WindowsPhone7Connector
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PSA: Windows Phone Marketplace now requires Windows Phone 7.5
Microsoft warned us last month that it would be snipping legacy OS support in Windows Phone Marketplace within a few weeks, and it just made good on that heads-up. As of now, you'll need at least a Windows Phone 7.5 device to shop for, review and update apps, no matter how much you want that fix for Ilo Milo. The company still argues that the cutoff is needed to improve speed and security in the Marketplace as well as lay a foundation for a better Windows Phone future. Given that virtually every handset on the market can get 7.5 today, if it doesn't already ship with 7.5 preloaded, you have every good reason to grab the update through Microsoft's desktop apps and stay in the Marketplace downloading parade.
Windows Phone 7 Connector now puts your Home Server in your hand
Ok, Windows Server Solutions Phone Connector doesn't exactly sound exciting but, if you're one of the few people out there rocking a Windows Home Server 2011 machine and a WP7 handset, you're probably gonna want to get this set up ASAP. The combination of server-side plug-in and phone app lets you remotely control your server -- triggering backups, managing users, and viewing alerts. It also lets you pull up media files stored on your server, though you can't copy them locally for your later viewing or listening pleasure. It's not just for home users either. The plug-in works with Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials and Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials, for smaller companies that rely on Microsoft-powered mobiles. You can download the server add-on at the more coverage link, and the smartphone app from the Zune Marketplace.
Microsoft: NoDo didn't break a 32-bit color feature, it fixed a 32-bit color error
Microsoft may be promising 32-bit color support in its upcoming Mango update for Windows Phone 7, but some users already had sufficient chromatic depth -- at least until they unknowingly traded it for copy / paste. Word on the street is that HTC HD7 owners are noticing a significant drop in color depth after installing Microsoft's NoDo update, causing ugly color banding in (previously gorgeous) apps and photos. The big M, via a moderator on the Microsoft Support forums, has confirmed the phenomenon, stating that HTC launched the HD7 with color support outside of Windows Phone 7's 16-big design requirements. The update didn't remove a feature, it merely brought HTC devices in line with WP7 device requirements; to ensure "a stable and consistent customer experience," of course.
Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac OS now in the App Store
Finally out of beta, Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac is now available in the Mac App Store. The app lets those with a Windows Phone or a Zune HD and a Mac (an odd mix indeed) move photos, music and video between their devices and Macs running iTunes and iPhoto. Also, Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac can be used to update your Windows phone. Note that, when syncing music, only unprotected (non DRM) tracks are supported. The app is free and, like we said, available right now. [Via Engadget]
Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac OS goes gold, hits the Mac App Store
It's been available since October in beta form, but Microsoft has just turned its Windows Phone 7 Connector product to a shiny shade of gold, giving Mac owners a solid (if not Zune-free) option for hooking up their Windows Phones without firing up Boot Camp. We're told there aren't any new features in the latest build worth noting, so you'll get the same options as before: media synchronization, iTunes compatibility, and support for Windows Phone firmware updates. A full Zune client would be choice, of course -- but we'll take it. And you can take it, too: it's now in the Mac App Store. [Thanks, Hayden]
Zune HD Mac support secretly hidden in Windows Phone 7 Connector software
We've been begging Microsoft to somehow add Mac compatibility to the Zune for years, and it looks like there's a tiny little ray of hope buried in Redmond's Windows Phone 7 Connector for OS X: a simple plist modification will let it sync the Zune HD as well. That really shouldn't be any big surprise, since WP7's media interface is built on top of Zune, but at least it's something -- although we're still hoping and wishing for the full Zune suite (and Zune Pass) to make its way to the Mac someday.
Microsoft updates WP7 Connector for Mac with improved setup, bug fixes
Microsoft has released an update for Windows Phone 7 Connector, the still-in-beta OS X application that works with iPhoto and iTunes to allow you to sync your DRM-free multimedia with Microsoft's 'wares. According to Pocket-lint, the latest release features a new setup process, the ability to manually retrieve files from your WP7 device, and it also allows you to sync device-purchased content back to your Mac. These new features are also joined by several bug fixes and can be downloaded directly from Microsoft. While no one at the TUAW HQ wishes a Windows phone on anyone, we are at least glad that Microsoft is committed to cross-platform interoperability. [via Engadget]
Microsoft rolls out updated Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac
It's still technically in beta, but Microsoft has just rolled out a fairly significant update to its Windows Phone 7 Connector software for Mac. Among other things, the software now has a new device setup process, support for manual file imports from the device, and the ability to sync content purchased on your phone back to your Mac -- not to mention a slew of bug fixes and other more minor tweaks. Hit up the source link below to start downloading, or just look for it in the Microsoft AutoUpdate app.
