Mac users to get BlackBerry management software

Research In Motion is to release a version of its BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac users, the handset-maker announced on Monday.

In a post on its official blog, RIM said the software would "come to the Mac in September". The synchronisation and device management software is currently available only for Windows users.

BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac will allow users to manage and update their on-device applications from their desktops, as well as update the firmware of the device itself.

The software can also be used for backing up and restoring the device, with optional encryption.

Calendar and contact synchronisation are features of the BlackBerry software.

Users will also be able to manage multiple devices from one desktop.

BlackBerry users will also be able to synchronise their iTunes playlists from their Macs to their handsets.

The software will work on Mac OS versions 10.5.5 and above.