Netflix Inc. (NFLX) Illustrates Research In Motion Ltd (BBRY)’s App Weakness

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Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) isn’t the only one, though. Even Skype, which was one of the headliners at the BlackBerry 10 launch event, is actually just a ported version of its Android app. Although Skype did say that it was collaborating with Research In Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ:BBRY) to “ensure the Skype for Android app runs great in the BlackBerry 10 environment.” That’s better than no support at all, but it’s still not as good as a native offering would be.

Since Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) now owns Skype and is also actively trying to steal the No. 3 smartphone spot from BlackBerry, it’s not too surprising to see Skype subtly undermine BlackBerry 10’s odds of success. For what it’s worth, Microsoft pulled ahead in the U.S. market with a 3.2% share as of January.

Popular photo sharing service Instagram, which was recently bought by Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) , also won’t develop a native app. That’s in contrast to its parent company; BlackBerry did score a native Facebook app since the platform integrates numerous social networks. A native BlackBerry 10 app from online music streamer Pandora Media Inc (NYSE:P) is also nowhere to be found. Third-party ports of both Instagram and Pandora are available, but again performance leaves a little to be desired.

Mobile platforms these days live or die by content availability, including apps. A big name like Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) passing on BlackBerry 10 is certainly a setback, but the real issue is that Research In Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ:BBRY)’s choice to rely heavily on ported apps as a shortcut has put it in quite a predicament.

The article Netflix Illustrates BlackBerry’s App Weakness originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Evan Niu, CFA, has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Facebook, Google, and Netflix. The Motley Fool owns shares of Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Netflix.

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