BlackBerry Desktop Software Coming to Mac This Fall!

CIO - I just got word from Research In Motion that it plans to release a new version of its BlackBerry Desktop Manager software for Apple's Mac OS X operating system in September.

There aren't currently too many details available on the forthcoming release; however, RIM posted the following information on its Inside BlackBerry blog this morning:

BlackBerry Desktop Software key features include:

-Sync your iTunes playlists, calendars, contacts, notes and tasks

-Add/Remove applications

-Update your device when new software becomes available

-Backup and restore your device data with such features like automatically scheduled backups and optional encryption

-Manage multiple devices

The software will reportedly support Mac OX 10.5.5 and above.

I grilled RIM on the subject of BlackBerry Desktop Manager support for Mac in 2008 and was told to expect some kind of solution this year. RIM already released a beta version of BlackBerry Media Sync for Mac earlier this year, which lets BlackBerry users sync music from their iTunes music libraries. And I recently queried the company's public relations manager on the subject of additional Mac-specific software, but was told that I'd hear from the company as soon as it could share additional information. I guess today's that day.

On first glimpse, the Mac version appears to be able to perform all of the same core functions of the Windows-specific BlackBerry Desktop Manager, but we'll have to wait until more details become available--or beta version leaks--before we know for sure. One thing that isn't address is whether or not users will be able to modify BES mail settings, like they can with the Windows version.

This is great news for BlackBerry users with Mac computers. Still, I must say, it's about #$%^&*time, RIM!!

Click on over to RIM's Inside BlackBerry for screen shots.