Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Windows Live Sync Is Live for Windows and the Mac

FolderShare Beta is dead

Windows Live FolderShare is officially dead. Microsoft did, in fact, point to the death of FolderShare since mid-November 2008, but the execution was postponed in accordance with the availability of Windows Live Sync. Moreover, as of December 11, 2008, Windows Live Sync is live for both Windows and Mac OS X. For Windows, Microsoft is offering Windows Live Sync version 14.0.8050.1202,
while Apple users running OSX 10.5 or later will have the possibility to grab version 14.0.6066.1211. On the home page of the service, the welcoming message informs them that Windows Live FolderShare Beta is now Windows Live Sync.

“We've listened to your feedback, and Sync will continue to offer the same great service as FolderShare, along with several new features: higher file limits—up to 20 synchronized folders (formerly known as libraries) with up to 20,000 files in each one; integration with Windows Live ID; integration with the Recycle Bin; unicode support; more languages for Windows (46 in all); and lots of bug fixes,” a member of the Sync team revealed.

Microsoft informed that the online resources associated with FolderShare, namely the blog and newsgroup, would both be retired, so that the new Windows Live Sync blog and a new Sync newsgroup could then come into the limelight. Along with the new Windows Live Sync downloads for Windows and OS X platforms, Microsoft has also updated the information offered online to users via the FAQ.

“Sync may be new to some FolderShare users, but don't worry! Sync is designed to make transition easy, although there are a few steps for you to take: install the software on each of your computers that previously ran FolderShare, so Sync can automatically reconnect your synchronized folders. To keep sharing your synchronized folders, you'll need to send your pals a new invitation. Your synchronized folders will be set to automatically sync after migrating. If you'd prefer to sync on demand, just visit the Sync website to adjust that,” the Sync team representative added.

Windows Live Sync for Windows Version: 14.0.8050.1202 is available for download here.

Windows Live Sync for Mac Version: 14.0.6066.1211 is available for download here.