The latest version of the BlackBerry Desktop Software has just hit the beta zone. This time it rings in at version 7.1 and is ready for the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha as well as 4G PlayBook (I'll take one of each, thanks).

Updates include:

• Media sync enhancements including individual selection, sync by album, and customizable columns in collections mode
• Support for 4G PlayBooks
• Support for new BlackBerry 7 OS devices
• Major bug fixes and PIM sync improvements as highlighted in the Release Notes (in downloads section)
• Support for BB10 Alpha Developer devices

Looks like only some minor tweaks and fixes aside from there, but if you're a Beta Zone member you can grab the update anyway. Head to the link below to sign up if you're not already a member.

Check out more in the BlackBerry Beta Zone

If you're looking to test out the latest BlackBerry Desktop Software, you'll find it now available for download in the BlackBerry Beta Zone. Keep in mind, it is only available to North American users though there is no keycode required for installation. The known issues list is long for this one so before you commit to downloading it, make sure you give it a look as it may be something you wish to avoid for now and let those who don't mind bugs work the kinks out. Also, this is for Windows users only -- there is no Mac version offered at this time.

Download BlackBerry Desktop Software v7.0 Bundle 59

If you're a Mac user, RIM has rolled out the latest update to BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac pushing it to v2.3. This update, is rather slim on the change log as noted below:

With BlackBerry® Desktop Software 2.3, you can synchronize your media files, back up and restore your data, and update software on BlackBerry® PlayBookTM tablets running BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0.  For more information about this release, visit http://www.blackberry.com/desktop/docs/.

If you're a little hesitant about updating to this release, we really wouldn't blame you but that said -- it's there if you're looking to give it a go. You can download it from the RIM website or if you already BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac installed it should alert you of the update. Thanks, @NB550!

Download BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac

If you've managed to download the latest BlackBerry Desktop Software for Windows being Desktop Software v7.0 B44, then chances are you come across some issues with it. As noted in the CrackBerry Forums on several occasions now, there appears to an issue when syncing your BlackBerry smartphone with the software. Many folks have reported the sync will either never complete or just simply hangs there on certain stages of the syncing process.

Continue reading article

We've known for a while now RIM was planning on getting BlackBerry Desktop Software v7.0 out the door for users with it having been already in the BlackBerry Beta Zone for a while. With the impending release of PlayBook OS 2.0, now is a good a time as any to get it onto PC's so with that in mind, RIM has made it available for download directly from their website. This version applies only to Windows users but a Mac update should be following shortly. If you're looking for more info on the changes, check out the RIM knowledge base articles for this release which are now public and available for viewing to all.

Download BlackBerry Desktop Software v7.0 B44

While I'm sure some of you may have already received this update via automatic updates, for those of you out there who may have not to enabled them -- the download is available via the BlackBerry web site. Nothing substantial can be found in the change log but it's always good to make sure you have the latest version in case there is some change not noted within. In this case, the noted changes are support for both the BlackBerry Curve 9350 and the BlackBerry Curve 9370.

Download BlackBerry Desktop Manager v6.1.0 Bundle 38

The latest BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac has finally been released after a long stay in the BlackBerry Beta Zone. v2.2.0 build 10 was what was tested, and now v2.2.0 build 17 has been posted for all. No change log is available as of yet for this release but safe to assume it's mostly bug fixes and general support for newer devices that is built-in. Thanks, @Ewakil12!

Note: If you have the old beta installed, you may need to remove it in order to install this version.

Download BlackBerry Desktop Software For Mac v2.2.0.17

After years of neglecting their Mac user baser, RIM seems to now be putting a lot more attention into making sure the BlackBerry tools available to Windows users are now also available to Mac users. As such, another update to BlackBerry Desktop Software For Mac is now available in the BlackBerry Beta Zone. This updates the currently available v2.1.2 to v2.2.. If you have a BlackBerry Beta Zone account and are signed up for the Desktop Software program you can now login and grab the download. Note however, this version is only available to North American users currently.

More info available in the BlackBerry Beta Zone

Although the information shows it was actually updated on the 15th, we're only now starting to see the in-app update information pop up as folks start attaching their new BlackBerry smartphones to their Macs. BlackBerry Desktop Manager v2.1.2 Build 8 is now available for Mac users through the BlackBerry website or through BlackBerry Desktop Manager's in-app update process. From the looks of it, it just adds support for all the new BlackBerry 7 devices now that they are official:

Support for new smartphones:

• BlackBerry® Torch™ 9810
• BlackBerry® Torch™ 9850
• BlackBerry® Torch™ 9860
• BlackBerry® Bold™ 9900
• BlackBerry® Bold™ 9930

That's about it, nothing dramatic has changed in the app -- just support for new devices but still nice to see an update roll out pretty quickly. The release notes (PDF) and user-guide (PDF) have also been made available should you need them.

Download BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac v2.1.2

Research in Motion is rolling out updates left and right, with Facebook for BlackBerry, foursquare for BlackBerry, official instant messaging apps, and BlackBerry Travel updates all available in the last week. Today is the day for all of you Mac users out there, as BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac was just updated to v2.1.1.7 . You can grab the update by heading to the website at the link below, or you can open up Desktop Manager and check for updates to get the download prompt. Thanks for the tip Mike M!

Download Desktop Manager for Mac

A new BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac update has just hit the BlackBerry Beta Zone for those of you who may have had issues with the previous build that was made available. At this time, RIM hasn't posted up the release notes for viewing the changes but if we had to guess -- it has some BlackBerry PlayBook changes in it as well support for BlackBerry 7 devices. If you're a beta zone member, the update is available now. If you're not a beta zone member, there is alternative link available below.

Download from the BlackBerry Beta Zone (mirror)

Alright, we'll admit it. We did kind of miss this one previously. But that's only because we were busy playing with the new Desktop Software v2.0.0.64 for Mac. Luckily though, we have some community members who kindly let us know that the Windows version of BlackBerry Desktop Software also got a nice version bump up to v6.0.1.18. The only problem with this release is the fact that we do not have a change log to go with it. But hopefully some of you all out there can let us know what, if anything has changed in the comments. You can run the update manager for the desktop software or download it manually from the BlackBerry website. Thanks to Dave and Bandar for sending this in!

Download BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Windows