Windows Phone 7 Sync Software Coming For Mac

Tweet

For a long time, Apple and Microsoft computers weren’t really compatible. If you started using computers before 2005, I’m sure you remember the difficulties you would occasionally have switching between the two platforms. And, more recently, Microsoft doesn’t even have an official way to use a Zune HD with a Mac computer, forcing Apple-using Zune users to run Windows in VMWare or Boot Camp (or use some third-party software). Despite that checked past, Microsoft be offering Mac support for Windows Phone 7.

Microsoft issued a brief statement on this behalf, saying:

Later in 2010 Microsoft will make a public beta available of a tool that allows Windows Phone 7 to sync select content with Mac computers.

This was also confirmed by Microsoft journalist Paul Thurrott on his podcast some weeks ago. It’s also worth noting, that while this is a nice option, early indications are that Windows Phone 7 devices won’t need to be activated first before use. And unlike the iPhone and iTunes, the phone should be pretty independent from the desktop software.

The “beta” application for Mac OS X will also allow users to stream “some” content from their Mac to their Windows Phone 7 device. Good news all around.

Interestingly enough, Windows Phone 7′s UI is getting a lot of praise from some Mac luminaries, including John Gruber and MG Siegler. I wouldn’t be surprised if quite a few Mac people at least tried some of the WP7 phones, lest they give up their holy iPhones.