While most mobile devices can be updated and synchronized over the air using a data or a wifi connection without the need for an extra utility, Samsung still provides a dedicated app that has been designed to help with transferring files, apps, settings and more to and from your phone or tablet. Samsung Kies is a free tool that enables you to keep your mobile device updated as well as providing you with various synchronization options.

The most pressing reason for making use of Kies is that it enables you to update the firmware for your mobile device – this is something that thousands of users who have been eagerly anticipating the release of Ice Cream Sandwich will have to do soon if they want the latest version of Android. But it is Kies’ synchronization options that are of greater interest as they open up more possibilities.

Being tied to a desktop app is something of a pain, and when firmware can be update over the air with other devices, you may well begrudge Samsung’s approach to things. However, the ability to sync contacts with Outlook, Yahoo and Google is useful, as is the option of creating music playlists and copying them back to your mobile device to enjoy on the move.

There is also a Mac version of the app available, which is great news for Mac owners who have previously had to seek out a PC to keep their device up to date. If you are unimpressed with the notion of being tied to your computer with a cable, a wifi option is also available, but only with Galaxy S, Galaxy S I, Galaxy Tab, Wave II and Wave.