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Sybase subsidiary iAnywhere has released a new beta of AvantGo for BlackBerry handhelds. While the mobile internet service has been available for RIM devices before, the latest version adds significant enhancements, including some features long available to other platforms, like Windows Mobile and the Palm OS.

With the new beta, BlackBerry users can access and sync AvantGo's thousands of handheld-formatted Internet channels through a downloadable client from the BlackBerry desktop, which can then be synced to the handheld. So like with devices built on other mobile operating systems, the AvantGo for BlackBerry software caches content locally, providing enhanced navigation, faster browsing and the ability to access content even if disconnected, say on the subway or on a plane.

The previous beta version of the AvantGo for BlackBerry client was an online service accessible from within the built-in BlackBerry Web browser only. It didn't store pages on a BlackBerry for later viewing or sync pages from a desktop. Therefore BlackBerry users didn't have the option and convenience of accessing AvantGo content without a wireless connection like with the other mobile platforms.

With the new AvantGo for BlackBerry beta, iAnywhere says it is also previewing a background/trickle sync feature for the first time. Trickle sync updates pages on a device automatically and in the background so a user always has access to the latest information without having to do anything. The company has also made the AvantGo available as a over-the-air download.

"This next generation of AvantGo further strengthens our support of today's top mobile devices, such as the RIM BlackBerry," said Babak Hodjat, senior director of engineering at iAnywhere Solutions to PDAStreet. "As the mobile Web continues to gain acceptance, users worldwide require easy access to news and information that's visually appealing. With AvantGo, content is optimized for mobile devices, enabling millions of BlackBerry users to quickly browse thousands of mobile Web sites while on the go, wherever they may be."

iAnywhere told PDAStreet this new version of AvantGo, with the enhanced wireless functionality, will be rolled out to other supported mobile device platforms in the coming months. In addition to Palm and Windows Mobile (Pocket PC & Smartphone) this would include Symbian (S60 & UIQ).

In addition to its traditional channels, AvantGo enables consumers to view RSS subscriptions on their PDA or smartphone, online and offline. There's also a Travel Guide, available as an additional "tab" within the application, that allows users to access flight itineraries, weather, directions, maps and city guides.