How App'd: WhatsApp

While the battle of BBM for BlackBerry versus countless messaging apps for the iPhone rages on, one app stands to defy all odds and unite the two phones. WhatsApp is the first app designed for direct messaging between the iPhone and BlackBerry.

There's no need to sign up and create a handle or user name. All you have to do is download the program and use numbers from your existing contacts to start messaging. Don't forget to use the "Tell A Friend" feature after you download the app or else you'll be saying "WhatsApp?" to no one but yourself.

Available for: iPhone, BlackBerry, Nokia Symbian S60 (public beta) and Android OS (coming soon)
Cost: $0.99
Pro: Say farewell to embarrassing handles/user names.
Con: None I can see at this point.

How App'd: XE Currency App

When traveling abroad it's prudent to know how much your dollar is worth. The exchange rate fluctuates daily and depending on where you're headed, your crisp little green friend could be gaining or losing value. The XE Currency app is just the perfect tool to help you figure out exactly what's going on if you are not a banker, financial analyst or other persons well versed in the exchange rate.

Since the app -- like the basic site -- is free, only mid-market rates are shown. Mid-market rates aren't "buy or sell" rates. Instead, they fall somewhere in between; an approximation of sorts. Depending on where you do your exchange the rate can be higher or lower than mid-market figures. XE Currency app users can access more than 180 currencies and monitor 10 at any given time (great if you're country hopping). With a flick of the wrist rates are updated. The app is both web based and available for offline use so you can calculate rates in the middle of nowhere.

No matter what you do or which exchange calculation site or app you use, be sure to shop around for the best rates. Exchange agencies such as Travelex don't always offer the best rates. Sometimes it's best to go to a bank (shop around here too), withdraw money from an ATM when you reach your destination or just use a debit or credit card. While your bank or credit card company may charge a fee between 1-3% for exchanging the funds, it's safer than carrying wads of cash around.

Available for: iPhone, iPod Touch and Blackberry
Cost: Free
Pro: Have access to a reliable conversion tool (automatic conversion online; manual conversion offline).
Con: The rates shown are an approximation; it can go either way.

How App'd: Date Check

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men (and women)? Date Check powered by Intelius knows. The latest multi-platform app is a gift from the gods of dating or Pandora's box depending on who is behind the keys. Enter your date's full name, email address or phone number and several options including the Sleaze Detector and Living Situation tab can help you figure out if you should run for the hills or sit tight.

There are some things you can figure out on your own; if a guy says he has a "situation," she's called a girlfriend. If a guy says he is "The Situation," kindly excuse yourself to powder your nose; climb out the bathroom window and make a run for it.

Click here to watch the video.

Available for: Android*, iPhone -- coming soon to the Blackberry
Cost: Free
Pros: Get the inside scoop on your future honey, avoid Mr. or Mrs. Wrong
Cons: Invasion of privacy, possible stalkers

*Search for "Date Check" in the Android Market on your phone.

How App'd: Calorie Tracker by Livestrong.com

Who hasn't resolved to loose weight or eat healthy and then fall right off the wagon? Now there are no excuses with the Calorie Tracker by Livestrong.com. Users can access a database with more than 525,000 food items and related nutritional information. You can also access different activities and the amount of calories they burn. When both parts of the app are put together users have a powerful tool that aids in keeping the fat off and getting fit based on their individual needs. It's definitely not one size fits all -- like a muumuu.

Click here to watch the demo.

Pro: Cross syncing capabilities between the website and your smartphone.
Con: Your possible lack of will power?
Cost: $2.99
For Use With: Android, BlackBerry and iPhone