Subscribe
Many of you commented on my “Updating Your BlackBerry Device Software” post back in April saying "...this is great! But what about Mac?” I could not respond to those comments at the time, but I'm happy to say there's some exciting news we can share with you. We have all been hard at work here for a while now, and you may have noticed some Mac support with the preview version of BlackBerry® Media Sync for Mac released back in December. Read on to get the first inside scoop on BlackBerry® Desktop Software that will be coming to Mac in September, and get a first glimpse at a few product screenshots.
Here are some key features the initial release will 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 (security is #1 as always…
) - Manage multiple devices
And it will support Mac® OS 10.5.5 and above.
Make sure to check out www.blackberry.com/mac and sign up to get notified when the software is available, and stay tuned for more posts from me here on Inside BlackBerry as we get closer to the release date.
As promised, here are some screenshots (click to enlarge) - let me know what you think!
Yippieee!!!!! Now if by "September" you mean "September," this is my happiest day as a Blackberry owner. If they try to delay the release of this please smack some people around for me! :-)
Godly :)
NOw the next thing to come out needs to be a Mac simulator and SDK
Just one word: YAY! :)
This is awesome news! I've had so many problems with Pocket Mac and Missing Sync, and have been hobbling along with Google Sync. YEY! Cannot wait to see this!!!
PLEASE get it right. NO lost data on sync, no duplicates and triplicates in cal and address book. PLEASE.
We have suffered enough with pocketmac and missing sync. Two of the worst pieces of software ever.
By the way, I was promised a beta seat.
Absolutely! Both my wife and I paid out for Missing Sync, with which we have risked precisely one sync each, as so much data was missed out or skipped.
Please make sure this works consistently, and we will never buy iPhones!!...Promise ;-)
I would agree that PocketMac isn't that great but Missing Sync is pretty good but yes it could be better. However, the duplicates and triplicates have nothing to do with these pieces of software. It has do with Apple's sync services and they have known problems which many are hoping Snow Leopard will fix. The RIM software for the BlackBerry desktop for the Mac will also use sync services and maybe it will work more effectively. It is also coming out around the same time as Snow Leopard so there is hope.
Fantastic news!
Woo-Hooo!! Role on Sept!
Greatttt News.... My MAC is desperately waiting for this...Release it Soooon Please.
Thank you! I can't wait to stop using Windows on my Mac just to update my BlackBerry device!
This is great news, so THANK YOU RIM. Is there going to be a public beta, if so where can I sign up?
I love that RIM has the time to visit my little website but is lacking the cajones to stand behind their promise.
Huge paranoia, which can be forgiven in Apple, but blackberry?
Share share that's fair!
Will sycning via bluetooth be supported?
Can't wait!!
Wonderful news...it's been a long, living hell trying to put up with PocketMac. In fact, I gave up as soon as Google Sync launched. Now, if only the Gmail Plug-in would get out of beta :-)
Will there be a Beta for this? Can we sign up to help you guys out?
Thats awesome to hear, I´m really looking foward to use the Desktop Manager on my Macbook Pro!
Thank God! I thought I was going to have to go to AT&T and the iPhone to properly sync up with my Mac, but now it looks like I will finally have it all. THANK YOU RIM!!!!
I'm so happy to see this! Have spent hours with Apple and personal tech support; Missing Sync worked at first and then just stopped. Tired of spending time and money with no results. We need this as soon as possible...yeah!
Why should the MAC DM look any differnt to the Windows one. The recently released DM 5 should have looked like this. If its RIMs intention to use the MAC UI for this, there is no reason for the same to happen to Windows.
Its a few years late (which is inexcusable) but this is great news. I was seriously going to have to switch to an iPhone next year when my beta of Windows 7 runs out.
The Mac has awesome Bluetooth support, so start working on wireless synch to the Mac!
Make this software great, blow people away.
This is so excellent. Although I like Missing Sync for the BlackBerry I hate having to go into Windows through Parallels to manage my device, add software etc.
Just curious, is this software going to sync through to sync services as Missing Sync does and from there to other apps.
This is great news and makes Blackberry much (!!!) more attractive on the Mac.
I hope that "Mac OS X 10.5.5 and later" means that it is a Universal Binary (Intel and PPC). Will (G4 and G5) PowerPC machines be supported?
So, now I'm giving up my Macbook for a linux-based netbook. Any Blackberry love for a linux user?
I've used Media Sync for Mac since I got my Storm a few months ago. It works as promised and I'm looking forward to seeing the new software... BUT, where's iPhoto integration for putting pics on my device? Or for uploading pics I take on my Blackberry to iPhoto?
Wow - I think that’s great news for MAC users… but doesn’t do much for the desk-top manager appeal in general!
I just sent an email to RIMM regarding this same subject –
After being a loyal Sony Ericson fan for many years, I just recently became a new Blackberry owner for the first time after purchasing the NEW 8900 Curve with ATT.
The relationship started out a bit rocky at first. I’m already on my 3rd devise in less than 30 days ownership because of software malfunctions and a disturbing echo heard by callers on my previous two phones. However don’t fret – I’m still appreciating the BB owner experience, and assume this is because the 8900 is still new to the market and quirks are still being worked out.
So, given that it’s still only a few weeks, I’m still immersing myself in to the BB culture and figuring out the cool things we can do with the phone vs. what I was able to do with Sony Ericson. Sony makes a great phone product with high quality pictures, video MP3 sound, and their desktop manager did a fairly good job in transferring information to other formats on and from your computer.
Yes, BB does have advantages, but I think there is still a lot of improvements RIM can make to the phone to compete with I-Phone and other PDAs on the market – especially now with the introduction to new Palm Pre
For starters, I think the desktop manager needs to collaborate with ABC Amber BlackBerry to convert SMS messages, emails, media to other formats like PDF, text etc. At the very least, RIMM needs a better desktop manger able to perform the same tasks. I was surprised how easy the Amber software desktop is to operate and their user friendly applications/icons. To be frank, the BB desktop manager is antiquated compared to what Sony offers and Palm, and yes I hate to say it…. APPLE as well!
Please get with the program! NEW Blackberry conformist such as myself are not just looking for a business phone and ways to keep “in-touch” through emails and BB-Messenger – but also want a FULL FUNCTION business and entertainment phone that integrates smoothly with other windows application and data transfer. And of course fun applications similar to what’s offered on I-Phone!
Come one People – synergize with your consumer! Do what Apple does so well!!
Nonetheless…I’m never going back, and am on my way to becoming a “crack-addict”!!
Thanks for listening – and I hope we get a better desktop application soon other than the 5.0 we have now!
this is an awesome news. and as an iPhone developer, the only thing i can ask for now is an Xcode plugin (or Xcode like environment) for BlackBerry application development on a Mac.
Hey, this is great. But what about Linux? ;)
Seriously though: a platform as secure as BB, I'd have had expected Linux to be considered before Mac simply because of the similarities in the approach of the users.
I would really appreciate at least some effort for linux simply because no BB software is available.
I don't know whether it's because of the closed source approach and that being the reason no community HAS developed around it or whether it's because no one feels like it.
Enough said... Since the whole effort for Mac is underway let's try to get Linux on your scope a bit more. Even if it would just consist of sponsoring an open source project,
Just my two cents here ;)
Lars
This is AWESOME news and long overdue. I've had so much trouble with PocketMac, but since I heard about a month ago, from a reliable source, that it was coming in August-September timeframe I chose to hang on just a little longer.
Has anyone heard if it will sync (calendar, contacts, tasks, and notes) directly with Entourage, like the Windows version does with Outlook? I haven't seen this explicitly written anywhere.
From what I can tell the product will use sync services so you will still have to put up with the Entourage/sync services issues which aren't insignificant. Everyone is waiting to see if Snow Leopard will help rectify this problem.
Thanks kerryd and Andrey for the replies.
After I posted my comment I asked a friend that works at RIM if he could find out some information for me. He received the following message from the Product Manager.
"... the short answer is yes, we sync with Entourage. The footnote is that it needs to be enabled to sync with Apple's sync services (just a matter of checking a checkbox in Entourage preferences)..."
I wanted to add this to the thread as it supports your comments.
Now its just a matter of waiting for the release date, whenever that might be. Maybe Snow Leopard and BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac will release on the same day. :)
really thanks!!!!!!!
the best news !!!!
just we need flash support and we have the perfect smartphone!!!
(and appworld support for south america)
Interested in MAC desktop but is anyone doing anything about Blackberry having a Desktop Command Centre to view mobile workers and their real time tasks and jobs for field service and sales automation which then goes to the most popular accounting system Intuit (Quick Books) and MYOB? Ron Hayward
I use a mac & am getting new phone for a new business. Was going to get iphone for the easy syncing with ical, mail, contacts but would prefer Blackberry for lots of reasons
Some basic questions as I'm not too savvy with all this stuff.
Can I use Apple's mail on Blackberry?
I want to use MobileMe. Will I be able to use this on Blackberry?
Does anyone know if you can use MYOB on iphone or Blackberry?
Thanks
What about ical server (caldav) ? is it supported?
Thank you
Simon
Hi Everyone, and thanks for the great comments!
I'll try to answer some of the Qs (at least those that I'm allowed to ;)) in this reply:
VERY new to the BlackBerry Storm 9530, installed the Desktop Manager today - assumed I would see views such as shown for your mac examples - NOT. Should I? If I go to my Windows Explorer and click on the My Computer\BlackBerry9530, then either Device Memory or Media Card - it shows nothing at all in the window. I had a Motorola Q before and was able to move things around so easily using this method, that's what I am looking for. So far I have yet to find this addressed in tutorials which go on and on without really answering my problem.
Carol :-)
Please, make sure it will work with Russian encoding correctly! PocketMac replaced all Russian letters with ??????? symbols.
Please, make sure it will work with Russian encoding correctly! PocketMac replaced all Russian letters with ??????? symbols.
PLEASE, PLEASE. PLEASE GET IT RIGHT BEFORE YOU SHIP...
please, please, please get it right before you ship...
PLEASE, PLEASE. PLEASE GET IT RIGHT BEFORE YOU SHIP...
please, please, please get it right before you ship...
We've all been plagued with the completely non-functional PocketMac, Missing Sync (aptly named, BTW) & Google Sync so PLEEEEEEEEEASE for our sanity...
Get it right, before you ship! PLEASE!
Ah just ship it. Anything at this point is better than nothing. We users will quickly report back how well it works. All new releases require a wide release to iron out issues missed by the beta testers and something is always missed. I can also tell by the screen shots that there will be enhancements to the product. This is definitely a v1 product.
Nice, I know a lot of people that are waiting for this. And like others have commented, hopefully they get it right the first time! Not sure why this took so long but at least it's almost here.
Saw this today on the London Daily Telegraph site
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/stephenhough/100002590/blackberry-and-apple-without-the-crumble/
People are getting really excited!
I just bought a Blackberry Bold today. I have a MAC.
Is this software going to cost money? Or is it free and will be up for download?
Will we be able to wirelessly sync data? ie: update contact info on our blackberry, and it will automatically be updated on our Mac without having to plug in and sync? Just want to make sure it will have the features that the iPhone has. I've been waiting to switch to a Blackberry for over a year now! I hope this is the answer.
I can't wait until RIM launches this software. I wasted 4 hours with VZW tech support when I was unable to sync my MacBook Pro & a new BB Tour 9630 last week. The Pocketmac software and updates were of absolutely no utility to me.
Just took delivery of my brand new 8900 yesterday and getting used to what it can do.
As a Mac user am delighted with this news, however am using Tiger and not (Snow) Leopard so am hoping/praying that this piece of kit will be Tiger compatible.
Does any know if it will be?
Gosh - It is now September and no sign of the Desktop Software for Mac. Does anybody know when this is really coming out. End of Sept? Mid Sept? September 2010?!?!?!?!?
I am desperate - I have just moved to a Mac and the only thing that is stopping me being super effecient is this software!!
Come on RIM where are you with this software? On the website www.blackberry.com/mac it says coming in September. Is that September 2010? You leave a lot to be desired in your support for Mac users. You need to have better control over the user experience. In addition to supporting Mac, you need to work with the carriers on providing a better experience. Why do you think the iPhone is winning?! I need a new phone in two weeks. I am considering the Tour and iPhone. If this software is not out soon and working, then I have to choose the iPhone for its better integration into Mac OS X.
Let go!!!!
September is going to be a long month
I just heard yesterday we should see it September 25th. That will be exactly 4 weeks after Snow Leopard was released. I wonder if they discovered some serious issues once the final release of SL hit the shelves.
I'm praying for a quicker release as I've completely given up on PocketMac Sync.
This is great! Can't wait for this to come out. Switched to the iphone for 3 weeks because I wanted something that integrated with the MacOS better. However the ATT service was crap, so I switched back to the BB. Thanks for getting this out!
It is now September we're waiting......
When is the final release version being launched? Your Facebook page made an announcement that the software was releasing last week before being pulled.
I downloaded the beta and the software needs to have some glitches worked out (i.e., scrambled Mac to BB contact information sync, iCal event information changed upon syncing, etc.) I hope the wait is because RIM is quality testing the final version before release.
Can't wait .... it's September 23rd ... how much longer????
:-)
It is now 25th September. There were rumours that the software would be released today. Still nothing from RIM on the blackberry page.They have a section that says register for updates. I have received no updates. I did go though the UK switchboard and got through to someone in Business tech support. They said "well I am not sure when, but there are a few days left in September" Nice ......not. All good things come to those who wait. Patience, patience and more patience :-)
Will the Blackberry Desktop Software allow to synch with Entourage or just the Address Book on the Mac?
It's now 9/28. Starting to wonder if by "September," RIM really means "early 2010."
Hey RIM, Great job with over promising and under delivering. 36 hours til the end of September 2009. I have searched hi and low looking for a solution for my business and personal needs. It is your best interest to get-r-done before people start loosing interest in your product. Light a fire, burn some midnight oil, just get it done.
Gee, RIM, you sure are making it easier for me to decided to drop blackberry and go with an iphone. My blackberry has been rendered useless because of the subpar desktop software. Can you at least give us a realistic date for the software release? I only pray that it works much better than PocketCrap.
Hee masters at RIM, would it be possible to have the application today? We are dead keen to to sync contacts, email and our calendars and....to get on with our work. Please! best, Albrecht
Makes me think they're struggling with bugs. This makes me less enthusiastic about downloading it right away. I'll probably wait a while before using. I don't want it to wreck my BB, iCal, or Address book.
RIM's page now says Oct 2.
Today I installed the Desktop Manager onto my iMac running Snow Leopard.
For some reason, recurring appointments are not recognised and there seems to be no way to sync "one-way" from my Curve to the iMac.
Has anyone else experienced these issues and found a work around?
Looking on the Mac Forum, there seem to be a lot of negative comments about the desktop manager and its current limitations.
Any help/guidance/advice will be very much appreciated.
Play nicely