The BlackBerry Torch 9800 is the first RIM Smartphone to feature the latest version of the BlackBerry Operating System, version 6, with upgrades for certain existing devices also on the roadmap. So what can you expect from this new release?

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.

Over on the Inside BlackBerry web site they have posted an article introducing the new BlackBerry Protect service - http://blogs.blackberry.com/2010/07/introducing-blackberry-protect

Still only available in beta, the new service will provide consumers with the ability to backup their device data to a cloud-based storage area, remotely lock and change the password on their device, remotely wipe their device, or cause the device to ring if they have misplaced it by logging into their account via a web browser.

You can also track your device via your web browser by using the device's in-built GPS capability, and can also create a message to be displayed on the device screen in the event that it is found.

Read more on the BlackBerry Blog site.

RIM have released SP2 for BES 5 for both Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Domino flavours. Weighing in at 668MB (for Exchange) and 678MB (for Domino), the update is a complete copy of the BES software.

Both updates can be downloaded free of charge from the BlackBerry web site - http://blackberry.com/go/serverdownloads

New features for Microsoft Exchange deployments include:

RIM have published two maintenance releases for the BES 5 software for download on the BlackBerry web site:

• BlackBerry Enterprise Server v5.0 Service Pack 1 Maintenance Release 3 for Microsoft Exchange
  
• BlackBerry Enterprise Server v5.0 Service Pack 1 Maintenance Release 2 for IBM Lotus Domino

The packages are available for download from http://www.blackberry.com/go/serverdownloads

These updates include bug fixes rather than any new functionality.

Over on the Inside BlackBerry Blog a video has been posted giving an overview of the updated BlackBerry MVS solution announced at WES this year.

On the BlackBerry web site are a number of interactive device demonstrations, perfect for getting your virtual hands on a BlackBerry to 'try before you buy'.

Available demos include:

RIM have posted a video to YouTube providing a sneak preview of the new features and user interface elements that we can expect from the next version of the BlackBerry handheld operating system, BlackBerry 6: