Merlin – MobileMe calendars break Merlin’s iCal sync

header_calendar_20100622If you are a Merlin user and thinking of upgrading to the new MobileMe calendars, please be aware that…

  • It converts your local calendars to subscribed calendars; which means Merlin won’t be able to sync to them
  • According to Apple, it is compatible to Mac OS X 10.6.4 or newer ; if you have any machines running Mac OS X 10.5.x, they won’t fully sync.

Why is that?

Merlin uses Apple’s SyncServices API for syncing with iCal. The new MobileMe calendar data is moved to a new calendar service, which supports the CalDAV standard. CalDAV is an industry-standard calendar protocol that works with the latest Apple iOS devices.

This means. You may sync locally your Merlin projects to iCal and sync with other Macs, but your local calendars won’t get synced to your MobileMe calendars accessed over your iOS devices.

In case you do decide to use the new MobileMe calendars, we recommend exporting your project schedules in local iCal calendars and in a second step into your MobileMe calendars.

Export in iCal

A similar approach is suggested by Apple when resolving problems with duplicate calendars.

You may consider as an alternative sharing your private calendars to be viewed and edited by MobileMe members to whom you have granted permission.

Relevant links