Online radio comes to the BlackBerry

The WunderRadio app brings online radio to BlackBerry phones. Credit: Jerome Adamstein.

BlackBerry phones are highly functional and many models have terrific keyboards, but they aren't exactly hip, especially when it comes to apps. In that department, iPhones win hands-down.

But finally, one of the best-liked online radio apps has come to the BB. WunderRadio, which can access Internet stations from around the world, has been released in a version that can play on the Curve and other models (the complete list is on the app site).

The app, which has a highly usable if not beautiful interface, allows you to search for a station by category -- talk, sport or music. Next comes a screen that allows you to choose a genre (not surprisingly, the category with the most genres, by far, is music) and then up pops the available stations.

At the top of the list will be your local stations, determined via the phone's GPS capability.

Then you start up the station, which can take the better part of a minute to engage, but once it starts playing the sound is surprisingly good on earphones.

If it starts playing, that is. Several of the stations turned out to be duds -- often because the Internet address of the station needed to be updated. (Radiotime, the company that organized the programming, invites listeners to notify it when a station can't be accessed.)

When it worked, it never failed to bring a smile to testers, whether listening to an all-Baroque station from Paris or Soca direct from Trinidad.

Two of nicest things about the app: You can save favorite stations for relatively quick access, and the radio pauses when you get a phone call.

Worst thing about WunderRadio: Although it functioned well in areas with Wi-Fi (we tested it on the Curve, which has Wi-Fi capability), it didn't work at all on an Edge cell network. Perhaps folks with phones that can use 3G networks would fare better.

You can try for yourself. The BB version of WunderRadio can be downloaded and used for free for 10 days. Then if you want to continue using it, there's a one-time fee of $9.99.

-- David Colker

European import 7digital takes on iTunes in the U.S.

7digital, an online music retailer formed five years ago in Europe, launched its U.S. outlet today -- the latest MP3 store to challenge Apple's iTunes juggernaut. The most obvious difference between the two stores, at least from a consumer's perspective, is 7digital's prices: single tracks for 77 cents, albums for $7.77. That's more than 20% less than Apple typically charges. The songs also are MP3s, unlike Apple's more idiosyncratic AAC format, and are encoded at 320 Kbps -- a higher rate than used by other MP3 stores, presumably delivering better sound quality. (I say "presumably" because the bit rate isn't the only factor influencing how a compressed music file sounds.)

But higher bit rates and lower prices haven't helped other stores break Apple's stranglehold over the market, and they're not likely to be the key to 7digital's success, either. Instead, the company is counting on partnerships with the likes of LastFM and Spotify, Songbird and WinAmp. Its store is also available as an application for certain BlackBerry smartphones, as well as supporting downloadable freebies for non-music brands (e.g., a promotion that Nestle has been doing in England that enables consumers to download one track for every bar of Kit Kat they buy). CEO Ben Drury says 7digital makes it easy for online music companies and software developers to integrate 7digital's store, giving users a click-to-buy option that doesn't shuttle them off to a different website. That's in sharp contrast ...

Appiphilia: Sound off on Google Voice for your mobile device

In the last two days, Apple has rejected the Google-submitted Google Voice application and pulled three other related apps, triggering a storm of criticism from digital technorati. Credit: Los Angeles Times

And you thought getting a Google Voice number was a challenge. If you're an iPhone or iPod Touch owner, getting an app to use that service is likely to prove more difficult. Apple has put Google Voice on what might be an extended hold.

Before the service is even in wide distribution, three $3 Google Voice-enabled apps that allowed you to use Google Voice from your iPhone have been yanked from the App Store because of what developers have been told is iPhone feature duplication (dialer, SMS, voice mail, etc.). And today, we hear that Apple rejected the app offering from Google (its seeming bosom buddy). Big-time disconnect. 

If you managed to nab one of the iPhone apps before they were pulled, hang on to it. So far (fingers crossed), they still seem to function. And you can actually use the mobile browser on your phone to access Google Voice. You get access to all of the features in the apps, including dialing, voice mail (audio and transcripts) and SMS. You can also access your contacts and adjust your master settings.

BlackBerry (and, of course Android-powered phone) users don't have to sweat. You get Google Voice via a Google-produced app and some third-party offerings.

For the "Voiceless" (or those who don't yet have Google Voice), GV users get a phone number that reaches them wherever they are. It routes calls to mobile, home and other phones based on who’s calling and when -- and even lets them personalize call features, such as the outgoing voice mail message, for a particular person or group. Great.

But the challenge is in the calling back. Being able to dial out with the GV number is part of its value -- otherwise every time they call people back, their real numbers display. The GV number should pop up on caller ID.

We take a look at the apps -- the ones you can get and the ones you can't (in case you happened to snag them before they went ghost).

Appiphilia: Some Google Maps smartphone apps get L.A. transit info

Have you noticed some new data points on your Google Maps app? Well, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has just hooked up with Google Maps to make it easier for passengers to plan trips using the MTA's buses and trains.

As mentioned on the LA Now blog, the MTA is the latest to add its info to Google's interactive maps. And you can tap into that on your iPhone as well. By tapping the transit icon (the bus in the middle), you can access schedules for the road and rail public transportation options to your destination. It includes the departure times, estimated travel time and price to hitch a ride.

The BlackBerry Google Maps app also offers transit details -- routes, times and distance. The MTA's info wasn't accessible when we tried to call it up with plans for a trip from downtown L.A. to Glendale and one from downtown to Irvine. Foothill Transit directions from L.A. to Claremont came up without issue.

Other transit agencies currently available through Google Maps include Foothill Transit and Metrolink.

-- Michelle Maltais

Subscribe to the Appiphilia RSS feed and follow us on @Appiphilia or Facebook.

Appiphilia: Apps that help with the summer schlep

Some hand-held help this holiday can keep the fireworks in the sky and not in your car. Credit: BL1961

If you took a holiday or some time out to celebrate, would you take your smart phone with you? You're darn tootin'. How else would you be able to tweet taunts to your friends stuck at work or post beach pics to Facebook that you might rethink after that recovery hydration period?

Here are a few mobile apps to help make your holiday and vacation travels more enjoyable.

If you are taking a trip that requires more than just a GPS, WorldMate offers apps for a number of smart phone platforms -- yes, that includes iPhone, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile phones. (Check here to find out if it's available for your phone.) And there are free and paid versions. The app includes a mobile itinerary, which syncs with the online platform. Basically, if you can think of it, this app has it: travel clocks, maps and directions, hotels, friend finder, weather monitor and currency converter, to name a few features. The paid version of the app, or gold-level subscription, offers real-time flight updates for 350 airlines and airline alerts and lets you look up the status of flights and search airline schedules. The BlackBerry and Windows Mobile Gold version is either $14.95 monthly or $99.95 annually. The iPhone app paid version is going for $9.99 -- that's right, no monthly fees. But hurry if you want it -- the iPhone deal lasts until midnight July 4.

Another app that's available across platforms is Zagat to Go. This app offers Zagat's signature ratings and reviews of more than 40,000 venues, GPS support for directions and reservations. For devices other than iPhones, there's even a 14-day free trial.

The word most used on vacation seems to be "where." The Where application gives you local insight, with info on weather, news, restaurant reviews, cheap gas and movie show times as well as maps and directions. It's available on BlackBerry, G1 Android, iPhone and Pre. There's also Facebook integration with an app called "Buddy Beacon."

A few apps specifically for the iPhone

Postman (99 cents)

What it is: This app helps you create a digital postcard using photos you have on your iPhone, image templates or your location. Just add text. You can deliver it by e-mail, Facebook, Tumblr or Twitter.

Bottom line: They do look pretty good. It's a cheap way to get pictures and sentiments from your travels to the people you love before you return from the trip. And the app costs less than either the postcard you'd buy, along with postage to send it.

Kids Eat Free (99 cents)

What it is: This app does as it advertises and finds the eateries that offer free food for the kiddies. You can search by location, city or ZIP code. Each entry offers the parameters of the deal, address and phone number. (You might consider calling ahead to make sure the offer hasn't changed.) It also will launch Google Maps for directions.

Bottom line: Kids, precious as they are, can be pricey. The money you save with this app on feeding them could go toward that college fund.

AAA Discounts (Free)

What it is: Except when I'm booking a hotel or stuck on the side of the road, I usually forget to use the benefits of AAA membership. This app helps you to find the spots along your path that offer AAA discounts. Using native location services on the phone, this app has "find me" and "follow me" functions to better identify where you can save along the way. It also gives point-to-point directions. It searches for shopping, dining, lodging, entertainment, health, auto, travel and services, or all of the above. Plus, if you do get stuck on the road and need assistance, instead of having to look up the number you can just tap the app to call for help. 

Bottom line: Who can afford to pass up discounts these days -- plus you're really already paying for the privilege with your annual dues, right?

If you have any favorite apps that make your travels more fun, streamlined or affordable, share them with by tweetin us on @Appiphilia, dropping a line at Facebook or writing a comment below.

Happy Fourth of July weekend!

-- Michelle Maltais

Subscribe to the Appiphilia RSS feed and follow us on @Appiphilia or Facebook.

Appiphilia: 5 apps to help you chill out [UPDATED]

Visitors at Burning Man 2008 in Black Rock City, Nev., participate in guided meditative chanting at center camp. Credit: Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times

People are panicking about the spread of swine flu and sweating the fluctuations of the stock market and banking system. Cars are going more than they're coming -- and these days that's the brands, not just traffic. There's tension on the sidewalks for those of us compelled to type while walking -- and for those who might have to save us from stepping into traffic.

Yes, there's a lot to stress out about. But here's an idea: chill out.

Maybe you can't get to a group meditation session like the one above. Heck, that many people would stress me out. But the iPhone or BlackBerry you're tethered to may actually be able to help. Here's a look at five apps that get you moving in the right direction when it comes to relaxing.

iLava (99 cents)

What it is: That signature staple of the '60s and many college dorm rooms, on your iPhone.

What sizzles: You can listen to Jimi Hendrix and watch your iLava at the same time, man! If you're not listening to music on the iPhone or iPod Touch, you can hear the calming whoosh and glug of your virtual lava lamp. And for those of us who still need control, it lets you tilt, shake and pinch some action out of that lamp. It has an off switch, and there are seven color options to choose from. Touch the screen and find out you have power in iLava land.

What fizzles: The heart option with a rose as wallpaper is a bit gag-worthy and hokey.

Bottom line: It's very i-chill.

RIM launches its own app store, for BlackBerry

The App store is an attempt to make the BlackBerry even more fun. Credit: edans via Flickr.

RIM launched the much-anticipated BlackBerry App store at the CTIA Wireless 2009 trade show today. It's available to BlackBerry users who have models with a trackball or touch screen, meaning those with BlackBerrys with track wheels are out of luck.

The store will feature a top downloads section, keyword search functions and the ability to review apps and recommend them to friends, Research In Motion President and co-CEO Mike Lazaridis announced this morning. RIM said it expected 1,000 apps to be posted this week, from brands such as Bloomberg, Pandora and Lonely Planet.

The app store is the company's latest effort to embrace customers outside its traditional business base. In November, RIM launched the Storm, a touch-screen device that mimics the iPhone, with the goal of stemming the flow of customers to Apple.

“The BlackBerry platform provides a truly unparalleled mobile experience for millions of people, and we are thrilled today to enhance that experience with a new app store that helps connect consumers with developers and carriers,” Lazaridis said in a release.

Frequent users of Apple's App store, however, might be disappointed with ...

Why are there no cool apps for Blackberry?

We BlackBerry owners who have iPhone envy know that there's never a worse time to be sitting next to an iPhone user than in a waiting room.

You're sitting there, choosing between rereading e-mail on your BlackBerry or flipping through Westways Magazine (yawn). Meanwhile, the guy next to you is playing his iPhone like a flute, sending pictures to strangers in the waiting room and figuring out just what hellacious music they're listening to with his Shazam app. Makes you wonder: Why can't your BlackBerry do that?

It's all about the apps.

Sure, Apple is gaining market share. And sure, more consumers are buying iPhones than BlackBerrys these days. But there are still a lot more Research in Motion smartphones out there than Apple ones, and the BlackBerry isn't just for businesspeople anymore.

What makes the BlackBerry most vulnerable is its lack of cool applications. Apple's App Store is jam-packed with 15,000 of them; iPhone and iPod Touch users have downloaded more than half a billion apps. There's a Google Android App Store, and the T-Mobile G1 phone that runs Android comes pre-loaded with a nifty anagram app, perfect for honing your Scrabble skills.

What's RIM got to offer? I asked the company where BlackBerry users might be able to find some free or cheap iPhone-like apps these days. Its reps sent me to two websites, Built for BlackBerry and BlackBerry Solutions Catalog. The former, which seems to have more choices, showcases free favorites such as Facebook, MySpace and Flickr apps for the Blackberry. But the games category was lacking: Wheel of Fortune, Magic 8 Ball and Guitar Hero cost $6.99 and up. The only thing I could find for free was a trial version of UNO that ran out after a few weeks. There was definitely no cool free Blackberry app like Ocarina that lets you play "Joy to the World" while blowing into your phone.

Tyler Lessard, director of alliances at RIM, defended the company by saying that the amount of apps available for BlackBerry is growing. And apps launched at the Consumer Electronics Show, such as the Slacker mobile music service, SlingPlayer Mobile and Unify4Life AV/Shadow, have proved popular.

"There are thousands of applications available for the BlackBerry platform, and some of the most successful ones are free," he wrote in an e-mail.  MySpace for BlackBerry, he said, had over a million downloads in its first week. RIM plans to soon debut a storefront where users can see all the Blackberry apps in one place, he said..

But in terms of new apps, RIM probably won't be able to match Apple ...

Why President Obama needs to keep his BlackBerry*

After much fuss over the security of his beloved device, President Obama gets to keep a BlackBerry. The Atlantic reports that he will use one equipped with special encryption software to keep his communications private (well, the ones that aren't required by law to be released publicly). The encryption also should prevent bad guys from using the cellular transmission to track his whereabouts.

In a blog post called "Obama Will Get His Blackberry," the Atlantic's Marc Ambinder said an agency that's probably the National Security Agency added "a super-encryption package" to Research in Motion's standard BlackBerry, letting Obama use the device "for routine and personal messages":

With few exceptions, government Blackberries aren't designed for encryption that protects messages above the "SECRET" status, so it's not clear whether Obama is getting something new and special. The exception: the Sectera Edge from General Dynamics, which allows for TOP SECRET voice conversations.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs confirmed today that Obama would get to keep the device. "The president has a BlackBerry through a compromise that allows him to stay in touch with senior staff and a small group of personal friends in a way that use will be limited and the security is enhanced," Gibbs told reporters in Washington, D.C., according to Bloomberg News.

In an L.A. Times op-ed column on Inauguration Day, John D. Podesta, who was co-chairman of Obama's transition team, argued that taking away Obama's BlackBerry would hurt not only Obama; it would hurt the country by separating its president from people outside the Beltway:

I've been working with Barack Obama since before the election, and I know that without his virtual connection to old friends and trusted confidants beyond the bubble that seals off every president from the people who elected him, he'd be like a caged lion padding restlessly around the West Wing, wondering what's happening on the other side of the iron bars that surround the People's House.

So the president avoids having to use an unfamiliar Sectera Edge gadget and keeps his BlackBerry. Now when is he going to find time to read his e-mail?

-- Chris Gaither

Photo: Barack Obama uses his BlackBerry in July. Credit: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

* This post was updated at noon today with comments from White House spokesman Robert Gibbs.