One of our BlackBerry sources just shot us over some information on the latest version of Desktop Manager, version 6.1. Besides bringing compatibility to upcoming BlackBerry handsets that will run OS 6.1, Desktop Manager 6.1 is also said to bring little enhancements and changes to the desktop application. One noticeable addition we caught? The ability to forget a previously backed up / synced device. See? Still using a BlackBerry has its perks from time to time. One more shot of the new Desktop Manager after the break.

Today, RIM released an update to their BlackBerry Desktop Manager software use for device management. The update, version 6.0, adds support for the BlackBerry Torch 9800 and comes with a completely new user interface. Earlier in the design process, RIM noted that it wanted to remove some of the ambiguity from dialog boxes and buttons and make common user actions more accessible. The new software is up on RIM’s site and ready to be downloaded. Enjoy!

[Via CrackBerry]

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Verizon Storm users have reason to celebrate tonight because they’re part of a very special user base — the first BlackBerry users to recieve BlackBerry OS 5.0. We’ve already gone over the benefits of OS 5.0 a whole bunch, so all there is left for us to do is tell you how to get the goods. Either fire up BlackBerry Desktop Manager for PC or Mac and accept the prompt to update your handheld, or visit www.verizonwireless.com/storm. We’re just in the process of updating our 9530, but in the meantime, what does everyone that has it loaded up think? Has OS 5.0 made the first-gen Storm the phone it should have been one year ago, or is it just polishing a turd since the BlackBerry 9550 is just around the corner?

Well Mac users, it’s been one hell of a journey but as of 1PM ET today, an era official ends. No longer will be you able to complain out of frustration that RIM hates you simply because you don’t tow the line and use Windows. Oh, no. Today, “MacBerry” users will finally have their day in the sun as BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac is released. We’ve already given you our thoughts on it (recap: it’s faster and more simple than Desktop Manager for Windows, but doesn’t really offer anything in the way of support for BES users or those who like to tinker) so all there is left for you to do is download it and enjoy.

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If you didn’t catch the leaked version of 4.7.1.53 that appeared yesterday for the BlackBerry Tour, you’ll be pleased as punch to know that Verizon has officially kicked off the first software maintenance release for the device. The version which we told you about does fix and improve many different aspects of the operating system, yet it’s still not quite perfect. Here’s an official list or change log we put together:

• Improved MMS notifications
• Improved Visual Voice Mail app
• Improved sound quality for Bluetooth headsets and voice calls
• Fixed geo-tagging error in the camera application
• Fixed an error with DRM music skipping
• Improved video player
• Added BlackBerry Messenger update notifications — check for new BBM updates automatically or manually.
• Fixed an issue with device restarting after activating morning alarm
• Fixed an issue with memory cleaning and sluggishness
  The first character is no longer duplicated when dialing from the
  home screen.
• Your smartphone may not have detected headset removal, causing it
  to remain connected to a disabled headset.
• When prompted to add an email account in the Setup Wizard, your
  smartphone may have jumped to “Bluetooth® Setup,” leaving you
  unable to navigate back to email setup.
• If you tried to save changes to a contact that only contained a
  company name, you may have received the error message “Contact
  updated externally. Changes will be lost and the view closed.”

Thanks, to everyone that sent this one in!

We just got a heads up from one of our trusty ninjas and they’ve informed us that, yes finally, BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac will launch September 25th. While we haven’t confirmed this with other sources just yet, we’d put this high on the probability meter seeing as how the latest build is running beautifully.

Thanks, AR19!

BlackBerry-addicted Mac users almost had cause for celebration this morning as RIM announced the official availability of BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac — and then pulled the announcement. Last month we gave you an extensive preview of the software many have been waiting on for years. RIM’s official BlackBerry notes page on Facebook finally made an announcement a short while ago, stating that Desktop Manager for Mac was alive and ready to rock. Woo hoo! Before we could even finish an announcement post however, the note was removed. We’re not sure exactly what’s going on here, but it could be safe to expect the highly anticipated software to go live later today or perhaps sometime later this week. To whoever accidentally hit that publish button and then pulled the note from Facebook, you’re just cruel.

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Sure it’s been announced and even previewed, but there’s nothing like having our very own copy to mess around with. (Someone should check if Zach and Michael are still breathing, though — they might have fainted). If there’s one thing I’ve learned about BlackBerry lovers, it’s that they are relentless and won’t give up. Having said that, it isn’t a complete surprise to see Research In Motion finally move towards a Mac solution. Hit the break for an awesome walkthrough with commentary!

After the application is installed this is the first screen you see. What’s even more awesome? There’s no restart required after installation.

Wait — saving the password in my keychain? So it will automatically connect to my password-protected BlackBerry without me entering my password every. single. time? Sweet marshmallow covered megapixels.

I named my BlackBerry Tour BlackBerry Tour. I think it gives it character…

What ruined an otherwise pleasurable syncing experience is the slow USB transfer speeds. This isn’t limited to just Desktop Manager as Media Sync suffers from the same issue, but it’s worth pointing out since this is probably the only area that isn’t zippy fast in DM.

Oddly, backups aren’t in the traditional BlackBerry .ipd format, they’re using a .bbb extension on the Mac. Whatever works, we suppose.

One interesting thing we have to share with y’all is that there doesn’t appear to be an option to load different operating systems manually. This is probably RIM’s way of “blocking” unofficial OSes, but it’s not really just blocking it, it’s disallowing anyone from installing a BlackBerry OS who doesn’t have an internet connection as they are downloaded directly from RIM.

This isn’t final software by any means, but to be honest, it looks pretty darn close. We’ve been going at it for over three days and have not come across any crashes, issues, or even quirks. Things just work and to be honest, Desktop Manager for Mac is probably a good 2-3x faster than it’s PC counterpart — possibly due to it not being so bloated — and we’ve already deleted our dedicated Virtual Machine in Fusion because this is so nice.

Maybe RIM should focus more on BlackBerry for Mac software. It’s cleaner, faster, less-bloated and generally more pleasurable to use than the horrid excuses they call software for the PC.

Feet feeling a bit cold this afternoon, BlackBerry fans? Don’t worry, that’s just hell freezing over thanks to an announcement from RIM earlier this afternoon. No, seriously. By way of its Inside BlackBerry blog, RIM has put the world on notice — BlackBerry Desktop Manager is coming to OS X in September. Wooo! A quick rundown of highlighted features:

• Sync your iTunes playlists, calendars, contacts, notes and tasks [if Apple doesn't find a way to kill it, of course]
• 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 (security is #1 as always…)
• Manage multiple devices

We’re sure RIM will leave a bit of functionality out of its initial Mac builds but at least Mac users won’t have to bother with Fusion/Parallels/etc every time they fish a new leaked OS out of the swamp. Hit the read link to register for updates on DM for Mac.

[Via Inside BlackBerry]

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Since the first OS upgrade for the Storm came out and OS 4.5 was formally announced by AT&T, a lot of people have been asking if there is a chance that they could lose all of their third-party applications in the upgrade process. While the answer is unfortunately yes, there is a simple back up that can be done to save yourself from going through a stress of losing and replacing all of your apps. Being the kind folks that we are, we thought we’d share it with you. Also, this method works if you want to transfer your applications to a new device as well.

Well, what are you waiting for? Hit up the break and get started!

Step One

To start the application back up process you’ll need to open up the BlackBerry Desktop Manager. Plug in your BlackBerry and enter any necessary passwords. Then click on Device Switch Wizard icon which is located on the top-right hand corner of the Desktop Manager home screen.

Step Two

Once in the Device Switch Wizard, click Start for Switch BlackBerry devices

Step Three

On the right-hand side you will see a check box for “Device and Data Options.” Ensure that it is unchecked and that “Third-party applications” is left checked. Now click “Next”.

Step Four

The Device Switch Wizard is will now backing up your third-party applications. Once it is finished do not click “Cancel” or “Next.”

Step Five

On your computer’s desktop go to Start > Search and search your hard-drive for your device’s PIN number. If you don’t know your PIN, it will be listed at the bottom of Desktop Manager as “Device connected (PIN). Alternatively, you can find it by going to Options > Status on your device. Ensure that you search hidden files and folders. You will find a folder with the same name as your PIN as well as a .alx file. Drag both of these files onto your desktop. On your desktop move the .alx file into the folder and store it somewhere safe. Go back into Desktop Manager and cancel the Device Switch Wizard.

That’s it! You’re done backing up your third-party apps. Should disaster strike and you end up losing all of your apps, restoring them is a simple three-step process.

Step One

Open Desktop Manager, plug in your BlackBerry, enter any necessary passwords and select the Application Loader icon on the top-left hand corner of the Desktop Manager home screen.

Step Two

In Application Loader, click “Start” under Add / Remove Applications.

Step Three

After the Application Loader scans your device, click on “Browse” and locate the folder named after your PIN that contains your application back-ups.

Highlight the .alx file and click “Open”. Then click “Next” and all of your applications will start to be loaded onto your BlackBerry.