The news this week that BlackBerry is planning to release two new mobile devices has shown that the troubled Canadian manufacturer is far from finished. Since releasing its all-new BB10 operating system last year alongside it’s first-ever touchscreen devices, the company has continued to be a favourite for business and consumer customers. So if you’re a new convert or in the market for some new tools, here are some of the key apps you should have…
BlackBerry Messenger (BBM)
In many ways still the USP for BlackBerry devices, despite the rise of similar applications such as iMessage and WhatsApp, BBM remains the quickest way to communicate with friends or co-workers. The native app also supports multi-person chats, transferring files up to 16MB and even allows voice calls via BlackBerry Voice.
Snap2Chat
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Snapchat has proven to be a major success since its launch in September 2011, with users now sending 700 million photos and videos per day. BlackBerry users won’t be missing out, however, as they can download this native client for BB10 devices, which comes with several unique features, including Shoutbox, which lets users like or comment on your messages.
Facebook for BB10
BB10’s design allows for some unique versions of popular apps, and its version of Facebook features what the company calls a ‘refreshed look and feel’ which has greatly improved the display of photos. The app also offers integration with BBM, allowing you to share your PIN, invite friends to BBM, and chat with your BBM contacts whilst logged in to Facebook.
Documents To Go
BlackBerry conquered the globe as the device of choice for the business world, and remains popular to this day as a key tool for getting work done on the go. Documents To Go help facilitate this even further, allowing you to view, edit and create Microsoft document formats such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint using your BB10 device, which you can sync directly to your PC.
Evernote for BB10
Rightly regarded as one of the best note-taking apps available, Evernote dovetails perfectly with BB10 devices to allow you to record and remind yourself of events, notes, or news if you’re travelling or working away from your office. It can even search through your hand-written notes for specific terms before syncing information directly to your Windows or Mac desktop.
BlackBerry Protect
Protecting the information stored on your mobile device should always be a top priority, and BB10 has this covered with the Protect app. Designed to keep your information secure if your device goes missing, the app also allows you to remotely lock or wipe your device if it is lost or stolen, or help you transfer or back-up data on a new device.
BlackBerry Virtual Expert
If your device is running slowly or keeps crashing, it may well tune a bit of a tune up, which is where BlackBerry Virtual Expert can help. The app offers a variety of hardware tests to produce a summary of your phone’s performance, including information including battery power, network strength, and internal storage.
BlackBerry Maps
The most popular mapping app for BlackBerry in a sea of choices, the native BlackBerry Maps service does a great job of providing location and direction information. Although it only offers 2D maps (as opposed to the 3D versions seen in Apple and Google’s apps) it does provide 3D turn-by-turn GPS navigation and integration with BBM to share your favourite places or routes.
Photo Studio Pro
In a major improvement from their ancestors, the new BB10 devices come with a powerful 8MP camera capable of taking detailed photos. In order to best enjoy your snaps though, you’ll need a good editing suite, and Photo Studio Pro is probably the most thorough offering available for BB10.
BlackBerry Travel
Targeting the business customers that make up much of its traditional user base, BlackBerry Travel makes it easy to plan, book, manage, and share travel activities. Similar to Apple’s PassBook, the app allows you to scan in your travel details and will even provide you with real-time updates if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
