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Mark/Space The Missing Sync has long served as the missing link between Palm OS devices and Apple desktops and laptops, in addition to more recently Windows Mobile 2003 and earlier Pocket PCs and Smartphones with Macs. Today, the popular synchronization software has been updated to add support for Windows Mobile 5.0 handhelds and handsets. Version 2.5 ($39.95) runs natively on both Intel and Power PC Macs.

Mark/Space president and CEO said, "This release means that Mac users can finally get excited about connecting all sorts of cool Windows Mobile devices, like the Cingular 8125, Motorola Q, Palm Treo 700w and Sprint PPC-6700."

In addition to adding support for the latest devices, Mark/Space says this version improves synchronization of contacts, calendar events and tasks with Apple's Address Book and iCal applications, as well as with Microsoft Entourage 2004.

It also introduces a toolbar that provides quick access to the most used commands and a customizable, drag-and-drop install feature that recognizes certain file types, such as music, pictures and video, and puts them in the proper place on the device.

The software employs Apple's Sync Services technology, introduced in Mac OS X 10.4, which allows third-party applications to sync information with a central database. So, for example, users of Chronos SOHO Organizer, Market Circle Daylite and other Sync Services-savvy applications can sync information back and forth from these apps to Windows Mobile devices via The Missing Sync.

To further the company's goal of expanding the Windows Mobile platform's connectivity options with the Mac, Mark/Space has built a capable plug-in architecture into The Missing Sync, which gives third-party developers the ability to connect Mac applications with programs running on Windows Mobile devices.

For example, it's possible to create a plug-in that synchronizes monetary transactions between a financial management application on the Mac and expense software on the device. Mark/Space said it hopes to see new plug-ins developed that expand the usefulness of these devices specifically for Mac users.