RIM intros BlackBerry iTunes sync, limits to Windows
updated 03:00 pm EDT, Thu July 24, 2008
BlackBerry Media Sync
Research in Motion hoped to gain ground among media smartphones today with the official launch of BlackBerry Media Sync. Announced alongside the Bold, the software gives owners of current-generation BlackBerries the option to sync some or all of their iTunes libraries for playback on the phone, including playlists. Phone owners can also block out part of the phone's storage space to set it aside for work, photos, and other content.
The sync utility works with any BlackBerry 8800-series, Curve, Pearl phone and will support the Bold when it's released later this summer; however, RIM currently limits the software to Windows XP and Vista systems and doesn't have plans to introduce software for Mac OS X, which at present needs third-party utilities such as Missing Sync or PocketMac.
smart move
07/24, 03:10pm reply
cuz nobody buys macs anymore anyway
scottnichol
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 1999
Same old RIM
07/24, 03:12pm reply
Mac sales are going through the roof, and RIM is still standing there, hands clamped firmly over ears, going "LA LA LA LA, THERE IS ONLY WINDOWS, I CAN'T HEAR YOU! LA LA LA LA"
phillymjs
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2000
jeez
07/24, 03:12pm reply
How can it be hard to add support for Macs when they're using iTunes in any case - talk about helping the iPhone gain a foothold.
rytc
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2001
Re: jeez
07/24, 03:22pm reply
Well, if you have no Mac developers, it can be pretty hard.
iTunes on the PC doesn't mean you can sync contacts, calendar, mail, music, pictures... on the Mac. Let alone provide the Mac user with an elegant interface for control of those operations.
Flying Meat
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2007
Stay away
07/24, 03:30pm reply
Another reason to not buy a Blackberry.
chefpastry
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2005
iTunes Store Support? No.
07/24, 03:32pm reply
Nice try RIM. Expect a MacNN headline about this in the next few days.
GORDYmac
Grizzled Veteran
Joined: Dec 1999
iTunes Sync...
07/24, 04:26pm reply
Yeah, everything except what ever is bought at the iTunes Store.... Nice..
PatentBoy
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2008
Re: itunes store
07/24, 05:19pm reply
Well, maybe they would, if Apple would license FairPlay. Oh, right, they don't do that. Oh well.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
DRM
07/24, 06:15pm reply
Hey Test,
Better yet get rid of all audio DRM (as Steve Jobs proposed back in February 6, 2007).
Funny how the labels saw the light and allow Amazon without DRM but still lock in iTunes...
CVB
cvbcvb
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2003
Re: DRM
07/25, 09:32am reply
Better yet get rid of all audio DRM (as Steve Jobs proposed back in February 6, 2007).
Make FairPlay so ubiquitous and its like not having DRM. If anyone can play the file, then DRM is less restrictive.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001