WindowsPhone7ConnectorForMac
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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 v1.1 makes uncomfortable debut in Mac App Store
Mac users defying convention of their peers with Zune HD and Windows Phone 7 devices are in for a treat. After a long, drawn out beta release, Microsoft has unleashed Windows Phone 7 Connector into the Mac App Store. The handy utility, now at version 1.1, provides sync capability of all DRM-free media between Microsoft's latest portable devices and your Mac. Users may also update their WP7 software from the Connector, and sync to multiple Macs. Support for Apple Lossless audio is new to this release, along with an option to automatically launch the app when a supported device is connected. Snow Leopard is required admission for this freebie; Leopard users will need to bring their cat into the Snow if they're hoping to join the party. After shutting out Mac users for years, it's good to see Microsoft begin to right its ways. Now, if we could just get a similar outpouring of love for Zune Pass...
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.
Windows Phone 7 Connector Beta available for download by Mac users
Are you a Mac user who is excited about Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 devices? Or a Mac user who is being forced against your will to put away your iPhone and use the company-supplied Windows Phone 7 phone (and forgive me if that one sounds redundant)? Well, you're in luck. As promised, Microsoft has issued a beta version of Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac. This software allows you to sync certain selected content with not only "WinPho7" devices, but Microsoft Zune media players as well. The download is available here -- according to the notes you'll be able to "Sync music, photos, videos and podcasts from your existing iTunes and iPhoto libraries to your Windows Phone 7." Rock on, WinPho fans! [via Mac Rumors]
Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac moves to public beta
That didn't take long, did it? The promised beta of Windows Phone 7's Mac-friendly companion app is now available, bringing basic media sync capability -- notably with iTunes and iPhoto integration -- to that shiny new Microsoft-powered phone of yours. In fact, Microsoft delivered the client so fast that it beat every single American WP7 device to market -- so AT&T and T-Mobile folks, you can rest easy knowing that you'll be Mac-compatible from day one. Notably, the so-called Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac lacks any Zune functionality; Microsoft has never written a true Zune client for Mac, unfortunately, but at least this is a critical first step that makes these things usable for Mac owners that aren't tied to the iPhone. Let us know how the app treats you in comments, alright?
