Mark/Space Announces Next Gen Mac Hotsync Client

Posted By: Ryan Thursday, June 24, 2004 11:49:44 AM

Mark/Space has announced version 4.0 of The Missing Sync for Palm OS. Expected to ship in August, this version supersedes PalmSource's aging HotSync Manager for Mac OS X.

"When we set out to revitalize Mac-to-Palm synchronization, it was our intention to provide users with three things," said Brian Hall, Mark/Space CEO, "Compatibility with existing software conduits, cool new features like Wi-Fi synchronization and confidence that a dedicated company with many years of Mac and Palm OS expertise is supporting their needs. We've succeeded in providing a solution that will ensure the future of Mac-to-Palm synchronization."

Perhaps the most critical feature of The Missing Sync for Palm OS is that it supports dozens of existing Palm conduits for the Mac, including Apple's freely available iSync Palm conduit and Microsoft's Entourage conduit, offering a seamless experience for users who switch from HotSync Manager.

The Missing Sync for Palm OS sports an brushed-metal interface that presents the user with easy access to the most-used features. One such feature, called Conduit Profiles, allows the user to save a group of specific conduits as a set so it can be employed again later. For example, to install an application on the handheld without waiting for other information to synchronize, the user would simply choose the Install Profile and sync. This way, no time is spent running unnecessary conduits.

Other features include Wi-Fi (802.11) network sync, painless Bluetooth synchronization, desktop mounting of memory cards, iPhoto and iTunes integration, Internet sharing for sending and receiving email or downloading AvantGo content, a streamlined mini-window view, improved install and backup capabilities and SyncMinder, a user-configurable alarm that reminds the user when it's time to sync.

At the PalmSource Developer Conference in February, PalmSource announced that Palm OS Cobalt (Palm OS 6) would not include Mac synchronization software. Mark/Space immediately responded by announcing that it would provide the next generation of Mac-to-handheld synchronization infrastructure. Instead of waiting for new devices to become available, Mark/Space is releasing it's innovative synchronization solution for Palm OS 4 and Palm OS 5 handhelds.

One of the most requested features from conduit developers is the ability to create conduits using modern tools such as Apple's Xcode. Mark/Space engineers have not only made it possible for conduits to be created with Xcode and compiled as native Mach-O executables, they have also built a framework that allows developers to use Objective-C and Cocoa for conduit development. In addition, existing conduits developed in Metrowerks CodeWarrior are supported using the current PalmSource Conduit Development Kit (CDK) 4.0.3.

Mark/Space representatives will attend Apple's Worldwide Developer conference next week, where they will invite conduit developers to try a beta release of The Missing Sync for Palm OS and provide them with technical information on conduit development. Interested parties may apply to be a beta tester.

Version 4.0 of The Missing Sync for Palm OS is expected to be available from the Mark/Space online store in August and will cost $39.95 for electronic download, $49.95 for the CD. This product replaces several existing products that will qualify users for discounted upgrade prices of $19.95 for electronic download, $24.95 plus shipping and handling for a CD. Additionally, anyone who purchases select Missing Sync products will receive a free upgrade to the new version.

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Nicely

Edward Green @ 6/24/2004 3:34:23 PM #

I now wish this product was available for XP :)

Edward Green
--
http://www.khite.co.uk

RE: Nicely

Winter_ @ 6/24/2004 10:55:58 PM #

XP? Then you would miss 3/4 of the fun! ;)

RE: Nicely

cbowers @ 6/25/2004 1:43:25 PM #

Yep, though it's getting closer. He can run Darwin on his box these days.

Hooray!

jho4thclie @ 6/24/2004 8:59:51 PM #

PHENOMENAL! I have a Powerbook and a Tungsten C... and I've been a little miffed that I never have been able to do a cable-less HotSync (Wi-Fi, for me). This is awesome.

**Signs up for Beta Test.

-JWH

Thank you Mark/Space!

kp* @ 6/25/2004 12:12:29 AM #

I look forward to downloading this as soon as it becomes available. It's so nice that somebody is bothering to give us Mac users what Sony and Palm/PalmOne were too lazy/cheap to provide. Can't wait to wi-fi hotsync!

Bravo Mark/Space!

orca @ 6/25/2004 11:47:58 AM #

The ability to finally use the native developer tools is HUGE. I think that casual Mac Palm conduit development has been severely hindered by the fact that it was only possible with CodeWarrior or the ancient MPW tools. I applaud Mark/Space for putting their money where their mouth is in providing support for the native developer tools that are included with every copy of the operating system. This looks supremely better than the orphaned HotSync Manager.

This may work out nicely after all. None of the PalmOS providers have the resources to focus on the Mac, and Mark/Space looks like they're more than making up for it.

Now Apple needs to release an iSync SDK at WWDC next week. :)

Palm Vx 4.1, PowerBook G4 with MacOS X 10.3.3

RE: Bravo Mark/Space!

cbowers @ 6/25/2004 1:46:37 PM #

Better yet, if licensees will license and bundle as with PocketMirror and Intelisync.

RE: Bravo Mark/Space!

cbowers @ 6/25/2004 1:48:28 PM #

I'd even be happy if the licensee installer CD, had an activation step which enabled the appropriate hotsync mechanism for both Mac and PC, and an online activation step which triggered the notification to affected parties of the end users choice and triggered the appropriate royalty payment.

RE: Bravo Mark/Space!

acaltabiano @ 6/25/2004 9:44:07 PM #

Crap, I would just be happy if Apple updated isync to sync Calendars and Categories together! I am tired of having to re-categorize things! Once should be enough. Geez!

RE: Bravo Mark/Space!

Kesh @ 6/26/2004 12:18:34 AM #

Unfortunately, I had to sell my good handheld for rent money a while back, so all I've got is an OS 3 Visor Deluxe. Ah well... hopefully I can afford a new Palm soon.

A Promising move......

vesther @ 6/30/2004 4:34:58 PM #

Let's hope that I can no longer depend on HotSync Manager with this program, because I'm getting sick and tired of HotSync hanging up during Backup, as I do have 2 Decuma licenses for my primary and secondary handhelds.

A Palm-Powered Handheld is the bread and butter for many people. Without a Palm-Powered Handheld, your progress is all for naught.