. Now, go ahead and locate the BlackBerry Tablet OS Graphical Aid app we installed and open it up. When open, you'll want to go to the "Configuration" tab as shown above to get started.
When the window pops up, just go ahead and click on next. You're then presented with the option to browse to various locations of the things you downloaded, the first being the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK location. For all of these, we're going to point them to the "Command Line Tools" folder you downloaded and unzipped. Once you get to the "Android SDK" option, make sure you change it to point to where you stored that.
The next item you will come to is the "Developer Certificate". At this point -- you don't have one. As such, you'll need to create one, so you can go ahead and click on "Create Certificate. Assuming you adjusted all the files accordingly and have the paths laid out, it will process and fill in with your "author.p12" developer certificate. Once you have that, you may move on to the next step.
The next section is where you will need to point to your code signing keys and remember the PIN that you registered with. As shown above, you can browse to the individual files and fill in those slots. Your "CSJ PIN" is the PIN you created, for password -- you must choose a password and then repeat it for confirmation.
If you're a developer, then make it a real password. However, if you're just doing this for the sake of it and so that you may make your own .BAR files from Android .APKs, just make it the same as your PIN. Personal suggestion of course, in the end -- do as you wish. As long as it conforms to the requirements you should be able to move to the next step which is to simply click on "Register". From there, you will get a processing screen and once processed, an email will hit your registered email confirming that you have successfully registered your code signing keys.
Converting, Signing An Android .APK
If all of that went well, then you are ready to move on to the next step. You can go ahead and click on the "Build Android" tab as shown above. Assuming you have some Android .APK files you wish to convert, you will see where you can load those files -- "Choose APK File". Once you have one loaded, you will need to fill out some of the options, such as whether or not you wish to sign the .APK, your developer name and your developer certificate password (this is the password from the set up process).
In this case, you'll want to sign them and ensure all the spots are filled in with the correct information. You can also check compatibility from here as well. As we know -- not all Android apps will work. Some that say they won't, but will work with less functionality. Entirely up to you if you wish to check compatibility, just keep in mind, not all files will work. That's just how it is and some will produce error messages. Once all info is loaded, you can click on "Build".
After clicking on "Build", you'll see it processing and once completed you should see something similar to the above image. This confirms whether or not the signing and building of the .BAR file was successful. You can see at the bottom of the text there, it states one .BAR file was signed and it was successful. You now have a signed .BAR file ready to be loaded on your BlackBerry PlayBook. If you're unsure of where, exactly that .BAR file went -- you should be able to find it in the same folder as the .APK you loaded.
Installing your converted .BAR file on your BlackBerry PlayBook
Now that you have successfully converted your .APK file to a .BAR file and signed it, you're almost ready to install it. You can click in the "Install" tab and choose where your .BAR file is. As noted previously, you should be able to find it in the same folder as the .APK file. Once located, you will then have to input your BlackBerry PlayBook's IP address -- keeping in mind, you will first need to put your BlackBerry PlayBook into developer mode. You can do that by completing the following process:
Put your BlackBerry PlayBook into Developer Mode by going to Settings > Security Settings and note the IP address of your PlayBook. You'll also be required to enter a password here if you don't have one already. Don't forget your password!!
With your PlayBook IP noted and your PlayBook password filled in, you're now ready to install the .BAR file you created. Assuming you have your BlackBerry PlayBook plugged into your PC or Mac, you can now proceed and click on the "Install" button.
Once you click on the "Install" button, your chosen .BAR file will begin installing. It will sit there for a few moments depending on how large the application you are sending to your BlackBerry PlayBook is. If it's larger, it will take longer -- just be patient as it will provide confirmation once the process has been completed.
With your chosen .BAR file now installed, you should see similar to above on your screen. This is the confirmation that your app was installed successfully or not. If not, you'll have to retrace your steps and see where you went wrong but if you followed this guide you really should be seeing a successful confirmation. You can now close everything down and check out the app on your BlackBerry PlayBook.
There you have it. A complete, no command line process to convert Android .APK files to BlackBerry .BAR files. Just remember folks, you shouldn't be submitting these apps to BlackBerry App World or anything along those lines, that's not very developer friendly. But if you have free, working converted .BAR files -- by all means drop into the CrackBerry forums and share them.
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PsyCorps Mar 12, 2012 at 7:44 pm
And here too: by my decree this post is NOW officially appreciated....
nah, seriously, thanks!
genericscissors2 Mar 12, 2012 at 7:46 pm
A BIG thanks to Bla1ze
birdman_36 Mar 12, 2012 at 8:22 pm
Why so damned complicated? RIM: Get on the developers to release the native apps we want!
Bla1ze Mar 12, 2012 at 8:42 pm
Complicated? It's 90% point and click.. when you lay it out in words of course it's going to look complicated. It took me longer to write this tutorial then it took me to convert dozens of the files. You don't get any easier then point and click, if that's too hard then you should avoid the whole process period.
smartie88 Mar 12, 2012 at 9:13 pm
I don't think he meant you. He just meant RIM should make Android easy load on PB instead of so many steps. We all appreciate your good work
diegonei Mar 12, 2012 at 10:05 pm
I've done the command line way and this looks a lot easier. I'll try it when I get home tomorrow!!
ruiner666 Mar 13, 2012 at 5:21 pm
Bla1ze: I followed the steps as you instructed, but when I try to register my signing codes, the display just continues to say "operation in progress" with a loading bar but nothing happens, I've tried reinstalling the Blackberry Tablet OS Graphical Aid, no luck, I've tried new signing codes, no luck, Any suggestions? I seems as thought the program just isn't connecting to whatever it should be connecting to. I can convert APK to BAR I just can't sign them, which makes them useless. I am also using a Mac so was wondering if you came across this problem. Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks
Arabianhorse Apr 13, 2012 at 3:29 pm
I installed the updated tools and left the android sdk on my desktop but it doesn't recognize the path."The path to your SDK is not correct" Is it embedded in the directory? I am trying to change an apk program for a medical electronic record. Help.
JasunX Mar 12, 2012 at 8:27 pm
Does this mean I can just "grab" the Garmin (internal maps) .apk, convert it etc etc using the above guide, and voila I would have Turn-By-Turn navigation with on-device maps, on my Blackberry Playbook, or am I missing something?
Bla1ze Mar 12, 2012 at 8:43 pm
Provided it's compatible, yes. As noted, not all apps will work like they do on Android due to the limitations.
JasunX Mar 12, 2012 at 8:50 pm
Thanks for the replies...I decided before I waste cash buying the Android version and trying to sideload - I emailed Garmin directly and asked them to get their backsides converting. They were reluctant to make a version for the Playbook - but now with OS 2.0 out all they have to do is convert and submit - and see how things work. If they care that is, they will come through - problem is it might take em a good century or two...
enzo07i Mar 12, 2012 at 8:46 pm
you can try, most of android applications working in playbook, but there are few that don't.
shupor Mar 12, 2012 at 8:51 pm
Thanks for the visual aid Blaze but i can't seem to get past the configuration wizard. If i am reading this correctly, you point all the options there to 'Command Line Tools' except for the one that specifically reads 'Android SDK' which is the one you point to the path where you actually have the android sdk installed.
Keep getting an error message saying 'invalid sdk' path specified
Bla1ze Mar 12, 2012 at 9:12 pm
Did you actually run the SDK? Simply downloading the file and unzipping it isn't enough, you need to open it up and run the Android file inside so that you actually download the SDK files.
If you've done that, try moving it do a different area such as your root drive or in my case, where I am using a Mac /Users/Bla1ze/Desktop/Android-sdk-mac.
jermisballin Mar 12, 2012 at 9:46 pm
im trying that right now... i'll let you know in 21 minutes aha. this download is taking forever =(
shupor Mar 12, 2012 at 9:50 pm
Yes i unzipped it and i will try moving it to a different location
Juste1 Mar 13, 2012 at 2:47 am
Very frustrating, indeed.
Same problem.
jermisballin Mar 12, 2012 at 9:31 pm
same for me...
chaddeus Mar 13, 2012 at 1:19 am
There is two ZIP file that you need to Download. The blackberry Command Line Tools and the Android SDK. Extract these two ZIP files into two seperate folders of choice (lets called it Blackberry Folder and Android Folder).
During the Configuration Wizard, point the Blackberry WebWorks SDK Location, Blackberry Tablet OS SDK Location and Blackberry SDK for Android Apps Location to the Blackberry Folder.
For the Android SDK location, point to the Android Folder. Click next until the Developer Certificate. Click Create Certificate. Under Author, input whatever name you want. Create a keystore Password of your choice and input the password again to confirm. Click Generate.
The rest should be similar to what Blaze mentioned.
crackulla Mar 12, 2012 at 9:09 pm
Oh of course after I learn how to sign/convert android files the easier program comes out lolz
shupor Mar 12, 2012 at 10:15 pm
Finally got it to work and here is what i did different.
First i downloaded the latest version of adobe air sdk http://www.adobe.com/devnet/air/air-sdk-download.html
Then i downloaded the tablet sdk and web works sdk directly from the blackberry site and using the Graphical Aid Tool, i pointed the path to the respective install location.
http://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/Testing-and-Deployment/BlackBerry...
sdk for android goes to 'Command Line' as outlined in Blaze's tutorial and android sdk goes to the install location of 'Android'.
The rest was a piece of cake.
Thanks once again Blaze for the awesome tutorial.
(NOTE) these steps were done on a windows computer
Krao24 Mar 12, 2012 at 9:30 pm
Hey bla1ze, only the sdk for android needs to be installed right? and the blackberry ones is just pointed to the command line tools right?
For some reason, it says invalid SDK path, just wanted to know if I am on the right "path" haha.
bluelights Mar 12, 2012 at 9:49 pm
You need to make sure you go into the android folder, then tools, and run the android file, make sure all the selected packages are installed, then re run it again and make sure 'Google APIs by Google Inc.' is installed, it didnt for me the first time, that got me around the invalid SDK path error.. (at least i think that did it for me)
But now i have a problem creating the author.p12 certificate,, its just staying on 'operation in progress' with the bar going accross, been like this for 10 minutes!!!!!!
ruiner666 Mar 13, 2012 at 2:24 pm
Same here, followed all the steps, but just keeps telling me "operation in progress" when I try to register my signing keys?, been stuck on that screen for like 20 min, any suggestions?
greander Mar 12, 2012 at 9:46 pm
Or, one could just buy an Android tablet. :)
Seriously though, Crackberry is doing its audience a great service, a service for which RIM should be thankful (and also embarrassed).
jpro757 Mar 12, 2012 at 9:55 pm
I agree you guys work so hard I just want to add some android apps. The PlayBook is cool its has some great features just missing a lot crackberry up guys keep pushing.
gravymonster Mar 12, 2012 at 9:51 pm
Ok... But how do we get the apk file? Is there an easy way to do that?
canadoc Mar 12, 2012 at 9:55 pm
when i unzip command line tools the folder has the name
blackberry.tools.SDK
should i point everything to this folder?
bluelights Mar 12, 2012 at 9:57 pm
yes except for the last location it asks for, point that to the android-sdk-macosx folder
jermisballin Mar 12, 2012 at 10:41 pm
ok i give up.. all that work and the .bar file doesnt even work. thanks for the tutorial but this isnt for me =/
sadiya222 Mar 12, 2012 at 11:16 pm
I know that no matter how much rhetoric used to describe the extent of LZ your wonderful articles are not enough, and are hypocritical, so I just want to say: You have read this post very good!
polo ralph lauren careers
enzo07i Mar 12, 2012 at 11:56 pm
@ Bla1ze,
Off topic, can we get RIM statement about pricing of Playbook this week @ bestbuy? I believed RIM announced that Playbook New Official pricing are $199, $245 and $299. In time with Ipad release?
chaddeus Mar 13, 2012 at 1:09 am
Great effort creating this step by step process but I felt that some steps are missing especially the creating the author.p12 file. User should input their name and password and the file will be generated in the %HOMEPATH%\AppData\Local\Research In Motion (for Vista or 7) or %HOMEPATH%\Local Settings\Application Data\Research In Motion (for XP).
PowderJockey Oct 24, 2012 at 6:49 pm
In trying to create the .p12 file, I fill in the a name for the author and password, click on generate, but nothing happens. No file is located in the area where stated above and the screen just stays at the generate certificate.
Is something suppose to happen? I have the .csj files back from RIM.
Any help much appreciated.
BB_Bmore Mar 13, 2012 at 1:24 am
Thanks for this Bla1ze!
keraisureshv Mar 13, 2012 at 1:44 am
Easy to use thanks RIM..
chaddeus Mar 13, 2012 at 1:49 am
One comment regarding the unzipping of the SDK compressed zip files. Take CommandLineTools.zip as an example. When you extract to C:\, it will be C:\CommandLineTools\Blackberry.tools.SDK
When you point to the SDK files, make sure you don't just point to C:\CommandLineTools but the actual folder itself which is at C:\CommandLineTools\Blackberry.tools.SDK
catwoman66 Mar 13, 2012 at 2:11 am
Pass lol
dony71 Mar 13, 2012 at 3:28 am
I receive only client-PBDT-xxxxxxxx.csj file from RIMM
When I convert, I got this message below
Should I receive also RDK file from RIMM?
ogFile:D:\APK\log\BatchBarSigner_20120312_234801.log
cp: "C:\Program Files\CommandLineTools\blackberry.tools.SDK\lib/EccpressoJDK15ECC.jar";"C:\Program Files\CommandLineTools\blackberry.tools.SDK\lib/EccpressoAll.jar";"C:\Program Files\CommandLineTools\blackberry.tools.SDK\lib/BarPackager.jar";"C:\Program Files\CommandLineTools\blackberry.tools.SDK\lib/BarSigner.jar"
Error: Certificate chain not found for: RDK. RDK must reference a valid KeyStore key entry containing a private key and corresponding public key certificate chain.
Total signed bars#: 0 Failed#: 1
The batch file is complete.
Update:
I receive another email from RIMM and this time contains RDK file ... problem solved
applyglove Mar 13, 2012 at 6:55 am
Thanks for all the effort writing this up but some steps have been shortened or skipped and so the instructions have become not so clear and some people like me cannot get it to work.
rickgainsmith Mar 13, 2012 at 6:59 am
So far the quality of Android Apps available makes me think the Android Player wasn't thought through. It's lowered the 'bar' (sorry) so low the quality instead of quality argument that could have been used in the past has long been made redundant by the horrible android apps now in AppWorld.
mughni Mar 13, 2012 at 7:42 am
Can some one further elaborate on how to get the android SDK, i have download the .exe file but dunno what to do next!!!!!! :-s
bmerson88 Mar 13, 2012 at 9:15 am
The problem which I have is that I run through the configuration wizard and get to the stage where I am pointing the application to where my signing keys are stored on my computer. All that happens is that I get a dialog box entitled Please Wait, and a message and a loading bar saying 'Operation in Progress'. I have tried this with 2 sets of keys now and the application just seems to stall in the same spot each time. Have downloaded all the necessary software and unzipped to the specified locations.
Suggestions?
(P.S. I am using a mac)
Bmerson88
canadoc Mar 13, 2012 at 2:06 pm
I am having the same issue
seems to stall at operation in progress for ever
ruiner666 Mar 13, 2012 at 3:26 pm
Also having the same problem
araskin Mar 19, 2012 at 4:51 pm
Yes same issue here. So close yet so so far.
Maxsisprime Mar 13, 2012 at 10:09 am
once again I give up! CrackBerry Let me know when there is a drag and drop installer available! RIM. We the people did the research for you this is too problematic make it simpler
nicolasito Mar 13, 2012 at 10:48 am
@Bla1ze, the system doesn't seem to recognise the SDK route
"The path to your SDK is not correct. Please run configuration wizard. Command not executed."
Please help !!!!!!
is the blackberry SDK or android SDK that the UI is referring to?
GGRRRRRRR
Maxsisprime Mar 13, 2012 at 11:52 am
same thing I was getting after about 25mins of trying different folders I just called it quits
servicesmodu Mar 14, 2012 at 10:14 am
.
crackberrymoe Mar 13, 2012 at 12:48 pm
dudes and guyzets there are some steps messing you have to exactly specify the folder took me an hour to figure it out and there is no need for any other files just when u get the android sdk run it and install all the latest pakage and u r done
Pearl 9100
Curve 9360
I will one day revive #RIM
PlayBook 64 GB side-loading like a boss...
Software Engineer..
rudd777 Mar 13, 2012 at 1:37 pm
All good until I click on register. It then fails with a proxy error. Error informs me I need to "Supply the following options to barsigner" and lists information about the proxy server.
I assume these parameters are added to the command line tool, but does anyone know where?
servicesmodu Mar 14, 2012 at 10:13 am
.
setset Mar 13, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Now if only us Linux users had some support. I have no problems navigating around the CLI.
PowderJockey Oct 24, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Hear, hear!
canadoc Mar 13, 2012 at 2:16 pm
On mac it always stalls and can't get to the next step.
Would be nice if there was a thread in the forums to help with a fix
servicesmodu Mar 14, 2012 at 10:19 am
.
hsnlagman Mar 13, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Never got half way. Would me much appreciate it if some could post a vid tutorial :D
Gachina Mar 13, 2012 at 4:32 pm
Stuck on "processing" on my Mac too (Lion).
I wonder if there is something wrong with the "Library" folder authorization access in wich the subfolder "Research In Motion" should have been created and the "author.p12" file inside it...
servicesmodu Mar 13, 2012 at 4:52 pm
On my MAC - it's stuck on "Operation In Progress:....
mcgbanker Mar 13, 2012 at 11:39 pm
I get stuck on the "Operation in Progress" screen also.
Blaize - any ideas on the cause of this? Quite a few of us are running into the same issue. Any guidance / advice would be greatly appreciated!
bmerson88 Mar 13, 2012 at 6:00 pm
I think the problem lies within OSX (Lion).
The location where the author.p12 certificate is said to be saved (Users/xxxxx/Library/ResearchinMotion\author.p12.) There is no Research in Motion folder to be found at all. I don't know whether it is saving it somewhere else or not, but my guess is that when trying to register code signing keys the developer certificate file cannot be found by the graphical aid.
Suggestions?
Bmerson88
Charloch Mar 13, 2012 at 6:37 pm
Hi there,
I get as far as the build stage then I get this message
[ERROR] [Apk2bar] Not a directory for Android SDK: C:\Users\Charlie\Downloads\android-sdk_r16-windows
Any idea why it would allow me to run through the whole configuration process accepting this directory as the Android SDK directory then fail me at this point? Do I have to have installed all previous versions of Android or is it enough just to have the most recent one? That is all I have downloaded so far
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Wiredin Mar 13, 2012 at 10:07 pm
thanks so much for this! I was stuck at the command line trying to get files to sign.
however... with this method i've run into a new problem, and from the comments it looks like im the only one.
When I try to register the keys I get
"'java' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file."
help?
Wiredin Mar 13, 2012 at 10:07 pm
oh, and I'm running windows 7 64 bit and have installed the latest Java SDK
eurostation Mar 13, 2012 at 11:41 pm
Thank you for helping us to port apk files to Playbook.
The instructions are clear, you must read it very carefully.
I had difficulties with the android-sk part, indeed I didn't install the updates the first time.
And I succeeded to install later several bar files on my Playbook.
R.I.P. Montréal Expos 1969-2004 Mar 14, 2012 at 3:34 am
I always get : Could not find the main class: net.rim.device.codesigning.barsigner.BarSigner. Program will exit.
Exception in thread "main"
Anyone else?
Gachina Mar 14, 2012 at 6:06 pm
Any tips for Mac issue?
gfondeur Mar 14, 2012 at 6:35 pm
I have path error, I need some help,
pringler Mar 15, 2012 at 11:49 am
Thanks for the guide B1aze. Everything worked correctly as described (PC).
zbhl04 Mar 15, 2012 at 6:03 pm
I converted four Android games, all converted sucessfully but none of them worked when installed on the Playbook. They all did a forced shutdown when launched. Any idea what the problem could be, three of them were Angry birds.
rkennedy01 Mar 15, 2012 at 6:08 pm
I just completed my first conversion. Updated Swarm to version 1.2.8.2. I feel empowered by this new capability - no more waiting on others to convert .apk files for me. :-)
RCK
Cameron MacDonald Mar 19, 2012 at 3:35 am
So after downloading all sorts of stuff and messing around, I run into a problem. This is what I get in the tool when I do a compatibility check:
"[ERROR] [Apk2BarVerifier] error in opening zip file
java.util.zip.ZipException: error in opening zip file
at java.util.zip.ZipFile.open(Native Method)
at java.util.zip.ZipFile.(Unknown Source)
at java.util.jar.JarFile.(Unknown Source)
at java.util.jar.JarFile.(Unknown Source)
at net.rim.tools.apk2bar.packager.AndroidManifestParser.parseManifest(AndroidManifestParser.java:74)
at net.rim.tools.apk2bar.verifier.Apk2BarVerifier.verifyApk(Apk2BarVerifier.java:294)
at net.rim.tools.apk2bar.verifier.Apk2BarVerifier.apk2BarVerify(Apk2BarVerifier.java:163)
at net.rim.tools.apk2bar.verifier.Apk2BarVerifier.main(Apk2BarVerifier.java:114)"
Reading the instructions I think that I should just go ahead and try as not all APKs are compatible but will work anyway. Then I get this:
"Input bar folder or file does not exist.
The batch file is complete."
Then when I close that:
"Start packaging com.deseretbook.bookshelf_v1.01.3.apk
[ERROR] [BarGenerator] error in opening zip file
com.deseretbook.bookshelf_v1.01.3.apk ...................... failed
Summary: Total Apk files # 1; succeeded: 0; skipped: 0; failed: 1"
So naturally I look for a zip file. Finding none, I send the APK to a zip folder and get the same name, just with the .zip extension. So when I use that in place of the APK, I get:
"Start packaging com.deseretbook.bookshelf_v1.01.3.zip
The APK is not signed!
com.deseretbook.bookshelf_v1.01.3.zip .................... skipped
Summary: Total Apk files # 1; succeeded: 0; skipped: 1; failed: 0"
A little help please. What am I doing wrong?
rongkie Mar 28, 2012 at 10:58 pm
Hey there. Looks like i have the same problem of having "input bar folder or file does not exist."
The batch file is complete.
Have you found a solution for that?
Cameron MacDonald Apr 6, 2012 at 2:13 am
Unfortunately not. I haven't really followed up and the app I want has been converted so I think I will forget about it for now. Maybe if I find something else I want. Hopefully you can get it working. Good luck.
Jim Stevens1 Mar 22, 2013 at 3:17 pm
I have this problem. Have you found a solution?
sraffe8283 Mar 20, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Being in the UK and changing from HTC to a Blackberry 9380 was the worst move I made. Although I love the BB phone the apps I had and used often on the HTC will not download ie Ford Assist UK and numerous more. When are RIM going to realise there is a big market here and it would be great to be able to download UK apps. Is this due to companies not supporting BB and just producing apps for i-pads and phones?
Steve
nabilsaid Mar 21, 2012 at 9:47 am
I get stuck on the "Operation in Progress" screen also ;-(.
I raise a white flag ..
I found this link below it will be fine for me for the time being
http://goodereader.com/apps/category/playbook/
nab
pkigair Mar 21, 2012 at 1:22 pm
Thanks for this...
I checked the .apk compatibility and it was successful. I was able to create the .bar. But when I installed it to my PB, it generated a line in the operation output dialog:Info: Sending request: Install and Launch
Info: Action: Install and Launch
Info: File size: 9992439
Info: Installing com.buzztime.android.mobileplaymaker.gYABgOCwydKRJ8CWaSHKCEplgH4...
Info: Processing 9992439 bytes
Info: Progress 0%...
Info: Progress 50%...
Info: Progress 100%...
actual_dname::com.buzztime.android.mobileplaymaker.gYABgOCwydKRJ8CWaSHKCEplgH4
actual_id::gYABgOCwydKRJ8CWaSHKCEplgH4
actual_version::1.0.1398.1
result::failure -9
Any thoughts?
Nmusic Mar 22, 2012 at 7:59 am
Sorry, how do I known apk compatibility or not
C:\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin>set version=1.0.3
C:\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin>java -Xmx512M -cp ".;C:\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin\\..\lib\Apk2Bar-1.0.3.jar" net.rim.tools.apk2bar.verifier.Apk2BarVerifier C:\Users\My\Downloads\com.papaya.papayaChess-144020-2.20.apk C:\Android\android-sdk
Apk2Bar_compatibility_excepts.xml: androidPlayerVersion='387'; minSdkVersion='10'; targetSdkVersion='10'; maxSdkVersion='10'; fea#=25;perm#=64; int='app-widget'; acc='NATIVE'; pkg#=4; mth#=14; reqFiveWayNav=true; reqHardKeyboard=1|0; reqKeyboardType=qwerty|twelvekey; reqNavigation=dpad|trackball|wheel;
[#1] appName='Papaya Chess'; pkgName='com.papaya.papayaChess'; pkgVer='144020'; fea#=5; prm#= 11; launchableAct#= 1; minSDKVer='3';
dex: pkg#=119; cls#=1601; mth#=12947; nat#=1;
uses-small-icon:impact=2:Icon size must be 86x86
native-code:impact=5:armeabi-v7a
uses-package:impact=1:com.android.vending
uses-method:impact=1:android.media.MediaPlayer$setAudioStreamType
uses-access-native:impact=5:com.papaya.game.GameEngine
[C:\Users\My\Downloads\com.papaya.papayaChess-144020-2.20.apk]: [5]=2; [4]=0; [3]=0; [2]=1; [1]=2;
Impact Legend: [5]=Severe; [4]=High /context; [3]=Medium /context; [2]=Medium-low /context; [1]=Minor;
Total apk(s) verified: 1
Silverdane Mar 22, 2012 at 5:21 pm
I've found al most every thing but I can't find the Blackberry Tablet OS Graphical Aid anywhere. Any suggestions?
Nmusic Mar 22, 2012 at 8:22 pm
Almost not compatibility
superchichi Mar 25, 2012 at 1:09 pm
Canadoc, Gachina, servicemodu, mcgbanker, bmerson88
GUYS: have you found any solution to the forever hanging OPERATION IN PROGRESS bar?
I am on Mac 10.7.2...
Cant seem to have my developer certificate generated since it is stored in a file that does not exist on my computer........when I click on generate certificate the operation in progress bar runs forever, then I close (APPLE+Q) the program, open it again, run the BB Tablet OS graphical Aid conf. wizard and it shows that my certificate is stored under USERS/LIBRARY......etc.....I do not have a library folder and nothing of RIM is stored in my mac..........I ignore this then go to convert the apt to bar and it does convert it but when it comes for me to download and install on my PB my mac's terminal fails to do so (I follow a different step to install, from a different tutorial) because the file is not signed; from my terminal log:
Sending Install request...
Info: Action: Install
Info: File size: 411865
Info: Installing ...
Info: Processing 411865 bytes
actual_dname::
actual_id::
actual_version::
result::failure 881 required signatures missing (RDK, AUTHOR)
If anybody can point me in the right direction I would really really appreciate....I am trying to install wordfeud....
THANX!!!
revlloy Mar 26, 2012 at 10:53 am
My son-in-law used terminal and created the certificate from the command line. He also went to wherever the ~/blackberry-keytool directory is an made all the files executable. Then everything worked out great: both the conversion and the install to the playbook.
Magnus Altensiedler Mar 26, 2012 at 12:50 pm
No more 'stuck in processing'
I'm using Windows 7 and had installed the programs. I configured it as in the tutorial and got a success message that my keys were registered (or whatever I actually did - I'm doing things here without understanding what I'm doing :-D)
Apparently I didn't point to the Android SDK during configuration - but no message let me know that.
I had that stuck in processing problem and this fixed it:
I went to my Program Files folder to the Android-SDK folder and ran the SDK manager.exe program. There I added tools and platform for android 2.3.3 (selected there the SDK Platform, Samples for SDK, Goodle APIs and basically anything that didn't need password entry).
I returned to the Graphical Aid and did configuration again (I could see that the Android SDK wasn't pointing anywhere). I kept my previous entries and when I got to the Android SDK part I browsed to the Program Files/Android/Android SDK folder location.
Now when I tried to build a bar from dropbox.apk it churned for a couple minutes and reported success. I installed in onto my PlayBook using DDPB installer, and it works (apparently).
You and rapture unforeseen!
I hope this helps someone.
jennjuice245 Mar 26, 2012 at 3:25 pm
I got everything to load ok, in fact I loaded several apps to my playbook but everytime I open one it forces close. Is there something I am missing? Please help I would love for this to work out as I have been dying to find a way to put my android apps on the playbook!!!
laurentbrn Mar 28, 2012 at 12:33 pm
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/2038/sdkw.png
Need help @ this step ...
Win 7 64 bits.
aryanchouhan Mar 30, 2013 at 7:26 am
this happened to me many times while i was trying to get this to work.
the pop up means dat the location to one of ur sdks dat u pointed the wizard to is wrong. for the bb tablet os sdk location point it to the bb-tablet-sdk in the rim folder in the program files of ur pc.
for bb webworks sdk location point it to the bb webworks sdk folder in the same rim folder in ur pc's program files.
for bb sdk for android apps point it to the subfolder called blackberry.tools.sdk in the CmmandLineTools folder u downloaded frm the prerequisites
and lastly for the android sdk point it to the subfolder called sdk in the android sdk folder u downloaded drm the prerequisites. as simple as that.....
8000HD Apr 4, 2012 at 5:04 pm
A video tutorial would be great... I think it miss some steps on the set up.
drrpc67 Apr 17, 2012 at 7:49 am
Happy new Playbook owner
I would like to have a GPS program with maps in the device
I have seen the Sygic Aura for Android which seems nice.
If I convert the apk file to bar then I can just install all the maps in the same way I would have to do it for Android and the program will run?
Thanks
drrpc67
Arabianhorse May 9, 2012 at 5:32 pm
# A fatal error has been detected by the Java Runtime Environment:
#
# EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION (0xc0000005) at pc=0x000007f86be12341, pid=3600, tid=4404
#
# JRE version: 6.0_32-b05
# Java VM: Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (20.7-b02 mixed mode windows-amd64 compressed oops)
# Problematic frame:
# C [ntdll.dll+0x2341]
#
# An error report file with more information is saved as:
# C:\Users\gar.000\Documents\Blackberry apk to bar\CommandLineTools\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin\hs_err_pid3600.log Could not load hsdis-amd64.dll; library not loadable; PrintAssembly is disabled
this is the message I receive after trying to run BB graphical aid on windows 8 beta I tried changing the java jre environment and the java_path. the android sdk file works on both but this program doesn't like the 32bit 62bit discrepency. Any ideas?
GoldenGod May 15, 2012 at 1:18 am
Can anyone tell me how to rerun the configuration wizard? I've been searching for it for quite a long time now. I was wondering if there's a button on the bottom of the configuration settings page. Can somebody confirm this please? Thanks in advance. =)
aryanchouhan Mar 30, 2013 at 7:18 am
to rerun the config wizard jus go to the 'Configuration' tab and click on 'Run Configuration Wizard' which is located in the end below 'Blackberry Tablet OS Debug Token Key'
chernyshov.yuriy@gmail.com May 15, 2012 at 3:11 am
I have an error while trying to sign bar file:
Error: Could not find or load main class net.rim.device.codesigning.barsigner.BarSigner
Full log:
logFile:D:\[Development]\[Android]\[IMplus]\[ReleseBuilds]\log\BatchBarSigner_20120515_100726.log
cp: D:/%5bSoftware%5d/%5bBlackBerry%5d/CommandLineTools/blackberry.tools.SDK/lib/BatchBARSigner-1.0.1.jar/EccpressoJDK15ECC.jar;D:/%5bSoftware%5d/%5bBlackBerry%5d/CommandLineTools/blackberry.tools.SDK/lib/BatchBARSigner-1.0.1.jar/EccpressoAll.jar;D:/%5bSoftware%5d/%5bBlackBerry%5d/CommandLineTools/blackberry.tools.SDK/lib/BatchBARSigner-1.0.1.jar/BarPackager.jar;D:/%5bSoftware%5d/%5bBlackBerry%5d/CommandLineTools/blackberry.tools.SDK/lib/BatchBARSigner-1.0.1.jar/BarSigner.jar
Error: Could not find or load main class net.rim.device.codesigning.barsigner.BarSigner
Any idea or suggestions?
funsudocan Jun 3, 2012 at 3:36 am
Hello,
When I installing my converted BAR file on my BlackBerry PlayBook I have a problem because request adobe air install but does not install.
???
thetruassasin Jun 13, 2012 at 8:24 am
I'm Kinda confused about the Signing keys. when I ordered the signing keys i only get csi. files
johnjeb Aug 11, 2012 at 11:24 am
Hi,
i follow the guidence given by bla1ze, but when i convert .apk file thru build android
to .bar, the below commands which i am receive for the all 3 files(apk).
OPERTIONAL OUTPUT
Certificate file does not exist.
The batch file is complete.
IN INTERNAL PROCESS COMMAND WERE SHOWN AS FOLLOWS
E:\JOHN-DESKTOP\Desktop\blackberry play\CommandLineTools\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin>set version=1.0.3
E:\JOHN-DESKTOP\Desktop\blackberry play\CommandLineTools\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin>set LIB=E:\JOHN-DESKTOP\Desktop\blackberry play\CommandLineTools\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin\\..\lib
E:\JOHN-DESKTOP\Desktop\blackberry play\CommandLineTools\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin>java -Xmx512M -cp "E:\JOHN-DESKTOP\Desktop\blackberry play\CommandLineTools\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin\\..\lib\BARPackager.jar;E:\JOHN-DESKTOP\Desktop\blackberry play\CommandLineTools\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin\\..\lib\Apk2Bar-1.0.3.jar" net.rim.tools.apk2bar.Apk2bar "E:\JOHN-DESKTOP\Downloads\apk files\Mint.com Personal Finance.apk" C:\Users\John\AppData\Local\Android\android-sdk -a mint.com
Start packaging Mint.com Personal Finance.apk
Mint.com Personal Finance.apk ........................... succeeded
Summary: Total Apk files # 1; succeeded: 1; skipped: 0; failed: 0
ONCE I TRY TO INSTALL TO MY PLAYBOOK IT SHOWN THE OPERTAON OUT PUT AS FOLLOWS
\\"Info: Sending request: Install and Launch
Info: Action: Install and Launch
Info: File size: 2029826
Info: Installing com.mint.testEPHIOlykDs7jEqabXSPG2sI...
Info: Processing 2029826 bytes
actual_dname::
actual_id::
actual_version::
result::failure 881 required signatures missing (RDK, AUTHOR) "
I can't see or access the converted .bar file in my playbook after install the bar file
Is it the file actualy converted correctly or there is a error on the converstion.
if it is error give me a guidance, if it is correct kindly let me know why i cant install to my play book, even i get the command stating that
chairsz Oct 12, 2012 at 9:03 pm
after going through all the steps and hitting generate , i get a error of java not found
PowderJockey Oct 23, 2012 at 6:25 pm
This is very simple and easy to use, but it hangs on me when building the .bar. Says it built OK, but still says it is in progress.
abdovx1 Dec 28, 2012 at 6:29 am
Hi
i have a problem, every time i point the android sdk location to it;s folder and try to create certificate it shows message says the path to your sdk is not correct Please run configuration wizard. Command not executed.
need help plz
thanks
sammy_dee Dec 28, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Hi all,
First thanks to Bla1ze for a excellent walk through. I was stuck like many mac users with the frozen "in progress bar" during the certification step. The problem was a permission issue with the .bat files in the blackberry_tools_SDK/bin. Making all these files executable solved the problem.
hope this helps someone, it was driving me insane! :-)
stove2101 Feb 23, 2013 at 7:42 pm
Thanks a lot! Worked perfect for me.
wmaxm01 Jan 4, 2013 at 4:17 pm
Firstly huge and almighty thanks for putting up this post you have truly made the whole converting and installing process a breeze. Before reading your post I was completely put off and had only used pre-converted apps. After a few little tweaks I was up and running pretty quickly.
I have downloaded about 14 APK’s of which none work. All convert to .BAR with no fails and install on my PB with no issues, when I play them, all but 2 returned the ‘force close’ error and 2 aps started but then crashed within seconds. Is the success rate of working apps low, what has everyone else found or has anyone found a work around to these issues
Cheers
Alex Bogles Feb 7, 2013 at 4:22 pm
So, I did everything that was said; downloaded all the prerequisites, my paths are:
Blackberry Tablet OS SDK Location - /root/Downloads/blackberry.tools.SDK
Blackberry Webworks SDK Location - /root/Downloads/blackberry.tools.SDK
Blackberry SDK for Android apps - /root/Downloads/blackberry.tools.SDK
Android SDK - /root/Downloads/adt-bundle-mac-x86_64/SDK
Whenever I try to create a developers certificate or register my signing codes, it goes to an "Operation in Progress" window and doesn't go anywhere farther than that. Am I doing something wrong? Please help.
stove2101 Feb 23, 2013 at 7:38 pm
Hi Alex,
I was stuck on this same problem but the solution by sammy_dee worked for me. You need to change the permissions of all the files in the bin folders of blackberry.tools.sdk (blackberry.tools.SDK/bin) so they are able to be executed. You can easily do this by:
Open a terminal window. Type cd *location where Blackberry.tools.sdk is located*
For example, if your stuff is located here:/Users/Alex/Playbook_stuff/blackberry.tools.sdk/bin you'd type:
cd /Users/Alex/Playbook_stuff/blackberry.tools.sdk/bin and hit enter.
Then you can start changing permissions. Type chmod 777 *filename* (for example, chmod 777 blackberry-signer.bat) and hit enter. You should see the icon for the file itself change from a white page to a black terminal window.
Do this for all the files that aren't terminal icons and then try running the signing codes.
Alex Bogles Feb 7, 2013 at 4:43 pm
Can't get it to work. Could someone who has this process working convert files for me? Send me an e-mail to a.j.bogles@gmail.com if you'd be kind enough to do that for a non-techie. :)
stove2101 Feb 24, 2013 at 8:41 am
Bla1ze, thanks very much for posting this guide. I love being able to make my own conversions rather than relying on usually out of date .bar files from various websites.
A few pointers for others who may be having trouble:
If it says it cannot find the Android SDK files, you may have to make an adjustment of where exactly you point the graphical aid. In the SDK I downloaded, there is an 'eclipse' and 'sdk' directly below the main directory. Make sure it's pointing to 'sdk' otherwise it won't know where to go.
Stuck on operation in progress: This happened to me when trying to first register my signing codes. It is a result of a collection of files in blackberry tools not being executable. It's very easy to change this on a Mac using terminal. You need to change directory in terminal to the blackberry tools sdk bin folder, where files such as apk2bar/blackberry-deploy/keytool, etc, are located. Change permissions by using the command chmod 777 *FILENAME* (ie: chmod 777 apk2bar). Once you execute the command the offending file should change from a white page to black terminal window. If you need more guidance through this, see my response above to Alex.
Unable to sign bar files: You need to request new signing keys from Blackberry. It's likely things got messed up when you ran it initially if it didn't get past operation in progress. ***You also NEED to delete the developer certificate and get a new one!!*** This is located in Library/Research in Motion/author.p12. Once you get new key files via email, create a new certificate and run the signing keys with your password. All *should* work from here.
Happy converting!
sonicspark Mar 14, 2013 at 4:03 am
I'm passed all the certificate stuff. I run build, this is the issue I run into.
'java' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.
Help?
aryanchouhan Mar 30, 2013 at 12:43 am
Look dude, i did everything (mark my words, EVERYTHINg) according to ur guide. But lemme tell u i had to install bb webworks, bb sdk air installer AND air sdk from adobe to convert my apks to bars. another tip the para between 'SDK Locations' (pic) and 'Developer Certificate'(pic) is a lil' confusing. it doesnt tell exactly where to point the sdks. so..... u noe wat 2 do....
aryanchouhan Mar 30, 2013 at 1:06 am
Alex (Bogles), ive sent u a mail wid some of my bar files.... Hope u enjoy em'
Canadian_BBerry Apr 7, 2013 at 5:48 pm
Ok, I was successful in creating the Bar file and loading to the PB, but it crashes. Uninstalled it, now I've found another APK file to use, in case there was an issue with the first one, but now, It won't convert because the app has already been signed. (I even tried to rename the APK file, no luck) How do I get ride of the original files and "unsigned" with the BB Tablet OS graphic aid?????
Le_Monde 6 days ago
Hello, I have gotten everything to work up to the point of actually converting the apk to bar. When I click on the Build button I get two Operation Output windows.
They read:
"Input bar folder or file does not exist.
The batch file is complete."
and:
"C:\Users\sohare\Downloads\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin>set version=1.0.3
C:\Users\sohare\Downloads\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin>set LIB=C:\Users\sohare\Downloads\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin\\..\lib
C:\Users\sohare\Downloads\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin>java -Xmx512M -cp "C:\Users\sohare\Downloads\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin\\..\lib\BARPackager.jar;C:\Users\sohare\Downloads\blackberry.tools.SDK\bin\\..\lib\Apk2Bar-1.0.3.jar" net.rim.tools.apk2bar.Apk2bar C:\Users\sohare\Downloads\com.exozet.android.catan.apk C:\Users\sohare\Downloads\adt-bundle-windows-x86_64-20130514 -a Brewy
[ERROR] [Apk2bar] Not a directory for Android SDK: C:\Users\sohare\Downloads\adt-bundle-windows-x86_64-20130514"
Does anyone have any ideas or know where I have gone wrong?
Thanks for the help!