iSync 1.5 Now Available

[mustang_dvs]

For everyone wondering about Moto & Bluetooth....

I know from talking to Motorola customer support that the V710 lacks the Bluetooth object push profile (OPP) needed for iSync to operate over Bluetooth with that phone, but does the lack extend to other Motorola phones like the V600?

The V710 des not sync with iSync over bluetooth, anyone know why (yes I know Apple states it is USB only) but WHY????

Here's why neither the v600 nor the v710 support iSync over Bluetooth: OBEX.

OBEX is an OBject EXchange protocol that Bluetooth (and various other wireless transmission methods, principally IrDA) uses to exchange files and data. Moto botched the OBEX implementation in the v600 and then went one better and completely forgot to include it in the shipping version of the v710 firmware. (Motorola claims that a firmware update for the v710 will rectify this within 60 days -- I wouldn't hold my breath.)

OPP (Object Push Protocol) is a similar data transfer protocol, though it is primarily used for send-only applications, like providing info to signal strength indicators and caller-id functions of cars which support bluetooth phones. The v600 properly supports OPP, but the v710... WHOOPS! Moto also forgot to include it in the current firmware, as well.

(The v710 has a lot of BT-related shortcomings - it only supports HandsFree and Dial-Up Networking profiles. Sure, it supports SyncML, it just has no way of utilizing it over Bluetooth. D'Oh!)

iSync doesn't support BT syncing with Moto phones because Moto botched it's bluetooth support, not because Apple did anything (or omitted something). SyncML support is planned, perhaps for 10.4.

From Apple's iSync Product Overview (PDF)

What is SyncML,and does iSync support it?
SyncML is an open-standard synchronization protocol supported by the Open Mobile Alliance. It is based on XML and open data formats and is designed to work with everything from servers to desktop computers to mobile phones. Apple is a strong advocate of open standards and has publicly endorsed SyncML as a future direction for iSync, but iSync does not support SyncML as of this release.

A pretty good explanation of iSync's current OBEX implementation, vs SyncML.

 

[Ibjr]

I'd like to second everyone's frustration with iSync not supporting Motorola phones via bluetooth. I own a v600. It has bluetooth. I own a powerbook. It has bluetooth. This shouldn't be a problem, damn-it-all. As a consumer I don't care about standards, protocols, and all that crap. Apple, you need to hack something together to make this work. This is utterly absurd. I'm dissatisfied with iSync based on this point alone. Charge me for the software if you have to, but just make it work.

I own an ibook with bluetooth and wifi. I own airport. I connect to the internet and check which phones work with iSync before i buy one. I don't whine.

I am also quick enough to google it ahead of time and find out that Isync's furture shows support for it. Ugh.

ugh. Mac users. Apple doesn't do hacks, thats why it works so well.

 

[Ibjr]

i can and always have been able to access the v600 via bluethooth from the bluethooth menu and upload or download pictures sounds etc via bluethooth so why wont isync talk to it. This makes me think that it's Apple that needs to sort things out with isync to get things working properly. very dissapointed it still doesn't work!

Hey because eveything must be that simple right? Quit bitching and just accept that life isn't that simple and apple is working hard. Be thankful that they aloow a datacable sync while you wait for BT support w/ v600. They could have just not done the cable sync and waited a few more months to allow any sync with your V600

 

[third_floor]

Right, Mac users should be limited to certain phone models.

There's a difference between bitching and moaning and genuinely looking for a solution. Don't be so quick to judge.

 

[akw]

I own an ibook with bluetooth and wifi. I own airport. I connect to the internet and check which phones work with iSync before i buy one. I don't whine.

I am also quick enough to google it ahead of time and find out that Isync's furture shows support for it. Ugh.

I'm not whining. I'm expressing frustration with the current state of iSync. In a perfect world I would wait for a phone to be supported by iSync via bluetooth before I purchased it. Given that nearly every one of the phones supported by iSync are over a year old, that would be a piss poor way to buy phones, wouldn't it?

So yeah. You're right. I purchased the v600 knowing that I was trading advanced functionality on my phone for iSync support. What I assumed, and apparently shouldn't have, was that Apple would be capable enough to make iSync work with the v600 via bluetooth in a timely fashion.

So maybe you're suggesting I go with a different phone? Great. Let me state this clearly. Almost every phone that is supported by iSync over bluetooth is crap. No amount of googling will save me from that fact. And that is why I'm pissed. I shouldn't have own a ****ty phone so that I can sync with my Mac.

ugh. Mac users. Apple doesn't do hacks, thats why it works so well.

That's an interesting level of insight you have into Apple's development processes. Is that one of their R&D policies?

R&D Policy #53: No hacks.

Concessions made in code elegance (hacks) may or may not effect how well the code works. Besides, wouldn't you rather have a hacked up solution that works rather than no solution at all? Come to think of it, you wouldn't even know the difference and neither would I. It would just work.

 

[Raman1970]

Hey because eveything must be that simple right? Quit bitching and just accept that life isn't that simple and apple is working hard. Be thankful that they aloow a datacable sync while you wait for BT support w/ v600. They could have just not done the cable sync and waited a few more months to allow any sync with your V600

You know.. I first had a Nokia 6100 (non bluetooth) but I purchased the USB data cable. iSync went through 2 upgrades and no support. Then my phone was stolen, so I got a 6820 w/ bluetooth and two more updates later still no support via bluetooth or USB cable! So about a year later, I still can not Sync unless I use a PC! Now I realise Nokia has lost some market share especially here in the US but they are still the number 1 cell phone maker. So expecting iSync to support the 5 most current bluetooth Nokia phones is not asking too much!

 

[Baron58]

It has nothing to do with Apple being 'capable enough' to make iSync work with the v600 via bluetooth in a timely fashion. The fault lies with MOTOROLA for not implementing bluetooth profiles properly on the v600. There is no universal sync framework on Windows, each product provides it's own way to sync (Palm, various phones, etc.), so you could say that the fault lies with MOTOROLA for not providing an OS X sync application. Apple's only mistake was in making iSync at all - because then people expect that because it exists, they are entitled to have it work with Product X, and it's some great injustice that it doesn't do what THEY think it ought to do.

The fact is that Apple says "Here is a product called iSync. Here are devices with with iSync works. Enjoy." They NEVER said that it will work with all devices, or all bluetooth devices, or that the v600 would in fact be supported at any time in the future. If you projected unrealistic expectations onto it, tough.

Almost every phone that is supported by iSync over bluetooth is crap. No amount of googling will save me from that fact. And that is why I'm pissed. I shouldn't have own a ****ty phone so that I can sync with my Mac.

No, they aren't. Although my experience supporting a v600 leads me to believe that it's only redeeming quality is the quad-band support.

You don't have to own any phone, and you don't have to sync with your Mac. It's a privilige, not a right.

 

[akw]

It has nothing to do with Apple being 'capable enough' to make iSync work with the v600 via bluetooth in a timely fashion. The fault lies with MOTOROLA for not implementing bluetooth profiles properly on the v600. There is no universal sync framework on Windows, each product provides it's own way to sync (Palm, various phones, etc.), so you could say that the fault lies with MOTOROLA for not providing an OS X sync application. Apple's only mistake was in making iSync at all - because then people expect that because it exists, they are entitled to have it work with Product X, and it's some great injustice that it doesn't do what THEY think it ought to do.

The fact is that Apple says "Here is a product called iSync. Here are devices with with iSync works. Enjoy." They NEVER said that it will work with all devices, or all bluetooth devices, or that the v600 would in fact be supported at any time in the future. If you projected unrealistic expectations onto it, tough.




No, they aren't. Although my experience supporting a v600 leads me to believe that it's only redeeming quality is the quad-band support.

You don't have to own any phone, and you don't have to sync with your Mac. It's a privilige, not a right.

So now it's a privlege to use iSync? That's a novel concept. How about the following concept instead? If Apple wants to have the privlege of collecting tens of thousands of dollars from my pocket book over my life time then they'll write software that satisfies my needs. Otherwise someone else will get the money.

I'm asking Apple to implement sync over bluetooth for Motorola phones. How is that a bad thing? Why does that bother you? What's the problem with that request? Should we just accept what Apple produces with a smile? Even if we're not satisfied and it doesn't meet our needs? Don't let your zealotry get in the way of reason.

Perhaps you can suggest a phone for me that has iSync support over bluetooth and carries a similar form factor and feature set to the v600?

I'm personally partial to Nokia. Out of 58 Nokia phones available in the USA, Apple supports 7 (4 of which are those hideous 3600 series bricks). Not bad considering iSync has been available for something like two years. I can sync almost every last one of the 58 Nokia phones on my Windows box using Nokia's software without a hitch. Interesting.

What are my other options? Let's see. How about a T68? or a T68i? Those aren't even supported on some GSM networks anymore. Or maybe the T68i replacement the T610? Let's face it, Sony Ericsson phones have come a long way since the T68, but they've still got an even longer way to go. Even the T630 isn't much better. Slapping new themes on the OS and wrapping the internals in a different case doesn't do much for making a better phone. No dice there. I won't even comment on the Siemens phones.

So all in all, pickings are really slim if you want to use iSync. But then again, I guess that's a privilege. Is it a privilege to wait for additional phone support too? Or maybe it's just a privilege to buy outdated phones so I can use iSync? So much potential with iSync is going untapped. It's too bad for Apple and for us.

I'm miffed about this. Can you tell?

 

[Ibjr]

R&D Policy 53: No hacks.

Concessions made in code elegance (hacks) may or may not effect how well the code works. Besides, wouldn't you rather have a hacked up solution that works rather than no solution at all? Come to think of it, you wouldn't even know the difference and neither would I. It would just work.

Code elegance is the reason OSX has the dev switching. Code elegance is the reason most Slashdotters are crazy for OSX. Code elegance is the reason apple isn't MS. Code elegance is a reason apple isn't working on on a Servicepack two type patch. When they do it, they do it right.

Understand?

 

[hype.it]

P900 and iSync Users

Help is to hand. Here's the solution. As you know, getting iSync 1.4 or 1.5 to see your P900 Smart-Phone after a firmware update is a real pain. Sony Ericsson recently edited it's firmware in such a way that iSync no longer see' or finds the handset when you choose Add Device from the Menu. This hack, forces iSync to see your phone.

This archive is intended for Mac users only!
To open the .sitx archive, you'll need Stuffit Expander

Thread: More info
Download the attachment: HowardForums

 

[akw]

Code elegance is the reason OSX has the dev switching. Code elegance is the reason most Slashdotters are crazy for OSX. Code elegance is the reason apple isn't MS. Code elegance is a reason apple isn't working on on a Servicepack two type patch. When they do it, they do it right.

Understand?

You're obviously not a developer.

 

[Nik_Doof]

Anyone had any probs with Nokia 6600 in this version?

My Nokia's software is v4.09.1, since i got iSync 1.5 the bluetooth service on the phone crashes alot had to sync 5 times to get a full sync today.

Also the problem with the Nokia 6230... its not supported as its the Series 40 software, once one phone in the series 40 is supported you could probably botch in support by editing the plist, like people did before support for the 6600 was offical. Series 60 is supported, so that covers alot of Nokia phones not listed on the iSync site, like Nokia's site

Also no matter what the iSync site says, address book pictures will be synced to SE T610/T630...as its done in the past for me

 

[tkarches]

My "hideous" Nokia 3650 (which I have been using since June 2003) has worked nearly flawlessly with iSync (and with most of the 3rd party software that I have loaded).

- it takes decent pictures
- it plays MPEG-4 movies
- pictures and movies can be copied to (and from) removable MMC media
- it holds my calendar and address book
- it even makes phone calls
- it works anywhere in the world

I would reccomend it in a heartbeat.

The current 3620 is not such a good deal anymore, but the screen is very nice. If you are willing to live without a camera, I would get an N-Gage QD, myself ($100 with contract). It does everything my 3650 does (except for having a camera.) in a nice form factor. Perfect for playing the GameBoy emulator....

Tom

 

[akw]

My "hideous" Nokia 3650 (which I have been using since June 2003) has worked nearly flawlessly with iSync (and with most of the 3rd party software that I have loaded).

- it takes decent pictures
- it plays MPEG-4 movies
- pictures and movies can be copied to (and from) removable MMC media
- it holds my calendar and address book
- it even makes phone calls
- it works anywhere in the world

I would reccomend it in a heartbeat.

The current 3620 is not such a good deal anymore, but the screen is very nice. If you are willing to live without a camera, I would get an N-Gage QD, myself ($100 with contract). It does everything my 3650 does (except for having a camera.) in a nice form factor. Perfect for playing the GameBoy emulator....

Tom

I think the functionality and quality are absolutely outstanding on the 3650. But you have to admit, the size and aesthetics leave a lot to be desired. I suppose if that's not important to you then this is a great phone. To me it looks hideous. No offense.

 

[GeorgeTheMonkey]

SE K700 and iSync

To the happy gentleman (and ladies?) with the K700s:

I'm currently having a problem -- two actually -- when I iSync. First, I have yet to be able to get any of my contacts' addresses and other information to sync.

Second, when I sync with iCal, all my events actually appear to be scheduled for an hour earlier on the phone. (In addition to the phone having problems with all-day events.)

I'm thinking the problem is with my firmware: I just got the phone, shipped from NY with the R2A041 firmware. The latest is R2L001, I believe. So for those with K700s and who use iSync, do you have the aforementioned programs? If not, could you confirm that a firmware update will take care of these problems?

Thanks!

 

[matticus008]

See, the US wireless providers don't really have standards (nor do they want them.) You Europeans and Asians just get a network, and it works. Over here we have gajillions of bands and networks and no 3G yet and blah blah blah.

I think I'm getting this Motorola V710, and the USB cable, but I really wish Apple would just go ahead and start supporting Bluetooth in general.

By the way, thanks, fflipper, that clears up a lot.

The V710 will NEVER support Bluetooth file sync. Verizon specifically ordered the phones not to support that BT profile, which is the biggest complaint about the "Bluetooth" capability of these phones. That is, you can't use Bluetooth for anything except Verizon-sanctioned purposes. Google for V710 and bluetooth support and you'll get tons of info on this.

 

[aricher]

There are articles floating around on the web that Verizon wants to start charging for ANY data transfered to/from all their customers phones. This includes any data transfered via Bluetooth. This is the main reason I chose not to go with Verizon - greedheads.

 

[~loserman~]

Why do Motorola phones have no Bluetooth support?

Personally I don't know why someone would want a bluetooth phone.
It has very very very poor security. If you want people getting access to your information then bluetooth is the way to go.

 

[IndyGopher]

Personally I don't know why someone would want a bluetooth phone.
It has very very very poor security. If you want people getting access to your information then bluetooth is the way to go.

While you are right about the security of bluetooth, I don't imagine most people keep information on their phone that would terribly sensitive. Also, keeping bluetooth active on my phone kills the battery life, so I only enable it when I am transferring information. Add to that needing to OK any pairing attempts on both ends, and it would be a whole lot easier to just steal my phone than to syphon data off of it.

Either way, you get a bunch of phone numbers that are listed in the phone book, and the most embarrassing thing you might find out is how often I order pizza. Phones are like anything else. Don't write anything down you don't want read in a courtroom or church.

 

[Moof1904]

Sync-ing Palm "Notes"

Am I misinformed or does iSync still not sync the "Notes" section of a Palm-type PDA? If I'm correct, why can't/won't iSync do this? It seems terribly inconvenient and is what's preventing me from using iSync.