One of the most popular posts that we have here on RIMarkable is 5 Must Have Free BlackBerry Downloads which was written almost two years ago back in June of 2006. Since so many visitors come to that particular post we’ve decided to update it 2008 style.
A few of the free BlackBerry downloads from our original list remain on the updated version. You will, however, see a few additions to the the new list. So, without further ado, here is our updated list of 5 Must Have Free BlackBerry Downloads in no particular order.
Beyond411 — Somehow I managed to leave Beyond411, Berry411 at the time, off of our original list. Beyond411 is a mobile search utility that gives you instant access to Yahoo Local providing instant local search to your BlackBerry.Beyond411 integrates with your devices address book and has GPS support for GPS enabled BlackBerrys. I personally have been using Beyond411 for years and can honestly tell you that it is one the most used applications on my device. If you own a BlackBerry, Beyond411 is free BlackBerry download that you just need to have.
Viigo: BlackBerry RSS Reader — Viigo is an RSS reader for the BlackBerry. According to their website “Viigo is a way to access content and services on your BlackBerry that’s better than anything that you’ve ever experienced.” When you get right down to it. I don’t know that this is too far from the truth.If any of the websites you regularly visit on your BlackBerry have RSS feeds, Viigo is the tool for you. It has a much better interface for web browsing than the BlackBerry Browser in my opinion and the fact that it is a full fledged RSS reader optimized for small screens is a huge plus. Viigo even allows you to import your RSS feeds from Google reader so all of the feeds you view online, are available to you on your BlackBerry.
Google Maps — Google maps is a must have free BlackBerry download that made our list the first time around and has improved significantly over the last two years. The application provides location based information using GPS or “My Location” which can triangulate your approximate position based on the location of nearby cell towers.Google Maps provides turn-by-turn navigation, integrated Google Search, allows you to see overhead satellite images from Google Earth, and rivals premium applications that you would normally pay for.
Facebook for BlackBerry — Facebook for BlackBerry wasn’t a free BlackBerry download that I immediately took to. That is probably because I wasn’t a big social networking site user before I downloaded Facebook for BlackBerry. Now that I’ve started really using Facebook, the mobile application is pretty sweet.If you don’t take my word for it ask any of the over 1 million BlackBerry users that have downloaded Facebook for BlackBerry since it has come out making it one of the most downloaded free BlackBerry downloads of all time.
Opera Mini — In case that you are new to RIMarkable, I will start of by saying that I believe that the BlackBerry Browser is one of, if not the worst mobile browsers ever conceived. To put it bluntly, Opera Mini, which isn’t even designed specifically for the BlackBerry, outclasses the native BlackBerry Browser on a level difficult to imagine when you consider just how well everything else about the BlackBerry was thought out.The only problem that you will ever run into using Opera Mini over your BlackBerry Browser is when you encounter a mobile site designed specifically for the BlackBerry Browser.
I am sure that I have overlooked some free BlackBerry download that should have absolutely made the list. If one comes to mind be sure to leave us comment and tell us about it.
GoogleSync? I dunno what I would do without it!
Good list. I have 4 of the 5 apps you listed. I would add Google Talk back to your list. I think that it was on the old list.
Why have Beyond 411 along with GMM. What about Windows Live Search too. All of them find alot of places and POI’s. Beyond 411 goes farther with it’s plug in’s but you need to use them.
Stinsonddog, can you provide some info on Beyond 411 and it’s plug-ins? I am not familiar, nor away where to get them. Thanks.
Nikoluas: there is a link to Beyond411 in the main article.
Yahoo moble rocks
I wish Opera Mini would support playing YouTube Mobile. The BlackBerry browser on my 8130 (Pearl) does a great job but when I’m in Opera (and I use it a lot) I find myself trying to visit YouTube and it doesn’t work.
I blog a lot about my mobile adventures and this topic has me burned. I’m on the latest 4.1 Beta as I type this and no flash makes me question just how powerful Opera Mini is…
Coming from a PocketPC and a Treo, I find Windows Live Search for BlackBerry better than all those 411 apps. Just my opinion though but WLS loads 3x faster than any Windows Mobile device sporting the same version. Why does BlackBerry get the faster load when WM lags behind? Come on, Bill… You know you use BlackBerry!
Why do you have Beyond411 and Google Maps. Google maps does a better job of location based searches. I hate it when the ugly program Berry411 is on people’s list.
Viigo is also over hyped. Have you seen google reader? It leaves no foot print and works great.
Lastly Opera Mini is a hog for memory and the blackberry browser is way better. i.e. form input. See for yourself.
your list sucks.
Here is mine.
-Google Maps – We agree here
-Google Mobile Updater – Keeps your non-essential google apps updated including Google Maps.
-Google Reader – Launches google reader web site. Then click Tags and browse your Reader Catagories…. Viigo currently doesn’t allow browsing catagories
-Berry Locator – Cause I never want to have to use it but don’t want to regret not having it
-Bankarama – Who knew all these blackberry games could add up to so much. This little program is on my quick key so everytime I make a purchase it takes a sec to record and I have my balance with me. OCD People rejoice
Hey Paul,
Did you notice the title says FREE downloads? Dumbass!!
Before you put someone else down and add your own selections that you think are better, read the title.
I need the download link.
I need the download link.for blackberry 8100
I just switched from a pearl to a curve and this list was great… I’m curious about youtube mobile… I’ve always been annoyed I can’t view it from my bb
I think poynt should be added to the list, its basically yellow pages for the blackberry, check it out!
I heard you need to upgrade your OS version in order to watch YouTube thru your BlackBerry, Mandy.
Check for the latest version of BB OS at BlackBerry official page.
Heyy! Uhmm I’m having the same issues with you tube mobile! I cannot watch videos because it says that requires flash player which when I try to download says the platform is not supported.
I refuse to believe that the BB people didn’t think of this! Its essential for web browsing! Can someone please tell me more about this?!?
Thnxs in advance!
Within Browser Configuration, your Browser Identification should be set to “Blackberry”
Youtube is not running on my curve 8320, did anybody find its solution?
Google Maps doesn’t have an add to contacts option.Beyond411 does. Most handy. Beats the snot outta typing the data.
Hey um…prob a ridiculous question but I just switched from the Helio Ocean to a BB curve and this one issue plagued me throughout my tenure with Helio (among others)…is there a synchable desktop to handheld calendar/task app? I am working my thumb numb looking for it. Thanks for your help!
Justin
Yes, download the Google Pack, and install the Google Calendar. Then head over to your pc, and open your Google calendar. Go to the settings of THAT page (top right corner) and enable the sync option along with a few others which are very handy. Afterwords, link the pc google calendar with your mobile calendar, and then run the Sync (from the google pack) on your BB. This will sync your BB calendar, with your Google calendar, and has the benefits of e-mailing yourself, and sending SMS alerts to eithe ryour phone or another e-mail account linked to your BB. My calendars all work on my 9700, and Sync to my pc. Its really beautiful.
why OperaMini doesnt works on my pearl 8100???
i recommend Xenozu for all you Youtube fanatics… i have looked far and wide and still havent come across a better more reliable youtube app. cheers
Hi guys, i am new to Blackberry (8900 Curve – & loving it).
Can someone tell me if the BB has “predictive text” (ie. auto-complete words as one types) ?
Thanks !
Poynt should definitely be a standard on this list.
This application has much more depth than what you assume.
It was worth it’s weight in gold on my recent trip to Tampa and Chicago. When the location your request is mapped, hit the “return” key on my 8900 anyway, and you will be given the option to select to view written directions among other things…note: when you access written directions in the manner I’ve mentioned, Poynt auto enters your GPS location and original destination location is auto entered for you based upon whatever business/person/etc. you’ve tried to locate…you can then reverse everything, refresh, ….all the while switching back and forth from the satellite mapping to the written directions. If you select written directions in the other manner you must input the destination again…even after mapping. (misses my GPS location by 20yards sometimes…but so what)
All I can say is this is the best of them all …google maps etc….you must try it to know.
All should give Poynt a try. At least download it.
The last valuable application I totally loved and couldn’t believe was free, Vlingo, now costs $18. If you had it when it was a free download from BB Apps. (prior to May 6, 09), you still get to keep and use it for free with more options.
Sorry I wasn’t more pithy.
I have try’d to install youtube to my 9530 storm but all the links ave try’d
Keep giving me the same response not compatible.anyone got a link that works
Thankx.
Grab Xenozu from the BB App world …its free and runs awesome!!
To all youtube fanatics.. If youtube doesn’t work with ur bb’s, try changing your TCP/IP. Google your country’s APN so u can get username and password.
1.-Google Pack with all 8 apps running and Installed: All linked to your Google empire (if your like me) You should see my Picassa Mobile (Hot!)
2-BB App World. Amust for regular software updates for your apps, and of course-the free downloads. Tons of others as well, but for a price.
3.-Facebook/MySpace-How can we live without these mobile app’s I just can’t understand.
4. Pandora-Quite simply-There is never a need to download a song again!! maybe the number one item on anyone’s list_even mine.
5.-BB Messenger-Save on network minutes with your friends. Again, quite simply, similar to the older Sprint/Nextell push-to-talk-feature, yet like a SMS feature on ‘roids. This free dl adds up to $$$’s saved!!
I have a blackberry curve 8530 How do I download free games on my mobile from this site