Full FeedWhy no WiFi syncing on the iPhone?
There are many features “missing” from the iPhone and iPod touch that we, as users, love to complain about. Some are no-brainers, like copy and paste; others are just wishes. One that not too many people request but would add a great bunch to any WiFi-enabled iPod (I expect there will be more in the future) is WiFi syncing.
WiFi syncing would use the same authentication process as the Remote application does, displaying a prompt in iTunes for a code to link the computer and device. Once linked, iTunes could sync songs, movies, and apps all over the air. There would, of course, need to be preferences for this, and it would be nice to be able to toggle certain media types on and off so that large files such as movies don’t sync over WiFi and hog bandwidth.
What does this accomplish? Well, first and foremost, no longer will it be necessary to link the iPod to the computer to get everything in sync. Secondly, it will make a lot of the small problems with the iPod sync process go away. One of the huge annoyances I have with my Mac is that when I pull my iPod from it’s dock, the computer wakes up. Also, if I take my MacBook Pro away from the desk, unplugging the iPod, it’s no longer charging (even though it’s plugged into the Cinema Display, which is receiving power, so the iPod should be receiving power as well, but I digress). With WiFi syncing, I can have the dock plugged into a wall outlet, it will have a constant charge, and won’t wake the computer when it’s pulled.
What other uses could you find for WiFi syncing? Is it a bad idea? Sound off in the comments below.
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WiFi syncing is something I’ve thought about for the iPhone/iPod touch for quite some time. It would be a great feature. The only downside I can think of, other than the bandwidth, is battery power. My dock only connects via USB, so when it’s not plugged in, it’s not charging. If I was syncing a movie across, it would probably be quite heavy on the battery power. I don’t think it would take over completely from cable syncing just yet, but it would be nice to have the option, a quick WiFi sync to keep everything up to date would be great.
on February 19, 2009 at 07:59 AM - LINKI thinks it a great idea. For the convenience. I sometime don’t put my iPod Touch in the dock and it would be nice to sync it up over the network (I have Time Capsule).
on February 19, 2009 at 11:45 AM - LINKIt’d be a little slow on my network, but worth it. Why not a nice fast bluetooth connection, too?
I just wish they’d tell us why we can’t do these things. It seems the phone is capable of it without blowing up in your hands.
on February 20, 2009 at 02:11 AM - LINKIts a cool idea although not very practical given wifi speeds in comparison to usb speeds. It would depend on the wifi network being used. Also security issues if you use your iPhone for corporate use like myself. With a strick authentication process it might be cool to try it though.
on February 22, 2009 at 01:52 AM - LINKI have a iHome alarm clock that my phone sits in a charges every night. I would like to think that wifi syncing would allow for new episodes of TV series I’ve purchased ie. The Daily Show, to be on my iPhone when I wake up in the morning. Same goes for new podcasts.
on March 24, 2009 at 04:16 AM - LINK