RIM’s desktop software for BlackBerry has long been a good way to organize side-loaded content like music, video, and pictures, as well as back up important contacts and messages, but recently the software has been updated to organize all sorts of files on the BlackBerry’s microSD card (or local storage, in the PlayBook’s case). We saw the first signs of this update a few months ago, though didn’t know any specifics about the features. The new Files feature is a pretty basic file system browser that lets you organize files in different views or with different sorting options, as well as add new folders, and drag/drop files to and from your desktop. There are a few other things included in BlackBerry Desktop Software 6.1. Music synchronization over the local Wi-Fi network now doesn’t require the Desktop Software to open in order to work, making for nice, seamless continuity between devices. On the security side, encrypted files can be synced, as well as Enterprise Server security certificates.
The Files feature is nice and all, but it’s nothing that isn’t available simply by putting your BlackBerry in Mass Storage mode and browsing through it in the native OS, but it is kind of nice to have everything folded into the Desktop Software for the sake of simplicity. The new Wi-Fi music sync feature is solid, it’s just too bad that the PlayBook doesn’t support it yet. As a Wi-Fi-only media-centric device, you’d think it’s something RIM would try to get in there ASAP.
To download BlackBerry Desktop Software 6.0.1.35 bundle 34, just open up your currently-installed application, and you should be prompted to update. If you don’t have it yet, it’s available for free over here.