I've had a report that when SyncTunes has been run directly from the downloaded disk image the new file sync feature has deleted files outside of the selected destination folder. So far I have been unable to reproduce this problem. However, to eliminate this from potentially occurring another user I have replaced the download DMG with a ZIP archive.Of course, I'll continue to investigate the problem.

The upgraded version is directly downloaded here: SyncTunes V2.0.0 Release 2 [ZIP]

I've been mulling this over for a while now and I think it is time that SyncTunes got more attention than I can give it. So if anyone feels that they want to get involved in the development please contact me here.

I haven't decided how to proceed with SyncTunes, but I'm open to suggestions (volunteer support within the current setup, or transfer to open source, shareware, commercial). However, if I may have to halt the project if there are no replies.

In SyncTunes version 2 the existing support for sync'ing an iTunes folder playlist was extended to add the creation of M3U/PLS playlist files for each child iTunes playlist of the folder. The effect is to have a 'library' of tracks within the Playlist subfolder on the destination volume, with separate playlist files that divide the tracks into the corresponding iTunes playlists.

To use this feature your device needs to support M3U or PLS playlists:

1. Setup SyncTunes to create either M3U or PLS playlists.
2. Arrange the iTunes playlists that you want to sync within an iTunes Folder playlist.
3. Select the iTunes Folder playlist in SyncTunes.

SyncTunes selects iTunes playlists using their name, the one you see in iTunes. As such this means that the playlist's name must be unique with iTunes, otherwise the wrong playlist may be selected. Additionally, this also applies to iTunes playlists that are within iTunes folder playlists. For example:

This may cause a problem if you selected to sync the iTunes folder 'Mobile':

• Mobile
  • Rock
  • Shuffle
  • Audiobooks
• Current Favs
  • Newly added
  • Shuffle
  • 4 Plus Stars

The wrong 'Shuffle' playlist might be used by SyncTunes.

In adding support for 'automount' and other mount points in the underlying Unix system, I have added a possible bug which could have serious effects on files outside of the selected destination folder. I have fixed the problem and have uploaded a revised V2.0.0 as RELEASE 2. The bug was only present in the original download of v2.0.0, not any earlier versions.

I have had two reported incidents out of the thousands of downloaded copies of SyncTunes v2.0.0. One device type is unknown [I will update this post if I receive news] the other was with a Sansa m-series player with firmware 1.x. The Sansa mounted its memory on the hidden folder '/Volumes/Untitled' but the Finder displayed the volume name as 'Sanas m240'.

The upgraded version is directly downloaded here: SyncTunes V2.0.0 Release 2 [UPDATE: this is now the ZIP archive download]
This is a necessary upgrade for all users of the original SyncTunes v2.0.0.

I have created a small script that will provide a list of valid disks so that you can see if your device is mounted properly within Mac OS X. The script is here: Valid disks for SyncTunes

You can determine which version you have by selecting 'About SyncTunes', the new version looks like this:

Finally, the next release of SyncTunes is available. During the recent beta programme some fairly major updates were included and it seemed that a full version increase was appropriate, so the v1.7.0 beta is now released as SyncTunes v2.0.0.

Notable updates:

• 'Replace' mode sync has been updated to performs true incremental syncs.
  
• Now creates PLS as well as M3U format playlists, with additional formatting options.
  
• Individual M3U/PLS playlists created for child playlists of iTunes folder playlists.
  
• AAC selection includes iTunes Plus AAC as a standard DRM-free AAC format.
  
• New look interface replaces brushed metal.
  
• Localised in to French.

The full list of changes is available here.

Another updated for the new 'Replace' sync.

When the un-needed tracks and podcasts had been removed, the sync would still try to copy all files again regardless of whether the file existed at the destination. Normally this had no impact on the sync, but if the track was set to be converted then the conversion would happen so causing a delay while that happened.

Included in the download are two application versions: the first has the current interface, while the second has some cosmetic changes. The decision as to which of the two to use hasn't been made yet.

The new beta is available here along with details of all changes.

Note to Listings sites: Please link to the Beta page and not directly to the beta disk image file. There is information on the page that your users should read first before running the software.

The new 'Replace' sync that performs a faster sync wasn't working 100% for podcasts, this has now been fixed. It is available here along with details of the changes.

Note to Listings sites: Please link to the Beta page and not directly to the beta disk image file. There is information on the page that your users should read first before running the software.

Yet another new beta is now available that greatly improves the speed of a 'Replace' sync by only deleting the un-needed tracks. It should satisfy most users that have been asking a for proper synchronisation.

Yesterday's beta fixed a few issues and had changes that should make it more compatible with the M3U constraints of the newer Nokia Nnn phones. It is available here along with details of the changes.

Note to Listings sites: Please link to the Beta page and not directly to the beta disk image file. There is information on the page that your users should read first before running the software.

A new beta is now available that fixes a few issues and has changes that should make it more compatible with the M3U constraints of the newer Nokia Nnn phones. It is available here along with details of the changes.

It's been a long time since a new version was released, here is a new beta that adds new and updates existing features, and includes a number of fixes. It's a beta because I can't test all aspects of each change (such as no NFS autotmount volumes). It is available here along with details of the changes.

Note to Listings sites: Please link to the Beta page and not directly to the beta disk image file. There is information on the page that your users should read first before running the software.

To work with a W810i took a bit of effort but here is the result, and it's been confirmed by other users:

1. Destination folder should be the top-level 'MP3' folder on the phone.
2. You can use artist/album folders to organise the files
3. MP3 files created by iTunes do not work with the W810i so use SyncTunes to convert them to AAC during the sync.

If you have problems with Mac OS X hidden files you can use FinderCleaner to remove them from the whole volume when ejecting: SyncTunes only deletes them from the destination folder and below.

I have had a few reports of this error being raised and the interface being unresponsive:

" NSReceiverEvaluationScriptError: 4 (1) "

This turned out to be caused by the MegaZoomer and NuclearMouse SIMBL plugins. After disabling them SyncTunes behaved as it should.

There may be more plugins that cause problems, so let me know and I'll maintain a list.

I'm pleased to announce the initial release of Asthma Logbook X.

Based on Diabetes Logbook X, this new application aims to help track asthma related data, and manage supplies, appointments, and medical contacts.

The application is free, but if you want to make a contribution, then a donation to the registered UK charity Diabetes UK is very much appreciated. Why diabetes and not asthma? My son has diabetes Type 1 and I would like him to have life without injecting every day; I have asthma and I live with it, as it is not severe.

The logbook is based on my limited knowledge of asthma management.

I have received one report of an incompatibility between SyncTunes and Path Finder from Cocoatech. It results in an error similar to the Finder / File Vault issue as noted here.

1. New feature: Pre and post sync plug-ins. Can run an Applescript script before and another after the sync process. Allows for user-specifc customisation: includes a template plug-in
   
2. Error handling added around calls to Finder, which resulted in errors when the iTunes Music folder is in a File Vault protected folder. At minimum the sync will continue to the next track
   
3. Enabled iTunes fixed indexing to the iTunes playlist during the sync to stop it being automatically updated
   
4. Diskspace dialog during sync now works correctly if Cancel is selected

Update: Re-uploaded as the wrong build was uploaded: correct date is 14/07/2006 17:53

I'm pleased to announce the beta of Diabetes Logbook X, for Mac OS X 10.4 and later.

Diabetes Logbook X is a free, or charity donation-ware, logbook for tracking and reporting diabetes related events. This is my attempt at a logbook application that allows data to be both imported and exported, and doesn't trap you data in a closed format. You can find out more about it here http://www.nesfield.co.uk/diabeteslogbookx/

Googling 'file vault applescript' reveals that there is a bug in the File Vault/Finder Applescript interaction, read more here http://scriptbuilders.net/files/filevaultprooffinderselectiontoaliaslist1.2.html . SyncTunes uses the Finder's Applescript APIs to access iTunes' music files.

At the moment it seems that the iTunes Library cannot be in a File Vaulted area

There is a workaround by moving the iTunes Music folder out of File Vault. If you are happy to move the music then it is an easy job to do ...

iTunes uses the ~/Music/iTunes folder to store 3 items:
1. iTunes Library file
2. iTunes Music folder, which holds all the tracks
3. iTunes Music Library.xml file

Create or identify where you want to move the iTunes Music folder. Create any folders than you need then drag and drop the iTunes Music folder into its new location. On the Mac that I just tested this on, iTunes will update itself to track the location of files.

Next in iTunes open the Preferences and select Advanced, and the General tab. Now update the iTunes Music folder location.

I have used this technique for sorting the music on a different disk in my old Powermac G4 400, and it works with SyncTunes because that was my original development machine.

It's been a while in the beta phase, but here is the final version of 1.6.0. The User Guide will be updated soon.

One point to note: Be sure to turn off 'Play on import' in iTunes advanced settings, as this adversely affects performance when tracks are converted to MP3 or AAC during the sync.

1. Added selectable minimum bitrate when re-encoding files that are the same format as the selected encoder: iTunes tracks with bitrates below the setting will not be re-encoded
   
2. Checks for file existance at the destination before any conversion happens
   
3. Added option to use ID3 name tag as the destination filename (+ extension)
   
4. Illegal/accented characters from track filename now removed when syncing tracks
   
5. Converted track names now same as original file, after illegal/accented characters removed
   
6. Added option to use a single folder for artist/albums instead of the normal folder/subfolder hierarchy
   
7. M3U playlists now list tracks in same order as the iTunes playlist
   
8. Now supports reverse order syncing of the playlist tracks.
   
9. If playlist subfolder is set to be the same as iTunes playlist name, M3U playlists no longer have the 'ST-[dest folder]-' prefix.
   
10. Simple Mode now supports the use of a named folder in the top-level as well as the destination volume's top-level.
    
11. Changed M3U behaviour: 3 M3U files are normally created, if all files are MP3 or AAC, previously, SyncTunes would retain the M3U with MP3/AAC suffix. Now the M3U with no suffix is retained and the MP3/AAC M3U are deleted. This helps when using iTunes playlist name.
    
12. MP3 and AAC Track filenames with no extension now have .mp3 and .m4a, respectively, added to the synced destination filename
    
13. Added #M3UTITLE in extended format M3U playlists. Uses the iTunes playlist as the M3U title or the 'artist - album'
    
14. Invisibles erased during sync - just incase SyncTunes is not used to eject the volume
    
15. Various 'under-the-hood' changes
    
16. Profiles need to be resaved with v1.6.0
    
17. Bug fix: Quicktime files, such as OGG, in iTunes v5 do not report a bit rate. When converting file format, the file will be converted.
    
18. Bug fix: When an error occurs copying a track, now deletes any partially copied file and tries again. If a second error occurs the partially copied file is deleted and the track is skipped
    
19. Bug fix: Loading profiles on Intel Macs no longer rejected as the wrong file format
    
20. Bug fix: Now syncs files when running on Intel Macs instead of skipping over each track

[Update: the User Guide has now been updated with the new features]

I've recently been asked if SyncTunes supports the Sony NWA1000. A Google search has returned no information, so if anyone has one of these players I be pleased to hear how they work. You can contact me here

A beta is now available that aims to address an Intel Mac issue when attempting to sync, plus some other tweaks. Lack of an Intel Mac means it can only get fixed if some testers come forward. It is available here along with details of the changes.

[Update: revised to beta 4 - please see notes for new details]

1. Faster iTunes Playlist diskspace calculation, especially on large playlists
   
2. Activity indicator animates during background processing
   
3. Mac OS X 10.3 bug during sync fixed
   
4. Now selectable option to update 'Last Played' date and 'Play Count' for playlisy and/or podcasts
   
5. Option to remove iTunes' new podcast marker (blue blob) when syncing shows
   
6. Now stops use of menus and saving Advanced settings during a sync
   
7. Compilation albums now placed in 'Compilations' folder when Artist/Album subfolders are enabled

Beta release: current stable release is 1.5.2 (OS X 10.4) and 1.5.1 (OS X 10.3)

1. Faster iTunes Playlist diskspace calculation, especially on large playlists
   
2. Activity indicator animates during background processing
   
3. Mac OS X 10.3 bug during sync fixed

1. Enhancement to 'Simple' mode: now supports .m3u playlists options
   
2. Enhancement to 'Simple' mode: now supports the artist/album subfolders hierarchy options
   
3. Enhancement to 'Simple' mode: diskspaces req./avail.now show correct values
   
4. iTunes Folder playlists are supported again after iTunes reclassified them
   
5. iTunes Folder playlists can now be 'Live updated': any 'smart' child playlist can be updated during the sync
   
6. Minimum requirement is now iTunes v5
   
7. Minimum requirement is now Mac OS X 10.4

Update: Three reports from OS X 10.3.9 users have indicated that this version has an error reported by iTunes when requesting information. Until this can be fixed users of 10.3 should use SyncTunes v 1.5.1

A new FAQ for Palm OS 5 players, such as Pocket Tunes on the Tungsten T3, has been added. See here.

Synctunes has been a universal binary for some time now, but I've not been able to test it. There are no processor-dependent manipluations so SyncTunes should work just as well on Intel Macs.

Feedback from MacIntel users would be welcome.

A new FAQ for the W600i phone has been added. See here.

In version 1.5 SyncTunes provided the ability to save and load settings using Profile files.

It would be great to have copies of Profiles that work for different devices and devices/players. If you want to send me a copy of your profile(s) could you include the following information:

1. Destination device/volume type
   
2. Is destination volume name user defined?
   
3. Is destination folder user defined or specified by device or player?
   
4. Which settings can and cannot be changed.
   
5. Any other information that you think is relevant.

If I get some profiles I'll put them on the website to help other users. If I get a lot for a particular device or player I might have to select which profiles to use.

Note: the Profile file is in a text-based XML format. There is no user personal information in the file, but you can check to confirm this before sending it: use TextEdit or Property List Editor, or any other editor of your choice.

Thanks in advance.

1. Bug fix: Windows and extended M3U formatting of playlists now works without Artist/Album folders enabled.
   
2. Bug fix: Tracks which iTunes reports as a non-integer size (such as streams) no longer cause an error.
   
3. Bug fix: Playlists with zero tracks to be transferred no longer cause an error.
   
4. Bug fix: Minor error handling changes.

Having finally got some time to update SyncTunes with a few little changes in v1.3.3 it seems that that release re-awaken interest in the application. So it's been a busy few days adding and expanding features.

From day one, the objective of SyncTunes was to ease the use of iTunes with non-support devices. That isn't to say that each device is supported to its full capability, but at the minimum it should be able to get music files loaded to the right place.

With new m3u playlist options, more devices should be able to use the playlists that SyncTunes creates, and the even newer profiles will allow for easier swapping between different devices, or even playlists/playlist subfolders for those that keet more that one music collection on their device.

1. New feature: Save and load profiles using the Profiles menu. Saved as files, profiles are able to be transferred between Macs or users to provide consistent set ups.

1. Advanced:Volumes option to convert accent from file and folder names on the destination volume (à becomes a):
   
   • À Á Â Ã Ä Å à á â ã ä å
     
   • È É Ê Ë è é ê ë
     
   • Ì Í Î Ï ì í î ï
     
   • Ò Ó Ô Õ Ö Ø ò ó ô õ ö ø
     
   • Ù Ú Û Ü ù ú û ü
     
   • Æ æ Ç ç Œ œ Ñ ñ ß Ÿ ÿ

1. Now removes the 'all tracks' playlist if it is the same as the MP3 or AAC version of that playlist.
   
2. Playlist options added to menu Advanced:Volume :
   
   • relative pathnames
     
   • extended M3U format
     
   • artist/album playlists
     
   • Windows file format and folder separators.
   
   

1. Stops MPEG-4 files being identified as MP3 audio.
   
2. Podcasts can be limited to those enabled/checked in iTunes.
   
3. Added a Refresh menu option to update the selected memory requirement and folder listing.
   
4. Added check that iTunes is version 4.9 or later.
   
5. Added 'Donate to Diabetes UK' menu.

I tested transferring 2 files totalling 35MB using different methods between my aging G4 400 PowerMac (with USB2 PCI card) on which I use Missing Sync instead of Palm Hotsync and a ByteStor Hi-Speed 1GB SD card and Tungsten T3. Here are the results:

1. 'Palm' Hotsync: about 34 mins
   
2. SD card mounted using Missing Sync app: 2:15 mins
   
3. SD card mounted using Card Export app: 1:18 mins
   
4. SD card mounted using USB1.1 card reader: 2:27 mins
   
5. SD card mounted using USB2 card reader: 0:16 mins

SyncTunes hasn't been tested against iTunes 6 yet, but it should be soon. There have been no reports of any errors or problems, and I'm sure that some people must have jumped straight in and upgraded to v6

Update: I've finally tested with iTunes 6 and it seems to work as before.

1. Restricts destination folder selection when selected volume is the Startup Disk
   
2. Alert added before removing old playlist files when destination folder is or seems to be within a Mac OS X system/user folder
   
3. First attempt at Mac OS X universal build

1. Added 'advance settings' status bar to main window.
   
2. Fixed bug in m3u playlist creation when folder names have an '&'.
   
3. Fixed bug which cleared the destination folder menu list when a volume select was cancelled.

1. Added 'SIMPLE' mode: only copies playlist tracks to the top-level of the destination volume
   
2. Added ability to specify or select the subfolder name for playlist tracks
   
3. .m3u playlists creation is now optional
   
4. .m3u playlist names now include the folder names, and are linked to the subfolder name: allows for multiple playlists
   
5. Fixed .m3u playlist creation bug