With countless travellers stuck in their hotels, hanging about airports and generally trying to make do until the ash cloud decides to move on, it’s good to know that a smartphone can come to the rescue and RIM has come up with a list of top Blackberry apps to help out.
The new Twitter for BlackBerry app allows BlackBerry users to engage with the popular social media platform, getting direct messages as soon as they arrive (making use of BlackBerry push), as well as being able to reply to tweets, re-tweet and send direct messages. You can also easily take pictures and upload them directly using the camera app.
If you want to keep up with the volcano-spewing activities in real-time, follow the #ashtag.
Available for free from the test centre in BlackBerry App World, the Twitter for BlackBerry app is available for download now.
WorldMate Live
This app gives users instant access to all trip details, including itineraries, weather updates, currency converters and more.
You can also create travel itineraries that sync between your BlackBerry, Outlook Calendar, personal website and the WorldMate Live website.
For frequent flyers, you can upgrade to gold membership, which provides automatic flight alerts and real-time flight status information, and should you want to change your flight at the last minute you can do so with the click of a button.
WorldMate Live is free from BlackBerry App World.
HRS HotelPortal
With the HRS HotelPortal app you can search and book hotels directly from your BlackBerry. It has a database of more than 230,000 hotels worldwide and enables users to search, compare prices, check availability and find out about hotel locations and facilities.
Devices with built-in GPS can find available hotels in the vicinity and check out photos of them.
HRS HotelPortal is free from BlackBerry App World.
Thomson Reuters News Pro
Thomson Reuters News Pro provides you with access to professional-grade news and market data from Reuters, one of the world’s leading sources for intelligent information for businesses and professionals.
This app will keep you in the loop while you wait for travel plans to go back to normal, and has been optimised for easy reading on your BlackBerry.
Thomson Reuters News Pro is free from BlackBerry App World.
Poynt
Poynt is a free, all-in-one local search app especially for the BlackBerry. You can use it to connect with local businesses, retailers and events that are important to you plus view your search results on an interactive map, get driving directions, see showtimes, watch movie trailers and buy tickets – all in one application.
Poynt is free from BlackBerry App World.
Sixt Rent a Car
Sixt Rent a Car does what it says on the tin: car hire made easy. This app is tailored to the BlackBerry’s functionality and allows you to reserve your car of choice quickly and simply in just a few clicks from one of nearly 3,500 locations in more than 90 countries. Search your chosen pick-up point for rental availability and receive your reservation confirmation via SMS and email.
Sixt Rent a Car is free from Blackberry App World.
By Marie Boran
Photo: BlackBerry apps can help stranded travellers stay informed
