iSync Update

[Le Big Mac]

Think Secret (http://www.thinksecret.com/news/isync11.html) is reporting a revised version of iSync.

iSync is, to me, one of the biggest disappointments Apple has right now. It's been around for quite some time, but still supports only one phone that's readily available, and it's now an outdated model (after all of 6 months). Worse, from teh Apple discussions, it seems like a lot of people can't get it working.

Here's hoping Apple comes out with a revised version that works as promissed with a much broader selection of phones.

(and personally hoping that I can finally start using the bluetooth I had installed in my imac)

[D0ct0rteeth]

I was just thinking about this today. I have a t68i and all the bluetooth toys.. but nothing really works. The phone is subpar and the bluetooth doent really work all the time.

I hope this gets better.. still a beta as far as I am concerned.

-Doc


Here is the article:

According to insiders, the update will add support for a number of new Bluetooth-enabled phones, but will also support synching of Motorola and Nokia phones via USB. Another new addition will be Safari bookmark sync, a feature hinted at by a bug in Safari beta 2, saying that bookmarks could not be updated because "iSync is synchronizing your bookmarks."

Sources also confirmed that Apple is developing over-the-air synching support, though it's unclear as to whether this will appear in iSync 1.1 or in a later update such as iSync 2, which could be announced this summer. Over-the-air support would allow for synching a phone and computer remotely, over a GSM or GPRS network. Apple is reportedly working on this support for the SyncML standard, but sources said that the absorption of the SyncML organization by the Open Mobile Alliance has led to snags with Apple over patent disclosure.

This functionality was first hinted at in a February Think Secret report, where a spokeswoman for corporate OTA sync provider FusionOne confirmed that the company was an Apple technology partner for iSync. FusionOne's Web site also said that it was working with Apple to develop over-the-air synchronization services for Mac users, and that Apple would make an announcement soon. The blurb was removed and the company denied that it was ever on its site, but cached pages confirmed the news.

[Chad4Mac]

Well, if you do have the right phone to work with iSync, it comes in handy. I use it all the time and have had great success with it. I can't understand how people are having such a hard time with it, because there is nothing to the software anyways; I'll bet you they are having a difficult time confinging Bluetooth more so that iSync.

However, I will agree with you that it needs to support a broader range of phones.

I've got Bluetooth built into my 17in PB, and I'm looking forward for new devices to come to the Mac in the near future so I can utilize my BT too.

Wait, Apple added two new phones to 10.2.5. Do they work with iSync? If they don't, I'll bet my bottom dollar that this think Secert is true...


Chad4Mac

[Le Big Mac]

Originally posted by Chad4Mac


Wait, Apple added two new phones to 10.2.5. Do they work with iSync? If they don't, I'll bet my bottom dollar that this think Secert is true...


Chad4Mac

I think from the apple support discussions that they work as a BT modem but they can't sync address books, etc., because the sync software isn't directly compatible.

The fact that this reported update will also allow USB syncing is also great, because that potentially means people don't need a BT phone. That will only increase the user base.

[MacRumors]

ThinkSecret reports (http://www.thinksecret.com/news/isync11.html) that iSync will be updated to 1.1 as early as May:
Sources told Think Secret that Apple is prepping an update to its iSync software. The update, which will likely be designated Version 1.1, is expected to be ready for release later in May.

The update is expected to expand device support and possibly incorporate new features such as Safari bookmark syncing.

[edesignuk]

Sorry arn, there is a thread on this already http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25846

You can't win 'em all! :)

[alset]

I don't have a BT phone, so I wouldn't know how useful iSync is with anything other than my Macs. For my Address Book, however, it's very useful. Doesn't anyone else use it to synchronize machines?

Dan

[hazmat]

This announcement is making me very very happy. I have a Motorola V60c with USB data cable and this is the one thing that I still need a PC for, since Motorola/Starfish/Truesync only supports Windows. Is this works and I can finally sync my phone to the Mac, I will be in paradise!

[iJon]

i think isync will soon be one of apples signatrure apps. i use it all the time with ical, ipod and my .mac aco****. i keep my powerbook and powemac in sync. i havent tried the phone part though. i just wish they had safari support, which from the new build it shows that they are working on it, just not implemented yet.

iJon

[game boy 64]

on 3 occasions, by safari has stopped me from saving a bookmark, saying that they're being synched, and to try again soon....

[Le Big Mac]

Originally posted by game boy 64
on 3 occasions, by safari has stopped me from saving a bookmark, saying that they're being synched, and to try again soon....

What exactly will this sync with? Another computer? Seems like a fairly useless feature, other than for folks with several computers in their house (although, maybe that's pretty significant).

[NitzerX]

Originally posted by alset
I don't have a BT phone, so I wouldn't know how useful iSync is with anything other than my Macs. For my Address Book, however, it's very useful. Doesn't anyone else use it to synchronize machines?

Dan

I use it to sync 3 computers, it's invaluable! Don't have a mobile phone yet (never much had need for one), but am looking at getting one soon. Sync working with more phones would be awesome! I was somewhat resigned to not being able to get a phone that would have sync capability.

Bring it on Apple!!! :)

[bokdol]

Originally posted by edesignuk
Sorry arn, there is a thread on this already http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25846

You can't win 'em all! :)

i thought arn was arn and Macrumors was someone else on staff?

[astomatous]

I just tried to bookmark a page on Safari and it said synching with iSync, try again later, anyone know what that means?

[Blackcat]

I think this might mean a new device.
I hope it includes P800 support too.

[moosecat]

I still haven't gotten iSync to work (trying to sync a Palm with .mac with iApps with iPod). Granted, I haven't tried very hard to figure out the problem, but the two or three times I have tried it is so interminably slow that after a half-hour or 45 minutes, I just give up and cancel.

Maybe it's because I've been using my Palm for a long time and it's got appointments going back a couple years. I dunno. But it's annoying.

Maybe this update will improve my chances of success.

[szark]

Originally posted by bokdol
i thought arn was arn and Macrumors was someone else on staff?

Macrumors is (as I understand it) a set of automated scripts used to update the various pages of the site correctly for a news update. :)

[NHMac]

Originally posted by Le Big Mac
What exactly will this sync with? Another computer? Seems like a fairly useless feature, other than for folks with several computers in their house (although, maybe that's pretty significant).

I have multiple computers in my house and i would love this feature!

Could also publish your bookmarks on your .mac page so you could have access while stuck at different machine.

And syncing bookmarks might be important for what ever else steve has up his sleeves.... think tablet/pda/powerpod sorts of rumors

[Chad4Mac]

Originally posted by Le Big Mac
I think from the apple support discussions that they work as a BT modem but they can't sync address books, etc., because the sync software isn't directly compatible.

The fact that this reported update will also allow USB syncing is also great, because that potentially means people don't need a BT phone. That will only increase the user base.

Ya, you can't see the addresses of your contacts on the phone (though you can see the phone numbers and email) after you sync the Mac and the Phone, which is really stupid.

The USB syncing would be nice for you, but for me, I can't imagine carrying around my USD cable to connect the phone.

Chad4Mac

[frozenstar]

I sincerely hope this update adds SyncML and/or P800 support. Steve touted Apple's great relationship with Sony Ericsson at MWNY, yet the T68i is still the only Sony Ericsson phone that iSync works with.

[Snowy_River]

Well, I, for one, am glad to hear about this. The more compatibility, the broader the appeal. Out of curiosity, does anyone understand the usefulness of syncing bookmarks? Would it be for browsing on your handheld?

[Le Big Mac]

Originally posted by frozenstar
I sincerely hope this update adds SyncML and/or P800 support. Steve touted Apple's great relationship with Sony Ericsson at MWNY, yet the T68i is still the only Sony Ericsson phone that iSync works with.

In theory, they should have several S-E phones, which are coming out in the next few months, since they all use the same basic software.

And there are some new Siemens phones that should be made compatible, since the older Siemens phones are.

And a couple of new Nokias have software that should be compatible.

Others maybe as well.

[celaurie]

I've had the current iSync tell me it's backing up Safari bookmarks... Thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24751)

[Blackcat]

Originally posted by frozenstar
I sincerely hope this update adds SyncML and/or P800 support. Steve touted Apple's great relationship with Sony Ericsson at MWNY, yet the T68i is still the only Sony Ericsson phone that iSync works with.

The P800 was 6 months late so I wonder if an Apple branded P800 was in the pipeline.

Maybe it might still happen? All the printers and digital cameras were rebadged, and SE already does this for Orange.

SE needs the sales, and it would be an easy iPhone.

[celaurie]

I've had the current iSync release tell me it's backing up Safari bookmarks... Thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24751)

[puffmarvin]

p800 p800 p800 p800 p800 p800 p800 p800 p800 p800 p800 p800 p800 p800 p800 p800 PLEASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSE!!

[MacBoy88]

Originally posted by NitzerX
I use it to sync 3 computers, it's invaluable! Don't have a mobile phone yet (never much had need for one), but am looking at getting one soon. Sync working with more phones would be awesome! I was somewhat resigned to not being able to get a phone that would have sync capability.

Bring it on Apple!!! :)

How do you sync between computers?:confused:

[aguaone]

Still waiting for bluetooth to take off. New phone, new devices, etc. This is technology that is definately dragging. Who is really supporting this?

[adamberti]

With some rumors/ideas floating around about using your iPod as a home type folder that could load your settings, it would be real nice to hook up my iPod to any machine and have an "iPod" bookmark list. If you're at school, at work, maybe in the library, or at a friends you can just connect it (maybe wirelessly someday) and there's your iPod Bookmark list - kinda like when Steve showed off the Rendezvous with iTunes, it just shows up and you can use it.

[trilogic]

I use iSync with my T68i regularly and it works great. I have no problems :cool:

but there should be more phones supported.

[DaveGee]

Originally posted by Snowy_River
Well, I, for one, am glad to hear about this. The more compatibility, the broader the appeal. Out of curiosity, does anyone understand the usefulness of syncing bookmarks? Would it be for browsing on your handheld?

Usefulness?

Well... less see, here are the total number of machines I have access to and my own account on.

1 - My personal G4 tower @ home
2 - My personal TIBook
3 - My wifes G4 cube @ home
4 - My main office G4
5 - My main office laptop.
6 - 9 assorted other office machines.

That's 5 (9 really) different system and I'm forever wanting/needing bookmarks that are on _insert_other_system_ (other than the one I happen to be working on that very moment).

I love the fact that my address book and calendar are all in sync (even with my iPod and Palm!!) bookmarks would be a WELCOME addition.

Dave

[CountZero]

All I want from the next version is so I can set for my Clie to overwrite iCal and Address Book. Is that so hard to do? :confused:

[kylos]

Originally posted by iJon
i use it all the time with ical, ipod and my .mac aco****.
iJon

Transpositions can make you look like a potty mouth.

[iJon]

Originally posted by Kyle?
Transpositions can make you look like a potty mouth.
hmm, what did i say? lol

iJon

[schweb]

All I want is PocketPC support....when, oh when will iSync suppor this? :(

[kylos]

Originally posted by iJon
hmm, what did i say? lol

iJon

Oh, nothing. *looks about casually as if nothing is wrong.*

[evoluzione]

Originally posted by iJon
hmm, what did i say? lol

iJon

unfortunate typo mate, um, aco "see you next tuesday" i believe is what you ended up with lol



with regards to the P800, i updated a boss's TiBook (i'm setting up his 17" ALbook in the morning yay) to 10.2.5 and it recognised the P800, and would sync the address book and that's about it i think, i'll look more tomorrow as i had to run when i saw it yesterday....it's getting there....slowly

[MacSween]

iSync needs to add the links that would tie iCal to Exchange server calendar functions. Then all corporate Mac users could participate completely in the corporate environment with all the native Mac OS X apps. No need for Entourage from that "other company".:)

[gerror]

It is about time to connect my 7650. I hate it when I make 10 pictures I have to send them 1 by 1.

[NitzerX]

Originally posted by MacBoy88
How do you sync between computers?:confused:
Requires mac.com account. You have to register your computers using iSync. It's really slick. Having your address book at home at work or on the road through webmail is just awesome!

[Wardofsky]

Actually, I'm starting to use iSync more than I planned to.

Ever since I got my iPod I have been putting my timetable into iCal, adding addresses and e-mails to Address book.

We may get a Sony T68i and a new palm, it makes it connect in a sense.

The sound of Bookmark Sync sounds good as I have multiple computers with multiple users.

[g4macuser]

what i would like them to include into iSync is file syncing between two local computers not just between your local puter and .Mac. this may exist and i don't know about it but it didn't the last time i had a look at isync