BlackBerry 10: Multiple OS versions from one source tree

Since launch, we've been iterating through several major versions of the BlackBerry 10 OS (10.0, 10.1, 10.2, 10.2.1, 10.3, and soon 10.3.1). Given that many users can't or don't upgrade immediately, and some never upgrade at all, this means we now have a wide variety in the field. While developers often want to provide quality support for the latest OS version, they also don't want to cut off support for older ones.

To keep the latest version of your app available across the full range of OS versions that users are running, it takes a few tricks. I figured it was about time to start writing up some of the tricks I've used to manage this.

Tips for Hub Integration on BlackBerry 10

A central feature on the BlackBerry 10 platform is the "BlackBerry Hub." This is the unified inbox of the device, where users expect to see all their messages and notifications. Starting in OS 10.2, there is now a (limited access) public API for integrating with this feature. Apps that integrate with the hub are able to provide their own icon, category, and actions within it. Apps that don't are limited to posting fairly simple notification items. If you develop an app that is messaging-oriented, users are likely to want you to become hub integrated.