Apple Updates iCal, iSync In Advance Of Macworld, Touts 1 Million Downloads

A pple has chosen to update iCal and iSync in advance of Macworld, though the company usually holds any new products until the Expo when itis this close to the show. The company has released iCal 1.0.1, and iSync 1.0; iSync was released as a beta in September, and many users have suggested that iCal 1.0 was in reality a beta when it was released earlier this year, as well, despite itis 1.0 designation.

The press release for the new releases from Apple is devoid of any useful information, with the exception of one tidbit concerning iCal downloads. Apple is claiming that iCal has been downloaded more than 1 million times, a significant number that validates Appleis strategy in providing this software. From Apple:

Apple® today announced the immediate availability of iCal 1.0.1, an update to Appleis innovative calendar program that lets users manage multiple calendars and share them over the Internet, and the release of iSync 1.0, Appleis breakthrough synchronization software. Since the introduction of iCal in September, more than 1 million copies of iCal have been distributed and more than 200,000 calendars have been published online.

The ReadMe accompanying the installation for iCal says:

Whatis new in iCal 1.0.1?
iCal 1.0.1 provides a number of performance and stability enhancements, and improved support for importing vCal and Entourage information.

Apple is otherwise mum on the exact list of changes.

iSyncis Web page says lists the following changes in iSync 1.0:

  • Palm syncing now much faster
  • Improved Palm configuration
  • Menu bar icon to sync anytime
  • Automatic syncing to .Mac
  • Sync with .Mac Address Book
  • Enhanced performance/stability

You can find information and download links for iSync and iCal at their respective sections on Appleis Web site.