Apple Macintosh computer users often turn to Mark/Space's The Missing Sync to synchronize information with their Palm, Pocket PC and T-Mobile Sidekick/Danger hiptop devices.

What does it mean for these users now that Apple has released the latest version of its desktop operating system (OS), Tiger (Mac OS X 10.4)?

Pocket PC
The Missing Sync for Pocket PC was the first version approved by Apple as a third-party plug-in designed to work with iSync—the Mac synchronization protocol. With Tiger, however, iSync is no longer compatible with The Missing Sync for Pocket PC. So The Missing Sync 10.2.x and 10.3.x iSync plug-ins don't function with the newest Mac OS.

Instead, Pocket PC users must turn to an as-of-yet unavailable new version of Mark/Space's synchronization software called The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile—a major redesign of The Missing Sync for Pocket PC.

The company says the new software will offer many features over the Pocket PC edition, including Entourage syncing, Windows Mobile Smartphone support and a new plug-in architecture. When released, The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile will be compatible with Tiger as well as Mac OS 10.3.x.

It should ship by the end of June. At that time, existing The Missing Sync for Pocket PC users will be able to upgrade to the new version for $19.95, with free upgrades available to anyone who purchased the application before April 1st.

Palm
According to Mark/Space, the latest version of The Missing Sync for Palm OS, 4.0.4, is compatible with Tiger—for the most part. Those who synchronize a Palm PDA or smartphone with Mac’s Address Book and iCal must install the updated iSync Palm Conduit, 2.0, included with the Tiger, however.

Unfortunately, the Internet Sharing feature of The Missing Sync, which lets supported Palm devices use a Mac's connection to the Internet, may not function correctly under Tiger. Mark/Space says users could also experience problems with the iPhoto export feature.

Not only that, Tiger could affect other Mac conduits for Palm handhelds too. (Mark/Space plans to continually update its list of supported conduits as testing continues.)

The company will address all these problems with a free 4.0.5 update to The Missing Sync for Palm OS, shipping soon. A beta of 4.0.5 is available in the meantime from Marc/Space's Web site.

T-Mobile Sidekick/Danger hiptop
As with the Pocket PC version, iSync has changed significantly so that 10.2.x and 10.3.x iSync plug-ins no longer function with The Missing Sync for hiptop, version 1.0. A free update adding Tiger support is planned for release by the end of June.