Many of us love the speed that our BlackBerry brings along with it, you can easily pick up your device, get to what you need and get it done quickly. Over the years developers have worked on solutions to make things even easier, one of the popular ones being ShortcutMe. For those unfamiliar with ShortcutMe it is an application that allows you to gain quick and easy access to various applications on your BlackBerry device without needing to leave the home screen. They have been hard at work behind the scenes to bring new features to the table, and they have done just that with the latest release. Version 6 offers the same great functionality we have previously seen, but also adds:

• Accepts plug-in functions
• Added safe-mode for running macros
• Fully customizable home screen with icon, weather, and battery shortcuts
• Added free plug-in to automatically launch shortcut based on events 

If you are a current ShortcutMe user you will want to hop into App World and grab the paid update ($1.99), and if you have yet to make the purchase use the link below to grab it on sale.

For more information and to purchase ShortcutMe

ShortcutMe is a great little app that can really improve how you get things done on your BlackBerry. It allows you to create your own custom shortcuts and macros so you can speed up common tasks and increase your productivity. Create shortcuts for apps, macros to compose email or sms messages, toggle settings and much more. Features include:

• 150 fully customizable shortcuts for major BlackBerry® applications and tasks.
• Assign 3 applications to each convenience key.
• Assign 3 applications to Space key (Only for devices with full QWERTY keypads).
• Create your own shortcuts to do various tasks i.e. toggle Bluetooth or launch apps
• Use Direct Launch feature to launch apps without even creating a shortcut for it.
• Cascade your shortcuts so that they run one after the other (Leaving Home shortcut, where ShortcutMe turns off WiFi, Turns on Bluetooth, Turns on cellular radio and launches your favorite music so that you can hear it in the car stereo system. All of that by for example just double clicking the Space or side key.

ShortcutMe also fully integrates with NFCShortcuts - so if you use NFC on your BlackBerry 7 device, you'll want to have this app so you can go NFC wild! You can grab ShortcutMe for just $2.99 today only in BlackBerry App World.

More information/Download ShortcutMe

A few days before CES I was browsing Amazon for my last minute travel items and randomly decided to pick up some NFC tags to use with my BlackBerry Bold 9900. What I was going to use them for exactly I wasn't quite sure, but I knew a bit about the NFCShortcuts (formerly NFCLauncher) app and figured if nothing else I could play around a bit. I picked up some Mifare Ultralight NFC Tags (pack of 10 tags for $15) and was on my way to NFC goodness. Unfortunately the tags didn't arrive before I left for my CES journey, but I did have plenty of time to play around over the weekend after I got back. Keep reading and we'll take a look at how these NFC tags work and just what you can use them for on your BlackBerry Smartphone.

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So you’ve picked up your new BlackBerry running OS 7 and you’re looking through the CrackBerry AppStore to see which apps you can install. ShortcutMe is one of the most popular shortcut creating applications available. As I’ve said many times before, it increases the number of functions available on your convenience key. No more are you limited to one application; now you have multiple applications and can make use of macros to take shortcuts even further. You can set it to go to a favourite mobile site, and paste information in a text box from your clipboard (just an example). Sam, from Fonware, let us know that the most recent version of ShortcutMe, version 5.7 is OS 7 ready. The application now runs the Bold 9900/9930 and Torch 9810. Support for the Torch 9850 and 9860 will follow soon.

New in 5.7:

• Added NFC_Toggle function. (all other toggle features are intact and functional, but thanks to macros in ShortcutMe you can always make your own toggle functions or correct them if they are toggling the wrong item)
• Added GetTime macro GetTime returns device clock. It can be used to control the flow in your macros based on time of the day.
• Keypad Stroke Launching You can now launch your shortcuts just by moving finger on the virtual keypad, a very quick and convenient way of launching shortcuts.
• Swipe to Switch You can now swipe your finger (top of the BB screen) toward left to switch between ShortcutMe views (Main menu, Direct launch, Stroke View, MultiClick View).
• Swipe to Edit You can now swipe your finger (on a shortcut) towards right to open Edit page for that shortcut.
• Launch shortcuts by multiple clicking a media key A shortcut in ShortcutMe 5.7 can be launched directly by multiple clicking a media key if you have MediaKeyBooster app.
• True One Click Shortcut Launch A shortcut in ShortcutMe 5.7 can be launched directly by entering a hot key on BB Home Screen if you have MyOwnIcons application.
• Auto virtual keypad hide when 99xx keypad is used.

For Today only, ShortcutMe is available for 20% off the regular price of $4.99. You can pick up ShortcutMe from the CrackBerry App Store.

More information/download ShortcutMe for BlackBerry smartphones

They aren’t called convenience keys for nothing. They are what they are; convenient. Some models have one, but the lucky ones have two. They provide a one click access pass to an app, commands and more. The video above gives you a taste of what ShortcutMe 5.0 offers. ShortcutMe 5.5 continues to provide a doorway to multiple options, depending on the number of times you click on the convenience key. It’s not just a simple ‘click to access’ option either – you can use macros to create shortcuts to launch an application, as well as manage user interaction (navigation, selections, etc). This definitely puts a new spin on what we consider convenient. Think of the time you will save by eliminating steps in everyday actions you do on your BlackBerry. What would you do with your extra time? Well, you could use that additional time to visit CrackBerry.com.

New features in 5.5:

• New macros are added, including: Launch, PasteFromCB (clipboard), Unlock and Call
• Scheduled Launching based on days of the week (Schedule a shortcut to launch at a specific time of a specific day of the week)
• Increased number of Scheduled Launching shortcuts to 10
• Scheduled Launch Shortcut after a device reboot (Allows to launch a shortcut at a specific time after a device reboot)
• Added SCM_CommonConfig, SCM_ScheduledL, SCM_SystemMenu, SCM_AddNewApp, SCM_DirectLaunch(Create a shortcut, a multiclick shortcut, or a BB system menu to open a specific page of ShortcutMe)
• Added "Set Category Color" menu Item (Allows setting the color for all items in a Category by one click)
• Removed Options_Sub2Page, Options_SubPage, AirPlaneMode_Toggle (All of these can easily be created by user using macros)
• Added Duplicate menu item (Allows duplicating/copying a shortcut)

For today only, ShortcutMe is available for 50% off (regular price is $4.99- you do the math!). You can pick up ShortcutMe from the CrackBerry App Store

More information/download ShortcutMe for BlackBerry smartphones

Today a new version of ShortcutMe has been released; updated to 5.3.1.0. ShortcutMe is one of many applications that provide BlackBerry users with shortcuts to their most used applications, most accessed contacts and most frequent commands. From that same list of similar applications, it’s one of a small few that do a fantastic job of living up to the demands set upon them. No matter how many times I’ve taken a look at ShortcutMe I am impressed by both the vast number of options and shortcuts that you can manage and how easy it actually is to use the application. What good would a short cut application be if it was difficult to use? If you would like, you can read the original review of ShortcutMe here.

I know I’ve said it before, but just imagine having access to not one but three applications on each convenience key (6 in total, for those who hate math). Since switching to my Torch months ago, I struggled with using a single convenience key. ShortcutMe’s feature list is long as it is but let’s see what’s new.

New features in ShortcutMe 5.3

• Stroke/Flick Launching (Torch, Storm 1 and 2): In addition to the usual launching of shortcuts by entering 1 to 3 keys, clicking a key multiple times, or by just selecting and clicking them, you can now quickly launch your shortcuts by moving your finger on the screen of the ShortcutMe)
• New Macros added: Macros allow you to create shortcuts to launch apps and then simulate user interaction (key clicks, Navigation) on them. Very handy to automate things you do often on your BB.
• Scheduled Shortcut Launching: Schedule your shortcuts (with or without your macros) to be launched at a specific time of the day
• Custom System Menu: Create up to 10 system menus to be able to launch your shortcuts from anywhere (where ever BB System Menu is shown after hitting Menu/BB key). Your system menu items can have any name you want them to have and they can launch any of your shortcuts in ShortcutMe.

Since March of 2009, ShortcutMe has been available for all BlackBerrys with trackball, trackpad and touch screen - only older devices with a with trackwheel on the side are not supported. For today only, you can pick up ShortcutMe for only $1.99. That’s 60% off the regular price (again, Math haters, that means the regular price is $4.99). You can pick up ShortcutMe from the CrackBerry App Store.

More information/download ShortcutMe 5.3 for BlackBerry

Howdy and welcome to the weekly app roundup! Yee-haw! So what do you think of the CrackBerry redesign? Pretty fancy lookin,’ don’t ya think? It’s definitely more that a fresh coat of paint and you know that there’s even more in store. Today, we announce the winners of the CogniCard giveaway and also give you the chance to win one of 25 copies of ShortcutMe! Have a rootin’ tootin’ weekend! Giddy up!

Freebies of the Week: AdvanceSMS, Canadian Tire, Word Search Free

In Case You Missed It: Christmas Budget, Dex Mobile

New This Week: Photo Editor Paint, Color LED Priority Buzz, Weight Loss Booster

Cool at BlackBerry App World: Pocket Reports

Contest: Enter to win one of 25 copies of ShortcutMe!

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ShortcutMe is no stranger to the CrackBerry blogs. I had the opportunity to review the application over a year ago and I’ve continued to be impressed with each new version release. In a nut shell, ShortcutMe takes the idea of convenience keys to the extreme – allowing you to access multiple apps, browser bookmarks, reach out and call/email/SMS or Pin someone directly, and more.

ShortcutMe was the first app that introduced the multi-click feature, shortcuts with 3 key combinations, user input injection and cascaded shortcuts. Fonware didn’t want to stop there, oh no. Now, they also want ShortcutMe to be the first application to allow users to create their own macros, as well as let their macro shortcuts rock their BlackBerry the way they want it to. What this means is that you can now create a shortcut that will be able to launch an app, open the menu, select and open an item on the menu, enter a text and then push Enter key. This macro shortcut can be launched by hitting a key or multiple clicking Space or Convenience key and it can be added to a cascaded shortcut!

ShortcutMe has been updated to 5.0 and has brought along some much needed (and anticipated) features. The new version is OS 6 compatible for all BB devices (including the new 9780) and it has an improved upon 5 day weather forecast feature, that also shows wind speed, direction, humidity, etc. ShortcutMe is available from the CrackBerry App Store for $4.99 but is currently on sale today for 50% off. Hurry or else you'll miss this special promotion!

• More info and download ShortcutMe for BlackBerry Smartphones >>

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ShortcutMe is no stranger to the CrackBerry blogs. If you’re new to CrackBerry, or just too forgetful to remember (and too lazy to search through the blogs), I’ll fill you in. The application screams shortcut supremacy. BlackBerry users will find efficiencies where they didn’t know it could exist. Instead of assigning a single application or PIM tool to each convenience key, you can assign multiple ones! Not to mention the space key; which acts as a third convenience key. Couple that with customizable keypad shortcuts and you’ll wonder how you ever got around without it. I almost forgot- ShortcutMe also includes quick access to weather, stock market and a screen capture feature. It’s fully customizable as to the shortcuts you want to use. Whether it’s emailing your favourite contact, cleaning memory or pointing your browser to the CrackBerry mobile site, ShortcutMe has you covered.

Sam shot me an email, telling me that ShortcutMe is OS6 ready; in fact, it’s now available on all touch screen BlackBerrys, on top of previously supported models!
Check out ShortcutMe 4.3 in action after the jump.

Contest: We have 20 free copies of ShortcutMe to give away. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post to be entered into the draw. Contest ends this Sunday at Midnight PST. Please only leave one comment - multiple submissions won't count.

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Sam from Fonware let me know that the multitasking shortcut application, ShortcutMe 4.1, is now available for the BlackBerry Bold 9650 and Tour 9630. To recap, ShortcutMe nearly turns your entire BlackBerry into a giant convenience key. Picture having multiple applications at the ready, with only have to click your convenience keys or space key multiple times. For example; you can click once for browser access, twice to call your mom or thrice to clean your device memory. The application also contains built in screen capture, stock market and weather forecast access.

With over 150 customizable BlackBerry tasks and apps to play with, ShortcutMe is nothing short of fantastically handy. No more having to decide which two apps you want to assign to the left and right convenience keys. Composing messages, adding calendar entries or tasks have never been easier to initialize. In version 4.1, some of the new features include:

• Added cascaded shortcuts to supported apps:
  

  Allows creating a shortcut to run several shortcuts one after each other. For example; create a 'Leaving Home' shortcut that turns off WiFi, turns on cellular radio, turns on Bluetooth and launches your favorite music, so that you can hear it in your cars handsfree. You can then create an 'Entering Office' shortcut and so on. (allows to make any combinations of users own shortcuts).

• Allows creating a shortcut to toggle Mass Storage Mode
• Allows creating a shortcut to ‘Receive_Using_BT’ feature on BlackBerry.
• Allows adding symbols to shortcuts
• When editing or creating shortcuts, 'Show Me Online Info Page' takes users to an online page, where they can read about the selected application.

Shortcuts are the best way to get the most out of your time, and your BlackBerry. You’ll find yourself more efficient than ever with an application like ShortcutMe on hand. You can pick up ShortcutMe for $4.99 from the CrackBerry App Store.

• More Info and Purchase ShortcutMe for BlackBerry smartphones >>

*Update: Had a minor mixup and the discount wasn't showing earlier but it has been fixed now and is showing properly - thanks for the patience *

We’ve seen ShortcutMe mentioned in the blogs many times before. It’s one of the fastest BlackBerry shortcut applications on the market. If you haven’t heard of it before, the application allows users to assign multiple applications to each convenience key, including the space key, on top of keypad shortcuts. Some of the many features include:

• Double click the convenience key (from anywhere) to lock your Blackberry.
• 150 customizable shortcuts for major BlackBerry applications.
• Access to other applications while internet browsing without exiting the browser.
• Turn your Blackberry quickly to a Flash Light from any application.
• Shortcuts are active from anywhere, so press the shortcuts and fire an application without closing the current app.
• Transparent Background

Sam from Fonware, who developed ShortcutMe, informed us that the application will be available for 40% off the regular price of $4.99. The FIFA 2010 wallpaper, pictured above, can be downloaded from within the application. In the spirit of FIFA, this discount begins today and continues for 5 days. How’s that for showing your spirit?

• Learn more and download ShortcutMe >>

ShortcutMe is an application that is geared towards BlackBerry users who want instant access to everything, without having to put too much effort into getting it. Rather than navigating through the menus, you can make a phone call, launch a bookmarked website, compose an email to your boss or open your favourite applications with a click (or two, or three, or four) of a convenience key. In other words, ShortcutMe really does put the “convenience” in convenience key, by assigning multiple shortcuts to each one. Fonware has recently updated ShortcutMe to version 3.10. Some of the new features now include:

• Newly designed UI with wallpaper images that can be loaded as background images
• Option to use a new image each time the application starts.
• Space Key launch - now your space key doubles as a convenience key.

Contest: We have 50 free copies of ShortcutMe to give away, and we also have 25 50% off coupons. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post to be entered into the draw. Contest ends this Sunday at Midnight PST. Please only leave one comment - multiple submissions won't count.

Someone’s in a giving mood! Sam from Fonware contacted me to let me know that their ShortcutMe application has been updated. To recap, ShortcutMe is an application that allows you to create multiple shortcuts on each convenience key. So click once for one app, click twice for another, click three times…you get the idea. If you want more info you can check out our full ShortCutMe Review here. Here’s what you can find in version 3.6.8.1:

• Support for Storm 2, Bold 9700 and generally OS 5.0
• New Bluetooth toggling feature that is faster and doesn’t require parameter settings
• Toggle Bedside Mode using shortcuts. Set "BedsideModeToggle" to one of your multiple click shortcuts (i.e. click left conv. key 3 times before you sleep to save battery and stop messages from waking you up. Click conv. key 3 times again when you wake up), or set it as one of your main shortcuts (launch by for example clicking conv key + T B)
• Toggle application using shortcuts. Set "ApplicationToggle" to one of your multiple click shortcuts (i..e. double click left conv key to toggle between last 2 apps you have been using), or set it as one of your main shortcuts
• Faster response time

CONTEST: We have 10 free copies as well as 40 50% off copies to give away. To enter, please leave a comment on this post. Contest ends this Sunday at Midnight PST. Please only leave one comment - multiple submissions won't count.

ShortCutMe sells for $4.99. You can learn more about ShortCutMe and purchase it here.