Over the past few months we have been hearing rumors that BlackBerry is working on a dashboard that will allow users to access their files, contacts, conversations and more stored on a BlackBerry device using a PC or a smartphone/tablet from any other manufacturer. At the release event for BlackBerry Passport today the company finally unveiled BlackBerry Blend, a new dashboard that lets users do just that.
The idea with Blend is to enable users to work seamlessly across multiple devices while not compromising on BlackBerry’s coveted security. BlackBerry Blend apps are now available for Windows, Mac and Android with the iPad app being launched in the near future. Initially the BlackBerry Passport is going to be the only device compatible with this dashboard.
Through these applications users can access their BlackBerry Passport provided that its hooked up to either a Wi-Fi network or a cellular connection. Blend can also be used if the device is hooked up to the PC via USB. They then get access to files, calendars, conversations and more stored on the device and can even use the dashboard to transfer files across devices. BlackBerry reiterates that this seamless experience is also secure.
When the device is hooked up users won’t ever miss a BBM or text messages as Blend will automatically bring over these new messages to an integrated hub that will be available across devices, even if that’s a PC or tablet, both of which BlackBerry does not make.
Its a free service and the BlackBerry Blend apps are available for free as well on Windows, Mac and Android. Blend may be opened up to other BB devices once they receive the OS 10.3 update later this year.
Filed in . Read more about Apps, BlackBerry and BlackBerry Blend.