Smartphone Software - VR+ Voice Recorder for Blackberry

VR+: Voice Recorder by SHAPE Services

by Michael E. Callahan aka Dr. File Finder

Note: Since by definition "smartphones" are phones that are also PDA's, the software reviewed here should work with personal digital assistants that are not "smartphones". Check the operating system because we'll be reviewing software for both Pocket PC and Palm devices. -- Editor

I was looking around for a quick alternative to typing out emails on my Blackberry 8830 when I found the perfect tool. VR+: Voice Recorder lets you record high-quality sound files right on your Blackberry. This is great because you can use your smartphone to make notes to yourself. Record, then select Save. I also liked the fact that I could pause if I needed to and then resume my recording. VR+ worked very smoothly and made the entire process very easy. There's a set-up option that I turned on that let's you see what you recorded today, yesterday, earlier this week, earlier this month, and so on. That makes it easy to find items you've recorded. Ahhh, but now to the email option. VR+ makes it easy to record a message and quickly send it off, via your Blackberry, to any recipient. Simply record your message and when you're done just pick the Send option. You can enter the email address you want to send to, a short message, and then send it off. In testing it out I sent a few messages to my daughter and office manager, Kadee, and she was impressed with the quality of the messages. Now, if this were all VR+ offered it would be well worth the price, but there's more. Along with the software you get access to a free site where you can upload your MP3 voice messages. That means you can send a URL to friends and family so they can all go and listen to messages. It's a great way to distribute a message that can be listened to anytime. It's easy-to-do, just record your message and when you're done just select the upload option. Slick. In fact, everything about VR+ Voice Recorder is slick. It has configurable options that make it intuitive and easy-to-use. So, if you'd like an easy way to record notes or emails on your Blackberry device this is your solution. I like VR+ Voice Recorder so much that it's not only a Pick, but I'm also making it a Dr. File Finder Favorite. Check it out for yourself and you'll see why. I recommend it.

• VR+: Voice Recorder
• System Requirements: Blackberry 4.2
• Visit Shape Services Web Site
• Download VR+: Voice Recorder NOW!

If you have software you use on your "smartphone" or PDA, come and talk about it with us in the Forums. We look forward to seeing you there.