Samsung tool transfers iOS content, contacts to Galaxy S III
updated 06:17 pm EDT, Fri June 22, 2012
Easy Phone Sync works with iTunes, transfers contacts, texts
Samsung's Galaxy S III rollout campaign includes a service aimed at making it easier for owners of Apple's iPhone to switch platforms. The Korean manufacturer announced today the availability of Easy Phone Sync, an app meant to help users transfer data and media from iOS devices to a new Galaxy S III. The app runs on both Macs and PCs and provides options for relocating music, videos, podcasts, pictures, contacts, and text messages.
The process takes about five minutes to set up, and users can continue to rely on iTunes to manage their content after the transfer. DRM-restricted content purchased from iTunes will not be transferred, nor will iOS apps, which will not work on Android.
The Galaxy S III has launched to considerable demand worldwide, though it is uncertain how many future owners will be transitioning from iOS.
Another point of uncertainty is how long Easy Phone Sync will actually work with Apple's iTunes software. Samsung is not the first company to bring iTunes compatibility to its phones. Three years ago, Palm went through a series of software updates aimed at keeping its webOS-powered Pre able to sync with iTunes. Apple, meanwhile, would continually break the Pre's syncing capability through updates to the iTunes software. Palm enabled iTunes syncing through code that tricked iTunes into thinking the Pre was an iOS device, but it is unclear how Samsung's syncing feature is accomplished.
Easy Phone Sync is available for free in the Google Play app store for UK users. Complementary applications for Mac and PC are available at easyphonesync.com.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2001
Will be sued out of existance
Apple is not going to brook Samsung forging a device ID (the ILLEGAL route Palm took that is contrary to USB guidelines) to allow this. It's not a question of competition, it's a question of legal methodology.