BlackBerry’s operating system, Research In Motion (RIM), is popular among both corporate and younger users, with just over 23% market share in the US. However, their traction in the app market has not been as impressive due to their weaker selection of apps in comparison to the Android or iPhone. There is little reason for this weakness as BlackBerry phones support the same 3G connectivity as Apple’s iPhone, giving BlackBerry similar browsing speeds. What is more, the new Bold 9900 (due to launch at the end of Summer) will run on 4G, while the new iPhone 5 (due to launch in September) will still be running on the same 3G network. Due to this expected transition to 4G, perhaps we will see BlackBerry increase it’s competitiveness in the app market. Nonetheless, BlackBerry currently has a list of useful apps as detailed below.
These are the five most popular FREE BlackBerry apps of 2011:
1. Facebook - of course Facebook … everyone is on it … and with this app you can stay in touch with your friends no matter where you are. Some useful features of the app is you have the option to get Facebook notifications when your friends message or tag you and can check yourself into places. 
2. BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) - this is one of BlackBerry’s most popular features, the best phone instant messaging system. Allowing you to send free instant messages to your friends around the world. When you send messages a “D” will show indicating that the message has been delivered and then when the contact has read the message a “R” will show. Messages include video and audio news clips. You have the options to set your status message and upload a profile picture which will be available to your network. Other useful features is you are able to create groups of friends allowing you to have group conversations.
3. Pandora – this music app allows you to play the type of music you like by creating your own radio station. This has to be the best music app out there due the Pandora’s ability to create playlists for you tailored to your liking based on a particular favorite song or artist. Using the thumbs up or down rating system the type of music played gets fine tuned to your particular liking.
4. CrunchSMS - if you are an avid text messenger then this is a must … it allows you to type continuous text messages with out having to break the message up into 160 character portions as the default messaging system requires. All your conversations are stored in convenient history bubbles, as can be seen below.
5. Google maps - this is a great navigation app that will help ensure you do not get lost! You are able to see your current position movements by viewing the blue dot.
