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Poynt registers 1 million BlackBerry app downloads

BlackBerry local search app Poynt has hit 1 million downloads as professionals seek ways to find local establishments and people.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger

Multiplied Media's local-search BlackBerry app Poynt hit the 1 million-download mark this week.

Poynt, which is similar to Yelp's local app for the iPhone, provides users with a series of local-search tools to help them find establishments in and around their area. They simply need to search for a specific location, and Poynt will display contact information and plot its position on a map. The app even provides directions on how to get there.

Unlike many of the local-search services currently available on mobile devices, Poynt also boasts people-search features, allowing users to find folks in their area.

So far, Poynt's application is only available for BlackBerry owners, but the company was quick to point out in a statement that a version for the iPhone is on its way. A previous announcement from the company said that it would be made available toward the end of the year.

Although a million downloads is a milestone for any developer, a certain level of measured excitement should go along with this announcement. The BlackBerry App World isn't Apple's App Store. There are far fewer applications. And as a BlackBerry owner that uses Poynt, I can say that although the product works well, there aren't many other viable alternatives to make me want to switch.

Poynt's real battle might begin when the company takes on Yelp and the others on the iPhone.