If you have read my previous blog entry you will remember that I have unlocked the Sprint Blackberry 9630 tour and installed BalckBerry 5.0 operating system; since it originally shipped with 4.6. The OS is great, but there are some necessary applications I feel everyone should install.
Most of these applications can be found in the BlackBerry App World. You can download the BlackBerry App World application by going to http://mobile.blackberry.com from your BlackBerry device and download and install it. Once this is installed you can launch the BlackBerry App World and search for the below applications.
BlackBerry Messenger
This is not just another way to text your contacts. At first look people always ask me why I use Messenger to communicate with my BlackBerry contacts; they say it looks the same. Well it is not. Texts messaging you get 160 characters of text and that is all it does. Messenger you are not restricted by the 160 characters. Messenger you can also send files such as pictures, and you get deliver confirmation that it has arrived on the remote device along with a read confirmation. Just look at the check mark of sent and it will put a D for delivered and R for read. This is very handy when using a quick application to ensure the user got the message and read it. Very good for those people out there that want to make sure their significant other received their message or not. Also you can set a profile picture and status that shows up on remote devices.
NimBuzz
If you are into Instant Messaging with applications such as Facebook, Yahoo, Google, etc; I recommend NimBuzz. NimBuzz is a multi-community IM application that logs into each of the IM systems for you and you can IM between all your friends and contacts from a single application.
Viigo
I have found that Viigo is your single source to tons of useful information. You simply add in “channels” which can be applications, RSS feeds, blogs, etc. Categories include News, Weather, Sports, Business & Finance, Local Interests, Deals, Flights & Travel, just to name a few.
Shazam
Ever wonder what that song is on the radio or at a club; just launch Shazam and it will listen to a few seconds of the song and display the Artists and Title and give you the opportunity to purchase the song.
Gmail
Some might ask why install and application for Gmail on your blackberry instead of just linking your email account directly to it. The main reason I install Gmail is it actually performs a sync to my mailbox whereas just using the BlackBerry mechanism of pop3 or IMAP you can end up with 2 copies of messages. This application just ensures you only have one copy and you get a lot of the Gmail functions and see all folders.
Google Maps
This is a given for anyone that needs directions to a location. I do enjoy Sprint Navigation but I always want a second reliable source. I have also found that Sprint Navigation does not work on the new 5.0 OS, so until Sprint can fix this application I use Google Maps.
Drive Safe
Drive Safe is an application you can simply turn on and off when you get in and out of your car. When the application is on, it will read you your incoming messages, such as text and email. Be safe on the road.
BuzzD
I installed BuzzD on the phone because I really like the concept of where this application is going; it utilizes GPS to find out your current location and then recommends Top Picks of what to do around you. The only problem with the application is that its database is not that large yet, so it doesn’t have as many recommendations on places. Give this application some time to grow its database and it will be a must have in the future.