PocketMac is slated to debut at the launch of Pocket PC 2002 this week in San Francisco. Developed by Information Appliance Associates (IAA), PocketMac is a native Mac-sync tool that will let you to sync your Mac directly with a Pocket PC device via USB.
The software will expand Mac users options for handheld devices. Currently, we Mac users can use a Palm OS device from Palm, Handspring, or Sony or try to make Pocket PC-based handhelds work through a system of adapter cables and Virtual PC. Pocket PC 2002 is the latest iteration of the operating system Microsoft has developed for handheld computers.
PocketMac, which will be Carbonized to support both Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X, should change this. It will most likely be released in two stages. The first version will offer syncing, copying, software installation and un-installation services. Support for additional programs will come in version 1.5 or 2.0. Also, expect to see Mac OS 9.x version first, with a Mac OS X version coming later. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but you can sign up for updated info on PocketMac online.
According to online information from IAA, PocketMac will offer file copying/browsing features, file syncing, and software installation/uninstallation services. Initially, the utility is expected to synch with Outlook and Entourage. Support for other calendar/contact/PIM products such as Now Up-to-Date, Outlook Express, and Netscape is being considered.
“We will support as many calendar/contact/PIM products, as possible,” the folks at IAA said. “However, many products do not have any kind of built-in means of exposing their data. In such cases, we will provide the developer’s SDK so that companies that wish to participate can create a plug-in for their software.”
There have been no announcements about whether the software will be distributed with any PocketPC devices.