Mobile phone – the cheapest communication device so far available has considerably reduced the distance between people. A giant leap in the mobile phone industry is truly the development of smartphones that are equivalent to a full fledged laptop. The development of ‘apps’ or ‘applications’ for smartphones is yet another major breakthrough in the mobile phone industry. Apps of different types ranging from games and music to health and fitness are available for download on the market.

Mobile Phone Apps and its Uses

• Mobile phone apps are useful both for personal and official purposes. A smart phone with all necessary apps in it is indeed a one stop solution for all requirements. Apps have made all server based and PC applications out-dated. Businessmen can now work efficiently even on the move. Mobile applications require very little hardware compared to computers. Apps are always connected to the internet.

• Some of the latest developments happening in the mobile phone industry are mainly the development of apps such as chase mobile applications that are built for BlackBerry, iPhone, iPad and Android smart phones. This application is suitable for personal, commercial and also for business purposes. Mobile phone users can get details about online banking, investments, loans, insurance, transaction history and personal account balances through apps.

• GPS helps the users to keep themselves in track and also details them of the location. Cell ID system and Wi-Fi also assist the user when the GPS doesn’t work. Pictures that are taken from digital cameras of the smartphones can be geo tagged too. Users can stay connected with their friends and business partners always with social networking sites available on smartphones.

• Apps are developed not only for personal and social purpose but also for business activities, games, internet, personal activities, work reports and a lot more can be done with apps in a smart phone.

Let us take a glance at some of the BlackBerry mobile phone apps that have so far taken the top 10 places during the current year – 2011.

1. BlackBerry Travel

BlackBerry Travel is built for the travelers out there who would long to enjoy an uninterrupted holiday trip. This is all-in-one service for the BlackBerry users. This app keeps the user updated with the details of flight timings and others. This app helps the users to get information regarding flight changes and cancellations and also to re-book for the hotels and flights from this app. Users can search for the best eateries and other shops in different locations from Yelp of this app. Users of this phone can not only make use of the currency converter, but also be well informed in advance about 5 day weather conditions. Users can thus plan their trip and manage their travel activities well in advance.

2. Schedule Send

This is a SMS and email app that helps the user to set in advance when the user wants to send an email or SMS. The date and time to send a message can be set in advance so that the user need not be out of words at the time of emergency. Messages thus stored can also be easily edited before delivery. This app is 100 per cent reliable for those who plan their work suitably.

3. Runtastic Pro

Runtastic Pro is developed to keep the mobile phone user in a healthier way. It keeps track of the workouts by calculating the number of calories spent and also by maintaining a training log of the person. This app is mainly designed for those who workout by walking, cycling and exercising regularly. Users can get voice feedback and comments regarding the workout. There is a heart rate monitor too. Total distance covered, calories burnt, map of the run, maximum speed taken, details of each kilometre covered and more are covered by Runtastic Pro. Additional comments also can be added such as type of road used to run, temperature and so on.

4. Excuse Generator

Excuse Generator generates excuses automatically for any situation. For example, if the user is not able to make up for work or is not able to attend a party for any reason. This is useful when the user does not know what he must do under tight situations.

5. Mega Tower Assault

Mega Tower Assault is a game app on BlackBerry version that gives chance for the player to build, upgrade or to capture the eight towers apart from different types of enemies. The eight different types of towers can be used to defend the player. This game is designed with 12 maps in 4 different settings such as snow, beach, lava and platform.

6. BlackBerry Protect

BlackBerry Protect is indeed a useful app for the BB(BlackBerry) users. Think how…? This app traces the stolen or lost BlackBerry mobile phone on a map. This is a free application to find the lost BlackBerry smartphone and also to keep the information secure. Password can be set and sensitive data on the mobile phone can be erased off remotely. Data stored in the lost phone can be backed up wirelessly on daily, weekly or monthly basis. A loud screaming sound can also be played in order to just scare away the person holding the phone or to just know where the phone is placed. A message may also be displayed on the screen by locking it so that the finder of the phone can give the details of it to the owner. It can then be located on the map or may be got it from the finder himself.

In case, a BlackBerry smartphone gets lost then the owner of the phone can log in to the BlackBerry Protect website and lock it. This website can also be used if the loser is sure that he will not get back his BlackBerry smartphone. The loser can easily delete all the information on the smartphone and also from microSD card.

BlackBerry Protect also restores the device settings, contact details and others that have been backed up from the earlier device.

7. Bunny Buster

This is a game app for the game lovers out there. It is a good time killer. This is also a good memory test play especially for the students. This game is similar to the ‘Whack-a-mole’ game that revolves around hitting some helpless hares over their head. The player is expected to hit the color hoppers in the same order within a minute. This play checks how well the user is able to time up with the game.

8. Launch Pad

Launch Pad gives an idea to create icons of their favorite sites right on the homescreen itself. Users can reorganize programs in the way he likes. Favorites can be stored according to the taste of the user. This method saves time of the user when searching for the website overall again. Users can customize their homescreen according to the way he needs so that he can reach it in just a tap. Upto 25 icons can be stored on the homescreen. However, this app is compatible with Blackberry running the operating system with version 5 and below.

9. PixTrix

PixTrix allows the user to set double exposure and saturation. Photos can be shared among friends through Facebook easily by just linking the app with the user’s profile. It is not possible to take photos from within PixTrix but can be used to browse for a photo from it. Users can apply professional filters to the photos they have taken and share it with others. PixTrix is ad-supported and gives the photos that are searching for. Tweaks to contrast, brightness, saturation and hue can be made.

10. Home Screen Notes

Home Screen Notes is build mainly for those who tend to forget even the most important things easily. Users can make note of the most important things that are to be done on the homescreen itself. This indirectly helps in saving the trees from the use of paper. Reminders and quick notes can be set right on the BlackBerry homescreen. There are automated notes generated for the user and also custom fonts and colors. This method is easier than setting tasks for important activities.