The next version of the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software, version 6.0, announced alongside BlackBerry OS 6 and the new Torch 9800 Smartphone (http://na.blackberry.com/eng/devices/blackberrytorch/), boasts a completely revised interface, new features and streamlined setup wizards.

The home screen displays information about your connected device and functionality is accessed by selecting one of the left-hand menu items or from the drop-down menus arranged at the top of the window. The software displays those options that are available for your device, so a new OS6 device will have more features available than an older OS5 device.

Wizards can be accessed under the Device menu, including the Backup / Restore, Switch Devices and Software Update features:

The Applications section displays information on currently installed software on the device as well as memory usage. New apps can be installed and existing apps removed via the wizard as with previous versions:

Included also is the ability to synchronise contacts, calendar, tasks and notes information with desktop PIM applications including Microsoft Outlook as before:

The Music manager enables bidirectional synchronisation of music files between your device and either Windows Media Player or iTunes:

When used with a device running OS 6, a new feature is available which enables you to synchronise changes to your music collection automatically via WiFi: as soon as your device connects to your home wireless network it can synchronise with iTunes or Windows Media Player automatically (provided that the PC hosting the music collection is turned on).

The Pictures and Videos sections enable synchronisation of media files between your device and PC:

The Device Options menu allows you to specify how frequently you want your device to be automatically backed up, and which data you want to be included in that backup:

As well as specifying which media player on the desktop you wish to synchronise music files with and how much memory on the device your music library should be able to occupy:

And specifying where backups should be stored:

The Device Properties view displays detailed information about the device including software version and PIN / IMEI information:

The Desktop Options settings view allows you to enable and configure synchronisation via Bluetooth if available on your PC:

The Mobile Internet feature allows you to use your connected BlackBerry device as a modem to connect your PC to the Internet via the device's cellular connection. When launching the feature for the first time you will be prompted to run through a configuration wizard:

The wizard contains all of the required settings for most major cellular operators, select your provider from the list:

Or alternatively to enter settings manually for a private APN or a non-listed operator select the option to Add a Custom Profile:

You will be prompted to confirm your understanding that using the device as amodem may incur additional charges from your operator:

Once the settings have been applied, you can initiate the connection simply by selecting the menu option, after a few moments you will be connected to the Internet and the data usage will be indicated in the bottom left hand corner:

BlackBerry Desktop Manager 6 is available for download for PC users here - http://na.blackberry.com/eng/services/desktop/