The method to setup BlackBerry software development environment

You can easily go for blackberry development if you are aware of the right tools you need to install on your computer.  The initial things you need are a Java Software Development Kit (JDK) and BlackBerry Java Development Environment (JDE).  These are available free on the websites of Sun Microsystems and Research in Motion. JDK is used as a basic tool, complying Java source code into bytecdoe. This is done using Java Interpreter. Java interpreter comes with JDK and is used to run various development tools in JDE. 

JDE comes with tools targeted to the BlackBerry development. They transform Java bytecode into the format used on BlackBerry devices. It has editing tools and debugging tools for serious BlackBerry Programming. 

When developing software for BlackBerry, first determine which version of OS you want to target. This decides the version of JDE you have to use accordingly. 

There is a general rule to determine this. You should use a JDE version equal to or less than the version of operating system you want to target. So, if you have to target OS 4.3, the JDE version should be 4.0, 4.1, and 4.3. This assures that your application will work on Blackberry devices working on OS 4.3. 

After determining the JDE version, it is time to download and install the accurate version of JDK. You can use JDK version 1.5 for JDE version 4.1 and 4.2. For JDE version 4.0.2 and prior, use JDK 1.4.  For JDE 4.3, use JDK 1.6. Most of the versions (not the quite old) for JDK are available on the website of Sun Microsystems. 

Once you’ve installed the right JDK, you can download appropriate JDE from the BlackBerry developer site. Here, you need to register for free account. 

You can install different versions of JDK and JDE on the same machine. They can co-exist on the same machine if you install them in a correct order. First install the lower version of JDK and then the compatible version of JDE. Higher versions should be installed after installing lower versions. If you don’t follow this method, you can also alter the path.

Things to think before Blackberry app development

If you want successful Blackberry app development, you should think about users’ needs first. You have to think from user’s standpoint before such development.  So, what’s the first thing any app demands to go popular? Is it its good look? Of course, it is. But look alone doesn’t work and you have to add utilities as well. The prime utility is its user-friendliness and a Blackberry app developer can provide this trait by making the application as lite as possible. A lite weight app is easily downloadable. Many users don’t use bulky data plan because they don’t need that and here, app’s lite weight helps them in easily downloading app. 

Do not let resolution be an issue. At the end of development, the app should be compatible with the resolution that of Blackberry. The development should go in a way so that users don’t have any scrollbar to view the app. It annoys users if they have to scroll horizontally or vertically to have complete look of application. Use a development technology that is also compatible with different operating systems of Blackberry. 

Let’s add some attractions in the look. For this, plan a perfect color scheme that’s pleasing to everyone’s eyes. Keep the font size average so can easily be read by users.  

Blackberry app developers can work on apps for a variety of uses such as if an app can help user to know on which road is he driving his vehicle and how long does he has to drive to reach his destination. Using GPS facility with app, developer can prepare a platform that helps user to know their exact location. 

Blackberry has built-in GPS system that supports to a variety of location-search application developments. Developers can work on an app that can manage hungry. Suppose a man who is hungry, walking in Manhattan in New York and wants to fine details nearby eatery. An app can help in finding nearest restaurant to have some meal. 

Blackberry apps developer could work on developing different apps for users seeking entertainment, news, information, and so on. It’s on the requirements of app as Blackberry gives a perfect platform to support any types of apps.  

One thing every developer should do before starting development is proper market research to know preferences of users. You can also hire professional Blackberry app developer for the same.

BlackBerry loaded with goodies for the users this New Year

Due to problem in services Blackberry has announced downloading of free premium apps, RIM has also announced that soon the BlackBerry users will be able to use the latest and upgraded version of BlackBerry Messenger.

The latest version is packed with many new features specifically targeting the application users and its usage. As a result of this the users will be able to use the applications connected via the BBM, this will allow the user to share information instantly with other BBM users without leaving the BBM interface and will also give the added advantage of new sharing capabilities to the users. The users with the latest BBM can invite the ones with the older versions. The latest version of BBM will make the accessing of applications much easier. This new version also makes it easier for the BBM users to share the applications as well. 

There are many reasons for the BlackBerry users to be happy with RIM this New Year. They would get to download premium mobile apps from RIM application store and at the same time the company has announced the launch of BBM’s latest version. RIM has made for the services which were down about 2-3 weeks back to make their users happy, however they  should keep in mind that this trick will not work in the future.

BlackBerry applications live life differently

BlackBerry has been undergoing a lot of application development. Its big smartphones and user friendly qwerty keyboards have encouraged the use of applications in a big way. Here are a few of those apps:

WorldMate Live

The WorldMate Live app for BlackBerry has turned these smartphones into simple and smart travel aid. WorldMate Lives’ travel planner and management application helps the traveler throughout his trip with very helpful and important itinerary updates, maps and directions to the hotel and meetings scheduled, weather forecasting etc.

Amazon Application

The Amazon app for BlackBerry smartphones enables its users to view the retailer’s online site in an optimized format which is downloaded on the device. The users can browse and purchase products with one click, view customer review, track packages and access their shopping cart. With this app , available with a trackball, the BlackBerry users shopping online on Amazon’s site can access their Amazon account, cart, wish list, payment and shipping specifications, order history and customer benefits. The customer can download a photo of the product he wants to buy from Amazon and the portal will search that product for the customer.

Flicker on BlackBerry

Share your world with the Flicker app on your BlackBerry smartphone. Take a picture, post it to your Flicker account right with the convenience of your BlackBerry phone. This mobile photo uploader has been developed to offer the features as good as one on your desktop computer. The BlackBerry smartphone keyboard, menus and prompt make it easy to use and learn.

Pandora

Pandora Radio is your own free personalized radio available right there on your BlackBerry smartphone to stream the music on the mobile handset. Just start with the name of your favorite singer, songs or composers, and Pandora will create a station that plays the music to your heart’s content.

Infospace Find it

Infospace FindIt, it is an easy-to-use mobile concierge developed as BlackBerry application that helps you find the destination you are looking for. This app pinpoints your desired location using automated GPS or location systems, or preset entries such ZIP code, address or other intersections.

SlingPlayer

SlingPlayer Mobile BlackBerry application enables the user to watch and control his home TV and DVR via SlingBox on the phone. It can be downloaded using your smartphone’s browser.

BlackBerry Application Development on latest Operating system

The latest BlackBerry mobile apps are developed for all new operating system introduced recently by RIM. This is recently introduced by BlackBerry to keep in sync with other mobile players in the market. BlackBerry had made a marked entry in the field of Smartphone. But recent figures have shown a phenomenal decline in sales of BlackBerry mobiles as the features offered by other operating systems are more in comparison. Therefore, RIM has developed and introduced latest mobile operating system especially for BlackBerry users to empower them with latest applications and use of their handheld device. 

BlackBerry apps development has delivered some very good BlackBerry apps for users. Introduction of latest operating system has increased mobile sales and enabled people to use their handsets for broader perspective. 

RIM has already introduced it in BlackBerry tablets and apps are developed to support the system. BlackBerry provides good business apps which go a long way with the users in fulfilling their business goals. Similarly, these tablets also have BlackBerry apps developed to enhance business operations and enable users to operate the system for their benefit. 

BlackBerry app developers in the Company are accustomed with latest developments and can be contacted for app development for latest OS. Application developers have complete knowledge about the system to yield apps as per client specifications. These BlackBerry apps may also be used by third-party vendors to make money by selling these apps at a good price. Innovative, useful and deployable BlackBerry apps fetch good price from end users. 

Blackberry Applications Develop your Business

Blackberry Smartphone have a number of useful business applications. Herein mentioned are a few of them.

PeekaWho – this application pops an alert when an incoming email message is received. It saves you the hassle of opening the email client on your BlackBerry every time you get a message. It shows the sender, subject and snippet of the text.

Maximiser CRM – Contact relationship management, this application offers numerous features of the desktop CRM function right there on your BlackBerry. This app supports wireless deployment capabilities and can also work as an independent CRM program in tandem with the company’s desktop and browser based products.

Pocket Mac for BlackBerry – Pocket Mac is a free app which lets you sync your BlackBerry Smartphone with a Mac computer. this app syncs information, calendars, contacts, tasks, email and notes using a plethora of apps such as iCal, Entourage, Mail app, iTunes and Daylite, from your Mac to Blackberry and vice-versa.

Twitter Berry – it’s the social networking site which allows the Blackberry Smartphone user to tweet using his Smartphone. It is a free application.

Opera Mini – although BlackBerry browser is a good option as a mobile browser but it’s really Opera Mini which has stolen the heart of mobile user. It runs quickly, browsing the pages at a good speed.

Viigo – Viigo was originally a news app but it has gradually evolved into tracking weather, flight status, sports, stocks and even lifestyle reviews.-

iSkoot Skype – iSkoot Skype lets you access your Skype account a BlackBerry Smartphone. You can chat on Skype resulting in saving of voice charges by Skype or voice calls. One can call regular phone numbers by using Skype to call them.

BlackBerry Applications Develop only the relevant ones

BlackBerry application developers develop different applications to attract their customers. It is observed that most applications are not even clicked-upon to know about them. The case is more evident for BlackBerry business apps. It is best to draft a strategy to develop BlackBerry applications and market them as per their user needs.

Say a business application for BlackBerry users will find usage only when it is developed for that particular model and serves the need. These should strike a chord between the users and stand out. 

Portability: BlackBerry business apps are available for different models. These should have the capacity of portability to different models so that different mobile users can download the app and use it for them.

Location based services: Particular location should be kept in mind in making the application. This includes the language of that place and other characteristics. Most BlackBerry business apps are developed to promote business operations. Care should be taken to develop only the relevant applications and that these should impart proper functionality to apps users. 

Business applications have to be highly personalized and location based adverts. These are potential revenue generator – either in the form of value addition or direct revenue generator or cost reduction to allure BlackBerry users.

Applications are an expensive deal. They have to solve the purpose of their development or the developer and the customer have to incur heavy losses. Companies invest in software which have capability of delivering financial gain. Also these apps should be interactive and user friendly to be used by the users.