BlackBerry App Roundup for December 18, 2015

Howdy CrackBerry nation! Another week has passed so you know what that means? Not only is it time to share with you another batch of applications for your BlackBerry 10 or Priv device but also a way to catch up on all the news that transpired since we last met. While we were all pondering the now announced Fiscal 2016 results, other things happened too: BBM for BlackBerry 10 was updated, BlackBerry OS 10.3.2.2876 update files became available, and John Chen spoke about encryption and security.

Now it's time to bring you this week's picks for all you 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 didn't make the cut this week, remember you can help by offering your suggestions at the end.

Bar Expenses by ASD Solutions LLC

Now do not let the name mislead you. This native [BlackBerry 10](/./blackberry-10 application is not just for bar expenses. While sharing expenses for food and drinks is one of its features, this tool also allows you to calculate, track, and analyze bar and restaurant bills. Bar Expenses supports tips and discounts (with a built-in calculator), tabulates individual payments for each person (i.e. if there are items that should not be split with others), stores and edits bills, offers an unlimited number of persons and menu items, and presents detailed expenses statistics by person and by place. Finally, all of this information can be viewed in a clear and concise manner because of the clean and simple interface. Bar Expenses is compatible with BlackBerry 10 and can be purchased for $0.99 in BlackBerry World.

Learn more / Purchase Bar Expenses

SFT – Swift File Transfer by SFT Swift File Transfer

There are an infinite number of ways to transfer data and files to and from your device. Maybe not infinite per se, but there are certainly more than enough methods to aid in this process and options are always a good thing. Going through BlackBerry World, I came across this Android port by SFT. As with any other file transfer method it allows you to quickly send data (photos, folders, videos, apps, or any other types of files) to different devices wirelessly without internet connectivity. It offers an easy to use UI, no restrictions on Data Transfer Limit, a high file transfer rate of up to 4-5Mbps, and a transfer range of up to 15 meters.

You can download this application for free in BlackBerry App World for BlackBerry 10. Please note I tested this application using my Passport and Z30 to transfer files to and from each one. I have not tested using my BlackBerry Priv as the Google Play version number is different than the one currently available in BlackBerry World.

Learn more / Download SFT - Swift File Transfer

Nova Launcher by TeslaCoil Software

Going through my twitter feed, I noticed one of my followers (thanks Ivan!) shared an image of his redesigned BlackBerry Priv screen. Being the theme addict that I am, I quickly jumped at the chance to learn more. The application is called Nova Launcher. For those of you who are not familiar with Android launchers, they function in a similar manner to themes on legacy devices in how they change the look and feel of your device. In other words, they allow you to personalize your home screen.

To fully describe each and every aspect of this application would require more space and time. In the meantime, I will say it is quite versatile in its options. For BlackBerry Priv newbies, the application replaces your home screen with its own pages for you to insert your shortcuts and widgets. Now don't panic. You have the option of switching between your regular BlackBerry Launcher screen and how your original home screen configuration. Nova's home screen allows you to insert widgets, shortcuts, and a bottom drawer. What's even more amazing is that you can resize widgets, control animations, and load different icon packs, which you can find in Google Play.

Technically, the BlackBerry Launcher also allows users to load icon packs from Google Play. However, Nova Launcher offers additional functionality with which to personalize your device. Nova Launcher is free to download. To access the full array of options, settings, and customizations, this requires purchasing the license, Nova Launcher Prime, for $4.99. The free version must be installed.

Learn more / Download Nova Launcher from Google Play

Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes by Electronic Arts

This weekend marks the arrival of the latest film in the Star Wars franchise. How could I not include something to mark the occasion? In this RPG game, players compete in epic battles against their opponents and build their squad from legendary characters from across the Star Wars universe, including Chewbacca, Hans Solo, and Luke Skywalker. Each one comes with a special skill or ability to help plan your attacks. The locations for each of these battles are also familiar to fans as you can select missions in Bespin, Tatooine, and Coruscant.

The graphics are touch notch and, of course, you have the Star Wars soundtrack playing in the background. While Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes is free to download from Google Play, there are in-app purchases.

Learn more / Download Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes from Google Play

Hangman by Apprope

Looking for some time to kill? With my long commute I certainly have enough time to try a game or two. If you are searching for a simple, fun, and frustrating game for the whole family there is the old classic, Hangman. Players can select a category (all of which are unlocked in the Underground version including coins), compete against an opponent, and use up hints in order to solve the puzzle. You can download this for free in the Amazon Underground (US, UK, Germany, and France only).

Learn how to install Hangman from the Amazon Appstore

What You Might Have Missed

Festive Giveaway in BlackBerry World

Starting on December 20th and ending on December 26th, BlackBerry 10 owners will be able to grab select applications from BlackBerry World for free. While the full list of participating applications is not yet known, BlackBerry did hint it would include WhereIs...?, Instant – Track Device Usage and PaperPusher Scanner. Once the giveaway begins on Sunday, be sure to check the link below to see what apps await you.

Learn more about the Festive Giveaway in BlackBerry World

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, the BlackBerry PlayBook, or even Android Apps in the Google Play store for the BlackBerry Priv. 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.