I know everyone is waiting with bated breath for the release of the sync component for iPhone. I’ve heard the grumbling and I don’t blame people for being impatient. And what I talk about here isn’t meant to make you feel happy or wash away frustrations. I just want to address these concerns, especially for folks new to dealing with Ilium Software, so you understand the way we do things.
I’m also writing this because when we first created this blog, we told you that we’d give you a little insight into what happens behind the scenes at Ilium Software. The things I talk about here really highlight the sort of decisions and challenges we face everyday. So if you’re interested, read on after the jump!
So let’s talk about releasing software. Here is my philosophy…
First and foremost, I will never release an application that isn’t ready. Period. If that means releasing it a week, two weeks, or even a month late, then that’s what I’ll do. I hate to do it. It screws things up here when we release past our deadline, it is frustrating for folks waiting for it, but quality is the number one most important issue when it comes to our software.
Of course that leads to the question of “then why did you release eWallet without sync?” I’ve actually addressed this a few times – same answer. While some folks can’t even use eWallet without sync, a lot of folks are perfectly happy with a device only solution. So, for those people, eWallet without sync was everything they needed and we could give that to them on day one. And the application we released is, in my opinion, the best in class. Sync for iPhone is a “new feature” and not a requirement for eWallet to be a fantastic product on its own.
Second, I hate giving release dates and generally I don’t. In fact up until this iPhone release, we have never given release dates for anything. And after this release I doubt you’ll see release dates given for other products. We’re not stopping because of this release, but for the same reason we never posted release dates in the past: software releases aren’t like building a car. You can’t predict exactly how long it will take to put all the parts together. Unforeseen problems come up. Glitches happen.
So why did we give a release date for this and the original release? Well for the initial release, we gave a date because Apple said “It will be out on this date!” Seemed safe to us. Ah well. Live and learn. And for the sync release, we wanted to assure our loyal customers that we really were going to release a sync component. We wanted to assure folks that sync wasn’t just a cool idea we had but something we were working on.
And boy, did we work on it. As I’ve said before, not only did we work on this thing constantly, putting in many extra hours to get it done, we even brought in contractors. We take our promises very seriously. Did we get it out to customers by the end of August as we’d predicted? Sadly we didn’t. I’m really sorry about that and it frustrates me. At the same time, the entire project was complete by August 27th and considering the challenges we faced along the way (we killed three computers during development – we must have overworked them!) I’m really pleased at the speed with which the team here got the work done. (My thanks to all of them!)
Third, whatever we do should treat the customer right. We gave out a LOT of free desktop software to thank folks for buying early (just ask Kevin, Lee, and Don who had to fulfil all of those requests!) We effectively halved our potential revenue as a way to show our customers that they always come first. Did we take a major hit? Absolutely. Do we think it was worth it? Without a doubt. This is how we’ve done business since day one and I like to think that this is part of the reason we’re still here 11+ years later. Now for some folks, it isn’t enough. I understand and respect that, but at least I know we did all that we could to help out the folks who supported us.
I’ll close by saying I don’t blame folks for being frustrated. I know this software is important to a lot of people. I also know that for some folks, sync makes the difference between eWallet being useful or memory filler on their phone. I also want to make clear that I don’t blame Apple. After the initial release we knew just what to expect from Apple. So does that mean it’s our fault? You bet. In fact as Product Manager I take full responsibility for a late release.
But at the same time, while I’m sorry for the wait, I wouldn’t have done it any different. The end result is a fantastic product we’re all very proud of, and one that we really believe is going to make folks lives easier. Releasing the stand alone version first made a lot of people really happy. Releasing the sync component a little bit late means we’re releasing the best software we could build that will work properly the first time you use it.
In the end, folks that purchase eWallet will have the best product in its class, that works every time they use it, with the best support in the industry to back it up.
@Ron: just download & install the latest desktop version from Iliumsoft; that IS the 6.1.2 version.
I can’t get it to work either. I’m at 6.12 on both sides and it acts like everything is fine, I enter the code and it says wallet not found and asks me if I want to create a wallet on the iPhone. I say yes, and it does a copy thing and works just like the way it did on my PPC. Nothing seems wrong, no errors. But the wallet never actually appears on the iPhone. If I try to “sync” again, it says it can’t find the iPhone.
Didn’t see the update, so went into the app store on the phone and purchased it again. iTunes recognized I had already bought the software and did the update. So happy!
Everything is working perfectly. Synced my wallet as well as my wife’s and as others have said, happened so fast I didn’t believe it. VERY happy.
Thanks iliumsoft!!
More info. After some tests and to make a long story short, it seems that the wallet is on the iPhone, but it is not visible in the application interface.
I updated the App on the iPhone, downloaded and installed the trial version of desktop ewallet, followed the directions on the desktop to go to iPhone and followed those directions, and VOILA!!! I’m synced, relieved and happy! Whew! And on a Sunday night, to boot! Thanks to everyone for the updates and tips – along with Marc’s information and a great product, it helped make the process go perfectly! Sleep well, everyone, as someone said previously, the universe is now in sync!!
Awesome..works great. Couple of things to note. Desktop version must be 6.1.2. Download the latest trial. That adds iphone support. When you setup the sync…it will pop up a dialog with most likely one entry in it…don’t forget to select your ipod…in the list…even if there is only one entry in the list. If you do not you get some wierd authentication error supposedly from the iphone…but it really means you selected nothing. The sync is fast…….really fast. If only other content would sync that fast…
Hi, I got eWallet for iPhone, is there any special discount price for the Desktop version and how I can proceed to acquire one?
I’m Syncing !, I’m Syncing ! (in dodgy German accent “Vot are you zinking about ?”).
I’ve Synced !
Woke up, showered, made coffee, updated iPhone eWallet and setup sync in a matter of seconds and no sooner started and the sync is complete.
Cards synced between iPhone and Desktop flawlessly.
Well done Ilium, great job and well worth the wait
…and if you were among the lucky ones who sent Ilium proof of purchase of the iPhone version, the whole system ended up costing 10 bucks – if this ain’t the icing on the cookie, what is?
Downloaded but I cannot set up a sync. eWallet does not detect iphone. Anyone help? running Vista.
Woohoo! Sync’ing rocks…and so fast, too! SWEET!
@Howard, make sure you re-download the desktop app & install it to add iPhone support. Also, make sure your iPhone is awake so that the desktop app can detect it.
I have 6.1.2 installed on iPhone and PC. Sync link is established and starts to work but ends short. Log file reports this error:
Sync Starting at Monday, September 08, 2008, 12:26:45 AM with SyncPro 6.1.2.24688
Syncing C:\Users\MFG\Documents\MFG.wlt with MFG s iPhone
Unable to retrieve file ftp://UEDODCDEGHGEKDDOBLLGNLNNLIEIMKF:****@iPhone-4.local.:49163/MFG.wlt via FTP to C:\Users\MFG\AppData\Local\Temp\SLDATCopy1.wlt. (server response was: 200 TYPE command successful. 200 PORT command successful. 550 “MFG.wlt”: File not found. 550 “/var/mobile/Applications/93D2A5A2-1A22-4AE2-A13D-254C32CFFCC4/Documents/MFG.wlt”: Unable to open file. )
SYNC RESULT: FAILURE – eWallet was unable to sync any wallets.
Sync Ended at Monday, September 08, 2008, 12:26:51 AM
Any thoughts? I’ll try to call tomorrow…
Marc (not w/Iliumsoft)
Laz, Thanks but I have down all that and still have a problem. I wonder if it my firewall?
mfg, try setting up your first sync to copy data from you PC to your iphone.
WHAT MAC USERS CAN DO TILL NATIVE DESKTOP APP IS RELEASED!
I’ve tested it on Vista Ultimate running on Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac Build 5608.
I’m glad to say that the syncing runs flawlessly.
I know that many Mac Users have Parallels installed to run Windows programs, so this is a good alternative till Illium masters the wierd world of Objective C.
I am having the same issue as Howard and not able to get as far as MFG. Running Vista SP1 with desktop ewallet 6.1.2.24688. Trying to setup a sync with iPhone running the newly update softare (even rebooted the phone). I get the same error as Howard:
“ewallet cannot dedect any apple devices…(make sure on the same network…)”
I know they are on the same network as I am running MobilFinder which allows you to ftp things to your phone and that is working (as well as a ping to iphone ip). Tried starting the sync from the phone as well as from the desktop software with the same results.
I will head back to the blog to see if there is some updates on the evil Vista users such as myself. Love the program and am looking forward to getting the sync to work. I am sure it is something with Vista and not ewallet.
I can copy an empty wallet from PC to iPhone where the wallet was not on the iPhone (sync creates it). But I cannot get my 120+ entry wallet on the iPhone to the PC without getting that error! HELP!
Marc (not w/ Iliumsoft)
Jaytee, Yes I have a feeling it is as well. I have tried all sorts of things like reloading software, disabling firewall etc and still no go. If you find a solution please post. I have also sent a ticket to Ilium but guess they will take a while to respond. I am glad I am not the only one!
Howard
Will do. I am going to stop trying for now. Have tried a few things already:
1- Reinstalled Bonjour
2- Restared Bonjour services
3- Restarted all the services related to ipods and itunes
4- Restrated computer
(note: my firewall is not active on my computer)
5- Checked the logs on my sonicwall (firewall) and nothing of note for traffic being blocked between the two notes.
6- Checked the event viewr and nothing of note to indicate not finding the phone.
I must be missing something that is screaming at me and I am just not listening. Again, I will keep checking back and tomorrow will see if some of my technicians at the office have any bright ideas.
jaytee
I have done exactly what you have done with no luck either. I think I will wait for you or Ilium to get back to me. I would send you my email if that would help.
Found a small bug:
When adding a picture to a card, it doesn’t sync the image with the card to the iPhone.
I cannot create a partnership with the new release 6.1.2 from the apple store. I followed the instructions but in Setup with button Add.. I have to select a folder, to what? The IPod is not showing in the list of connectable devices.
You are right, you are to early. Sorry, i remove this peace of software from my IPod and look for something else.
The sync works very well for all cards. One thing I noticed is that my picture card on my desktop ewallet does not transfer over to the iPhone
Musings from a Mac veteran/Vista novice: In the end the sync update works very well and the Ilium team is to be congratulated.
Encountered a few hiccups with sync refusals as I had to allow eWallet access through the firewall – not an intuitive process for a 20 year Mac user.
Note to developers, while this certainly is not your responsibility, most Mac users are not familiar with Vista and its everyday use. We boot into Vista out of necessity to use applications like eWallet and therefore have little or no knowledge of everyday system settings. A brief side note explaining how to quickly allow the eWallet application access through standard (default) firewall settings would be of enormous benefit to your Mac customers, particularly the less patient, who will no doubt become annoyed at repeated failed syncs. To the Vista/Windows novice, it initially looks like eWallet is not working properly when the sync failure message appears. Again, educating customers on how to use Vista is obviously not your responsibility, but it will preclude many complaints, annoyed reviewers and unnecessary service tickets.
To the devs:
Why do i need to initiate sync on both my iphone and the desktop? that is a bit redundant. With splashid, you didn’t have to do that, you could initiate a sync from the iphone and not be required to do anything from the desktop side. with the ewallet sync, i need to hit synchronize on the iphone, and the synchronize on the desktop. it is a waste of time. please allow me to initiate a sync from the iphone alone at least, without having to run over to the desktop to start the sync as well.
other than that, great job devs!!! the sync works perfectly!!!
Howard/Jaytee,
I am running windows vista wth the latest service pack and I have no problems with the ewallet sync. why don’t you just shut down the firewall program that you might be running and if it works, great, if it doesn’t, then you can at least rule out the firewall app as the culprit. also of note, i have the UAC (user access control) turned off……..always. i find it to be an unwanted and unnecessary nuisance. Not sure if it would help but try to disable UAC as well and give it a try.
Good Luck!!!
Where can I get a copy of the desktop version 6.1.2? All I can find are links to the 6.1.0 version I already have.
Wow. 1st time perfect Sync from Office wired connection to wireless Iphone. My old WM wallet perfectly restored. Ilium – you rock !!!!!!!
Eric,
Thanks. I have tried what you have suggested and still it will not sync. I have sent an email to Ilium. Once the USA wakes up, I am sure it will be fixed.
Eric,
Thank you for the suggestion. Just like Howard I have also tried this. I also keep UAC off and I do not have any software firewall running. There must be something similar to the setup Howard and I have that you may not. Not sure what that is yet but I am going to keep trying. Thank you again for the suggetion. The fact that you can sync with vista means I will also be able to get it working. Of course I should really should sleep some more so I can function.
Jaytee.
Jaytee.
HURRAY. It syncs GREAT!
The wait probably equals the amount of time it would have taken me to manually duplicate the desktop ewallet over to my device anyway.
The sync works perfectly…no problem AT ALL! Good job Ilium.
The wait is finally over….not sure what to do now though………
I remember the last time, a few years ago, that I could not sync an eWallet (with my PocketPC). Iliumsoft took a copy of my wallet and examined it. The only solution was to rebuild the file from scratch. I fear I am headed in the same direction.
DAle,
That could be it. I have had ewallet for years so you maybe right. The only other thing iit could be is this. I have an IBM Laptop. Maybe it is something to do with that. I hope it is not what you suggest though. It will take me an age to rebuild. Time will tell.
Solved! I’m the one who had the “an error occured while asking the Apple device to provide the authorization code necessary to setup a synchronisation partnership” error message above. After a few hours of the usual troubleshooting, firewall, UAC etc. etc. an uninstall and reinstall of Bonjour did the trick. And what a happy little eWallet customer I am!!!
Perfect sync first time – thank you ilium.
Now where is ListPro?
Spuddey
Got my eWallet update today. Searched for a desktop update, but this is perhaps not necessary. Anyway, I would like to thank you people at ilium for a fantastic product and good support. You got my name on the listpro for iphone when it arrives. Thanks.
@Adrian
Thanks Adrian, I had exactly the same problem as you had (an error occured while asking the Apple device to provide the authorization code necessary to setup a synchronisation partnership).
Removing Bonjour and reinstalling it as you suggested also solved my problem.
Synced flawlessly. Absolutely worth the wait.
Patrick, glad to have helped.
fabulous. I am syncing and am now a fulfilled and in tune human being. Thank you ilium.
I would just like to throw my 2 cents worth in … This is how I did my upgrade.
Tip, Turn the iPhone Auto-Lock for this. I have to unlock my phone 4 or 5 times which got annoying.
Step 1. Download the iPhone 6.1.2 update.
Step 2. Download the Desktop version (even if you think you have the right version, I looked and had 6.1.024363 I thought that was ok.) Desktop version you need is 6.1.2.24688.
Step 3. After the installation of both Apps reboot both PC & iPhone (stop groaning, just do it.)
Step 4. Disable your firewall on your PC. !!
Step 5. Open Desktop e-Wallet and upgrade your data file to the new version. Version 6.1.2.24688 will recognise the version difference.
Step 6. In the desktop menu go to SYNCHRONIZE | SETUP. Don’t click ADD just yet.
Step 7. Open e-Wallet on your iPhone start the SYNC SETUP process. Follow the instructions until you get to the UNIQUE ID NUMBER.
Step 8. Now in Desktop click ADD & a nice graphic appears and choose iPhone. If all goes will your iPhone name will appear, (Be patient…Give it a minute or to to find it.) Then click OK.
Step 9. Now enter the UNIQUE ID NUMBER into the empty field and click ACCEPT.
Step 10. Anwer YES to synchronize now. Then click OK in the next window. Answer YES to create a copy of your data file on your iPhone.
Shazzamm your done.
Remember to revert your auto-lock back to your original setting.
Problems I encountered.
1. Wrong Desktop version on PC.
2. Firewall blocking PC from seeing iPhone. ( MARC – what port do wee need to open?)
3. iPhone not being found after disabling the firewall. – Close e-Wallet on both and start again.
4. Being too impatient when the PC & iPhone are trying to find each other.
Hope this is helps.
Brenden – “I sync therefore I am”
I have the latest version of ewallet on my iphone but it still seems i can’t sync with my pc. Could you provide an idiot proof set up guide? here is my problem. when i click on sync set up my iphone is not in the window only lomega i Storage, when i click add i have no idea what i should type in the box or what im looking for when i click browse. i have looked and looked at help files but to no avail, i would love to see a waklthrough on how to sync your iphone with ewallet on pc which leaves nothing out on your support page.
At last – it syncs and I have all my life on my iPhone. Thanks Illium for the hard work and thanks to Apple for making it so easy to update apps (when an update is available).
I am getting similar problem to Mark. Partnerhsip is established and syncs but gives the following error. I get the same error regardless of other setting changes such as sync condition or direction.
Sync Starting at Monday, September 08, 2008, 8:05:22 PM with SyncPro 6.1.2.24688
C:\Documents and Settings\qz39j4\My Documents\Do Sohn Wallet.wlt overwriting Do Sohn.
Unable to access the wallet at Do Sohn. Please make sure your iPhone is set to sync and that your firewall is not blocking the connection.
SYNC RESULT: FAILURE – eWallet was unable to sync any wallets.
Sync Ended at Monday, September 08, 2008, 8:06:04 PM
The e-wallet update just showed up on my i-phone. Installing now. Will post my experience soon.
Brenden,
Thanks. Followed what you said and now it syncs. So every time I do a sync I have to disable the firewall and turn off auto lock? Rather a pain don’t you think?
Thanks anyway. No doubt these bugs will get sorted in time!
Sync Starting at 08 September 2008, 13:44:44 with SyncPro 6.1.2.24688
Syncing C:\Users\Billy\Documents\billy’s Wallet.wlt with Billy s iPhone
Unable to retrieve file
i am nearly there, anyone any idea what this error message means and how do i fix it?
ftp://UNNGENPEOOCPDNINHOEJBHDKOBHGIIM:****@iPhone.local.:49165/billy’s Wallet.wlt via FTP to C:\Users\Billy\AppData\Local\Temp\SLDATCopy4.wlt. (server response was: 200 TYPE command successful. 200 PORT command successful. 550 “billy’s Wallet.wlt”: File not found. 550 “/var/mobile/Applications/760EDDC9-447C-48A2-B4C8-F97F6376A230/Documents/billy’s Wallet.wlt”: Unable to open file. )
SYNC RESULT: FAILURE – eWallet was unable to sync any wallets.
Sync Ended at 08 September 2008, 13:44:45
Just successfully synced. WOO-HOO!!!!!
Had to install the latest Bonjour software, but after that, worked like a champ.
Just followed the onscreen instructions. I did have to ensure that the wallet on the i-phone had the same password as my wallet on the pc.
Thanks for making it happen ilium!!
I now can go back to business as usual. If my i-phone would just connect the phone calls, it would be perfect!
YaaaaaaaaY!!!!!!!!!! This is exactly what I’ve been waiting for ! I <3 eWallet!!!!!!!