BlackBerry App World 3.0 released (hands-on review)

Now that I am a daily BlackBerry user I read Crackberry.com even more than I used to and read over there yesterday that BlackBerry App World 3.0 was taken out of beta and launched publicly to the masses. Just go to blackberry.com/appworld from your BlackBerry browser to start the installation process and I think you will be pleased with the new device application store. You can check out several screenshots of the BlackBerry App World 3.0 in my image gallery and in the video below.

	Image Gallery: Check out some screenshots from BlackBerry App World 3.0 on a Bold 9930.

BlackBerry App World 3.0 has been available for testing the the BlackBerry Beta Zone for a few weeks. It looks much better than before and has improved functionality such as new My World features, new channels, app social sharing, and more. I have always found it a bit difficult to find apps in App World so I am really liking this update that lets me quickly view the top rated, top paid, top free, and more. The categories interface looks much better and this new software store functions like a modern smartphone store should.

Now that BBM 6 is out with improved integration and social experiences, I like that the new App World 3.0 gives you quick access to view BBM Connected applications available for your BlackBerry devices. I don't see a way to view the application count any longer, but as I have said before it isn't the number of apps available that counts as much as the quality and selection of key apps.

I have heard people complaining about the lack of apps on BlackBerry devices compared to other platforms, but I personally am not finding many missing that I need. FYI, these are the apps I have installed on my new Bold 9930:

• BBM Music
• YouVersion Bible
• BlackBerry Traffic
• Evernote
• Facebook
• Flixster
• Gist
• Goal Mobile
• Google Maps
• Kobo
• Pageonce
• Poynt
• ScoreMobile
• Skype
• Slacker Radio
• SugarSync
• Texas Hold'em King Live
• TripIt
• TuneIn Radio
• Wikitude

What other apps do you recommend I test out on my Bold 9930? What apps do you find missing on BlackBerry smartphones?