RIM Poised to Bring Better Mac Support; Where's the Apple Love, Microsoft?

Research in Motion is poised to bring a full-fledged standalone Mac sync client to Apple desktops and laptops for its BlackBerry synchronization software called BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac. Currently, the Canadian smartphone maker has been relying on third-party clients, even bundling one for free (through an electronic download) to allow its handhelds to synchronize with Apple computers. The move will bring better integration with BlackBerry devices and allow better iTunes media sync integration, enable Mac users to download and install compatible handheld software via the computer, and offer the ability to backup and restore the handheld.

With more smartphone makers supporting the Apple ecosystem, it's curious as to why Microsoft is neglecting Mac users who may want to use the Redmond, WA company's handhelds and smartphones in a Mac environment. Virtualization and emulation technology on newer Intel-based Apple computers could theoretically mean that Microsoft could develop components of ActiveSync, including the ability to run an EXE install file from the Mac without Mac users needing to install a full copy of Windows through the Wine emulation technology.

In the meantime, Windows Mobile users on a Mac users could sync with a nice third party client called Eltima SyncMate, which is now in its second revision. Version 2 of the sync software, according to Eltima's press release, provides "you with the opportunity to read your SMS right from Mac OS X computer, share Internet between Mac and Windows Mobile devices and visually analyze detailed information of the Windows Mobile devices connected (battery state or memory usage)." I have used the first version of SyncMate and highly recommend the software for a Mac-Windows Mobile environment.

There are two versions--a free and a paid version with additional media synchronization capabilities--available from Eltima.

(via: SlashGear)