Free BlackBerry Apps: Four (More) Essential Downloads--and One Free Game
Most folks agree: The best kind of BlackBerry app is a free BlackBerry app. On that note, you're sure to appreciate the following five free downloads, which include a great new way to gauge your smartphone's connection speeds and a mobile-version of a classic video game.
CIO — Ever found yourself fumbling to get your keys into a lock in the dark, with your BlackBerry in reach but without a light? Or wondered just how fast your BlackBerry can download files or upload images at any given time? If so, you've come to the right page.
Over the past weeks and months, I've delivered a pile of free BlackBerry downloads, my favorites of which include free open source software, Internet radio apps, voice-powered search software and BlackBerry-Storm-specific downloads--even a handful of apps recommended by Research In Motion (RIM) executives, including Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis.
This week, I've got four more can't miss BlackBerry apps to offer, plus a game, all gratis. I'm offering a quick and easy way to shorten, copy and distribute Web page addresses on your handheld; a simple method to gauge your BlackBerry's download- and upload-speeds; an upgraded social networking app; a built-in BlackBerry flash light; and last but not least, a mobile version of one of the great, classic video games.
Make sure your 'Berry's battery is charged up and you've got some free time on your hands, 'cause you're going to need both.
1) Bit.lify: Simply Shrink and Share URLs via BlackBerry
Let's face it: Some Web page addresses, or URLs, are simply too long to manage--especially using a mobile device, like a BlackBerry. We've all tried to paste long Web addresses into e-mail messages, only to have the links arrive broken and near-useless on the receiving end.
If you're using a desktop computer, there are plenty of options to quickly and easily shorten URLs to make them more manageable, the most popular of which is probably, TinyUrl.com. However, shrinking Web page addresses via BlackBerry and services like TinyUrl isn't quite as simple, due to the number of pages you'd need to navigate through using the less-than-stellar BlackBerry browser.
That's where bit.lify comes in. Created by Ubiquitous Systems, the company behind the popular beta BlackBerry Twitter client SocialScope, bit.lify makes shortening, sharing--even tracking--URLs easy as clicking your BlackBerry Menu key.
Before installation, you should create a bit.ly account for future access to your usage history, tracking stats and personal preferences. Once your account is activated and the app installed, bit.lify appears as a BlackBerry Menu option. To employ the app, simply navigate to any page you wish to "bit.lify," click the Menu key--directly to the left of your trackball--and choose "bit.lify."
You'll then be prompted by the app to choose your URL distribution method--E-mail, SMS or PIN message--or you can opt to simply copy the new, shortened page address. If you elect to send the URL, a message will be generated within the appropriate app and your new URL will be pasted within the message body. If you copy the link, your "bit.lified" URL will be available to paste whenever you're ready, using the BlackBerry Menu key.
Download bit.lify over the air (OTA) via BlackBerry browser.
