Travel apps for the Blackberry Z10

One of the two BlackBerry smartphones that were launched in January and the Z10 has had healthy reviews. Battling for market share in the most competitive area in the world is tough with the likes of Samsung and Apple already being so strong. The new BlackBerry 10 software has had rave reviews with its messaging hub and crisp web browsing, however, one of the biggest gripes is with the apps. Fortunately, for the travellers there are quite a few of useful downloads and one incredible must-have:

• BlackBerry Travel – We’ll start with the pick of the bunch. For many years, since the collaboration with Worldmate, this has been awesome. Import itineraries and get flight alerts to your device so that you’re always up to date with your trips. A recent update has improved it and you will never miss a flight, meeting or alert as it automatically fills the schedule for you which can then be shared across social media and BBM.
• WorldMate – Like BlackBerry Travel, this is a great application for doing anything from managing your itinerary to finding shopping centres. If you’re using it during business travel then the map is perfect for finding meetings and hotels while weather forecasts and currency converters help you when on the road. Aside from sorting your schedule you can also search for hotel deals and book restaurants.
• Navita Translator – If you have international travel planned then this basic app is exactly what you need. As mentioned, it’s not fancy but that’s what makes it so appealing because it means that it is easy to use. Integrated into BBM, SMS and the browser, you can directly translate and it supports an interface in Spanish, English and Portuguese with a 52 language dictionary.
• Urbanspoon – This free app is great for finding recommended restaurants wherever you are on your travels. The slot machine style means that you can search for whatever you are in the mood for. In the other slots you can choose a location and price point so you are able to remove any indecision when on the road.
• Poynt – When it comes to local search this is, arguably, the ultimate. Like a lot of apps you can locate things that you might need like retailers or restaurants and bars along with plenty of information. Where it differs is with the detailed map and directions that you get. While it is full of features and looks great it is also easy to use with regular updates.
• Kindle – While there have been moans about a lack of apps, the majority of popular ones are on BlackBerry. One of those is Kindle and with a bus or plane journey you need something good to read. It’s a free download and can be synced with your kindle, plus you get the option to purchase more books.
• Google Maps – BlackBerry might have a map feature of their own but this free navigation tool is widely accepted to be the best in the business. Whether you are walking or driving, you can locate yourself very quickly before generating directions. Easy, and necessary when in unfamiliar territory.
• Concur – One for business travellers, this expense and travel management tool means that you can easily find itineraries and get expense reports done at the click of a button. Concur have a number of solutions and just by using your camera you can create, submit and accept or reject reports as well as view travel details from the interface.

The ‘Ultimate Travel Guide’ is a worthy footnote to find inside information on a place and combined with all these apps you will be ready to travel with your trusty sidekick!