BlackBerry Applications That Will Change Your Life

Learn about applications that can help you work smarter and safer from your mobile device.      

Ok, maybe the applications aren’t life-changing... but they will change the way you multi-task. Today’s workplace is mobile, but sometimes that makes getting any work done even more challenging. After all, how many days have you spent driving back and forth between meetings? Fortunately, technology has evolved along with the workplace. Below are a few must-have applications that run on your Blackberry and will make your life easier, more productive, and safer.

Poynt  http://www.poynt.com/
Have you ever driven around town in circles, unable to find your destination?  Has this made you late on more than one occasion?  Maybe you’ve been on a business trip and wondered where to find your favorite restaurant?  Poynt is an application that lets you search locally for businesses, restaurants, and nearby events.  It uses your BlackBerry’s GPS signal to figure out where you are, shows you a list of businesses and people—and then helps you get there (or call them). 

What if you don’t have a GPS on your BlackBerry?  Never fear—Poynt will use signals from nearby cell towers to figure out approximately where you are.  Another great feature of this application is its movie guide. With just a few clicks, you can view all you need to know about a movie— plot summaries, trailers, ratings, theatres and show times.  Once you’ve decided on which movie you want to see, simply click the “Buy Tickets” option. 

What is the best part about Poynt?  It’s completely free to download!  With this app, you’ll have the world at your fingertips.

Vlingo  http://www.vlingo.com/
Most of us have schedules that require us to accomplish multiple “to do” items simultaneously. For example, many of us try to rush and send that extremely urgent text message while stuck in traffic.  Others are guilty of emailing while driving, even though in many states it is illegal.  Break the law no more; Vlingo has developed a safe and easy hands-free way to text and e-mail.  Launching the Vlingo application allows users to send text messages and e-mails through an advanced speech-recognition program.  As the user dictates the intended message, Vlingo translates and types the message for safer texting and driving.  It’s like your own personal assistant accompanying you everywhere! Although this application does cost $17.99, the safety benefits are well worth the one-time download price. 

Drive Safe.ly http://www.drivesafe.ly/
Drive Safe.ly is another BlackBerry application that not only provides convenience to the user, but safety as well.  Instead of trying to drive and read your e-mail at the same time, the Drive Safe.ly application reads SMS text messages and e-mails aloud in real time, allowing users to listen to important communications as they come in.  With this application, you will never miss an e-mail or text between meetings again.  This application is completely hands-free, and reduces driver distraction.  Drive Safe.ly offers a free version of this application, as well as the option to upgrade. 

Last Word
These days, technology seems to make more demands on our time and energy than ever—so why not take advantage of those technologies that can actually make our lives easier—and safer? Whether you have a BlackBerry, an iPhone, or any other smart phone, these applications (or similar ones from their competitors) can help you make the most of your device and your day.

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