Apple Tuesday released a new version of iSync, its synchronization software. The new version supports more than 20 cell phones from leading manufacturers like Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and Siemens. What’s more, iSync 1.1 now enables .Mac subscribers to synchronize bookmarks using Apple’s own Safari Web browser.
iSync enables Mac users to share contact, calendar and other data with cell phones, PDAs and other devices. The software also enables users of Apple’s .Mac subscription service to synchronize such data between different computers.
iSync 1.1’s support for new phones includes Sony Ericsson models like the T610, T608 and P800 models; Nokia’s Series 60 models including the 3650 and 7650 and Siemens S55 and S56 phones. And for the first time, iSync adds support for data transfer through USB using several Motorola cell phone models, including the T720, v60i, v66, c331g, and c333g.
Several of the Motorola models supported by iSync through USB operate via TDMA, a cell phone technology in widespread use throughout the United States. This may have the added benefit of opening up iSync adoption by users who previously couldn’t or wouldn’t upgrade their phones to Bluetooth-equipped GSM models.
iSync’s ability to synchronize Safari bookmarks means that .Mac members can now share a single set of bookmarks between different computers.
iSync is available for download now; it requires Mac OS X 10.2.5 and iCal 1.0.2. More information about compatible devices is available from Apple’s Web site.