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Vol 2 is officially here! THE HEAVY ROTATION seemed to quite a hit the first go round. Assuming users either love repetition, or we’ve built a nice fanbase of readers that trust my selective choices. Either way, round 2!

We’ve still never seen the post that was specifically created for another important blog go live. To be honest I’m just going to have to get past that. In lieu of it all I must admit, I love these posts.Moving forward at Berryfication we plan to bring not only product reviews, but news, original editorials and featuring only the best products available for the BlackBerry PlayBook, BlackBerry 10 and any other ventures Research In Motion decides to pursue.

I battled a little bit with the idea of keeping the BlackBerry smartphone 5.0 – 7.1 products out of these ..Heavy Rotation posts. However, we do want to continue to feature the very best of what developers are bringing to the table. And with RIM no device is old news until developers decide it is. So in this post you will also see some of my personal favorite BlackBerry smartphone products as well. Okay enjoy.

º Doodle Grub v1.0 by Pixowl

— Now in BlackBerry App World: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/102477

Somewhere at some point I decided to stop buying iOS games a couple years back. Yes you read that right. While I love BlackBerry and my intentions are to blog about BlackBerry products I’ve always tried to enjoy every platform I possibly can. Now seeing what Pixowl has done with this Doodle Grub game I can’t help but feel a tad embarrassed to have missed the original game back on iPhone, iTouch etc.

I can’t compare this Android version 1.0 to anything else, but I can say that this game is wildly fun. Snake is an old classic from the early Nokia days I do believe. But it was never this fun. Each level is basically a new “theme” of the first. And your a cute caterpillar that eats apples & lady bugs.

The only issue with this game is no fault of the game maker besides them not making a real PlayBook app, is the Android Player. Often times the Android Player will crash. This has been an ongoing issue with the PlayBook since the introduction of the Player. Guess we can’t win em all. Doodle Grub is $1.99 and available at the link above.

º BeBuzz v5.0.28 by Bellshare

— Now in BlackBerry App World: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/534
— Also available a FREE Lite ver: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/3920

BeBuzz is the only extension for messaging that’s remained installed on my BlackBerry smartphone’s since day one. This app allows me to assign LED colors to my favorite contacts as well as pre-sets for BBM, Calls, Text, Email and every awesome 3rd party app known to BlackBerry. Assign LED flashes to apps/functions like Twitter for BlackBerry, Missed calls, SocialScope, Facebook, Calendar events, Facebook Messenger, Antair Spam Filter and so on. Once a new popular app comes out, say Blaq for BlackBerry smartphones. Chances are BeBuzz will be updated to support notifications from that app too. That’s awesome support in my opinion.

The app is simple. BeBuzz provides a few different things. 1.) LED notifications: these are completely customizable by the user, including making your own colors and stacking up to 2. 2.) Notifier tones: these can be set for both Contacts (individual) & Apps. 3.) Toasts: this is changed in the settings to show a pop-up or on-screen notification inside or outside of the Application or Contact you have chosen to use them for. I love this feature but only use it for my lady.

Other treats hidden within BeBuzz are items like Custom LED Discos, Text-to-Speech (set a key like Mute or Volume up/down to have messages spoken to you), Mute Schedule and Backup/Restore for those OS updates. In my opinion BeBuzz is still a banging application that I will hope to see on BlackBerry 10 devices as well. There’s a FREE version or the paid is $5.99 at the links above.

º Queue Manager Pro v1.0.0.2 by UnitedMindset

— Now in BlackBerry App World: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/50726
— Also available a FREE lite ver: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/21730


First I cannot stress this enough – this app is not a Netflix streaming application. Like the title suggests, it is a Queue Manager for Netflix users. And in my opinion it’s bloody brilliant. Designed with buttons and menu items I can easily select, this app has been on my PlayBook since July of last year.

I don’t have to go to the netflix website anymore with this on my PlayBook. Unless I need to change something in my personal account settings, or stream movies (which I do not use anywhere anymore). Queue Manager let’s me pick out all the new films I see previews for, films I find on IMDb are easily found within this application. I can move stuff around. Move items directly to the top or bottom of my queue with just one button. Navigation is swift. This product is created on Adobe’s AIR Technology and it’s much easier than using anything else.

Queue Manager Free addition offers less options than the Pro version. But it’s perfect for users to get a feel for the application. Queue Manager Pro is just $0.99 and is easily one of my favorite products on the PlayBook. Check out both versions at the links above.

º Reckless Getaway v1.0 by Polarbit

— Now in BlackBerry App World: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/62660

This game is awesome fun! I had purchased this one a while back, mainly because it’s from Polarbit and they have a knack for making great games. Although I had forgotten about it, my kids did not. One day recently when I caught them playing it, “I asked what game is that?” My eldest replied, “Reckless Getaway.” And so the rest is history.

It’s a very cool game that brings me back to the days of Spy Hunter (arcade), and GTA2 on Dreamcast. Packed with 2 different game modes here: Getaway – Escape from the police while collecting loot & performing risky stunts. And Wreckless – Destroy everything that comes in your path. Both have the same objective – you rob a bank, now your in control of the getaway car, survive and getaway. The game offers 2 Control options – on screen buttons (left and right arrows), or use tilt steering. I prefer the on screen controls.

You’ll jam through traffic smashing through cars, trucks and hopping over obstacles. There’s plenty of power-ups and extra money to snatch up too. This is one of those games you’ll play for hours, but it’s worth those quick pick-up-n-play moments too. Reckless Getaway is available now for $2.99 at the link above.

º Rdio for BlackBerry (beta) v0.8.42 by Rdio, Inc.

— Now available at rdio.com: http://www.rdio.com/

You don’t have to tell me that we have multiple music services/programs available at our disposal. I use Slacker, BBM Music, 7digital Music and now Rdio. I use Rdio for BlackBerry & PC mostly because it works quickly and has the best selection for my music tastes. It is not a free service, and neither are any of the other services I mentioned. Rdio for BlackBerry automatically offers users a full 7 day trial, after that you’ll have to pay to continue enjoying the service after it’s over. Web only runs $4.99 per month. Unlimited (supports web & mobile streaming plus Sonos & Roku) runs $9.99 per month. Unlimited Family (supports 2 Unlimited accounts) runs $17.99 per month. Or you can Make it 3 for $22.99 per month.

To enjoy Rdio for BlackBerry past the initial 7 day free trial you will need at least an Unlimited package. It didn’t take me more than a minute to decide I was going to pay for this service. $9.99 a month is so cheap there’s no argument for me. I was buying 2-3 albums for nearly 3 times that previously to be able to enjoy full albums on my PC and BlackBerry. Keep in mind though, Rdio for BlackBerry is still in beta. The app is not perfect. There’s some bugs. However most issues are quickly fixed by a shutdown – restart of the app.

Updates are often as well. I’m sure this has a lot to do with the app being in beta still. You too can do your part by selecting “Error Reporting” to on in the Settings menu. Features include Mobile Syncing, Playlists, viewing Recently Added music, Heavy Rotation (an algorithmic selection of music from all users). This title Heavy Rotation helped inspire the title to this post, but is originally an ode to The Source magazine – a hip-hop mag that I read as a young guy and based many of my music picks off of. Most importantly you can Search for anything. I’ve found some artists are not available of course as with most other services, nothing is perfect. But the sound quality, speed of syncing and all around experience is premium. Even as a beta app, Rdio for BlackBerry is my favorite service around. Check it out by going to www.rdio.com/ from your BlackBerry.

º Frisbee Forever v1.0 by Kiloo Games & Union

— FREE in BlackBerry App World: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/62022

Wow! Who knew Frisbee’s could be this fun? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always loved frisbee’s. But this game (published by Union) takes the fun to all new heights. After RIM quickly pulled Angry Birds Space from App World last week (speculation) I found myself a little under the weather about new games.. until Frisbee Forever showed up!

I never had the chance to play this game on the other platforms but from Kiloo Games did get their start with WiiWare games, and Nintendo is the quickest way to my heart! Gameplay here is immediately fun. I haven’t put it down since it showed up in App World last Thursday. And by the looks of it, the other blogs love it too! They all wasted no time in posting it up.

What’s the skinny? Well you start off by Flicking your frisbee. The goal is to make it to the end by navigating your frisbee through a series of wild rings throughout the levels (100 total). You’ll want to collect all the stars in each level too. Collect all the stars and you get gold at the end. This will unlock bonus levels, and other goods. Certain things like your 100th ring, star etc will also unlock neat items. And don’t forget about leveling up! It’s all so addicting.

Frisbee Forever is a FREE game with those pesky (in-game purchases). I think this is a smart move, especially when done correctly. This is in my opinion done very well. You’ll need coins to buy special upgrades like XP Boost, Star Magnets as well as unique frisbees or even new levels. You don’t however need to buy anything. Play the game well and you’ll have plenty of stars to gain access to everything. Well what are you waiting for? Go download Frisbee Forever now at the link above. Android & iOS users find the game here.

º Blaq for BlackBerry PlayBook v1.7.2 by Kisai Labs | User Interface by Baselime

— Now in BlackBerry App World: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/44453

An average score of 4 1/2 out of 5 stars surely stands for something. App World users have never been shy, and to see that high of a score for a Twitter client is practically unheard of. Blaq for BlackBerry PlayBook is my most used application on the tablet. Not just because I love to tweet. But also because I’m addicted to the awesome function and user interface by Ryan Hamrick. Ryan is one of the most talented individuals in the mobile industry.

One thing that I must also add is that Blaq really does stand alone in App World. As far as Twitter clients go, there’s a couple others in there but they really aren’t supported well. Any time we’re talking about an app that connects to a live network of people it should be noted that developer support has to be constant. Jerome Carty is the mind behind the development, his dedication is unparalleled. Most developers will ignore users over social networks like Twitter/Facebook, or they’ll give you an email ..@ sitesupport.. (which is usually just them out of the public eye). Mr Carty however will interact and make a note of your issue. This issue will always be fixed in the next build if it can recreated.

Okay how does Blaq for the PlayBook perform? It’s fast, dark with a tasty green & blue throughout. To be honest I’d be kicking myself right now had I picked an Android or Apple tablet over getting the PlayBook on launch day. Blaq updates in Real-Time. Meaning the second you hit enter on Twitter, Blaq mirrors that tweet quicker than you can blink your eye most of the most. Speed is impressive. But all the other features are what makes Blaq a hot item.

Features like Native Notifications, Translate Tweets, Native & old school Retweet option, In-app Notifications, Web & Image previews within Blaq, In-app support for all 211 embed.ly/ services, Multiple options for URL Shortening, Multiple options for Photo postings, Tweet Marker, Klout score option, Multiple accounts, Fonts, Fonts Size & Preview support & so much more. If you’ve been on-the-fence about Blaq for BlackBerry PlayBook, get up to the links a buy Blaq now. You won’t be disappointed and it’ll set you back just $1.99.

º Many Notes v1.0.1.8 by Will Robertson

— Now in BlackBerry App World: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/86915

I’m sure many users would argue that we don’t need a third party notes application when RIM provides their useful Memo Pad right inside the PlayBook. And I love the native app. However I use the native app for notes that need to be around for a long time. I keep “how-to’s” and even some personal information in mine. Many Notes gives me an immediate place to jot down bits of info I will use in the next couple hours-days.

There’s many other note applications in App World, I know this. But for me an application must be the right UI and have functions that work well and don’t challenge me. Many Notes fits the bill. Open the app, grab a note and type your bit of info down. Functions that work – Auto Save, Drag & Drop Organization, Copy & Paste, Predictive Text, Expansive Canvas, Landscape & Portrait and more. I love the icon. I love the look of the notes. It’s all just like I need it to be.

Many Notes scores a 4 out of 5 star average from App World users. I’d give it a 4 & 1/5 star rating. Very well done. You can grab yourself a copy for $1.99 in BlackBerry App World at the link above.

º Send To PC v1.0 by Daniel Bigham

— Now in BlackBerry App World: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/94152

This is a brilliant and simple solution! I’ve used an app called Home to Phone by EPIC Applications for a couple years now. I couldn’t imagine life without it. Send To PC does a similar thing, actually it doesn’t allow you to send from the PC, but it does let you send files to your PC.

Actually I’ve used Send To PC for about 70% of the images shown in this post. Specifically the PlayBook screen shots I took myself. But that’s not all you can send. You can send any file you can view within the PlayBook’s File Manager. So Pictures, Videos, Music & Documents included!

To use Send To PC you will need to have a wi-fi connection and specifically both your PC and PlayBook need to be on this same network. Install the app on your PlayBook and a small file on your PC and your ready to go.

Daniel Bigham doesn’t just make this clever app either. He’s got many other apps like this one that will change the way you look at your PlayBook. Check out the full list of goodies here http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/vendor/5986. Send To PC will set you back just $0.99 at the link above.

º Sketch W Friends v2.0 by XLabz Technologies Pvt Ltd

— Now in BlackBerry App World: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/96332
— Also available a FREE Lite ver: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/96342

A game like this just doesn’t come around often. XLabz had been making a lot of noise for PlayBook users previously. Then they dropped a fun-bomb when this game hit our PlayBooks!

When I first saw that other game (you know the title) I admit I was a little jealous. But it wasn’t anything a few minutes with my BlackBerry wouldn’t solve. A week or so passed and XLabz let me know about their new game Sketch W Friends! Reminded of that other game I quickly downloaded Sketch to both our PlayBooks. And I began playing. It was the best gaming experience on any mobile device I had ever experienced. Then it got better just recently with the release of v2.0. It’s like playing Pictionary on a digital canvas with anyone who has an iPad, PlayBook or Android tablet! Forget about that other game, because this is live! You don’t wait for your friend to draw a picture or guess it. Your playing in real-time with real people.

Features galore too. Don’t fret if you can’t draw. I’m right there with you. I draw like a child. Stick figures and scribbles. v2.0 adds Friend & Family custom rooms, Artistry Lounge, and Me Vs Bot Lounge. All these areas give you a chance to brush up not only on your art work, but your pictionary skills too. It’s the most fun I’ve had on a mobile device and I stand by it. The FREE version offers a nice taste so you can decide whether this game is for you or not. At just $1.99 you won’t have much to argue about when making the full purchase either. XLabz makes some of the best mobile products on any tablet device, and this one is a perfect bookend to our HEAVY ROTATION!