Trainlogic.net is a site for train, light rail and subway schedules throughout the US. They have recently released an app for their services which lets you plan rail trips with up to two connections. The app also works in offline mode.
The app will also combine rail networks such as NJT, PATH, LIRR and Amtrak, if you want. It shows maps of your trip, any stop, and lets find out if the train you’re on is making it on time. The app advises you on peak trains, suboptimal trains, etc.
I use BlackBerry messenger often to keep in touch with both friends and coworkers. The messenger is useful but really boring in its lack of features and functionality. The coming update to BlackBerry Messenger will come with some incredible features and changes.
The upcoming BlackBerry Messenger includes:
* Avatar support — set your own avatar using the Camera or saved photo on your device (this is displayed locally as well as shown next to your Messenger name on your friend’s buddy list)
* GPS location integration — you can now set permissions so friends can always see your location, have to request it each time, or never can see it
* Proximity sensor — we’re guessing this will let you know if you’re within a certain distance of friends (pending, of course, you’re both set to share locations freely with each other)
* Set conversation subjects — this will allow you to organize your convos on the main Messenger screen and label them with subjects to keep track of all your conversations
* Homescreen support — you can pin/sticky actual Messenger contacts directly to the homescreen for easy access!
No word on launch dates yet but it will likely come with OS 5.0. Don’t expect to be able to pick up a leaked OS 5.0 and use this though, it’s still in beta and very much a guarded secret.
GPSLogger is a free piece of software that records your GPS location on your BlackBerry, including elevation and speed. Additionally, GPSLogger is able to guide you to a previously recorded location using the “Guide me Home” feature.
Core features of GPSLogger include:
Record your movement over time.
Displays longitude, latitude and accuracy for longitude and latitude values.
Displays number of satellites.
Displays current altitude (in WGS84).
Gives current course/heading as well as current speed.
This application also has a variety of views available:
Path View: Display the traveled path in a x/y coordinate system (2D-View).
Elevation View: Display the change of altitude over time.
Speed View: Display the change of speed over time.
GPS View: Display Longitude, Latitude, Heading and Speed in a large font (e.g. for own navigation).
Timing View: Display elapsed time, current speed and Ø speed in a large font (e.g. for runners and cyclists).
Compass View: Display the current heading in a nice compass view (OS4.6+ only).
Direction View: Shows an arrow/line that points into the direction of loaded location (according to your current heading).
Download your free copy of GPSLogger for BlackBerry.
CaddyHawk for BlackBerry turns your GPS-enabled wireless phone into a yardage tool. See your location on a golf course map and get accurate GPS distances to the front, center and back of the green. It will also zoom-in and refresh your yardage as you get closer to the pin.
A week ago, the BlackBerry Storm, Curve 8900 and the Bold launched in Egypt via Vodafone Egypt. The move was significant because previously, GPS-enabled BlackBerry devices were banned in Egypt.
Until April 2009, the Egyptian Telecoms Law 10/2003 outlawed the import of GPS-equipped mobile phones, and retailers found selling them could have their entire stock confiscated. The same applied to any kind of commercial use of GPS technology, which included cars equipped with GPS devices.
The ban on GPS-enabled devices upset many Egyptians who felt the military was using security concerns of GPS aided terrorism to justify cutting consumers off from the latest technology. The ban on GPS-enabled devices affected trade locally, as well as on an international scale.
Now that the ban has been lifted, Vodafone and RIM have began exporting devices.
This service isn’t necessarily new, but we’ve been posting a lot about GPS apps for BlackBerry and BlipPlus is a free app you might find fun. With BlipPlus, you can share your location with others using BlipPlus or friends can create free BlackLine account on the web.
BlipPlus allows users to choose the frequency of locations published to BlackLine’s Location Services Platform. Users may choose to have their location updated as frequently as every 15 minutes through to every two hours. At any time, a user may disable location publishing or change friend permissions from within the BlipPlus application.
To summarize, it’s like Google Latitude except with more functionality.
BlipPlus incorporates a new Event Publishing feature that allows users to geo-tag and share photos to others. Users can publish photos taken with their phone’s camera and share them to others along with a subject and comment. Friends receive an Event Notification when a new event is published and can view the photo, subject, note, and location online or from within BlipPlus.
Wizi SMS with Location is an application that allows to share a location by SMS.
With SMS with Location, sharing a location is done by way of sending an SMS message with a tiny URL and can include automatically the full address and GPS coordinates. The sent map can be viewed on any cell phone or desktop/laptop.
SMS with Location is currently only available for BlackBerry devices with software 4.5 and above.
Features of SMS with Location include:
- Adds a new option to Contacts
- Finds your location on a map using GPS and Cell ID*
- Switch between BlackBerry Maps, Google Maps (or other)
- Switch between map view and satellite view (when available)
- Option Zoom City and Zoom Street for a faster zooming
- Search locations by address
- Automatic insertion of full address in text message
- Automatic insertion of GPS coordinates in text message
- Automatic detection of updates
TopoExplorer Touch is a free GPS app for the BlackBerry Storm that allows you to discover your surroundings on topographic maps even in remote areas. The touch version of TopoExplorer includes full rotation capabilities which adds to the user mapping experience.
Features:
Free of charge: TopoExplorer is available for free – download.
Moving map navigation: Easy map navigation with sophisticated trackball control.
GPS location on map: The device’s current GPS location is shown on the map and can be visualized in three coordinate formats for professional usage.
Automatical map selection: The best map for your location is selected automatically.
On-Device maps: Map packs are stored on the device’s memory card only. No internet connection / data plan is required.
LiveTracker, a free GPS app for BlackBerry which is still in Beta, now supports Twitter. Users can share their GPS location with their Twitter friends, a function that is available already with many Twitter clients. This would be great for someone who is just looking to share their location, without any other information.
* Free: No registration, no hidden fees for personal use.
* Background Tracking: GPS location data is sent in background 24/7.
* Easy Sharing: Send tracking links via EMail, PIN, SMS, MMS.
* Live Web Tracking: View location on the web on maps.
* Live Desktop Tracking: 3D world tracking.
Zenprise is announcing the launch of Device Manager, a new module for Zenprise MobileManager that enables organizations to remotely manage BlackBerry devices. The system will pinpoint the exact location of a missing BlackBerry, while also enabling remote management of BlackBerry devices.
This announcement from Zenprise represents a significant jump in empowering enterprise to mobilize their business. MobileManager will help desk personnel and BlackBerry administrators to find lost or stolen devices, proactively monitor and diagnose device issues and audit devices for third party applications – all leading to significant cost savings, improved service levels and corporate compliance. Click through to see a full breakdown of new admin and location services from Zenprise
