The Blackberry Patch: Fun Fun Fun!

What do you use your BlackBerry for once you have read all your email, attended your appointments, and completed your to-dos? Why, fun and entertainment, of course!

In today’s BlackBerry Patch article, we’ll cover some fun applications and websites for your BlackBerry. All of these recommendations are free of charge (though data charges will, as always, apply).

• Let’s start with one of my favorite applications, Mobile NYTimes for the BlackBerry. Now you can keep up with what’s going on in the world (and the world of technology) while waiting in line for your favorite drink at Starbucks. It’s available at http://mobile.nytimes.com/bbinstall.

  Mobile NYTimes will add a shortcut on your BlackBerry home screen to give you one-click access to the New York Times mobile website.

• Have you ever wanted to be an expert on the constellations for your kids or friends? If so, then I have the application for you. It is called Starry Night. Starry Night has long been popular on the Windows and Mac platforms as a fascinating astronomy program, and now they have a free version for BlackBerry. Based off of your GPS location (if your Blackberry has built-in GPS, like the new Curve 8310 through AT&T) or your ZIP Code, Starry Night will display the current stars and constellations in the night sky.

  The application allows you to look north, south, east and west. In addition, you can move the time ahead or back in increments of an hour, though keep in mind you won’t actually be time traveling (the only time travel application we support at the Help Desk is OS X 10.5 Time Machine, and even then provided we’re certain a paradox can be avoided). Starry Night for BlackBerry can be download by opening your BlackBerry’s web browser and going to http://www.starrynightsupport.com/widgets/blackberry/StarryNight.jad
  

• Here is one I have not tried but comes to me very highly recommended: the Opera Mini web browser. This application would come in handy when you want to go to a non-mobile friendly website on your BlackBerry, as it renders web pages as you would see them on a full-size computer. The application can be downloaded by directing your BlackBerry to http://www.operamini.com/ While Opera Mini does have some security features in place, we don’t recommend using it when accessing sites with sensitive personal information, such as your bank.
• I wanted to give a nod to the guys and gals at Live.com. They have some software for the Blackberry which is still in beta. It looks really good but I have not had a time to take it for a spin. You can check it out at http://livesearchmobile.com/blackberry.htm on your PC. It can be accessed directly on the BlackBerry at http://wls.live.com
  
• Google has applications for several of their most popular web-based services. By going to http://mobile.google.com on your BlackBerry and simply downloading the Google Mobile Updater, you can access Google Maps, Gmail, Picasa, Google News, Google Search, Google Docs, Google Reader, and Google Sync (for your Google Calendar). My favorite is Google Maps because I can get driving directions if I’m lost. Google Maps will approximate my location by the cell tower I am connected to, or, if the Blackberry has GPS, will pinpoint my precise location.
• Finally, I find myself seeking out mobile friendly websites. One location to start is http://mobile.blackberry.com which has links to tools, ringtones, themes, and wallpapers (for purchase and free), but it also has a listing of a few good mobile sites. I have found one great mobile friendly local website, http://www.ktvb.com. I keep check the other media outlets in town but I have yet to find a website that works as well as KTVB’s on the Blackberry.

Happy thumbing!