
On April 1st, BlackBerry users no longer had to sit embarrassed, not knowing what that catchy tune was being played over the radio. That’s right folks, Shazam is now available for the BlackBerry!
When RIM officially launched BlackBerry App World, one of the top mobile applications being downloaded was one that has been available for the iPhone and the Android G1 for quite some time. Hold your mobile to the radio and voila! In a matter of seconds you would have the name of the song being played; as well as options to purchase, download, look up lyrics or band discography, and even search for similar artists.

Main Screen for Shazam notes the trial period and option to pay ($4.99 for the Application)

BlackBerry users can press either the Menu Key or the center TrackBall to “Tag” a song they want to identify.

Shazam goes to work, searching for the song and artist.

Shazam quickly (and correctly) identified the song I had playing. You have the option to purchase the song wirelessly if you choose.

Shazam also lets the user locate additional information about the song and artist; such as lyrics, album review, biography, and discography. You can even do a search within Shazam for similar artists.
Consumers are starting to see more non-enterprise based applications for the BlackBerry, which has long been deemed the suit-and-tie corporate device of choice. Using Shazam is simple and to the point.
After you download the application from RIM’s BlackBerry Application World (install directly to your handheld from this link), you can select from a variety of mobile applications that are available for your specific BlackBerry model and OS.
You can download Shazam wirelessly for free 30 day trial (the application will cost $4.99 to use after the trial period has ended). If you don’t want to scribble down lyrics and google them later, Shazam may make you seem a bit hipper at parties, conversations with co-workers, or just a little more knowledgeable about what the heck that song is all the kids are listening to nowadays.
What I Like: Easy Wireless Installation; Simple Navigation (use the center TrackBall or Menu Key on the BlackBerry); Quickly returns Artist, Song, Album search results; Ability to look up song lyrics and artist discography; Ability to purchase the song wirelessly (additional cost); Ability to search similar artists within application.
What Needs Improvement: $4.99 price after 30 day trial completes; Niche application (if you don’t find yourself looking up song information on the radio or when a friend is playing music, you may not be part of the audience Shazam is targeting.)

