RIM Launches BlackBerry 6 Desktop Software

In advance of the BlackBerry Torch’s 12 Aug. debut on the AT&T network, Research In Motion has made BlackBerry Desktop Software 6.0 available. In July, RIM had originally offered it in beta form.

The updated interface optimizes the experience of synching media content between a PC and BlackBerry handsets, particularly those running BlackBerry 6, as the Torch does. According to RIM, its new desktop software features an updated interface and a more user-friendly menu for syncing, managing and updating BlackBerry smartphones. It also makes it simple to add or remove applications or other files.

Syncing, Updating

Desktop Software 6 is compatible with Microsoft Outlook, Windows Calendar, IBM Lotus Notes and Yahoo, and allows users to synchronise Organizer information between a PC and handset.

The Torch is the first BlackBerry smartphone to feature the BlackBerry 6 OS, as well as to pair a dedicated RIM keypad with a multi-touch display. RIM executives hope that this one-two punch, along with the company’s gradually growing collection of applications, will help the brand to better compete in North American markets against the Apple iPhone and the range of new smartphones running Google’s Android operating system.

While RIM posted solid revenues during the first quarter of its fiscal year 2011 — $4.24 billion, up 24 percent from a year earlier — it continues to rely heavily on interest from international markets, and its market share in North America has slipped during five consecutive quarters.

Less Loyalty To Blackberry

In a 2 Aug. blog post, ratings company Nielsen revealed the findings of survey that found BlackBerry owners to be not nearly as loyal to their devices as those with iPhones or Android-running devices. With the Torch and BlackBerry 6, Nielsen implied, RIM had better get it right, or it risks of losing a good portion of its audience.

Early reviewers of the Torch, however, have written that, while the cleaned-up and more-modern device may enable RIM hold on to current customers, it’s unlikely to do much stealing of new ones from competitors.