The biggest complaint for Playbook, other than the lack of a native e-mail client are the lack of apps.  However, after having the chance to play with the latest tablet to hit the markets, the lack of apps doesn’t really hinder in the device’s performance.   Non-organization or gaming apps are used on handheld devices, whether it be a phone or a tablet because they’re easier to access due to slow browsers.  However, since the Playbook’s browser loads very quickly, the need for these apps are not necessary.  What’s the point of a say, Facebook app when one can easily log into the web-based Facebook page and get access to the full interface?  As of now, I cannot update Facebook as DelectablyChic! from the Blackberry Facebook app as it currently does not support logging in as a page.  However, I can easily switch from my personal account to my page on the web.

Apps on BlackBerry – fewer than on other platforms

As mobile browsers become more and more powerful and easier to load, I don’t know if there is that much of a future for many apps.  Maps don’t need apps – one can just go onto Google Maps to get directions.   Newspapers, magazines and social media don’t need them either.  All you need to do is to login to a web-based account.  There are even web-based social media sites, such as HootSuite.  Besides gaming and e-readers, the only real reason people might want to use an app is easy access – no need to type in a url.  Face it, apps are expensive to develop and in order to serve each and every smartphone and tablet user, several versions must be created.  Wouldn’t it just be easier (and not to mention, cheaper) to update a website?  While writing an obituary for the app is a bit premature, it wouldn’t be surprising to find that the next tech bubble burst is not for social media, but for the app developer.