RIM announces BlackBerry Protect, free remote backup, restore, and locate service
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The service will remain in beta stage until later this year, but CrackBerry have had a quick preview, and are (predictably) impressed. The main features include:
- Remote Device Management: Locate on map; Activate lound ringer; Lock / password change; Lost and Found screen; Device wipe
- OTA Backup and Restore: Contacts and Calendar; Memos and Tasks; Browser bookmarks; Text messages
- Administration: Based on new BlackBerry user account system (BlackBerry ID); Web-based end user portal; operator call center access
Clearly, this is an appealing service, and one that many users will appreciate — especially if you’ve ever lost your phone.
What’s interesting is that Apple still charges customers $99 per year for their equivalent service. Hey, Steve, now is probably a good time to start considering dropping that fee…
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