BlackBerry Protect arrives to save your phone

If you're one of those serial BB losers, RIM has unveiled BlackBerry connect to help keep you emailed up to the eyeballs.

The new service offers a range of options should you mislay your BlackBerry, from simply locking it remotely to completely wiping the contents of the handset - lest you divulge the secrets of a nation, should you be an MI5 agent.

BlackBerry users will be able to download the free application and also get access to a web portal where they can perform functions remotely on a lost phone.

This can even include switching on the GPS, or using cell towers to ascertain the location of the device - handy if you don't think it's been nabbed and you've just left it at somebody's house.

Half-inched

If you do think it's been swiped, you can send a message to the phone, or even have it ring loudly - it might not deter a thief, but if they're nearby it will be easier to hear.

Users are able to back up their data periodically, so therefore not using large volumes of data when all you've done is add a couple of contacts in.

This can be performed at any time, or under special conditions - for instance, when you're in a Wi-Fi zone and the data allowances are less of a problem.

This data can then be restored over the air to any new BlackBerry device, meaning your precious messages and contacts won't be lost.

The service is currently in closed beta, but will be opening up 'this fall', according to Alan Brenner, senior VP of the BlackBerry platform at RIM.

However, no full release date for BlackBerry Protect has been announced.