all about TECH

ndian Internet majors Make My Trip and Naukri have launched their own free BlackBerry apps, both integrated with the Blackberry handset and BlackBerry services. This follows the recent launch of a Blackberry app from matrimonial portal Shaadi.com, which also made use of Blackberry’s push services.

The Naukri App

The Naukri.com app allows registered users to Search for new jobs, view job recommendations, update user profiles and get access to customised job search packages. Naukri’s usage of the BlackBerry’s core functionality is fairly limited: it comes only in the form of Job Alerts being integrated with the device’s message inbox. The app doesn’t allow new registrations, which can be done only through a desktop browser. Like Shaadi.com’s application, this too has been developed by Early Sail.

Nikhil adds: Wonder why Info Edge didn’t consider integrating both Naurki.com and Brijj into the same application: it would help introduce Naurki users to Brijj, and also allow Brijj users to search for jobs on Naukri. The focus of the two portals might be different, but really, Naukri should be leveraging its job listings and integration better. Brijj competitor LinkedIn has an integrated Blackberry application as well, but the focus there is on professional networking, not necessarily jobs.

The MakeMyTrip App

The MakeMyTrip app allows flight search and booking through a secure channel: the application saves the user’s search preferences as well as other personal details to avoid entering them for every new transaction. More importantly, it integrates flight bookings with the BlackBerry calendar, sends alerts for updated flight schedules and lets users set flight reminders. Users can see existing bookings, request e-tickets, cancel bookings and check refund status through the app. The app also let users post travel updates on Facebook and Twitter accounts. The app also has Restaurant Listings and details for five cities in India and lets users locate nearby restaurants through GPS.

Nikhil adds: Why not go beyond MMYT’s core functionality of ticketing and attempt something like TripIt, or for that matter, offer travel suggestions to its users?