Aside from the thundering cries for a Mac version of eWallet (we’re working on it!) the most popular questions are all iPhone sync related. Well, the wait for answers is over. If you’re one of those folks who is dying to find out more about sync, hopefully we’ll answer all your questions in this post!
DISCLAIMER: We firmly believe that everything in this blog post is how it will be when we release it, but experience has taught me that something unexpected always pops up so this is my “we MIGHT do something a little bit different” disclaimer (but I don’t expect we will.)
Do we have to sync to the cloud/internet?
No. Honestly, this is the direction we were going with it. Frankly, with a 256-bit AES encrypted wallet file, this is an exceptionally safe option despite the misgivings some folks have. As it stands though we received MANY emails asking us to please release a local sync option first. Well, we listened, and the sync solution coming out in August will be a local sync.
Will it sync through the USB/cradle?
No. The reason is that Apple won’t let us. At this time, there is no way for a third-party developer to use the cradle or USB connection to transfer data back and forth between a (non-jailbroken) phone and a desktop. We REALLY wish there was. It would make life far easier for everyone involved. Unfortunately, this isn’t something Apple decided to do. The only options are Wi-fi or Cloud. All I can say is that if you want to see USB sync send Apple an email! The minute Apple gives us a way to do a USB sync, we will be all over it.
So you’re using wi-fi to synchronize?
Yes. If you have access to a wi-fi network (ideally a home network) you will be able to synchronize your wallet to your mobile device. Again, let me repeat what I said earlier. This isn’t by choice. Apple won’t let us sync via a wired connection. We WANT to. We just can’t.
Will I need to create a special/ad-hoc network with my desktop?
Nope. If you have a standard home or office wi-fi network you can sync your data.
Wait a second! Sync my wallet over the air? Is this safe?
The entire sync process involves synching a fully encrypted wallet over a closed network and you’re never broadcasting a password. Basically, even if somehow someone managed to get your wallet it’d be worthless because they couldn’t get into it. Furthermore (see below) we require a confirmation of the sync partnership before we allow synching (and that confirmation is remembered.) This means no one is going to nab your wallet during sync.
How can I be sure that my wallet is going to the correct device?
When you add your device as a new sync location in the desktop version of eWallet we require that you confirm that partnership using a code provided by the iPhone/Touch. This ensures that the wallet only goes between those two devices. Period.
Is cloud/internet sync an option?
It will be but not in this release. In time we plan to add almost all of the features you’ve come to love in the desktop and mobile versions of eWallet.
Will I need a different desktop version?
No. The same desktop version you’re using will also let you sync with the iPhone. You won’t need a special “iPhone desktop” version. You will want to get the upgrade to eWallet 6.1.1 (it isn’t out yet) but the upgrade will be a free one if you own eWallet 6.0/6.1. This update doesn’t add any new technology, just some helpful user interface options that make it easy to setup iPhone synching.
Can I sync multiple iPhones/Touchs with the same desktop program?
Yes. Each device is added as a sync location and you can sync to as many phones as you like.
Can I sync more than one wallet to the same device?
Absolutely. All the sync flexibility you’ve come to expect from eWallet will be true with this as well.
Can I sync multiple wallets to different devices with different settings?
Sure thing! Sync the way that YOU want to. We’re not going to restrict you.
Will I need anything else to make sync work?
Yes. You’ll need to have Bonjour installed. This is a background application that Apple makes which lets the iPhone/Touch talk to the desktop via a wireless network. If you’re using iTunes there is a good chance you already have this installed. Even if you don’t (or if you need to update Bonjour) we’ll give you a link and make it easy. This is an Apple product and you never have to DO anything with it (it’s a background application). The only thing it does is facilitate communication between desktop and device. Only people synching with an Apple device will need Bonjour.
When will sync be out?
We’re still on track for an August release. Updates seem to be getting pushed out within a week of submission so I don’t think we’re going to have problems like we did with the initial release.
[…] If you have 10 apps on your iPhone that sync data, you have to sync them each manually, because Apple won’t let app developers piggyback the sync process that iTunes […]