A lack of apps continues to be RIM's biggest problem, especially now that Playbook OS 2.0 has filled in many of the tablet's missing features, such as a native e-mail, calendar, and contacts apps. Without apps for popular services such as Yelp, Spotify, Kindle, Hulu, and Netflix, RIM will have a tough time convincing consumers that its app store is thriving.
Although Playbook OS 2.0 supports Android apps through an emulator, developers must still submit their apps to RIM for approval. It's not yet clear whether Netflix or other streaming video services will go that route.
Of course, things can change, and sometimes “we don't have any current plans” is just PR speak for “we have plans that we're not announcing yet.” But as it stands, Netflix's disinterest in BlackBerry isn't a good sign.
Netflix has more than 24 million U.S. subscribers, where it offers both a mail-in service and streaming movies and TV shows. It also has also expanded its streaming-only service to Canada and parts of Latin America.
