CrackBerry.com - Software Reviews

Taking BlackBerry Maps for a test drive

Adam Zeis — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:30:04 +0000

BlackBerry Maps has been available on BlackBerry for years, however it never quite did the trick for most users. While it did work - it wasn't loaded with features worthy enough of making it a "must have" app. Over the years it has evolved and thanks to the new BlackBerry 10 platform it's finally and app we can be proud of. Keep in mind here that I did most of my testing on a BlackBerry Z10 and Q10 both running OS 10.1, so some features may not be available to you if you're still running OS 10.

The new BlackBerry Maps is simply awesome. It works extremely well and, while it doesn't have a ton of features, has just enough to get things done and that's fine by me.

BlackBerry Maps not only gives you great mapping (obviously) but also provides voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation that rivals many stand-alone GPS units.

When you fire up the app it first shows you a map of your current location (providing you have location services enabled). From here you can either search for an address or view your favorites. Favorites consists of addresses you've saved in the app, recent searches and contact addresses that are pulled from your contact list.

When searching for an address, simply start typing and you'll be shown a list of locations that match your search. When you find what you're looking for, tap it and it will be shown as a pin point on the map. You can pan around and zoom to your hearts content here, or tap the arrow to start navigation.

There are a few options within the navigation including route options, night mode and navigation audio. Again, not too many options but still enough to get the job done.

So here's the breakdown: Search for an address, start navigating, get where you're going.

Recreate those nonsensical MadLib stories of your childhood with Fun-E Lib for BlackBerry 10

Alicia Erlich — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:37:34 +0000

Looking for a way to relive those hours of childhood memories playing MadLibs? Fun-E Lib brings the classic game to BlackBerry 10.

If there is one childhood game we all remember it is Mad Libs. That classic word replacement craze was an afterschool activity my friends and I shared and giggled over for hours. For those wanting to relive those days or just pass the time there is Fun-E Lib by mgdotnet. The popular theme developer offers his own witty take on on the game that is entertaining and enjoyable for people of all ages.

Music fans - Check out StereoTube Player for YouTube Mp3 Movies, now for BlackBerry 10

James Richardson — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:21:46 +0000

We first featured SteroTube Player back when it launched for the BlackBerry PlayBook, however the developer recently dropped me a line to let me know that the BlackBerry 10 version is now available and OMG - I love it!

Add some jazz to your videos with VideoFX for BlackBerry 10

DJ Reyes — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:47:44 +0000

I enjoy taking photos and videos on my BlackBerry devices. Mostly of silly family antics or my cats running around. While BlackBerry 10 has a baked in photo editor, complete with filters, the video player doesn't give you the ability to add filters. I know for some, you'll see no need for filters but it's always nice to have options. That's when VideoFX for BlackBerry 10 comes in.

Neatly - The Twitter app that wants to let you do more

DJ Reyes — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:41:30 +0000

If you own a BlackBerry Z10, you'll know the Twitter for BlackBerry 10 isn't up to par as with previous BlackBerry operating systems. I had never really used the T4BB much and swore by the Scope App. However, with Scope not available for BlackBerry 10, I had to look elsewhere. Thankfully there are options out there, one of which comes in the form of an app called Neatly.

While at BlackBerry Jam Europe 2013, James managed to sit down with the developer and get a quick demo of the app. Of course, we like to give you a full review so follow me after the break to see Neatly in action.

Like to take photos of yourself? You should take a look at Snap for BlackBerry 10.

James Richardson — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:26:40 +0000

Snap is a new camera application for BlackBerry 10 with a twist. I'm not talking about filters like many apps currently have. Snap is a sound triggered camera app. That may sound a bit weird but it's actually pretty sweet. Imagine you want to take some photos of yourself. Without Snap you would be restricted to using the front facing camera and would need to hold the BlackBerry. So with Snap you can prop the phone up and just make a sound to engage the camera shutter. And it works really well.

Looking for a new sweet radio app for your BlackBerry 10 smartphone? Check out Radio Player+

James Richardson — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 12:38:05 +0000

As I write this BlackBerry 10 is still less than two months old but for you music fans out there it's already nice to see a decent selection of Radio applications rocking out in BlackBerry World. Radio Player+ is the latest I have been tinkering around with and although the name is not as well know as some of the other house hold names (yet) such as Nobex or Slacker, the developers of Radio Player+ have done a great job and I'm loving the app.

Manage your 2-step authenticator codes with Authomator and its active frame

Richard Devine — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 19:44:27 +0000

If you're using a service that allows 2-step authentication -- GMail and Dropbox are a couple of high-profile names -- you really ought to be using it. There's a lot to be said for the extra layer of security it provides. This isn't a post on how to activate 2-step authentication. This is all about Authomator, probably the best way to manage your 2-step authentication codes on BlackBerry 10.

Fancy some retro style space combat and for free? Check out Pew Pew for Blackberry 10

James Richardson — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:49:10 +0000

If you are looking for a free, fun, shoot-em-up style game for your BlackBerry 10 smartphone then can I point out Pew Pew to you. We first announced the game some time ago on the BlackBerry PlayBook but you can also now download it for BlackBerry 10 and it looks great on the Z10's awesome display.

He's a cheeky fella - Pop Corny comes to BlackBerry 10

James Richardson — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:30:17 +0000

You may remember Pop Corny from a while ago - we covered it when it was first launched for the BlackBerry PlayBook. I enjoyed playing it then and I still do now as it has made its way to BlackBerry 10. The game was first available on Android and iOS before the PlayBook but the developer saw the potential of the new BlackBerry platform and decided to commit.

Battle your way through space with Alpha Zero for BlackBerry 10

James Richardson — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 22:08:34 +0000

Looking for a slice of space combat? If you have jumped over to BlackBerry 10 then Alpha Zero is the place to be. You must guide your space craft through dozens of levels, fighting off the barrage of enemy ships that will try and attack you. Just to make things harder there are numerous 'big bosses' to contend with who take a bit more work to destroy.

Want to be a champion jet ski racer? Check out Riptide GP for BlackBerry 10

James Richardson — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 20:30:02 +0000

If you are looking for an action packed awesome game for your new BlackBerry 10 smartphone Riptide GP is one to get for sure. The game has seen huge success on other platforms and luckily the developers brought it to BlackBerry 10 pretty quickly.

Can you beat the clock with Beach Buggy Blitz for BlackBerry 10

James Richardson — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:37:14 +0000

Anyone interested in a cool driving game for BlackBerry 10? Beach Buggy Blitz is now available to download from BlackBerry World and in addition to it being a great game it's also free - bonus!

As the name suggests, the aim of the game is to navigate your beach buggy around the race tracks within the allotted time. Failing to reach checkpoints within the time will result in the race ending so you had better not crash into too many obstacles.

Keep in shape and get toned with the Max Capacity Training app

DJ Reyes — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:28:59 +0000

It's a brand new year, we've been indulgent during the holidays. I have to admit I started becoming a little food hungry when the cold weather started to kick in. But even when I do, I try to keep in shape regardless. I'm not a fitness fanatic but I do like to keep in shape, even if I know I won't be as fit as I was before I was 21. I try to do different kinds of workouts and because there's too much to too in the day I want to do workouts that don't require me to go to the gym. I came across the Maximum Capacity Training app. Follow me after the break for a quick workout breakdown.

BlackBerry 10 Review

Simon Sage — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:00:01 +0000

The BlackBerry 10 operating system marks a whole new era for BlackBerry - here's what the next generation is going to look like.

CrackBerry's full walk through and guide of the long-awaited BlackBerry 10 mobile operating system! BlackBerry 10 is finally here! Veterans will find a lot that's familiar, but also plenty that's new in BlackBerry's brand-spankin'-new operating system. Those coming back to the fold will need a refresher on what's up, and anyone thinking about picking up a BlackBerry Z10 as their first BlackBerry will want to know what to expect.

Avatar Animator brought my BBM to life in this review

Ryan Blundell — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 21:25:14 +0000

As you have gone through your BlackBerry Messenger contacts, you may have noticed that their avatars have become alive. I’m not talking about something colorful, wild or risqué, I mean truly animated. If you didn’t know before, your BlackBerry already has a number of animated emoticons you can use as your BlackBerry Messenger Avatar. You may have noticed a few of your contacts on BBM have some unique avatars. I’ve seen them wave at me, laugh or dance.

Making life easier - access information from within any app with Amplify

James Richardson — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:15:55 +0000

Let's face it. Chances are if you use a BlackBerry it is because you want to get stuff done in the quickest time possible and with little hassle, right? What about if some things just got a little but easier? That is where Amplify comes in. The app is all about efficiency. Imagine being in your email, Twitter or Facebook app but suddenly want to check your calendar for example. Amplify will allow that with a quick press of one of your hardware keys. Simple. Keep reading to see what Amplify has to offer.

How good is Telmap Navigator, the free voice guided sat nav app for UK BlackBerry users?

James Richardson — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 20:29:34 +0000

I have used dozens of sat nav apps over the years on smartphones but have never found a great one for BlackBerry, until now! Taking all the others into consideration there are two main things I look for when deciding if the app is for me or not. The first is ease of use and the second is how aesthetic it is. Maybe the latter of the two is not as important for everyone but I'm kind of fussy and like things to look pretty.

Cooklet for the BlackBerry PlayBook gets cooking in this review

Ryan Blundell — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:37:37 +0000

Cooklet was a big winner at the AppCircus at BlackBerry Jam earlier this month in Orlando Florida –and with good reason. Winning for application in the Adobe AIR category, the Cooklet application for the BlackBerry PlayBook has been downloaded nearly half a million times since October 2011. Now it does provide countless savory recipes to try out, but it’s also an access point to a vast number of foodies with whom you can chat and share ideas for your next meal. It only makes sense, as people typically love to include food (preparation and consumption) and socializing. I’m seeing a trend, where getting together over a nice meal is slowly moving away from restaurants and more towards gathering around the dinner table at home. Recipes are swapped, critiqued and everyone goes home filled with fun and food. With the Cooklet application, the same can be had by asking someone to pass the Playbook, rather than the salt. Let’s get cooking, shall we?

Be the police in your story of cops and robbers with Smash Cops for the BlackBerry PlayBook

Zach Gilbert — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:04:22 +0000

Union is at it again with another hit title as Smash Cops crashes onto the BlackBerry PlayBook

Another day and another game available for the BlackBerry PlayBook, and this one is for all those cops and robbers fans out there. The team over at Union is no stranger to the PlayBook with hit games like Burn the City, Kona’s Crate, Roboto and many others. So when I heard they had released yet another game onto the platform, my expectations were high. Smash Cops is a high speed, high impact game of cops and robbers that should keep you gaming for hours on end. Continue reading for the full review of Smash Cops for the BlackBerry PlayBook.

Where's a photo booth when you need one? Photo Booth Pro for BlackBerry smartphones in review

Ryan Blundell — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:32:22 +0000

Photo Booth Pro turns your BlackBerry smartphone into a photo booth that you can stick in your pocket! The Photo Booth, you can find them at almost every mall and they’re used for almost any occasion. You may have seen people acting like absolute goofs in the booth (you’ve done it too, admit it). Others may use them to take more memorable, or serious, shots like for headshots or forms of ID. To be honest, I’m not sure what type of use makes me laugh more. They’re all entertaining, although slightly inconvenient due to location limitations. Now before you go out and start pricing a photo booth for your house, I should point you in the direction of a BlackBerry smartphone app called Photo Booth Pro.

Battle the God of Darkness in Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light for the BlackBerry PlayBook

Zach Gilbert — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:52:29 +0000

As you continue to load your PlayBook up with awesome games and apps there is yet another that we want to bring to your attention. Now, you may remember the game series that was available on most popular gaming platforms called Tomb Raider. Well a new installment is now available on the BlackBerry PlayBook. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is an addictive third person game that contains console quality graphics, a captivating storyline and intense gameplay. Continue reading for the full review of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light.

Transform your PlayBook into your own personal scanner with Handy Scanner

Alicia Erlich — Sat, 05 May 2012 13:11:15 +0000

Looking to scan and create PDF's on the go? Read this review of Handy Scanner for the BlackBerry PlayBook!

Have you ever found yourself out and about and needed to send a photo or document but were nowhere near a scanner? If you fit into that category you'll be happy to know there's a solution: Why not use your PlayBook? The developer behind SayIt, BachKhoa University, has been hard at work to make sure you'll never be stuck again with their first PlayBook application called Handy Scanner. Just as the name implies it's a simple to use application that lets you "scan" just about anything with your PlayBook's rear camera and convert it to an easy to open PDF file in a matter of moments. Click on the jump to find out more.

Portability at its best - See why ReadOnTouch Pro is a must have for the BlackBerry PlayBook

Zach Gilbert — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:35:11 +0000

With portability at the heart of the BlackBerry PlayBook it’s easy to forget that the device we hold today isn’t connected 24/7. So staying up-to-date with articles here on CrackBerry and other news sites may be a little difficult while on the go. Surely there has to be a fix while we wait for the notorious 4G LTE PlayBook we’ve heard so much about, and well, there is. ReadOnTouch Pro has officially made its way into BlackBerry App World. ReadOnTouch Pro allows you to save sites on your desktop for later viewing on the PlayBook, which is insanely handy. Continue reading for the full review of ReadOnTouch Pro.

Take snoozing to another level with Get set - Get up!

DJ Reyes — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:49:02 +0000

Whenever I have an early start I have to set an alarm to wake me up, as I’m sure quite a lot of you do. I am also one for snoozing in the morning once I hear the alarm go off. Usually, I’ll snooze for about half an hour before I know I really should wiggle my toes, shake my legs and get up before I end up being late. Normally I’ll just use my BlackBerry alarm to do this but now I use Get set, Get up! for the BlackBerry PlayBook. Join me after the break to see how I rise and shine in the morning to this app.

Intense gameplay and an extra dash of retro – See how Pew Pew 2 stacks up in our review

Zach Gilbert — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:55:14 +0000

The BlackBerry PlayBook app ecosystem is exploding so quickly it’s hard for us to keep track of all the new apps and games that developers are building. The latest one to come across my desk is the second installment of a popular PlayBook game called Pew Pew. Pew Pew 2 expands upon the original and offers up more intense game play and an extra dash of retroness. Continue reading to see what the newest addition to the Pew Pew series has in store.

Edit photos on the go with Uber Iris for the BlackBerry PlayBook

Zach Gilbert — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:56:58 +0000

Uber Iris on the BlackBerry PlayBook lets you edit photos right from your tablet.

While we're still waiting for Instagram to be developed for the BlackBerry platform, other developers are pushing through and creating their own variations to help fill the void. Today I wanted to share with the CrackBerry nation Uber Iris from Xlabz. Now, the Xlabz team isn't new to the BlackBerry platform and have a few productivity applications available on the BlackBerry PlayBook (like GroovyNotes, StockPulse, and Vault) but they’re no stranger to consumer-orientated apps like Sketch W Friends and now Uber Iris. Follow me after the break to see how this photo-editing app stacks up to the rest.

BeWeather HD for the BlackBerry PlayBook is fantastic - Check out our review to see why!

Zach Gilbert — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 20:18:04 +0000

BeWeather HD for the BlackBerry PlayBook is a feature-rich weather app that really stands out in both looks and functionality!

If waking up in the morning and checking the weather is something you've become addicted to you, will definitely want to check out a new PlayBook application called BeWeather from Bellshare. BeWeather is an all-in-one weather app that not only gives you the current and future weather forecasts, it does so in a visually appealing way. You’ll want to follow me after the break to read the full review on one of the best weather apps currently available for the BlackBerry PlayBook.

Review: NewsPile for the BlackBerry PlayBook

Zach Gilbert — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:01:12 +0000

If you’re searching through BlackBerry App World on your PlayBook for a decent Google Reader app, I’m sure you’ve come across a few of them that are really top quality. But as I was doing the same yesterday, I tried out a few and came across on that really stood out.

NewsPile for the BlackBerry PlayBook is a fully functioning Google Reader client with a brilliant and easy to use UI. Adam took a quick look at NewsPile back in September, but I wanted to go a little more in depth and take a look at the application as a whole. Follow me after the break for the full review.

Challenge your memory with Fruit Salad Shop for the BlackBerry Torch 9800

Alicia Erlich — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:23:01 +0000

As a commuter, I spend at least two hours a day going back and forth from work. This means I'm always on the lookout for a new game to keep me occupied and pass the time. Chimpantech, who just began developing apps, themes, and games for BlackBerry, just released their newest creation, Fruit Salad Shop, a challenging memory game to help boost your brain cells and have fun all at the same time. It relies on your ability to recall different fruit combinations and recipes and is not as easy as it sounds. Think you have what it takes to remember them all? Find out more after the break.