Wi-Fi Sync for iPhone video hands-on: it works!
By Sam Sheffer 
posted May 17th 2010 10:07AM
posted May 17th 2010 10:07AM
Installation couldn't have been easier. We parted ways with our Hamilton, downloaded the necessary companion software for our laptop, and fired up the application. The iPhone was immediately recognized, and after a few prompts we were ready for action. Syncing was just as easy as it normally is (with "easy" being a relative term here), just without that iPod wire hanging around and bumming everyone out. We will say, however, that things weren't as snappy OTA as a standard hardwired connection. It was a bit sluggish on the first couple of runs, and although iTunes crashed a few times (boo), we're fairly confident in saying that a poor WiFi connection was to blame for the jankiness. Once we migrated closer to the router, things went much smoother. Still unsure if it's worth the investment? Then give the video past the break a look.
@groberts1980
Even if that explains it, that does not make it right.
The fact that Apple does not allow others to compete on a level playing field is bad for consumers. Imagine if Windows didn't let you install software that did what Windows already does. Want another web browser? Tough! Use Internet Explorer and love it!
@Kamalot They approved Opera, didn't they? I think they've realized they can't reject apps that duplicate an app that comes on the phone, like the web browser. But core functionality like sync, they still do.
@Kamalot
I honestly think they rejected it because it doesn't "work". By this I mean that iTunes isn't ready for this kind of functionality, which explains why it crashes rather than cancelling the sync gracefully. That makes sense and I don't hold ill will towards Apple for doing so. However, I fail to understand why this functionality hasn't been implemented by Apple themselves yet.
@Kelmon I agree, Apple should and needs to implement this themselves. But it's fairly well known how they operate. Release something that is missing a ton of features, then slowly update the device to have said features. I mean, how long did it take for them to implement copy & paste?
@groberts1980
Well, for better or for worse, what you have to remember is that Apple doesn't do "me too" devices. While it is entirely true that the iPhone went for a long time without features that other mobile phones had, it was still seen as being desirable despite this because of the features that it did have that others did not (for example, pretty much a complete web browser). This is the way that Apple works - produce something with features that differentiates itself from the competition and then go back and fill in the gaps later, if necessary.
Whether this works for you depends mostly on how much you wanted the differentiating features and how much you miss what was missing.
@Kelmon That does make a lot of sense. But still, why leave out features that other phones have if those features are popular and wanted by the masses? How could it do anything but make their product more popular?
In the context of your last comment, are there any phones out there now that have wireless syncing? Is it that Apple is just not doing the "me too" thing with that particular feature?
all this talk about syncing just made me think of this video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zW8oA2AEio
enjoy
I love having a Zune. It can sync over WiFi by default. :-D
Anyone use this for the iPad? Is it indicated for the iPad?
Well, without a physical connection, the sync can be hijacked by a 3rd party... dude, think in the way of security, I'd rather stay from this, at least for now, cuz it's not an MP3 player, but a phone with all my personal info and contacts.
Why don't you just secure your wireless network then?
Problem solved.
would it work if u connect the ipod/iphone to the computer via a ad-hoc computer-hosted connection? wouldn't that be slightly faster than connecting it via a router that's a fair distance away?
@ERROR The percent sign goes to the right of the number. Just remember to place the tampon in the right hole as well.
Where are all of the people commenting on how mad they are because Apple copied Microsoft's Zune HD and its ability to wirelessly sync first? People are so quick to claim that someone copies Apple when they use a certain type of touchscreen, form factor, or even the keyboard on their computer. People need to wake up and realize that it is a compliment to be copied and if anyone wants to succeed in this game they have to do whatever it takes to survive, including recognizing a good idea.
@zswickliffe
Dear Sir/Madam,
Please try to read the article before commenting.
Yours respectfully,
Kelmon
Tip: If you were keeping up then you'd know that this application is not made by Apple, has been rejected from the App Store by Apple, and that Apple still have not implemented a wireless synchronisation option. Since devices have been syncing for years wirelessly, I don't think the Zune was first. However, it is indeed possible that Apple may be last to this particular party.
@Kelmon
Not to start a "flame war" or anything, but when I say that the Zune HD was first, I mean that the Zune HD was first, of the two most popular PMPs (Zune and iPod), to have this capability. That said, no matter what makes it able to wirelessly sync, be it an app or built into the software, it is still able to wirelessly sync. All I am saying is that people need to stop accusing others of copying things that are simply a smart business move. Some guy sitting around decided it would be nice to wirelessly sync like other PMPs have the ability to, then made this app (probably in an attempt to make money, only to have it rejected from the app store). Good ideas are good ideas, plain and simple. Pretty packaging, aluminum bodies, touch screens, chiclet keyboards, etc. One company does not own full rights to any of these things, they are just features that appeal to a variety of consumers. That said, I don't want to "bash" any particular product, I love all electronics as they should be loved, through their functionality and design, however, it is the fan-base that I am criticizing.
props for the mars volta playlist
@ChipK3
Hell yea!
Props for the awesome comment.
Okay, question. Would this app work if you set up an Ad-Hoc network from you Mac?
for android users, check out "Android Wifi Sync" on the market. Its FREE and syncs music from any computer on the same wifi network. oh and you do not need to root your phone.
Android keeps it simple like that, Apple.
My Zune HD does this
@Weigle My Zune 30 and Zune HD both do this... and every Zune in between.
@GadgetTamer I know..
I'll probably get down ranked into oblivion, but hasn't the Zune done this for... well... ever? It was firmware 2.0 that allowed this i think?
Honestly though, i don't use it much. The only things i sync need to be updated once a week (podcasts) and my battery only needs to be charged once a week so... i just plug it in and let it charge for a bit and sync then.
If I'm THAT close to my computer and need to sync, I'll just connect it to the USB port and save ten bucks. The battery will get charged too. Ten bucks is a rip-off.
Could this be paired with 3G Unrestrictor to sync over cell services? That'd be worth it.
"If you see a wire, they blew it"
or
"If you see iTunes, they blew it"
Paid user. Full review here. Wi-Fi Sync installs no problem on the iPad. When it synced (more on that later), syncing was quicker than I expected and lost no more than a couple of percentage points throughout the whole process. What people don't realize is that the whole advantage of this app for the iPad is that you can't sync and charge at the same time - the iPad requires 10v which most USB ports don't deliver (I'm told some Macs do, but none of my PCs do). So if you're charging your iPad nightly, it might be nice to sync without having to plug the iPad in twice (once in your computer to sync, then again in your outlet to charge). The only real problem is that the Windows server portion of Wi-Fi Sync does have some issues with iTunes on your PC. Sometimes iTunes will report an error and hang until you physically click OK, which is a problem if you're syncing via wifi from another room and wondering why it's taking so darned long. Once the author works out the iTunes/PC problem, I'm sure the app will be a winner. In the meanwhile, I would suggest trying this out regardless because I have an extraordinarily large library so I personally encounter all sorts of iTunes issues that mere mortals never experience. So your millage may vary, and mine wasn't all too bad.
Really Not sold on the JailBreak Idea, I've done it to a 3Gs , iPhone 4 and a iPad 3Gs ... loaded some of the "Much Better" available (Buggie) Software.. and yes some of the packages offer More functionality or feature but in Most cases I've seen the trade off is in reliability.. I Use these devices as Tools for work and dont have the Time or desire to deal with Lockups, Rebooting and reloading..