iSync 2.1 Now Available

[MacAztec]

Well, Apple quietly released iSync 2.1 today. From Software Update: iSync 2.1 supports compatibility for more devices such as the latest Motorola, Nokia, Panasonic and Sony Ericsson phones. For a complete list of supported devices, please check http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/isync/devices.html

[wwooden]

I guess my samsung phone will never get on there. Oh well, I'll still download the update.

[vd0t]

Right now, you'll have to go to Software Update to get iSync 2.1 but shortly you should be able to get it from the Apple Downloads page.
Post your results here.

For complete list of all supported phones go here:
http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/isync/devices.html

[vd0t]

As a side note, there's no mention of an iTunes phone. Or the Motorola E790 (the supposed iTunes phones). :rolleyes:

[croshtique]

Bah, no SE K600 (V600i) yet... although hopefully this latest update will be more forthcoming when it comes to hacking the plist files...

[mkrishnan]

At this rate, I'm starting to feel like Apple should just publish the standard for the library files for different phones, and let a GIMPPrint-esque culture rise up around it....

[Freg3000]

As a side note, there's no mention of an iTunes phone. Or the Motorola E790 (the supposed iTunes phones). :rolleyes:

I wouldn't be surprised if Apple made you use iTunes to sync everything related to your iTunes phone considering their crazy syncing policy as of late.

It used to take 1 app to sync everything, now it takes 3! :rolleyes:

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Now available via Software Update:iSync 2.1 supports compatibility for more devices such as the latest Motorola, Nokia, Panasonic and Sony Ericsson phones For a complete list of supported devices, please check http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/isync/devices.html.

[gangst]

I guess my samsung phone will never get on there. Oh well, I'll still download the update.

What samsung you got? I was thinking exactly the same with my D500. :mad:

[Ups85]

It says it supports Bluetooth for the Moto E815!

Actually, it implies it supports bluetooth by not saying it can only sync by USB like the Motorola v710. I have verizon, and I've been waiting for a bluetooth phone that I can sync with address book and ical. Is this a mistake on the apple site, or does it actually work? From what I've read verizon crippled this phone's bluetooth as well.

[Trowaman]

Since iTunes 4.8 that now syncs my iPod and I just use the cheap phone that I got when I got a plan. It doesn't flip, has no color screen, but it has few buttons and plays snake. Also it takes mass amounts of abuse. *throws phone into wall*

The problem with phones as i see it are too many buttons and "functions." If the iPhone can take "good" quality pictures and has a few buttons (as in besides number pad and power, 3 other buttons max) then I'll think about getting a new phone.

[Stella]

Syncing in Tiger is still de centralised, unfortunately.

iSync is there to sync devices, traditionally the iPod, dotMac and phone.

It is extremely bad design that you have to now go to THREE different places to do what iSync should do... iPod, phone and dotMac. iSync is there to sync devices. This is very unApple like.

And No, iSync isn't getting too bloated, it should do what its suppose to - sync devices - how many devices OSX supports - that doesn't particularly matter. iTunes is getting bloated - there is absolutely no reason for iTunes to sync iCal and address book ( in OSX )... its not what its there for: It is a media player and nothing else, it is over stepping its boundaries by synchronisation of other items...

Synchronisation should be centralised, for ease of use to manage all your devices, unfortunately apple have chosen to make this task long winded and user unfriendly.

[wwooden]

I just downloaded it and it had a weird effect on my iPod mini. When I tried to sync it with iTunes, I get getting an error message. It told me to restore the iPod, which i did, and it still have the problem. i finally realized that my iPod was back in the isync list of devices and i had to remove it. After I restarted it seems to work fine now.

[PoshSpod]

Still no support for the Nokia 6230! It's one of the most popular phones in Nokia's range and it's been around for ages. This is insanity!

[Bern]

Obviously Apple just added a few more phones to the list :(

I have a Moto V620 which syncs via BT, but I still can't SMS via Address Book using BT and my V620. So this update was pointless for me.

[Ikstej24]

Still no support for the Nokia 6230! It's one of the most popular phones in Nokia's range and it's been around for ages. This is insanity!


This is starting to get annoying. I own a Nokia 6230, and I have been waiting for it to be added for awile.

[vd0t]

the link to the isync 2.1 download page is here:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/isyncupdate21.html

isync now detects and syncs my sonyericsson k750 wit no problems at all.. i tested out connecting it via usb cable (to use as a thumb drive) and it still gives me a kernel panic upon ejection. hopefully apple is aware of this issue by now n has a fix for it on 10.4.2.

[swingerofbirch]

i have a phone through verizon, it's a nokia 3000-something....low end, but nice, candy bar style, with a built in antenna and one you can pull out...i am sure it is nothing compared to all the snazzy phones you folks are jamming about.....but my question is:what are you syncing? like your phone book info i guess?

i do have a phonebook on my nokia, and it would be faster to type the info on the mac and sync it, but i am not sure if it is worth it to find a cable to connect it to the mac etc...is there anything else besides phonebooks that it does?

[Abstract]

I agree with everyone who says that syncing is now my biggest complaint when it wasn't even an issue for me in Panther.

Now to sync my phone with iCal I need to use iSync, but if I want to sync my Address Book as well, I need to go to Address Book and click on the Bluetooth icon. And to sync my iPod, I need to go to iTunes.

What's iSync for if it's not a syncing station where I just click a button and sync everything? :confused: They may as well just put ANOTHER sync button in iCal and be done with it. *shakes head*

[Stella]

iSync will sync Addressbook too... well, it does for me ... What phone do you have?


I agree with everyone who says that syncing is now my biggest complaint when it wasn't even an issue for me in Panther.

Now to sync my phone with iCal I need to use iSync, but if I want to sync my Address Book as well, I need to go to Address Book and click on the Bluetooth icon. And to sync my iPod, I need to go to iTunes.

What's iSync for if it's not a syncing station where I just click a button and sync everything? :confused: They may as well just put ANOTHER sync button in iCal and be done with it. *shakes head*

[Stella]

iSync regarding phones:

...will sync AddressBook and Calendar + To Dos...

...only works over bluetooth.. usb cable works for only some Motorola phones, so, finding a suitable cable isn't worth it ( for iSync ).


i have a phone through verizon, it's a nokia 3000-something....low end, but nice, candy bar style, with a built in antenna and one you can pull out...i am sure it is nothing compared to all the snazzy phones you folks are jamming about.....but my question is:what are you syncing? like your phone book info i guess?

i do have a phonebook on my nokia, and it would be faster to type the info on the mac and sync it, but i am not sure if it is worth it to find a cable to connect it to the mac etc...is there anything else besides phonebooks that it does?

[rxse7en]

iSync installer installed iSync Agent 1.1.2 on my Nokia 6620, now aside from just being able to sync with Calendar and Address Book I can now direct-dial from my powerbook and I can see the caller ID on the 'book too. All functions worked before with my Nokia 3650 but I lost the ability to dial out and receive caller ID prompts when I switched to the 6620.

B

[rxse7en]

iSync installer installed iSync Agent 1.1.2 on my Nokia 6620, now, aside from just being able to sync with Calendar and Address Book I can now direct-dial from my powerbook and I can see the caller ID on the 'book too. All functions worked before with my Nokia 3650 but I lost the ability to dial out and receive caller ID prompts when I switched to the 6620.

B

[Toe]

OK, last place I'll post this... just want people to know the kickin' Motorola a630 (http://www.t-mobile.com/products/overview.asp?phoneid=230871&class=phone) can be iSync'd using this easy hack (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=1581997#post1581997).

What I don't get is why Apple wouldn't add this phone to iSync. It was a snap to hack it in. Whatup?

[sparkleytone]

It says it supports Bluetooth for the Moto E815!

Actually, it implies it supports bluetooth by not saying it can only sync by USB like the Motorola v710. I have verizon, and I've been waiting for a bluetooth phone that I can sync with address book and ical. Is this a mistake on the apple site, or does it actually work? From what I've read verizon crippled this phone's bluetooth as well.


The V710 can be hacked to work. Check out macosxhints.

[yg17]

Well damn, there goes my near month of uptime :( :D

[NapaCoach]

neat !
i like my motorola E815 even better now

[Willy K.]

It says it supports Bluetooth for the Moto E815!

Actually, it implies it supports bluetooth by not saying it can only sync by USB like the Motorola v710. I have verizon, and I've been waiting for a bluetooth phone that I can sync with address book and ical. Is this a mistake on the apple site, or does it actually work? From what I've read verizon crippled this phone's bluetooth as well.

I'm sync'ing my V710 with bluetooth iSync just fine. Follow this hint for making the necessary iSync modifications. They are quite easy, and worked like a charm for me.

http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20050501151747917

Note, I haven't yet tested this with the new iSync 2.1, I'm about to try it now.

[pascalpp]

Syncing in Tiger is still de centralised, unfortunately....
The worst side effect of this "decentralization" is the fact that i can no longer sync my phone using the menu bar item that iSync provides. That will only sync .Mac, which I do FAR less than syncing my phone. Very annoying. Worse, the sync menu doesn't even have an item to open iSync. So I have to go dig for it. This used to work really well. Now it's just stupid stupid stupid.

Rather than calling syncing "decentralized", I'd go so far as to call it "broke".

As in, "if it ain't, don't."

[Whyren]

Not sure if any of this is of any significance. Neither of these were in 2.0 (that I could find)

Legacy code from when iSync handled iPods, perhaps? But why would it be in Phone services?
iSync->Contents->PlugIns->ApplePhoneConduit.syncdevice
->Contents->Resources->English.lproj->Errors.strings:

"Device is being updated by iTunes. Try again later."

Also:
iSync->Contents->PlugIns->ApplePhoneConduit.syncdevice
->Contents->PlugIns->PhoneModelsSync.phoneplugin
->Contents->Resources->MOTE398B.tiff

The 398B isn't listed under Apple's supported devices (though both the 398 and 398B are listed as phones in the iSync contents)...it looks similar to the supposed iTunes phone (silver, 4 buttons under screen). But I'm not following this too closely and don't know squat about cell phones, so I'm not sure what, if any, of this is significant.

[Stella]

Worse, still, iSync menu bar works differently depending on if iSync is open etc.

Broken is far better description.
The worst side effect of this "decentralization" is the fact that i can no longer sync my phone using the menu bar item that iSync provides. That will only sync .Mac, which I do FAR less than syncing my phone. Very annoying. Worse, the sync menu doesn't even have an item to open iSync. So I have to go dig for it. This used to work really well. Now it's just stupid stupid stupid.

Rather than calling syncing "decentralized", I'd go so far as to call it "broke".

As in, "if it ain't, don't."

[nagromme]

there is absolutely no reason for iTunes to sync iCal and address book ( in OSX )...

There's a GOOD reason--and it's one of the best features Apple's added to iTunes in a while.

The iTunes synching is just for iPods. Those other items (calendars, photos) are secondary to music, of course--but still VERY useful to some of us. So why should iPod owners be forced to take extra steps or use extra apps to have that stuff up to date? Synch your music as usual, and now everything ELSE on your iPod is synched too.

It's exactly what the main iPod app ought to do. And it can happen automatically on connect or not--my choice.

O/T for phones, I know.

[wdlove]

It is always good when Apple offers an update. Won't be of any use for me, don't use iSync. I did check devices that are compatible. So it will be good news to my wife she has not been able to sync her Palm Tungsten.

[swingerofbirch]

Also you can no longer sync .Mac from iSync (which is the only thing I used it for in the past).

But Hark!!

http://www.apple.com/feedback/isync.html

Let 'em know what you want! They might read it.

[bryanc]

I just got a Motorola RAZR V3 (v.nice phone, BTW) as part of a promotional deal from Rogers. It was working alright with the previous iSync, and I expect it will continue to work with the new one (downloading), but I can't get pictures off this phone!

As far as I can tell, Bluetooth will do it, but neither of my Macs have bluetooth, so I'm using USB, and I can't figure out how to get the photos off the phone. iPhoto and iTunes don't see the phone, and iSync (which does see it) doesn't support photo transfers (or MP3 transfers, so I can't put a customized ring tone on it).

Motorola provides software with the phone to do all of these things, but it's for Windows only, and I don't have VPC.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[Stella]

In Panther you could make iSync sync iPod ( iCal and Addressbook ) upon plugging in iPod.. and really, this is how it should be. iSync is the central point of device synchronisation..

Having to use three parts of an OS to sync devices is extremely bad design and usability. It makes synchronisation more complicated and timely.

As I said, previously, IMO, iTunes should be a media player only - and having it sychronise addressbook and iCalc is beyond its scope. There is already an application for synchronisation and thats iSync.

The iSync menu bar item even behaves differently depending on if iSync is open or not.. inconsistent behaviour which is very poor in software.

Think we'll have to disagree on this point :-)

Tiger is bad design.


One point of synchronisation please apple ( yes, I know they are not reading this, and I HAVE sent a suggestion via Apple.com ).

OSX - 3 styles of GUI, 3 ways of sync'ing.


OSX is slowly becoming inconsistent. Consistency in software is a must, otherwise it becomes harder and more complex to use.



There's a GOOD reason--and it's one of the best features Apple's added to iTunes in a while.

The iTunes synching is just for iPods. Those other items (calendars, photos) are secondary to music, of course--but still VERY useful to some of us. So why should iPod owners be forced to take extra steps or use extra apps to have that stuff up to date? Synch your music as usual, and now everything ELSE on your iPod is synched too.

It's exactly what the main iPod app ought to do. And it can happen automatically on connect or not--my choice.

O/T for phones, I know.

[fatfish]

Syncing in Tiger is still de centralised, unfortunately.

iSync is there to sync devices, traditionally the iPod, dotMac and phone.

It is extremely bad design that you have to now go to THREE different places to do what iSync should do... iPod, phone and dotMac. iSync is there to sync devices. This is very unApple like.

And No, iSync isn't getting too bloated, it should do what its suppose to - sync devices - how many devices OSX supports - that doesn't particularly matter. iTunes is getting bloated - there is absolutely no reason for iTunes to sync iCal and address book ( in OSX )... its not what its there for: It is a media player and nothing else, it is over stepping its boundaries by synchronisation of other items...

Synchronisation should be centralised, for ease of use to manage all your devices, unfortunately apple have chosen to make this task long winded and user unfriendly.

iSync should sync devices you say.

Mobile - it's a device and you sync it with iSync - no issue there.
.mac - not a device - so I'd have to say it's not a job for iSync
ipod - whilst a device, it isn't synced in the true sense, it's all one way, you can't move stuff on your ipod into itunes - verdict; not a job for iSync.

But putting aside technicalities, when isync did all these jobs, it was a nightmare, if I simply wanted to sync .mac, which in my case is about every 20 mins, iSync would search for my mobile which could often be out of range, this was annoying as it took up much needed time. The alternative was to alter my iSync settings each time I synced to suit whatever devices I had connected or in range at that time.

Thank you Apple for simplifying my routine.

.mac is synced automatically whenever I make a change to my idisk, just the way I like it.
My mobile is synced when I choose, just the way I like it.
My ipod is updated automatically whenever it is connected, just the way I like it.

For me this is a great improvement, maybe it isn't for everyone and I appreciate your pain, but don't give me the " it's not logical" stuff, because it is. If you don't like it, learn to use automater.

[crees!]

Well, Apple quietly released iSync 2.1 today. From Software Update: iSync 2.1 supports compatibility for more devices such as the latest Motorola, Nokia, Panasonic and Sony Ericsson phones. For a complete list of supported devices, please check http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/isync/devices.html Why in the hell does everyone.. EVERYONE, ALWAYS say QUIETLY. Do you need a freakin' press release to the entire universe when some piece of software goes up .1? No. I wonder how many MILLIONS of Apple users will see this software update next time SU runs. Millions.. oh yea.. that's really.. shuush, quiet as a mouse. The use of the word "quietly" in any reference to any type of update/upgrade/release/etc in any type of journalism should be regarded as poor journalism. Who's writing this crap.. Elmer Fudd. Be vaway, vaway quiet.

\m/

[Westside guy]

It says it supports Bluetooth for the Moto E815!

Actually, it implies it supports bluetooth by not saying it can only sync by USB like the Motorola v710. I have verizon, and I've been waiting for a bluetooth phone that I can sync with address book and ical. Is this a mistake on the apple site, or does it actually work? From what I've read verizon crippled this phone's bluetooth as well.

If Verizon has crippled the phone, then it's not likely to work with iSync. This is intentional since they (Verizon) wants you to use their additional-fee services to do what otherwise would work for free directly between your phone and your computer (e.g. moving pictures from your phone onto your computer).

You gotta remember that just because Apple's site says the phone works, doesn't mean that version of the phone you got through your carrier will work. If T-Mobile or Cingular offers the same phone, it will likely work as advertised. But Verizon...

Cell-phone-number portability works, and with just minor hassles. The number transfer takes about three days - max. Vote with your feet. Leave Verizon, and tell them why. That's what I did. :D

[law guy]

Surprised that there is this much to say about an iSync update. A bit of a drought when this FYI is the MR headline.

[Toe]

Anyone else notice that the link on the support page (http://www.apple.com/support/) is broken?

It links to:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/isync21.html
which gives me a Page Not Found.

D'oh. :eek:

Yeah, I reported it at http://www.apple.com/contact/feedback.html :)

[DOUBLEADESIGN]

This is starting to get annoying. I own a Nokia 6230, and I have been waiting for it to be added for awile.


yeah, same here. though i use "Phone Director". not a clean but it works.

[Toe]

It appears that Apple only supports Nokia phones which run Symbian (mostly Series 60). Those are listed here:
http://www.symbian.com/phones/

With a few exceptions, they all have a 6 as the second of four digits. Your 6230's aren't Symbian phones, so probably won't ever iSync, unless Nokia opens up some proprietary info to Apple.

[Stella]

The delays do not happen on all phones, on some like yours, unfortunately, it does, that is bad implementation in iSync not the potential functionality of iSync that is it trying to deliver..

Have you used automator - its horribly slow ( look on the automator apple discussion forums for more people that agree with me - hopefully 10.4.2 will improve things and very limited.

iSync may be logical for you, but for me its not - just very bad software design, as i've said previously Consistency is very important, but syncing in OSX is not - all other the shop.

Agree to disagree :-)

And yes, i'm very passionate about software usability.



iSync should sync devices you say.
For me this is a great improvement, maybe it isn't for everyone and I appreciate your pain, but don't give me the " it's not logical" stuff, because it is. If you don't like it, learn to use automater.

[BWhaler]

Apple didn't fix the biggest problem which is the syncing in Tiger is a train wreck.

Multiple locations to set sync preferences instead of one?
I have to keep the iSync app running all the time so all my devices sync?

I was hoping Apple went back to the drawing board--or even easier, back to Panther--and at least made syncing as good as it used to be.

A HUGE step backwards.

[seans9]

This is starting to get annoying. I own a Nokia 6230, and I have been waiting for it to be added for awile.

same. how can it be that hard?

[skythefly13]

If your phone isnt in that compatible list, then google "(your phone) isync" and something is bound to come up. I just did it for my seimens S66 which isn't a popular phone in the slightest way, and sure enough there was entire forums on it. All I did was follow some instructions and it works perfectly now . I just transferred all of my contacts, which made things alot easier. Give it a try! :D

[sord]

Why in the world would this need a restart? I don't know maybe its got some kernel extension to integrate syncing I don't use it but still, a restart for a sync program??

[Prom1]

iSync installer installed iSync Agent 1.1.2 on my Nokia 6620, now, aside from just being able to sync with Calendar and Address Book I can now direct-dial from my powerbook and I can see the caller ID on the 'book too. All functions worked before with my Nokia 3650 but I lost the ability to dial out and receive caller ID prompts when I switched to the 6620.

B

that iSync Agent 1.1.2 being installed on the 6620 should be invisible anywhere in the menu of your 6620. Its very similar to what I experienced on my PC with the latest Nokia PC Suite v6.6 which was release less than 7 days ago. Clearly Nokia is working very closely with Apple with regards to SyncML.

Can anyone with a Nokia 6680 please post, via online speed tests on the Mac using the 6680 via BT or USB (not sure if that is supported with this update) if 3G speeds are now supported?! PLEASE!!!



iSync should sync devices you say.

Mobile - it's a device and you sync it with iSync - no issue there.
.mac - not a device - so I'd have to say it's not a job for iSync
ipod - whilst a device, it isn't synced in the true sense, it's all one way, you can't move stuff on your ipod into itunes - verdict; not a job for iSync.

hmm .Mac may not be a device but it is part of the central hub idiom, no? Would be nice if any sync done with the mobile via iSync could be posted to .Mac via iCal & AddressBook (bear with me havent switched yet, moving comes 1st bet very soon!!!). What would be perfect is if you iCal, hosted online via .Mac could allow iSync/SyncML synchronizations from your mobile, and when you get home another .Mac sync and the details update your Mac :eek: ;) :cool: !


CAUTION: someone on another forum has posted, using a SE K750i, USB synching works, along with mounting the MS DUO PRO card inside the phone works as well. BUT upon removal of the USB connection causes a kernal attack. Take this with a grain of salt, but thought some would like to know.

Cheers, and man I really cannot wait to just Micro Soft's ship/t. :p

[noel4r]

Still no support for the Nokia 6230! It's one of the most popular phones in Nokia's range and it's been around for ages. This is insanity!

I agree, that's the first thing I checked when I heard they updated iSync (finally). Too bad, Nokia 6230 is a great phone.

[gsdali]

There is a hack which works well which makes it all the more frustrating that these highly useful phones aren't officially supported.

[DeSnousa]

Had to restart the computer after 34 days of uptime.

[Diatribe]

What samsung you got? I was thinking exactly the same with my D500. :mad:

Yep. No Samsungs for me anymore.

[GulGnu]

Whee! :) Finally non-hacked V800 support :P

[autrefois]

iSync should sync devices you say.

Mobile - it's a device and you sync it with iSync - no issue there.
.mac - not a device - so I'd have to say it's not a job for iSync
ipod - whilst a device, it isn't synced in the true sense, it's all one way, you can't move stuff on your ipod into itunes - verdict; not a job for iSync.

But putting aside technicalities, when isync did all these jobs, it was a nightmare, if I simply wanted to sync .mac, which in my case is about every 20 mins, iSync would search for my mobile which could often be out of range, this was annoying as it took up much needed time. The alternative was to alter my iSync settings each time I synced to suit whatever devices I had connected or in range at that time.

Thank you Apple for simplifying my routine.

.mac is synced automatically whenever I make a change to my idisk, just the way I like it.
My mobile is synced when I choose, just the way I like it.
My ipod is updated automatically whenever it is connected, just the way I like it.

For me this is a great improvement, maybe it isn't for everyone and I appreciate your pain, but don't give me the " it's not logical" stuff, because it is. If you don't like it, learn to use automater.

Wouldn't the logical thing be to have one program that gives you the choice of what to sync, instead of having three different programs that do so?

iSync with four buttons: sync iPod, sync .Mac, sync mobile, sync all.

You could optionally set up preferences to automatically do one or all of these as soon as the device is detected, or in the case of .Mac at a certain interval or only by manually pressing the appropriate button.

And/or it could be a menubar item with the four choices I mentioned plus "Open iSync" or "Open iSync preferences" as the final choice.

[autrefois]

Why in the hell does everyone.. EVERYONE, ALWAYS say QUIETLY. Do you need a freakin' press release to the entire universe when some piece of software goes up .1? No. I wonder how many MILLIONS of Apple users will see this software update next time SU runs. Millions.. oh yea.. that's really.. shuush, quiet as a mouse. The use of the word "quietly" in any reference to any type of update/upgrade/release/etc in any type of journalism should be regarded as poor journalism. Who's writing this crap.. Elmer Fudd. Be vaway, vaway quiet.

\m/

I agree it sounds a little silly to say "quietly," but there is an important distinction to make between an iTunes 4.9 release and an iSync 2.1 release.

Apple wanted the whole world to know there was an important new feature in iTunes 4.9. A press release that led to tons of press, ads all over the iTunes Music Store, etc. A big deal that changes the way a lot of people use iTunes.

With iSync 2.1, it's just a little release that adds a few new devices, no major addition in features, no press release. In other words, no big deal really.

Personally, I usually think of "quietly" as describing the release of something either potentially bad or covering up something that was bad. Like the fact that they are adding support for a few more devices but still don't support a number of cell phones, even though the whole idea of Mac for many people is plug-and-play (or "It just works" since we're talking in part about Bluetooth here). They're just slipping in a little improvement and don't want to draw attention to it.

Besides the fact that the first post wasn't meant to be an article (how many articles start with "well"?), in journalism, you want to let the reader know in as few words and as soon as possible what the story is about. "Quietly" does just that—it succinctly says that it's an update that Apple isn't making a big deal about, and yet it still leaves you curious enough to read on and find out why it was released "quietly."

[windywalks]

I guess I'll just have to wait a few ages before they release an update that supports the Nokia 9300 Communicator. :( Damn, how much time does it take to add it to the plist file at Apple, hah!? 2 minutes!? Not a good way to start the day! Thanls but no thanks Apple! :mad:

[Jaffa Cake]

Still no support for the Nokia 6230! It's one of the most popular phones in Nokia's range and it's been around for ages. This is insanity!Exactly what I was looking for too. Oh well, maybe next time... :rolleyes:

[imz]

iSync has been working quite well for sync'ing .Mac and my 3G mobile (Sony Ericsson Z1010). I'll download the update and hope that it doesn't stuff anything up...

[jamesdmorgan]

What samsung you got? I was thinking exactly the same with my D500. :mad:

Yeah I have the d500, I have pretty much given up looking for ways to sync it.....

[kristiank]

2.1 doesn't seem to work with my 6630.. 'Installation Security Error. Unable to Install' message comes on my (phone) screen as i try to install the iSync Agent.

I heard that the US and Europe versions of this phone are slighly different(?). Could this be the reason (mine is from UK)?

What ever the reason, I'm quite disappointed...

k

[Switzermac]

But i think there will be a major isync update with 10.4.2 in the coming days. They need to support series 40 phones now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[renderingtodeat]

:)
I can report, the my Siemens SX1 (S60) phone can be synced much better, than before. Not perfect, but Apple had finally done it. Now its working (its no longtime report) like in panther.
But I don´t understand, that there are a lot phones, that cannot be synced still. I hope they know the importance of such simple things.
BTW: Does anybody can confirm, if the motorola E680i can be synced now?

[centauratlas]

Well, Apple quietly released iSync 2.1 today. From Software Update: iSync 2.1 supports compatibility for more devices such as the latest Motorola, Nokia, Panasonic and Sony Ericsson phones. For a complete list of supported devices, please check http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/isync/devices.html

Finally the 6630 is synching properly...

For kristiank: My 6630 is from TIM (Italy) but I use it with T-Mobile in the US. It worked with this update, so in theory it can work.

This *sounds* like a Nokia 6630 issue, NOT an iSync issue.

You might try disabling the security installation settings. On mine it is Tools ---> Settings ---> Security ---> Certificate Management ---> Options ---> Trust Settings

There are various trust settings, for example "Symbian installation" or "App. installation" settings may be the problem for the install. Both of those are set to "No" on my phone.

I have a suspicion that if you make those "No" it will allow the install and then you can turn them back if you wish.

[stephenli]

WHERE IS THE SUPPORT OF SHARP 902?!!!!!!! NO ?!!?!

[kristiank]

to centauratlas,

thanks for that. it works perfect now.

k

[pianojoe]

Thumbs up for that one! Tiger broke my Palm-initiated sync (had to manually fire iSync, then press HotSync on the Palm). iSync 2.1 fixes this, and sync speed with my Tungsten T3 and my SE K700i mobile phone has improved drastically.

And the compatibility list has expanded. Finally.

I second mkrishnan's suggestion: If there was a plug-in framework, hobby programmers could write plug-ins for their esoteric phones, and post them.

[jcshas]

Lame :( I sure wish Apple would expand iSync to a broader range of devices. Guess I'll continue to use Bitpim.

[rxse7en]

that iSync Agent 1.1.2 being installed on the 6620 should be invisible anywhere in the menu of your 6620. Its very similar to what I experienced on my PC with the latest Nokia PC Suite v6.6 which was release less than 7 days ago. Clearly Nokia is working very closely with Apple with regards to SyncML.

Can anyone with a Nokia 6680 please post, via online speed tests on the Mac using the 6680 via BT or USB (not sure if that is supported with this update) if 3G speeds are now supported?! PLEASE!!!

Agent IS visible as an application icon in my menu. Via BT and Cingular's MEdia Net I was able to achieve 66kbps download speeds.

B

[centauratlas]

to centauratlas,

thanks for that. it works perfect now.

k

Glad it helped. ;-)

[ebunton]

Hmm, I don't understand why iSync does not officially support phones such as the Motorola e1000.

Surely the Synergy OS on that phone is the same or at least built on the foundations of the ones found in the other Motorola phones on the list.

So why can't iSync officially sync with all of the recent release Motorolas, without applying hacks?

I would assume there's some API that Motorola publishes for its partners that enable them to simply integrate their offerings (Well you'd think so wouldn't you?)

[User X]

Apple supports a wide range of Motorola phones but will they ever support Nextel?

[Maurits]

I was hoping this update would finally add contact synchronisation for Address Book with Exchange. :(

There is a button for it in Address Book but the actual function never worked. Not in 10.3.8, 10.3.9, 10.4.0 or 10.4.1. I know someone who actually had it working (once!) on 10.3.7 but it has never worked since for him either.

If at least Apple would just remove the button people might realise the function doesn't exist and some third party might try to create an app to do it instead. Now they make people believe their OS has a functionality that actually doesn't exist.

[manu chao]

iSync should sync devices you say.
[...]
ipod - whilst a device, it isn't synced in the true sense, it's all one way, you can't move stuff on your ipod into itunes - verdict; not a job for iSync.

But putting aside technicalities, when isync did all these jobs, it was a nightmare, if I simply wanted to sync .mac, which in my case is about every 20 mins, iSync would search for my mobile which could often be out of range, this was annoying as it took up much needed time. The alternative was to alter my iSync settings each time I synced to suit whatever devices I had connected or in range at that time.

Thank you Apple for simplifying my routine.

.mac is synced automatically whenever I make a change to my idisk, just the way I like it.
My mobile is synced when I choose, just the way I like it.
My ipod is updated automatically whenever it is connected, just the way I like it. [...]

My talking, nobody is complaining that iSync does not 'sync' his or her camera (iPhoto or Image Capture or even another program does this), since downloading (in the case of your camera), or uploading (in the case of the iPod), is not really full-fledged synching. What program is opened is set in Image Capture, ideally one should also be able to set this in iPhoto as well, or the corresponding preference pane in these two programs should link to System Preferences setting. But doing this via iSync would be a bit weird.

I want my iPod to be (automatically) 'synchred' when I connect it to my computer (that's my reason to connect it to the computer). If only one program has to be started up (and usually iTunes does not have to be started up since it is already running) instead of two (iTunes plus iSync) I see this as a bonus.
Equally, I want my cell phone to be (automatically) 'synched' whenever I connect it to my computer (whether this is done by iCal or Addressbook or iSync, I do not care).

Now, if a preference setting for this in iCal or Addressbook would be linked to the setting in iSync, it would be even better.

[joemama]

So I am switching to Verizon now that a tower is in my area, and I want a phone that not only syncs with my mac, but must have bluetooth, speaker phone, a color display and (hopefully) a camera phone.

Are there any out there that do all of this? Anyone have one they can recommend, and yes, must be Verizon.

Thanks!

[joemama]

Apple supports a wide range of Motorola phones but will they ever support Nextel?

My guess is No. I have had Nextel for 4 years and am finally switching becasue their phones are easily the worst out there as far as features and options. (and they soon will be Sprint.....yuk)

[rowanhall]

finally... my 6630 shall have the power... mwah ha ha haaaaaaaa!

cant wait to have some continuity between my phone and mac addressbook!

[KrysBaz]

Hmm, I don't understand why iSync does not officially support phones such as the Motorola e1000.

Surely the Synergy OS on that phone is the same or at least built on the foundations of the ones found in the other Motorola phones on the list.

So why can't iSync officially sync with all of the recent release Motorolas, without applying hacks?

I would assume there's some API that Motorola publishes for its partners that enable them to simply integrate their offerings (Well you'd think so wouldn't you?)

Same with my A1000, pain in the but that I can't get it to sync, and not being to proficent at doing the hacks, I'm left with sinking with the dell at work.

[Ashapalan]

Good, new erricsson gets support...
Might be myh next phone...

[Toe]

So I am switching to Verizon now that a tower is in my area, and I want a phone that not only syncs with my mac, but must have bluetooth, speaker phone, a color display and (hopefully) a camera phone.

Are there any out there that do all of this? Anyone have one they can recommend, and yes, must be Verizon.
Sorry, dude... Here's my breakdown (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=1586005#post1586005) of all the wonderful phone choices you have with major U.S. carriers.

If you don't like it, might I suggest...
http://www.apple.com/feedback/isync.html

[enoch]

Support for the new Symbian sync mode?

How long did that take? A YEAR!?

I can only assume that Apple employ one single, lonely programmer for the entire iSync/iCal operations. That's why we never get iCal and iSync updates at the same time...

[Prom1]

Agent IS visible as an application icon in my menu. Via BT and Cingular's MEdia Net I was able to achieve 66kbps download speeds.

B

VERY VERY COOL. Boys & Girls this isnt just a mini update. The fact that scripts now supports EDGE data speeds (& Possibly UMTS 3G speeds) within this iSync update is BIG news. You have no idea what issues people had with regards to GPRS/EDGE/3G speeds even though iSync worked. You had to goto another site for generic scripts to enable faster speeds. WiFi isnt everywhere you know.

But i think there will be a major isync update with 10.4.2 in the coming days. They need to support series 40 phones now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is a BIG reason why no Series40 phones are supported. The now old 6230a/b (b version denotes 850Mhz band) still rely's on mRouter connection I believe, not SyncML - only for gprs connection syncs. I could be wrong. The newer 6230i phone with new resolution is slightly different, so is the 8800/8801 and upcoming newer phones have the new 3rd edition of Series40. For Apple to just go and support older & slightly current/brand new releases just to cause more issue at years end when the new edition phones will need support would cause more issues that you want. For those with the 6230, its a sweet phone, but how long have you had it for? More than likely you'll upgrade to a newer Series40 device that offers the same functionality around Xmas time, even though your 6230 is still running sweetly.

[Westside guy]

So I am switching to Verizon now that a tower is in my area, and I want a phone that not only syncs with my mac, but must have bluetooth, speaker phone, a color display and (hopefully) a camera phone.

Are there any out there that do all of this? Anyone have one they can recommend, and yes, must be Verizon.

Dude, do a search on either this site or Slashdot (http://www.slashdot.org/) for "bluetooth" and "verizon". Verizon intentionally cripples the functionality of their (few) Bluetooth phones. Saying "it must be Verizon" means you're not likely to get good Bluetooth functionality no matter what model phone you pick - even if it's listed on Apple's "Compatible Devices" page (http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/isync/devices.html).

Edit: Note that they might (or might not) work with iSync; but any other Bluetooth functionality (picture transfer, ringtone uploads, etc.) will most assuredly be blocked. Be sure to talk to a Verizon customer (not Cingular or T-Mobile or whoever) who has the specific phone if you want to know how (in)compatible it is with iSync and other Bluetooth functionality.

[Switzermac]

Yeah i have the 8800 will it be supported soon?

[M@netic]

Clie support please... don't want to pay 40 bucks... >8(~!

[joeconvert]

Bah, still no Blackberries.

[mr.steevo]

I've loaded this update and already my computer feels snappier!

s.

[boombashi]

So I am switching to Verizon now that a tower is in my area, and I want a phone that not only syncs with my mac, but must have bluetooth, speaker phone, a color display and (hopefully) a camera phone.

Are there any out there that do all of this? Anyone have one they can recommend, and yes, must be Verizon.

Thanks!

Only the Motorola V710 supports the features you looking for, sounds like you must edit a plist file in OS X to get Bluetooth syncing via iSync (cable should work, but the phone does not come with it). I just got the V710, and have yet to get it to sync with anything, including my PC with the Motorola Phone tools, I'm going to try the new iSync tonight. Verizon also has blackberry or and PDA phones, if you are into that sort of thing.

[joemama]

Only the Motorola V710 supports the features you looking for, sounds like you must edit a plist file in OS X to get Bluetooth syncing via iSync (cable should work, but the phone does not come with it). I just got the V710, and have yet to get it to sync with anything, including my PC with the Motorola Phone tools, I'm going to try the new iSync tonight. Verizon also has blackberry or and PDA phones, if you are into that sort of thing.

Thanks for the info - I'll check out that phone, but i'll hold off on buying it until I hear if you get yours to work. Please keep me updated here on an mail message.

thanks.

[skp574]

Well this update seems to have solved my iCal calendars not syncing between my PB and iMac.

And I now can sync with my Nokia 6630!

Thank you Apple.

[Prom1]

Bah, still no Blackberries.

Oh man do I feel eye to eye with ya here! I believe this is RIM's fault. They do major business with MS including Exchange Server.

I feel that along with the XServe/XRaid lineup, Mail should be ramped up in terms of power, same with iCal in order to directly compete with MS Exchange. Or maybe better for the MS Mac BU to offer the same functions in MS Entourage, with a serious charge into corporate business office, then we'll see more recognition of the power of OS X.

Somewhere on these forums, someone with a hack got calender to sync.

The major challenge is for self administration of service books from OS X desktop and backups, and Triple DES Encryption.

[Toe]

Does PocketMac (http://www.pocketmac.net/products/pmblackberry/indexrim.html) not work well for Blackberries? If it does, then why isn't it mentioned on the iSync page, like MarkSpace?

[rowanhall]

it was noted earlier that it could have been a mini update.

would this mean that this is more of a testing update?

could we be getting a rushed v3, as i know isync has got a lot of stick since tiger was released.

i still cant get it through software update though! :(

[mkrishnan]

So...this is not quite iSync 2.1 specific, since I think a previous update started this, but with the latest versions of iSync, I had to install an iSync agent on my Nokia 3650 (Symbian series 60). This is fine, except that if the phone is turned off accidentally, the agent must be restarted (it can run in the background; the phone can multitask) or iSync will not work. Is there a workaround for this? It is a little annoying...and the phone synced just fine without it until the recent iSync updates. :(

[wjones]

My v180 works great with iSync. This is great for addressbook and iCal, but what about other phone data? Is there another program out there that will let me move pictures and mp3s to my v180? I had a program on my old XP box that would do this- is there a OSX option?

Thanks!

[mkrishnan]

My v180 works great with iSync. This is great for addressbook and iCal, but what about other phone data? Is there another program out there that will let me move pictures and mp3s to my v180? I had a program on my old XP box that would do this- is there a OSX option?

What happens when you click on the Bluetooth icon in your menu bar (in OSX) and select send file? When I send files to my Nokia in this way, they appear as messages in the inbox, and opening the attachments sends them to the right place in the phone, based on the kind (music, graphics, etc).

[wjones]

The v180 isn't a bluetooth phone. I'm hooking it up via a USB cable.

Any other ideas?

Thanks!

[tiramisu]

strange thing:
yesterday i was lucky with the isync update, mobile sonyericsson k750i finally works. but today after the os update, it doesn't work again.

anyone with the same prob? :confused:

[Azurael]

What's wrong with the E1000?! I know Motorola don't sell it in the US, it's ridiculous that I have to edit the plist file to get it to sync over USB still, and there's no way to sync it over Bluetooth when I can do both to my PCs with ease.

[mkrishnan]

The v180 isn't a bluetooth phone. I'm hooking it up via a USB cable.

Eeep, sorry! I'd forgotten that such things exist! :o Hopefully someone else must have done file transfer with a USB phone? I take it that the phone does not automount to the desktop on connection, like some other USB devices?

[DickArmAndHarT]

The V710 can be hacked to work. Check out macosxhints.


True, i have a V710 and i just bought it and it came with out dated firmware. A verizon copperate store is over an hour away from my home. So im outta luck until I get a ride there.

[DickArmAndHarT]

So I am switching to Verizon now that a tower is in my area, and I want a phone that not only syncs with my mac, but must have bluetooth, speaker phone, a color display and (hopefully) a camera phone.

Are there any out there that do all of this? Anyone have one they can recommend, and yes, must be Verizon.

Thanks!

Just check out the website for phones, they don't offer very many, but i would suggest a V710. Great phone, hack it to sync (if you update the firmware) not the best camera, but useable, and the only phone that verizon offers to meet your expectations. Read soem reviews, i think its a very solid phone.(amazing speakerphone)

[Noiseboy]

At long last I can sync up both my Nokia 7610 and my 6630. This has been soooooo long in the fixing I had begun to think there would never be support for the 7610 and even when I upgraded to Tiger and got Address Book syncing I still couldn't 'pair' to use the computer to send SMS messages and the 6630 wasn't supported at all. However, now with this update all is syncing heaven and the sexy 6630 is splendidly compatible. All we need now is some 3G service in the US which is, sadly, a long way behind Europe in mobile phone technology. Great update though :)

[adam75]

Syncing in Tiger is still de centralised, unfortunately.

iSync is there to sync devices, traditionally the iPod, dotMac and phone.

It is extremely bad design that you have to now go to THREE different places to do what iSync should do... iPod, phone and dotMac. iSync is there to sync devices. This is very unApple like.

And No, iSync isn't getting too bloated, it should do what its suppose to - sync devices - how many devices OSX supports - that doesn't particularly matter. iTunes is getting bloated - there is absolutely no reason for iTunes to sync iCal and address book ( in OSX )... its not what its there for: It is a media player and nothing else, it is over stepping its boundaries by synchronisation of other items...

Synchronisation should be centralised, for ease of use to manage all your devices, unfortunately apple have chosen to make this task long winded and user unfriendly.

that's nonsense! Now that iTunes takes care of iPod calendar and contact syncing you'll simply always find it synced since last time you docked it, without you having to worry about it. And anyways why sould the iPod use two apps to sync, one for music and a separate one for calendars and contacts?!

[mkrishnan]

that's nonsense! Now that iTunes takes care of iPod calendar and contact syncing you'll simply always find it synced since last time you docked it, without you having to worry about it. And anyways why sould the iPod use two apps to sync, one for music and a separate one for calendars and contacts?!

I dunno. I liked it the old way, using both iTunes and iSync. One thing it did which was particularly nice is that, if I plugged in my iPod, iTunes would automatically update the music, and iSync would automatically begin a sync with both my phone and my iPod, establish a connection to my phone, get the latest changes from it, and synchronize them not only to my iBook but to my pod as well. So even though two programs were involved, all I really had to do was plug in my iPod, since I can leave my phone in my bag and sync it wirelessly, and everything happens automatically.

Now, I have to manually initiate a sync with my phone before I plug in my iPod, if I want it to have the latest information on it (since I create new events and contacts on my phone and iBook but not my iPod).

So from my perspective, two programs or one, the older system was more foolproof.

[rowanhall]

just of of curiousity, does the send sms work with the nokia 6630?

cause address book can connect to the phone via bluetooth, but the send sms option is shaded! poo!

have i overlooked something?

syncing works perfectly! :)

[abbot]

A week ago a iSync deleted ALL my address files on my iMac, all my phones as well as on .Mac and iDisc. All that saved me was my iPod that had not been synced!

I hoped the new iSync release today would solve some problems with my SonyEricsson P910i. Things became worse!!!!

Before, one could choose which specific group in the addressbook to sync. I had two phones so I was able to have two different groups, one for each phone. The new version only allows ALL addresses to be synced. That means that because of my big address book, private and business, my one phone cannot handle all the addresses, the memory is to small.
What is APPLE smoking these days????

[webcommerce]

Check this out, it worked perfectly for me:

http://matcatastrophe.com/?page_id=33

[Noiseboy]

just of of curiousity, does the send sms work with the nokia 6630?

cause address book can connect to the phone via bluetooth, but the send sms option is shaded! poo!

have i overlooked something?

syncing works perfectly! :)

SMS sending works great with the 6630 yet strangely did not with my 7610.