The app has continuously been updated to address problems reported by users and to keep up with what's being added to Windows Phone. With the release of, Microsoft has further to make way for the new hardware that HTC, Nokia and Samsung will be releasing in multiple markets. While this has been welcomed, providing further support for Mac users with the latest hardware running Windows Phone 8, we're greeted by more problems when attempting to use the software. Previously, we received reports on users hitting a wall with the infamous, which required a number of device reconnects and software restarts until both decided to converse. Unfortunately, this error is still present - but is nowhere near as common as was the case in previous versions of the connector - but that's not what's problematic to Windows Phone owners who wish to synchronise their device with their Mac. It seems as though the app is experiencing stability issues when attempting to load media onto the connected Windows Phone. When selecting 'Music' on the sidebar to prepare iTunes to synchronise either individual artists, tracks or entire playlists, the Windows Phone app hangs and subsequently crashes.
Download now Download Fuze Desktop for Windows instead > Download Fuze Desktop for Windows. Download the Fuze Desktop client to get the full rich unified communications experience. Download now Download Fuze Desktop for Mac instead > Work from phone with our Mobile apps. Bria for Windows is available in the following ten languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, Japanese and Russian. Bria for Mac is available in six languages: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian and Japanese. Voice and Video Calling.
A number of reviews on the app's listing on the Mac Store are complaints of this issue, and we've been able to reproduce the issue, which has also been reported by a number of our readers. So while the updated app is nice (it really is an intuitive solution) we'd like to see Microsoft address the issues highlighted by users to prevent those who are coming onto the train by purchasing a new Windows Phone 8 handset to be hit by errors and crashes when attempting to set up their device, should they not have a PC running Windows 8. It is possible for music to be added to the Windows Phone (and we've confirmed that the tracks are loaded on our device), but one is still battling against errors and potential crashes, which is never a good experience. If you're experiencing the same problems, do note that the app does actually work, one just has to push through the battleground to be successful.
If you'd rather go with a drag-and-drop approach, the latest version of the Windows Phone app enables Finder support, which allows users to literally drag files to their Windows Phone - just like on a PC. It's a conveniant workaround (though we haven't been able to actually be able to do this - sound off in the comments if you've been able to get Finder support to work). Note: if you're using external devices / folders (other than 'Music') to synchronise music to your Windows Phone, you have to enable access. This can be achieved by going to 'File Allow Access to Folder'. Yes, we can complain about the app but in reality it's a good solution for those who own a Mac and a Windows Phone.
Of course it's always best to either set up or buy a Windows 8 PC, but for those who are slowly reaching out from the Apple ecosystem, it's a good experience when it works. We've previously looked at how to load ringtones, as well as other tips so be sure to check them out for helpful hints. You can from the Mac Store for free. Are you having issues with the latest version of the Mac client? Thanks, ainstushar, for the tip!
This post may contain affiliate links. See our for more details.
How does one synchronise content between a Windows Phone and a Windows PC or Mac? Microsoft is continuously developing two separate clients, one for each platform, enabling consumers to charge, synchronise, update and backup their Windows Phone. While both clients are not identical in features and functionality, basic tasks can still be completed. Moving content between smartphones and computers on competing mobile platforms is pretty much identical to Windows Phone.
Apple makes use of iTunes for its management of the iPhone (as well as media players and other devices), while Android opts for a more integrated experience through the use of a file manager. So how does one get started with available clients? Windows Phone for Windows There are two apps available for Windows, one which is available on the Windows Store, while another is developed for the desktop (only available for Windows 7 & 8). The latter is the full synchronisation client for Windows Phone and the former is a mere client to manage content. Should you not be requiring the number of features present in the full desktop version, the client available on the store is a lightweight solution.
As well as the latest version of Windows, the desktop version is also available for Windows 7 but the client is currently in beta and users may encounter some issues. It's good to note that Microsoft doesn't restrict support for the more recent editions of its desktop platform. When Microsoft launched Windows 8 earlier this year the company also shortly afterwards for its new Windows Phone 8 platform. Much like the functionality that was present in the Zune media player, the Windows Phone clients open up a number of doors for consumers who are using Windows 8. When launching the Windows Phone client for Windows 8 (or the desktop app) with a Windows Phone plugged in, one will be able to view all current options and features in a familiar view.
Content is brought up when the app is loading the Windows Phone and the storage report is viewed by hitting the arrow that's situated next to the total capacity readout. There's not a lot more to the app, apart from what's listed in the features list.
There's no option to check for updates since there's now the functionality to do so on a Windows Phone and updates are to be delivered OTA, but it gets the job done when moving content across from a Windows 8 machine to the smartphone. You can from the Windows Store.
Windows Phone for Mac Windows Phone on OS X (previously branded as for Mac) is the only officially supported channel for Windows Phone owners to move content to and from a device on a Mac. It's a rich client with a number of features, ensuring that those who reside in an Apple dominated ecosystem don't miss out on anything should they enjoy the Windows Phone experience. The app has been ahead of solutions developed for Windows during the transition from Zune to standalone clients in Windows RT and 8. We've been using the Windows Phone client since it was released on the App Store and have praised Microsoft for doing a superb job in creating a synchronising app that's actually fairly functional (when it works). What ever you may think of Apple products, as a small mobile platform we require every consumer Microsoft can attract. The client itself contains a number of features, including the following:. Check charge status and internal storage report.
Manage media stored on the device (music, photos, videos, movies, podcasts and ringtones). Browse the device to import stored media to connected Mac. Synchronise content from iTunes. Backup and restore images made of the device should issues arise. Check for and install software updates (will be obsolete with OTA updates) One of the most intuitive features of the app is Apple software integration. Should you be an avid iTunes user with a large music collection, the Windows Phone app will pull down all stored songs, movies / TV shows and podcasts from the iTunes library.
This includes playlists, genres and individual artists / songs. The same goes for iPhoto with photos and videos.
As with the Windows clients, we'll not go into too much detail as the interface is incredibly straight forward. When plugging in a Windows Phone to a Mac with the app already open should automatically kick off the connection - if your Windows Phone is PIN locked, you'll need to unlock the device and remain on the start screen for the app to access the device.
Once the device is connected, the above screen will be displayed. Storage report is visible at the bottom with the 'Sync' option. Options in the left sidebar are for media management on the device. Owners can configure which playlists, filters, or individual files are synchronised to the Windows Phone from the Mac, while the 'Browse Device' area enables one to pull content from the smartphone. Do note that some (including ourselves on rare occasions) are still with device connectivity / detection. Should the app detect a Windows Phone plugged into one of the ports, it may not be able to access the device and throw the following error.
It's a known bug and the easiest way to solve it temporarily is to disconnect and reconnect the device after shutting the app down. If this does not work when re-opening the Windows Phone client, attempt to reboot the machine. Thankfully it's nowhere near as common since subsequent updates. You can from the App Store. Backing up is achieved automatically using Microsoft's cloud services. Such functionality can be configured on the Windows Phone without the requirement of a PC or Mac. We have published a detailed overview on, which is well worth checking out.
So there you have it, folks. Be sure to check out our other tutorials and return at a later date for more useful articles. This post may contain affiliate links.
See our for more details.