BlackBerry App Roundup 9/25/15

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Howdy CrackBerry Nation! The major buzz this week is all about the BlackBerry Venice, or as it will be called, Priv by BlackBerry. Our own EiC Bla1ze compiled a great roundup of what we know so far about this device and the official announcement. We also saw that OS 10.3.3 is scheduled to be released in March 2016. This week also brought updates to various applications including WorkWide, Read Out, and SecureX.

Now it's time to bring you this week's picks for all your passionate BlackBerry addicts out there. You can find each app and game I've rustled up for you by clicking through the gallery below. If your favorite did not make the cut this week, remember you can help by offering your suggestions at the end.

HomeScreen Styler by Themerzz

HomeScreen Styler

Going through BlackBerry World, I came across this simple application from a developer known for their lovely BlackBerry themes. The purpose of this application is to try and add some style to your display by inserting invisible icons onto your home screen so you can show off your background. While we have seen this before with other applications, HomeScreen Styler also gives users the ability to insert heart and flower icons to your screen as well. You can purchase for $0.99 in BlackBerry World.

Learn More / Purchase HomeScreen Styler

bReads Beta by Ahmed Alsuwaidi

bReads Beta

New to the storefront this week is a Beta version of a native Goodreads client for BlackBerry 10. It is an app I have been patiently waiting for since I came across the post in the forums. If you are not already familiar, Goodreads is a social website devoted to books including the option to create online reading lists. bReads, while it is still a Beta version, gives users access to their accounts, ability to view what their friends are reading, search and view information about books (Author, description, purchase links, and reviews), post statuses based on your current progress, sort books you own into shelves, join groups and participate in discussions, and receive recommendations based on books read and rated. As this is a public beta, if you experience any bugs or issues, you can contact the developer directly or leave a message on the forums thread. bReads is free to download from BlackBerry World.

Learn More / Download bReads Beta

Ingenious by USM

Ingenious

Ingenious is a popular strategy and board game game which can be downloaded via the Amazon Appstore for BlackBerry devices. All of the elements of the original game remain and gameplay is virtually identical. However, playing the game itself is not as easy as it sounds and the rules are rather complex. Each player is given a rack of randomly selected tiles. These tiles have two color combinations that can be used to match up to the pieces on the board. Players earn points for not only creating lines of identical shapes but for how long the lines are as well. There is a comprehensive tutorial when the application is first launched to explain further. You can choose between solitaire, single player, two player, or tournament modes, and select the time limit and level of difficulty. Ingenious is $1.99 in the Amazon Appstore and free in the Amazon Underground (US, UK, Germany, and France only).

Learn how to install Ingenious from the Amazon Appstore

FileShare by Martin Polovincak

FileShare

There are various ways with which BlackBerry owners can access data on their media and device from their PC. However, it doesn't hurt to have choices. FileShare is a light HTTP server whereby you can access selected content on your BlackBerry via your web browser. Both devices must be connected to the same WiFi network. In addition, by going into settings users can change the visual style, add a secure connection (beta), whereby the web browser will issue a warning before continuing to the page, and add authentication (if enabled, a password will be required). This native application is free to download from BlackBerry World.

Learn More / Download FileShare

Icons for Hub by ThumbPowered

Icons for Hub

Hitting the refresh button on my browser while going through BlackBerry World's Newest Apps list, this application popped up. My curiosity got the better of me and I clicked on the link. Before [BlackBerry 10/(/blackberry-10), BBOS had a "Messages" folder as well as individual icons for all of one's accounts. While we are all accustomed to swiping in the Hub to access each of our accounts including voicemail and calls, what is so wrong with having a shortcut or two on the homescreen? It is still a nice optionsto have nonetheless and does grant quick access. The application comes with two features: the first is to place a shortcut for all accounts in the hub on the homescreen and the other is to create shortcuts for accounts added since the last scan. Icons for Hub is $0.99 for BlackBerry 10.

Learn More / Purchase Icons for Hub

What You Might Have Missed

CellNinja and QtHelex offer up app bundles through BlackBerry World

CellNinja / QtHelex App Bundles

Looking to grab a few good apps? Two well-known BlackBerry 10 developers, CellNinja and QtHelex, released bundles compiled of several of their popular applications for one low price. If you think about it, buying all of the applications separately will cost you quite a bit, whereas grabbing this package is a bargain. However, if you do not buy now and more apps are added, the price will go up slightly for each application added to the bundle. So be sure to act fast and take advantage of these bundles. The Pushbullet.com bundle is $1.99 and the CellNinja Bundle is $3.99. All you have to do is follow the links below.

Learn more / Purchase QtHelex app bundle
Learn more / Purchase CellNinja app bundle

Until next week...

That's it for this week folks. For more apps and games, be sure to head on over to the CrackBerry Forums where you will find even more hidden gems to choose from whether it be for BlackBerry 10, BBOS or the BlackBerry PlayBook. Of course, you can always find the latest and greatest top editor's picks in the CrackBerry App Gallery. Are there any apps or games you would like to see? Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments.

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