Over the years, the IM+ cross platform messaging app, as well as its developer SHAPE Services, has been looked at many times on the CrackBerry blogs. If you haven’t heard about it yet, picture all of your instant messaging accounts poured into a blender and blended into one smooth application, from which you can chat with anyone. In other words, you can chat with friends and family no matter if they’re using MSN, Facebook, Skype, Yahoo!, Google Talk, AIM, Jabber, ICQ, VKontakte, Yandex Chat, MySpace or Twitter. Not too long ago, SHAPE services announced that they released their own in-app messenger application they dubbed Beep.

What Beep does is enable users to chat with contacts that are found in their own native address book, as well as those from various instant messaging platforms. Thus, it brings SMS, MMS and instant messaging together in a neat little package. This update is also seen on other platforms (Android, iOS and Windows phone). Check out the features:

• Send unlimited number of free messages - Beep uses your Internet plan and all messages sent with Beep are free. We understand how important a message can be, so we added "Sent" and "Delivered" confirmations for each message you send.
• Express yourself and impress others - IM+ with Beep now offers free alternative to SMS and MMS: customize your status message and share pictures, videos, audio notes, your location with your address book contacts
• Your Address Book is your instant messaging buddy list - Yes, it's that plain and simple. When you know someone's phone number, you already know their instant messaging ID.

Now keep in mind that you do have to be an IM+ user in order to benefit from Beep. Luckily, IM+ comes in a free version and a Pro (ad-free) version, both of which are available from BlackBerry App World.

More information on the IM+ in-app messenger Beep for BlackBerry smartphones
More information/download IM+ free for BlackBerry smartphones
More information/download IM+ Pro for BlackBerry smartphones

We're big fans of developers spreading the holiday love, and today Shape Services has offered up 15 copies of their popular IM+ Pro to give away to our readers. IM+ Pro is an all-in-one messanger that lets you easily to connect to Google Talk, AIM, Skype and many more. IM+ Pro is a great way to keep up with your instant messages when on the go. Features include:

• Send text messages, photos, videos, and voice notes
• Group chats in Skype, MSN, AIM, ICQ.
• Chat history, accessible in IM+ on your device and from any web browser at https://plus.im
• Multiple accounts per service
• Create personal status messages
• Customize your IM+ look and feel with custom sound notifications and emoticons

IM+ Pro is available in BlackBerry App World for both phones and the BlackBerry PlayBook. 

Contest: To enter to win 1 of 15 copies of IM+ Pro, simply leave a comment on this post. Contest ends this Sunday at midnight PST. 

More information/download of IM+ Pro

SHAPE Services has just released an update for their popular instant messaging service IM+, bringing it up to v9.2. This is a pretty cool update, as they have now added in support for native BlackBerry OS Push service and inbox integration.

Other changes include:

• Mail.Ru Agent instant messaging service
• Translator+ service is no longer supported
• Bug fixes

While IM+ isn't a cheap application, it really packs a lot into just one app, making it worth the $19.99 price tag if you use a lot of instant messaging apps. You can chat using MSN, Facebook, Skype, Yahoo!, Google Talk, AIM, Jabber, ICQ, VKontakte, Yandex Chat, MySpace and use Twitter all from within the app - meaning you no longer need to take up a bunch of room on your device with individual apps for each one. There is a free version of IM+ available (ad supported) as well.

More information/download the free version of IM+ for BlackBerry
More information/purchase the ad free version of IM+ for BlackBerry

As we know Shape Services has had quite a run around going on with IM+ for the BlackBerry PlayBook, but that has not stopped them from continuing their development for other applications. Another of their popular applications, RDM+ has just been approved for sales through AppWorld. RDM+ is a remote desktop application which has been available for BlackBerry devices for quite some time now, and it will be officially available in AppWorld for your PlayBook shortly. If you have been waiting to be able to manage your computer via your PlayBook, be sure to hop into AppWorld and grab a copy for yourself today for the introductory price of $9.99!

More information / purchase of RDM+ for BlackBerry PlayBook

The other day when we wrote about IM+ Plus for PlayBook having issues getting approved into BlackBerry App World we did so in an effort to help improve the overall situation for not only SHAPE services but also for BlackBerry developers out there who may be facing similar challenges. As expected, we didn't recieve any updates from RIM but SHAPE services did. As they wrote on their blog:

Shape's Development Head Alex and myself just had a talk with Tyler Lessard, RIM's VP, Global Alliances and Developer Relations.

Tyler was really friendly and helpful and we have now a hope that IM+ for Playbook will be approved within two weeks or so. We understand that to approve such an complex app can take the same time or more as the development of IM+ for Playbook itself. Just as remember, the app is now for two months in the testing queue.

And the best of the talk: after years of our requests to RIM we got from Tyler a promise to consider BlackBerry Push usage for IM+. It would make user experience on the BlackBerry platform the same kind of beautiful like on iOS.

Please continue to follow-up the story, it will really help to make things done. And to celebrate the moment we will offer to our friends from CrackBerry.com 25 free licenses of IM+ Pro for BlackBerry right now and 25 free licenses of IM+ for Playbook after release. 

Needless to say, we're glad to hear things are now on the right track for IM+ for the BlackBerry PlayBook and considering SHAPE services has given us 25 copies of IM+ Pro for BlackBerry to give away -- we'll do just that. Drop a comment on this post and we'll pick 25 of you all out there to win one free copy each courtesy of SHAPE services.

Please note: Contest is for the BlackBerry version, PlayBook version contest will be held later

If you frequent the CrackBerry BlackBerry PlayBook forums you've note doubt noticed a thread discussing the release of IM+ for the BlackBerry PlayBook rather, the lack of release. SHAPE services, the company behind many popular BlackBerry Apps and a BlackBerry Alliance member has taken up issue with RIM and their App World approval practices. And they have some pretty valid reasons for doing so. We've received the following email from SHAPE services explaining the issue:

On May 19th the first submission of IM+ for Playbook was sent to RIM. We've got auto response from RIM  acknowledging the submission of a new release.

Since we haven't heard from RIM back and the developer was working on improving the app, on June 2nd we have submitted an update and got second auto response from RIM. We have never heard from RIM about the status of IM+ for Playbook.

As our Alliance Manager Maria mentioned in her Google+ post there were numerous attempts from our team to reach people from App World.  After there has been some discussion on CrackBerry forums and other BlackBerry related websites, some of guys have managed to get through to RIM and received a response from BlackBerry representative denying the submission.

Now it's obvious for us that RIM doesn't want IM+ for Playbook to exist. May be they see it as a threat to their BBM. This would be very anti-competitive behavior. Or is it just a chaos in RIM house? Anyway at the moment our development for Playbook is on hold and IM+ for PlayBook developer is temporary switched to IM+ for Android

Needless to say, that's not the information you want to be hearing from any BlackBerry developers especially when they are working on apps for the BlackBerry PlayBook -- a platform that needs new quality apps and needs them as soon as possible. Many folks in the forums have asked why we waited so long to post this, it's clearly an app that everyone is waiting for and if for some reason it is being held back on purpose then it should be known. Fact is, we were hoping we wouldn't have to considering the vocal stance SHAPE services took on the matter, RIM should have addressed the issue before it ever made it to our inboxes and on our forums but they haven't.

As it stands right now, we've requested an update from RIM regarding the situation and what plans they have to address it but no info as of yet has been relayed. Hopefully, we'll hear from SHAPE services noting the availability of IM+ for the PlayBook before we hear from RIM.

Discuss more in the CrackBerry Forums

If you haven’t heard of SHAPE Services or IM+ Pro, then you obviously haven’t been visiting CrackBerry enough. I’ll forgive you…this time. IM+ Pro is an amazing “all-in-one messenger” app that can be used to chat using Google Talk, AIM, MySpace, Jabber, ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, Facebook, Skype AND Twitter at the same time until your thumbs bleed. In what is being called a “Major Update” in version 9.0.0.7 beta, users can now participate in a new local chat tool called Neighbors.

“Neighbors offers a new dimension of communication in IM+ by providing users the opportunityto find new real life connections and friends with common interests.

When signed in, users of Neighbors IM+ will be able to locate friends on the map, chat with local friends as well as initiate conversations with other people who are located nearby”

Features:

• Chat with people nearby, find new connections and post local announcements
• Buy and Sell goods and services locally

It’s an interesting concept as it almost eliminates the need for meeting new people in person. Who likes doing that anyway? Kidding! At least you can still throw on a cardigan and sneakers when you get home and still meet new friends without visiting the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. The next time you find yourself saying “Oh who are the people in your neighbourhood?” you can answer your own question with Neighborhood found within 9.0.0.7 beta (yes, I referenced both Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood and Sesame Street!). The beta is available for BlackBerry smartphones running OS 5.0 or higher and will be active until June 6th.

More information/download IM+ Pro version 9.0.0.7 Beta

The multimedia player application known as Mobiola xPlayer was recently updated to 2.0. xPlayer has been around for quite a while, in fact it was one of the first applications I’ve ever reviewed on CrackBerry. It originally, and continues to, offer multimedia management options above and your beyond what your BlackBerry currently can. Yes, that means going past shuffling songs, listening to podcasts and creating playlists. With this application you can also open the door to over 100 predefined radio stations. Both podcasts and radio stations can be accessed through WiFi, direct TCP, BIS or BES. Rather than focusing on flashy looks, it brings functionality and control. Check out what SHAPE Services brought to the table with version 2.0:

• Full support for OS 6.0 devices
• Dropbox integration: if you have a Dropbox account, you can log in to your Dropbox directly from xPlayer, add files to playlist from Dropbox, manage playlists with Dropbox files and playback mp3 files directly from Dropbox. You don't need to download them. It's recommended to use Unlimited data plan or WiFi connection to playback files from your remote Dropbox. To create a Dropbox account, go to www.dropbox.com.
• SHAPE Services split xPlayer into xPlayer (LITE version with Ads) and xPlayer Pro (with 7 days trial)
• SHAPE Services cut prices to xPlayer Pro to $9.99.

More information/download xPlayer 2.0
Check out the original xPlayer review

Sometimes things can get lost in translation. When travelling to a foreign country, not everything is presented in a tourists own language. You always hear tips, specific phrases or the advice to pack a translation book or even hire a local guide. While you’re looking into classes, or costs, there’s one more thing you should take a look at - your BlackBerry.
It’s the perfect travel companion anyway. Think about it- you would use it to capture memorable photos and video, maintain your travel itinerary and (depending on WiFi access, or your data plan) keep in touch while travelling via email, BBM or social networking. What if your BlackBerry camera could do more? As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words… perhaps even worth a thousand translated words?

Near the end of last year, a call for BlackBerry toting lab rats was made for some testing. Don’t worry, no lab rats were harmed during the testing process (that I know of anyway).
Photo Translator will capture an image and translate the text for you, whether you are home or abroad. You’ll feel less like an idiot the next time you find yourself staring at a menu where you can’t see anything that resembles a burger and fries. Let’s have a look.

Read Full Review

It wasn’t too long ago when we mentioned what the folks at SHAPE Services were up to. Okay, okay, it was a brief mention, but the thought of VoIP over 3G/EDGE should have tickled your fancy. IM+ Talk is now out of beta and sporting a new version – 4.3! Here’s what the change log tells us:

Version 4.3

• VoIP over 3G/EDGE support
• Special build for 6.0 OS devices
• Many bugfixes and overall performance optimization

Check out some of the features of IM+ Talk:

• Call Skype users to their PCs - With IM+ Talk for BlackBerry you can talk with other Skype users all over the world.
• Free VoIP calls in WiFi areas and over 3G/EDGE - In WiFi areas and over 3G/EDGE IM+ Talk allows users to make free VoIP calls in half-duplex mode, similar to a walkie-talkie.
• Make cost-effective calls to any destination - Call any landline or mobile phone cost effectively. IM+ Talk uses callback technology, which ensures best phone call quality anywhere in the world.
• Receive calls from Skype contacts and calls to your SkypeIn number
• See who is online and chat with Skype users - Have conversations with other users who are logged in with their Skype accounts on PC or mobile. Text messaging is cost effective way to say something to your contacts instead of sending an SMS.

The idea of being able to make free VoIP calls via 3G/EDGE or Wi-Fi should make you want to call everyone and tell them all about it. Why not; it’s free as long as you select “VoIP only” or “VoIP preferred”. For more information on saving with IM+ Talk, click here. IM+ Talk is available for $29.95 and is available to BlackBerrys running OS 4.3 or higher.

Contest:We have 20 copies of IM+ Talk to give away. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post to be entered. Perhaps you can tell us who you talk to the most - how much money do you think you will save? Basically, tell us why you think you deserve IM+ Talk! Contest ends this Sunday at midnight PST. Please only leave one comment, multiple entries won't count.

More information/download IM+ Talk for BlackBerry

SHAPE Services has an impressive list of applications to stand behind. In the past, we’ve looked at Mobiola xPlayer, IM+: All-in-One Messenger and Business Card Reader; just to name a few. Recently, SHAPE Services contacted us to extend an invitation to the CrackBerry nation to join in on the beta testing for their newest creation called Photo Translator. Currently in version 0.9, Photo Translator helps break down language barrier by allowing you to capture a picture of text and then it translates it for you! The app uses Google OCR Engine and Google Translator. This is by far much easier than referring to a translation book or an actual translator (those guys are pretty heavy to carry around all of the time). Here’s a snapshot of the features available with Photo Translator:

• Accurate Text Recognition - Reliable OCR (optical character recognition) technology allows grabbing the text from images in a few seconds.
• Translation Management - Translated text can be saved to Memo, sent by email, or used in other apps.
• Translations Gallery and Search - Save results for later reference and quickly search through them.
• Multilingual Support - Photo Translator supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Czech, Dutch, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and many other languages.

While you’re at it, you should also check out the latest updates to their IM+ Talk and IM+ Messenger applications. In the newest beta of IM+ Talk, VoIP over 3G/EDGE is currently being tested; where in IM+ Messenger, they have added multichats to AIM and ICQ (previously, multichats could only be found for Skype and MSN). I, for one, have never been less than impressed with the applications that SHAPE Services have brought to the table, thus far. If you have a BlackBerry, with an autofocus camera (89xx, 95xx, 96xx, 97xx or 9800), I strongly suggest you try out Photo Translator. In fact, I think I’m going to give this one a thorough review in the near future.

For more information on Photo Translator, visit SHAPE Services
Check out other apps from SHAPE Services available from the CrackBerry App Store

A few days ago the folks from SHAPE Services let us know that they completed their most recent build of IM+ Pro for BlackBerry. This latest release adds in support for the BlackBerry Torch 9800 as well adds support for upcoming BlackBerry 6 devices and those capable of upgrading. Aside from the newly supported device, SHAPE services also added one new feature to the application. That feature, is the ability to integrate your chat history with IM+ for Web. Now, you can go back and review your chats that took place on your BlackBerry any time you do so wish.

• Click Here To Try Out A Free Trial Of IM+ Pro for BlackBerry >>

SHAPE Services has recently updated their IM+ application for instant messaging across multiple clients. The new version features an updated UI which offers a much more refined appearance over previous versions. The UI changes were not the only thing added to the v8.5 release however, a few other big fixes and adjustmnents have been made to help make IM+ better for end users. They include:

• Convenient history review for all conversations
• Improved multichat support for MSN and Skype 

If you are already an existing user of IM+ then you may grab the download direct from the SHAPE Services website. And if you have yet to check out IM+ you can get yourself a license in the ShopCrackBerry App Store for $39.95 (yeah we know.. pretty pricey - don't shoot us, we don't set the prices) and a free trial is available if you'd rather just check the app out before purchase.

SHAPE Services announced today that they are making available a free version of their popular IM+ client for BlackBerry. The new IM+ Lite will be ad-supported, but will offer most of the same features of the paid client. Users will be able to access MSN, Yahoo!, Gtalk, AIM, Jabber, ICQ, Facebook, Myspace, Skype and Twitter. The trimmed down version will allow you to get a feel for the more full-feature paid application. I think this is a good idea on the part of SHAPE since their standard app is a bit on the pricey side at $39.95. Hit up the link below to check out IM+ Lite.

• More information and download of IM+ Lite >>
• More information and download of IM+ >>
  

My Card. Your Card. His Card. Her Card. Ouch! Paper cut. With business cards being passed around like playing cards, it’s difficult to keep them organized. Sure it’s a quick way to share your information, but not everyone likes to carry them around. I’ve seen people who have literally gathered binders that, instead of displaying baseball cards, display business cards. I wondered if they had autographed ones in a special case. When it comes to that level of business cards, it becomes overwhelming and accessibility seems to disappear. A time consuming, thumb blistering alternative would be to input them into your native address book. A few months ago, we looked at a mobile business card application called DUB. While it was thoroughly impressive, one problem had come to mind - Not everyone uses it. 

Before your Rolodex decides to roll away, you should take a look at Business Card Reader. As the name suggests, this application enables users to read and decipher images of business cards, then sent directly to your BlackBerry address book. Now you can spend less time entering in contacts and spend more time making contact! If you are as intrigued about its accuracy as I was, I suggest you read on.

Read Full Review