We used the BlackBerry App Generator to automatically pull content from the Inside BlackBerry Blog, and the BlackBerry Facebook and BlackBerry YouTube pages. It took us only about 10 minutes from start to finish and it was absolutely free. The result is a great-looking app that pulls in all of our articles, posts and videos. Let’s have a look as Alex walks us through the process.

[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

See how easy it was? Using the BlackBerry App Generator you could have your own app up and running in just a few minutes, even with no development experience. Do you have a blog or content and think it would make a great app? Give the BlackBerry App Generator a try for yourself and let us know.

For many students, the second semester of school has just started, which means the tough stuff is still ahead. Before being committed to months of “all work and no play” library lockdown, I wanted to share some helpful tips on how BlackBerry smartphones and BlackBerry PlayBook tablets can be used to help with both studies and relaxation. Remember, staying balanced is one of the keys to mental agility during stressful times!

Here are some great apps available in the BlackBerry App World storefront to help students with their schoolwork (while having a little fun, too):

• Ignite Study Flash Card by Kenneth Poon: They say we need to see a piece of information three times before it gets committed to memory. With this handy flash card app, users can memorize with ease, accessing study materials while on the go in a fun quiz format! I like that the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet app doesn’t give away answers immediately. Instead, it offers hints, which give it a fun and unique edge to standard flashcards.

• StudyPal by Nadia Munim: Students can think of this app as a “personal trainer” for their brains. As the saying goes, this app helps with “planning your work and working your plan” in the crux of exams. For someone like me who worries about forgetting little details, a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet app that keeps important information in one place is a huge stress-reliever.

• Hangman by Spice: Even the hardest working student needs a break sometimes! I recommend having a little fun in between cram sessions by downloading a cult-classic game like Hangman, which is a personal favorite. This version is especially fun because it includes a range of themes, such as Hollywood, Sports and Music—and because it’s available for a BlackBerry smartphone or BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.

• My Study Room Theme by VImukti Technologies Pvt Ltd.: While you’re loading up your BlackBerry smartphone with study apps and essentials, why not download a new theme to match? Just looking at these study room wallpapers gets me in study mode!

Students (and parents), tell us – which apps will help you during the rest of the school year? Let us know in the comments.

Today, a superspy has to be covert, stealthy and they should carry a BlackBerry ® smartphone. I’ve channeled my inner Q, and in true secret agent fashion have identified some superspy must-have apps that are shaken, not stirred from the BlackBerry App World ™ storefront.

SecureMic by SecureMic Inc.: By activating the SecureMic, the microphone of your device is temporarily disabled, so that in the event of a “pocket dial”, your conversations are undetected. With SecureMic activated, your BlackBerry smartphone cannot be used as a listening device against you. A must-have app for any secret agent!

FingerPrint Lock By Pace MobiTech: A cool app for all the users who want complete high-tech security for their BlackBerry smartphone. It’s a unique lock that scans your finger and permits you to use your device. Forget all the boring smartphone locks and select the one that best suits an agent. *Note: Scanner lock doesn’t scan the fingerprint; rather, it detects the number of scans.

Phone Security Lite By Pace MobiTech: This app protects your confidential information and helps locate a lost or stolen BlackBerry smartphone. It also can be used for tracking your device, safeguarding your child, and possibly monitoring a suspected double agent. It is designed to give you total control over your BlackBerry device, no matter where it is.

Spy Camera by Oswald Designs: Take pictures silently with no flash with the Spy Camera app. Set the picture as Caller ID or wallpaper, share picture over BlackBerry ® Messenger ™ (BBM ™) Contact, BBM Group, email and Facebook®. You can also apply effects to pictures such as black and white, normal and sepia. Perfect for covert sting operations!

iSpy For BlackBerry by Ardour: Silently monitor your own BlackBerry device in real time. iSpy stealthy records the activities of your BlackBerry smartphone. Record SMS, call* and BBM chat activities and store the data afterward. When you want to view results, simply visit the app and enter the password to see the activity. *Note: Feature captures call logs, not audio.

Keep your friends close, your enemies closer and stay on top of all the intel from your BlackBerry smartphone. Let us know what gadget apps you find most helpful or just plain cool in the comments below!