RIM to release BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac

Research In Motion is preparing to release the anticipated BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac. Designed specifically for Mac users, it will be free to download on the company's Mac page come 10AM PDT Friday, October 2. The Mac edition of BlackBerry Desktop Manager allows people to sync data with Mac apps for contacts, appointments, tasks, and notes. Additionally, it can schedule back-ups, encrypt files, and even install updates.

Taking a step beyond the business realm, the new software also features BlackBerry Media Sync, which supports the synchronization of iTunes music. Users can choose the playlists they want, and all the associated tracks will be transferred to the handset. The utility requires Mac OS X 10.5.5 or higher, so the laggards running Tiger are out of luck. BlackBerry devices must have BlackBerry OS 4.2 and higher installed.