iOS-PC Data Sharing with Tenorshare iAny Manager - Review

fair
key review info
application features
  • Share files between iPad/iPod/iPhone devices and PCs
  • (3 more, see all...)

While the recently reviewed iTunes remains number one in data transfers concerning iOS devices and PCs, some programs attempt to simplify this and bring new and attractive features to the table.

iAny Manager from developer Tenorshare (we reviewed iTunes Data Recovery, Music Cleanup and Data Recovery Pro) has just launched a new application that specializes in iOS data management and sharing between iOS devices and PCs.

It offers support for iPhone, iPod and iPad. Files may also be transferred from one iOS device to another, thus excluding computers from the intermediary role.

The trial edition does not have an expiration date. However, users are restricted to transferring only 30 items to PC or iTunes, converting the first 3 minutes of an audio/video file, as well as to backing up and restoring the device just once.

Those looking to unlock these features may purchase iAny Manager for $29.95 / €25 (one license works for up to three computers).

The installation procedure is quick and simple. Provided that the iOS device is already plugged into the computer and iTunes is installed, the program establishes the connection and displays information such as device type, serial number, jailbreak status, region, warranty expiration, and iOS version.

If multiple devices are linked to the computer unit, they can be selected from a drop-down list.

Additional details of a more technical nature focus on the activation state, baseband version, CPU architecture type, build version, hardware model, Wi-Fi address, and so on. It is also possible to edit the device name.

As far as the interface is concerned, the program has a very clean aspect and device content broken down into categories: “Media,” “Playlist,” “Photos,” “iBook,” “Contacts,” “Message,” “Apps” and “System.” There are two viewing modes available: list and thumbnails.
Shown file information includes the time, size and format for media items and playlists, along with name, phone number and group for contacts. The supported media formats are ASF, WMV, WMA, MOV, RM, RAM, 3GP, AMV, AVI, FLV, M2TS and MKV, among others. JPG, PNG and BMP are accepted as image types, while ebooks can have either the PDF or EPUB file extension.

When it comes to playlists, users may select MP3 or M4A audio tracks. In other words, iAny Manager automatically makes files compatible with iOS devices when copying them.

Files can be imported into the iOS device using the file browser only (“drag and drop” is not featured). Batch processing is supported, meaning that multiple items can be added at the same time. Meanwhile, existing files or previously added ones can be removed.
It is possible to add new contacts by specifying the first and last name, nick name, group, phone number, email address and note, as well as to delete existing ones. These can be saved on the computer in VCF, XLS, XML or TXT format.
Messages are displayed just like in an iPhone (with balloons), enabling users to browse them for specific content. These can be exported to XLS, XML or TXT format. In the meantime, ebooks can be added and deleted from the device.
iAny Manager detects installed apps and provides options for uninstalling them, as well as for backing them up, while new ones can be added from IPA or PXL format. Last but not least, the software utility contains a manager for system files, letting users delete them or view their content.
A search function is available for each aforementioned category. Selected files can be transferred to the computer by simply pointing out a saving directory (it automatically opens on task completion), directly imported into the iTunes library (ratings, play counts, artwork and other song info is preserved), as well as backed up and restored.

The Good

The program is compatible with all popular Windows versions, starting with XP and ending with 8 and 8.1 (32 bit and 64 bit).

The interface has simple lines that makes iAny Manager highly intuitive for first-time and experienced users alike (many options are available in the context menu). Help documentation is included.

Tasks are carried out pretty quickly in general cases, and copied data is maintained with its original structure. CPU and RAM are used within normal parameters.

The Bad

Devices plugged into the PC after running iAny Manager are not recognized immediately (program restart is necessary). Several restarts were needed in our tests. The app got stuck during device initialization.

On a minor note, the registration dialog noted that the key was inputted for another Tenorshare application.

The app crashed on multiple occasions during our evaluation: when clicking the iTunes button without previously selecting any content, or when trying to add a video file to iPhone, to name some examples.

There is no dialog to indicate the status of some tasks (e.g. copying music from iOS device to PC). Clicking the help button on the bottom left corner of the screen doesn't do anything (it can be accessed from a menu in the top right corner).

It is not possible to edit existing contact information. Backup file names cannot be altered, and the app overwrites existing files, which means that multiple backups can be created only in different directories.

The Truth

The app has just been released, so there's plenty of room for improvement. While its intentions toward simplifying data management and sharing between iOS devices and PCs are noble, iAny Manager needs a lot of work, especially in the stability department.

user interface 4
features 2
ease of use 5
pricing / value 1


final rating 2
Editor's review
fair