SocialScope for BlackBerry impressions (and invites!)
By Jacob Schulman 
posted Mar 23rd 2009 1:46PM
posted Mar 23rd 2009 1:46PM
The guys at SocialScope have taken a full featured desktop program and translated it to work on a mobile device. We think you'd be hard pressed to find a feature that isn't built in, and if you did, it's probably only a matter of time before it shows up in another release. SocialScope is actually not only a Twitter app, but a Facebook application as well; it aggregates all your tweets and does all the things you'd expect a Twitter client to do, but it also aggregates your friends' Facebook statuses and photo upload notifications.
Design and functionality
As we mentioned earlier, this app is almost two apps in one. It not only gets your tweets, but also checks in with Facebook to see what your friends are up to over there. The app design is fairly straightforward, and in the latest release -- 0.9.5.2 -- a refined version of the existing UI is being introduced. While we wouldn't really call the earlier design painful, the new color scheme and tab design is a welcomed addition. We were told that a new designer has been brought in who is in the process of overhauling the whole app from the ground up, but that won't be ready until 0.9.6.
SocialScope 0.9.3.6 (left) versus SocialScope 0.9.5.2 (right)
Perhaps some of the biggest changes in this release come in the form of tabs and what they can do. Popular desktop clients such as TweetDeck offer the option to create tabs for groups of people or other things you're interested in. SocialScope has translated this onto the BlackBerry, and they've really nailed it. It's possible to add a tab for a new group, search results, or your own recent updates. It's super simple -- and things like search tabs update at the same interval as everything else, so you're never behind.
Adding a search tab
Adding a groups tab
Viewing profiles
Managing multiple Twitter accounts
This release packs in even more awesome features as well. Devices with BlackBerry OS 4.6 and later have the option to integrate "@" replies and direct messages directly with their inbox. Built-in image resizing has also made its way to the "Media" app so that you can cut down on TwitPic upload times. Tabs now save between logouts, and you can choose to "refresh on launch" as an option. For Facebook users, commenting on statuses is built-in directly to the app, so no more having to deal with Facebook's clunky WAP site.
On the downside, we have to point out that some users have reported a fairly substantial memory leak in the app, although this has reportedly been fixed in more recent builds. While we haven't experienced any obvious leaks ourselves, it's been acknowledged by the developers who are quick to point out that the app is still in alpha. Additionally, we were pleasantly surprised to see that there wasn't any major toll on battery life on the Verizon-branded Curve 8330 that we used for testing, even with heavy use and push / automatic updating enabled. That said, we didn't do any real scientific studies, and this was only one model of device; your mileage may vary.
Closing thoughts
While we still have a few qualms with SocalScope at this point, we have to remember that it hasn't even left alpha status. Once it sheds the qualifier and hits the magic 1.0 mark, we expect to be one of the most full-featured, solid applications for the BlackBerry platform. Ubiquitous has done its best to make as many features as possible available to as many users as possible, and they support OSs as early as 4.2.1. They've reiterated over and over that "if you think this is going to only be a Twitter and Facebook application, you are sadly mistaken." Also, the update is going to be rolled out to users over the next few weeks, so sit tight until you get the notification of availability -- we promise, it's worth the wait.
We've also heard that the app is already being adapted for multiple other platforms (yes, that was platforms plural), and that Ubiquitous is actively seeking new opportunities, so if you're not the BlackBerry type, sit tight -- this action might just end up on your device of choice. For the rest of you, though, they've supplied us with 500 invites, so just hit this link and you should get an invite shortly (sit tight -- it might take 'em a bit to process them all). And naturally, make sure @engadgetmobile is your very first Twitter follow, eh?
Update: That was fast. Looks like we're already out of invites for the time being, but stay tuned, as we're sure SocialScope will be accepting more new users as soon as they can take them!
Hmmm....
Error said: "Could not connect to database." when I tried to get an invite...
Just give it another try and it works
nice writeup... how do i get the 0.9.5.2 that you're showing in the screenshots?
It's not ready yet for general consumption because we still have to do some optimizations. However, we hope to have it to the rest of our testers in the next few weeks
it's not ready for everyone yet. follow @socialscope on twitter. also, as normal, you will probably be notified of the update within the app itself.
It's just plain cruel that the release previewed here isn't yet available to us current SocialScope users... though even without the new features, it's still head and shoulders above most other BB Twitter apps on most counts. For me, the ability to track two Twitter accounts is the killer feature in this next release. Can't wait!
We are glad you like it! We are working hard to get it out to everyone else soon.
It's not ready for general consumption yet because we still have to do some optimizations. However, we hope to have it ready in the next few weeks. Thanks for the patience!
I love SocialScope. Probably the most useful software I've added to my BlackBerry. Thanks for your hard work and great product!
Probably my most used BlackBerry application, highly recommended. (y)
I'd love an invite!!
So excited for the invite opportunity. I've been dying to get one since December! Look forward to that activation e-mail shortly.
im sooo looking forward to this invite link. thank you soooo much.. ive been dying for a new app to play with, and watching the socialscope twits have been all too painful
anxiously awaiting... woot woot!!!
^.^
This is SO necessary for the STORM!! If my Storm could walk, it would have a cane with a purple hat with a yellow feather in it while wearing a green suit...with a HOT CHICK! That's how pimpin this app is!! LOL
I'd like an invite to test on my Storm & Niagara...thanks!
did anyone get a invite yet???
I haven't gotten mine yet, I got the confirmation email from them at 3:05pm but no app.
Can I please try this, I need an invite so I can drop twitterberry
I wait for a invite from months, y fill the form 100 times, but never receive one :( :( socialscope don't like me :'(
I would like an invite please :)
Insanelymac logo ? @.o
Still no activation e-mail for me either. So close yet so far. I received that nice e-mail from them earlier when I was approved for the invite, but now i'm just anxiously waiting. Grr. Still love you SocialScope
I received the email saying I was 1 of 500 and would be receiving the activation email shortly. Still no activation email.
I'd love an invite. Please?
Looks like someone has a TweetGenius icon on their home screen. The Boy Genius must've hooked you guys up!
http://www.thetweetgenius.com/
@Tweet_Genius on twitter
Still haven't received my confirmation code from this almost 24 hours later. :(
Still haven't received mine. They won't reply to my @ reply's on twitter either :(
Any way to get Socialscope for Blackberry yet besides WAITING?
I've been using the Alpha release since January 9th and SocialScope is by far the most used app on my BB Bold. I've tried many other Twitter apps but this one is MUCH better. I am definitely looking forward to the release of 0.9.5.2 as I am currently using 0.9.3.6. Keep up the fantastic work!
I would like to try SocialScope on my Blackberry 8900. Can you send me an invite?
can I use it in my 8300??