I'm a big fan of keeping my device locked, but I prefer a much quicker way to access it over the standard lock button or password lock -- for this I love PatternLock. PatternLock, the third party device locking app for BlackBerry, has finally been updated for BlackBerry 7 touchscreen devices. The app lets you set a simple pattern on your device that allows you to easily secure your BlackBerry while giving you quick access via the touchscreen. Set your pattern, lock options, background and more in this totally customizable app. Features include:

• Many autolock options such as startup and device inactivity
• Lock individual applications, call screen or the entire device
• Disable autolock when in predefined locations
• Backup/Restore options to encrypted file
• Custom background image, and tons of customization options
• Theme-able lock screen using PatternLock .pltheme/.plthemehd files
• Show notifications on the lock screen
• Emergency call support
• Assign to hardware lock key
• Show weather info from BerryWeather (BeWeather) 2.2+
• Lock out the device if the incorrect pattern is entered a maximum times.
• The funnest, most customizable way to lock your touchscreen BlackBerry!

PatternLock is on sale now and is available for touchscreen devices for just $1.99 in BlackBerry App World. 

More information/download of PatternLock

Ever since I upgraded to the Torch, I embraced the touch screen world. Not only do I look for applications that help enhance the BlackBerry experience, I also look for apps that grasp the attraction and benefits of a touch screen. Those who have secured their BlackBerrys with a password, be it a keyword or number combination, get used to pounding it out on their keyboard before doing anything. The same could be said with touch screen phones. But then again, our minds are wondrous things. They can recall not only words and numbers, but also patterns and shapes. So why not use those patterns and shapes for passwords as well?

Taking a side step from typical password entry is an application called PatternLock. For touch screen devices, it may be one of the quickest ways to lock and unlock your call screen, specific applications or your BlackBerry itself. Rather than entering in a password, why not use a simple gesture, a secret handshake if you will, between you and your BlackBerry?

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A new app popped up over the weekend for the BlackBerry Storm that has attracted a lot of attention within the Storm forums. PatternLock, by Tafasa, offers a new and fun way to lock your BlackBerry Storm...

The lock screen shows 9 dots in a 3x3 grid. Before using PatternLock, you define what your lock pattern will be. The next time you see the lock screen, you trace your finger in the pattern you defined before and your device will unlock. Any other pattern and in any other order will not unlock the device. The application allows you to either use the default wallpaper or to pick a different background image stored on your device. You can even set it to autolock the device whenever you turn it on. You can also set it to autolock when the device is inactive for a time period of your choosing.

Take note that this will not replace the BlackBerry lock functionality when pressing the lock button. Tafasa recommends you assign this application to a convenience key for easy access, or you can rely on the autolocking system. An icon is also available so that you can easily lock from the homescreen. [ Note: if you intend to use the autolock feature, you should disable the built in BlackBerry automatic password lock as it will still lock your device (even if automatic PatternLock is enabled). If you require maximum security for your device, you should use the built in BlackBerry password lock. ]

PatternLock sells for $2.99, but if you purchase it via the CrackBerry App Store on your device you can get it for 99 cents until April 20th (no coupon code required).