Database Info

Desktop synchronization of Android just like WM-phones

Hi friends,
Let me put these questions as simple as it can be -
1. is it possible for android to synchronize with the desktop computer
running Win XP?, if yes how? Wm phones can do it seamlessly using
MSActivesync.
2. is it possible to use the desktop's internet connection and browse
the web from the android? (just like WM-phones do with MS Activesync)
3. Is there a way to import all the Windows mobile contacts onto the
Android phone? NOT from google mail-account because I have different
contacts in my phone and gmail. And I would like to import my Phone
contacts onto Android.
THANKS to anyone who answers all/part of the queries.
arefin

arefin said:
Hi friends,
Let me put these questions as simple as it can be -
1. is it possible for android to synchronize with the desktop computer
running Win XP?, if yes how? Wm phones can do it seamlessly using
MSActivesync.
2. is it possible to use the desktop's internet connection and browse
the web from the android? (just like WM-phones do with MS Activesync)
3. Is there a way to import all the Windows mobile contacts onto the
Android phone? NOT from google mail-account because I have different
contacts in my phone and gmail. And I would like to import my Phone
contacts onto Android.
THANKS to anyone who answers all/part of the queries.
arefin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Hopefully google would release a cloud based or an application that allows this, as it would make some lives a little easier.
2. I do not believe there is an app capable of this but it may be possible via bluetooth or use the desktop as an AP. Either way, i don't think you will get any better than you would off of wifi.
3. I found this off a quick search http://www.myhtcphone.com/import-contacts. Dont know if it works or not, but it seems to be like what you want.

1. use google calendar sync.
2. use adb port forwarding with proxy or vpn.
3. export your outlook contacts as csv and import them in gmail.

Not Really!
billc.cn said:
1. use google calendar sync.
2. use adb port forwarding with proxy or vpn.
3. export your outlook contacts as csv and import them in gmail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google calender sync is at it says "for your calender only". No contacts. No idea why they can't just add it. Our lives would be so much easier.

I've had a friend report to me that Google has licensed the ActiveSync technology, so it may be added in a future build of the Android OS.
I believe that the "Hero" version that Haykuro is toying with currently also showed ActiveSync in one of the menus, but I can't vouch for that at the moment.
Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.

TooSlo said:
I've had a friend report to me that Google has licensed the ActiveSync technology, so it may be added in a future build of the Android OS.
I believe that the "Hero" version that Haykuro is toying with currently also showed ActiveSync in one of the menus, but I can't vouch for that at the moment.
Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not ActiveSync, that's Microsoft's product. The new Hero build (as well as the stock Magic ROM) have a program called HTC Sync. I don't believe anyone has obtained a copy of the desktop software for that though.

it's two separate things.
google licensed activesync to allow ms exchange clients to sync with google calendar and gmail contacts (see http://www.google.com/mobile/winmo/sync.html). you already have this on android.
the ms exchange option appeared in the mail app can only connect to ms exchange servers (not your desktop activesync clients) and can do email only.
htc sync is the only possiblility. (m$ won't be stupid enough to allow you to use activesync on any other platform.)

Your ideas of sync are outdated on Android.
My phone address book syncs to my gmail account, and my email clients address book syncs to gmail. My phone calander syncs to Google Cal, and I find the web based interface to work just fine. But I am sure you can find something to sync whatever your cal program is to google.
All this syncing happens when the phone is in my pocket and is always up to date.
As for browsing the web from the phone, over the usb connector, why? The phone has 3G and wifi.
You can import your contacts as a group into gmail, then set the phone to only display contacts from that group.

arefin said:
Hi friends,
Let me put these questions as simple as it can be -
1. is it possible for android to synchronize with the desktop computer
running Win XP?, if yes how? Wm phones can do it seamlessly using
MSActivesync.
2. is it possible to use the desktop's internet connection and browse
the web from the android? (just like WM-phones do with MS Activesync)
3. Is there a way to import all the Windows mobile contacts onto the
Android phone? NOT from google mail-account because I have different
contacts in my phone and gmail. And I would like to import my Phone
contacts onto Android.
THANKS to anyone who answers all/part of the queries.
arefin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as everyone else is surely noticing .. google syncs better than the mickeysoft mousesync stuff other people use .. you are automatically synced to the google server and from there you can do anything .. i pull my calendar into outlook or anything else i want .. so .. what was the question again?!?

If you have no 'net connex, 'the cloud' does 2 things: jack & shizzle.
I do, however, wish I could keep my contacts synced with GMail (after my initial .cvs port-over). GCalSync works very well, though!
-bZj

PorchG1 said:
All this syncing happens when the phone is in my pocket and is always up to date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great, but I don't want to be beholden to a corporation, especially not to a single corp using closed protocols. If kinda defeats the purpose of having an open source phone for some of us. A mechanism to sync to my home server (not desktop), would certainly be welcomed.
PorchG1 said:
As for browsing the web from the phone, over the usb connector, why? The phone has 3G and wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ever heard of wireline? I guess you can't conceive of being in an environment without wifi or 3G, they do exist you know? Not to mention that it would be nice to not always have to broadcast everything you do into the ether.

Thanks to everyone who responded
PorchG1 said:
Your ideas of sync are outdated on Android.
My phone address book syncs to my gmail account, and my email clients address book syncs to gmail. My phone calander syncs to Google Cal, and I find the web based interface to work just fine. But I am sure you can find something to sync whatever your cal program is to google.
All this syncing happens when the phone is in my pocket and is always up to date.
As for browsing the web from the phone, over the usb connector, why? The phone has 3G and wifi.
You can import your contacts as a group into gmail, then set the phone to only display contacts from that group.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, many of the suggestions sounds good for me. I am guessing many of you r not on Windows anymore. My problem is there, I am still on Windows just becoz I play lot of games, install a lots of programs which are only possible on win-ground. I do streaming - didnt find lot of freedom in this area on other OSs.
btw, I will apply your ideas considering them expert opinions becoz OI am just a noob in such things.
Thanks friends,

gSyncit Sync the calander and contacts....

arefin said:
Yes, many of the suggestions sounds good for me. I am guessing many of you r not on Windows anymore. My problem is there, I am still on Windows just becoz I play lot of games, install a lots of programs which are only possible on win-ground. I do streaming - didnt find lot of freedom in this area on other OSs.
btw, I will apply your ideas considering them expert opinions becoz OI am just a noob in such things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that didn't make much sense .. "not on Windows" anymore .. my primary OS is Microsoft for the same reason that there is a lot more freedom

MartinFick said:
That's great, but I don't want to be beholden to a corporation, especially not to a single corp using closed protocols. If kinda defeats the purpose of having an open source phone for some of us. A mechanism to sync to my home server (not desktop), would certainly be welcomed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, you're not tied to Google. Android is made so that each of its apps can be replaced by a user-made app (of course, as with the lock screen, that's still in the process of being completed). There's a few calendar applications in the market that can do the same thing that the Google Calendar can. Or you could code your own/hire someone to do so.

I don't get G3. And Wifi is only at home. I am in Edge or GPRS most of the time. I was in GPRS when I typed that message. Syncing works just fine.
I can understand not wanting to trust your data to Google. Apps can read and write to the address book and cal. All somebody needs to do is make an on-line sync app.
After years of living with having to sync my palm, the "cloud" syncing Google provides is the next slice bread. But I do backup my phone, just in case.
I still don't see why you want to browse the web on your phone, wired to your laptop. Just use the laptop then. Or create an ad-hoc connection with ICS and do that over wireless.(Not tried it, but I assume it will work.)

MartinFick said:
That's great, but I don't want to be beholden to a corporation, especially not to a single corp using closed protocols. If kinda defeats the purpose of having an open source phone for some of us. A mechanism to sync to my home server (not desktop), would certainly be welcomed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it starts working for the Android, you could use Funambol (http://www.funambol.com/) on your PC and get both a cloud sync (if you so choose) and a desktop sync. I used to use it to sync my SE P990.
The last time I checked, it wasn't working, but maybe it's fixed now.
http://code.google.com/p/funambol/

PorchG1 said:
I still don't see why you want to browse the web on your phone, wired to your laptop. Just use the laptop then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't speak for the original poster, but I often want to download stuff to my phone, apps, data, ... This is not surfing so to speak, but it still requires a connection. Sometimes wireless is not available for this.
os2baba said:
When it starts working for the Android, you could use Funambol (http://www.funambol.com/) on your PC and get both a cloud sync (if you so choose) and a desktop sync.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, thanks, I am familiar with that project. Unfortunately I refuse to run a 500MB RAM gorilla (I tried it, it really does use 500MB) on my home server (I run at least 10 virtual servers on my one PC) just to provide a sync framework for one phone. I will not sacrifice that much from the other real server applications that I use. Funambol is really not a good (sane) solution for individuals. I will be investigating the syncevolution framework soon.

Mail Options (FlexMail vs. WM vs. ?)

Maybe some of you folks can chime in here with some discussion on how to manage email.
I own a copy of FlexMail 4.11, but one of the things that has always frustrated me about the program is that it does not integrate with the OS such as being able to directly send a photo from the album via email, and as of this version, it doesn't rotate to landscape. There are other gripes I have, but there are also many upsides, such as the ability to store messages externally, backing up email account settings (for re-installation after ROM updates) and a number of other features that make it very nice.
But I have to say that the built-in mail and SMS utilities in WM have gotten much better and I'm very tempted to use them instead of FlexMail if I can figure out how to store the content on my flash card. I remember there was a registry hack (I think it was in Tweaks2k2 or PocketMechanic) which would manage the reg changes automatically.
Anyway, I'm wondering if any of you can share your thoughts on what options might be better that would be the 'best of both worlds'.
Thanks in advance!

BillTheCat said:
Maybe some of you folks can chime in here with some discussion on how to manage email.
I own a copy of FlexMail 4.11, but one of the things that has always frustrated me about the program is that it does not integrate with the OS such as being able to directly send a photo from the album via email, and as of this version, it doesn't rotate to landscape. There are other gripes I have, but there are also many upsides, such as the ability to store messages externally, backing up email account settings (for re-installation after ROM updates) and a number of other features that make it very nice.
But I have to say that the built-in mail and SMS utilities in WM have gotten much better and I'm very tempted to use them instead of FlexMail if I can figure out how to store the content on my flash card. I remember there was a registry hack (I think it was in Tweaks2k2 or PocketMechanic) which would manage the reg changes automatically.
Anyway, I'm wondering if any of you can share your thoughts on what options might be better that would be the 'best of both worlds'.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never used FlexMail and can't give you any advice on that. BUT I want to point out that it is possible to backup your e-mail account with the WM native mail app as well!
If you just want to backup your account settings, you can do this via a xml file and use Sashimi to recreate your account after flashing (read more here). If you want to backup your account and all the e-mails you can use Microsoft MyPhone AFAIK. Not sure about that though...

MAMeingast said:
If you just want to backup your account settings, you can do this via a xml file and use Sashimi to recreate your account after flashing (read more here). If you want to backup your account and all the e-mails you can use Microsoft MyPhone AFAIK. Not sure about that though...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough, though it gets me only half way there.
I found that PocketMechanic will relocate the message store, but it seems a bit kludgy to me, in that the 'today' plugin will force attachments to the internal store, when IMO they should also be on the external (storage card) location.
See the instructions here to see if you come up with the same conclusion with regard to the PocketMechanic solution:
http://www.wizcode.com/articles/comments/relocate-your-data-with-pocket-mechanic-professional/
Since I own a copy of PM (I'm one of those crazy guys that actually buys the software he uses to reward talented developers) it's no skin off my nose to experiment, but for the time and hassles it'll take until I figure it out. So I'm coming to you folks here for some discussion before I 'pull the trigger'.
So it looks like I'm faced with two choices, neither of which are entirely what I want. One gives me external store of all SMS and Email messages (FlexMail), but some functionality is disabled. The other gives me total integration with the OS (Outlook) but a kludgy and perhaps unreliable method for relocating and storing the data.
I'd be interested in hearing other thoughts, solutions or workarounds.

Anyone? Would really like to do one of two things:
1) Change default programs in WM to point to FlexMail so that I can send a photo via email directly from the camera application
or
2) Move storage for WM native email from internal memory to storage card.

If by Storage you mean only attachments than it's easy. You go to your inbox>options and then select the storage tab. You have the option to use astorage card to save attachments. If u don't mean that I'm afraid that I can't help u. Good luck.

I am using FlexMail and the built-in WM client. I've used them individually and side-by-side. FlexMail isn't too finger-friendly but it's OK and I prefer it. IMAP Idle support is useful to me. Using both clients gets around the problems that result because FlexMail doesn't support some of the HD2's features.
I have problems when I set either program to store information on a storage card. Eventually, something happens and I find I need to reset my e-mail accounts and start again. I think this is because the card isn't initialized in time for the mail programs to access it. It doesn't happen when I first start saving mail to a storage card but it always happens eventually. I now use internal memory but I'm very selective as to which messages I have on my HD2. For instance, I download headers initially and rarely keep more than a few days messages to hand. I use IMAP accounts so my mail is kept on my server if I do need something from, say, last year. I can search for older messages on the server without downloading anything; again, this saves space.

DrATty said:
I am using FlexMail and the built-in WM client. I've used them individually and side-by-side...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be grateful to hear your thoughts on what you feel each is best at. I haven't used the internal WM mail client much, but I have used FM and have been happy with it. I tried using IMAP but found that there was really no benefit for me, in that I'd want local copies on my home machine anyway (no ISP is perfect) and I can't save a copy of sent items the way we can with Outlook and POP.
My question is that if I use 3rd party apps like FlexMail and PocketInformant, how do we get them to integrate to the HD2 shell (Sense) so that they launch rather than the corresponding WM utilities? This tangentially gets me back to the original question about how to email a photo directly from the camera via FlexMail.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

hi, i used flexmail for some time, a while ago. i stoped using it when i change to hd2.
the only thing i realy miss, is the possibility to put a mail that is stored in one imap account folder to a folders on a different imap account. i didnt mean forwarding, i mean moving it between folders of different accounts.
aside from that i dont miss a thing on flexmail, the programmers are not getting dizzy to mentoin that they are using only ms windows features and functions in the interface. and i belive them, because the programm gives the user a realy hard time to use it. and that is not only on hd2 the case.
after all i can say i have a good time with flexmail but i would not buy it again. not with this interface that give the user the feeling, he is 100 years back in time.
mad

Flexmail 4.11 allows to access (i.e. Send/Receive) : Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, my office emails, AOL IMAP, FastMail, emails through IMAP, emails through SSL, custom port, etc, SMS, etc.
i prefer Flexmail, its much much better.
I installed Flexmail in external Storage Memory. I was accessing multiple emails through it.
After ROM update, and re-installation of Flexmail, i can see all the previous emails and email accounts in the first opening window , but actual account settings inside the Menu > Accounts , all are missing !
Now it doesnt send/rcv anymore.
Is there a way to get the previous all email settings back ?

Bry8Star said:
After ROM update, and re-installation of Flexmail, i can see all the previous emails and email accounts in the first opening window , but actual account settings inside the Menu > Accounts , all are missing !
Now it doesnt send/rcv anymore.
Is there a way to get the previous all email settings back ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like unfortunately you didn't back up your individual email account settings from within FlexMail. You'll have to recreate them. I suggest after doing so that you save the files to your card, so that if you upgrade your ROM again you can restore the email accounts easily.

What really surprises me is that there doesn't seem to be any significant Touch friendly Mail application out there.
Is there anything above and beyond Flexmail ?

Good (WiFi/3G) Outlook Sync APP, does it exist?

I don't use Outlook but my dad does. As his android tech advisor I am at a loss trying to find a good solution for syncing his Outlook to his phone.
It seems like there would be a good solution for this but everything I've found is either a half-baked email-and-contacts-only job and requires paying for Exchange service (paying for apps or Exchange service is not a problem if it works well, but the reviews are not favorable)
If a good reliable Outlook sync option does not currently exist what would be involved in making one?

I don't understand the need to sync with outlook when one can sync with Google automatically.

The htc sync software syncs with outlook. It comes with new phones on the sd card or can be downloaded from the htc site.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

[email protected] said:
I don't understand the need to sync with outlook when one can sync with Google automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand your point. It sounds like you're suggesting he stop using outlook and switch to google for email, contacts, calendar, notes, tasks, etc.
He uses Outlook (as many people do) and does not see google as a comparable alternative.
While it works fine as the account he uses to manage the phone he has no intention of migrating away from Outlook, at least not to Google, not for such business critical purposes.
johncjenc said:
The htc sync software syncs with outlook. It comes with new phones on the sd card or can be downloaded from the htc site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I edited the thread title..

nebenezer said:
I don't understand your point. It sounds like you're suggesting he stop using outlook and switch to google for email, contacts, calendar, notes, tasks, etc.
He uses Outlook (as many people do) and does not see google as a comparable alternative.
While it works fine as the account he uses to manage the phone he has no intention of migrating away from Outlook, at least not to Google, not for such business critical purposes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think what he was trying to say is that you can use Google Sync to sync between Outlook & your android phone via Google's cloud. Something that I do as well. But it may not be as in depth as you're seeking.
Here is an article from PC World. http://www.pcworld.com/article/200654/sync_outlook_with_your_google_calendar.html
For a paid app that does it all, here's a review of an app in the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/15/AR2010071504701.html

Hey Nebenezer,
I realize this may be a bit late for you but maybe better late than never.
I'm in the same boat as you (advisor to my brother).
I found and tested Deja Office by Companionlink (Companionlink USB @ $39.99 - did not see need for pro @$99.99.)
After testing it a bit it looked like it fit the bill. I put my brother on it and he's used it thru the trial well enough and so bought it. I think it's about 3 weeks now. He's happy with it.
I didn't have the same need to stay with outlook but since I tested these are the main points I noted:
Requires using their own suite of apps on the phone
Does not use the stock phone's DBs
DOES sync contacts [optionally] with the phones contacts
NOT SURE if it syncs CALENDAR to phone's calendar (I suspect it does but I didn't test and my brother does not need/want it)
It's up to the user to make sure contacts/calendar dont get sucked into the google cloud (if you don't wan't that as in my brother's case) as a result of syncing with the phone's contacts/calendar
USB cable sync (not wifi as you asked for)
The using of their own apps (which are really a suite in one app so has it's own "launcher" screen) turns out to be less of a pain in the ass than I thought it would be (I found shortcuts to each individual 'app' so no need to deal w/ their 'launcher' screen). My brother does not find it bothersome at all.
The apps also hove a bit more of an Outlook-centric feel and fields mapping so he liked it (you can see the android apps, btw, for free from the Market - search Deja Office - you only pay for the PC Sync side)
I should note that my brother spends most of his time in Outlook on the the desktop rather than on the phone (my usage pattern is the inverse) so let your dad use it and decide if he likes it. As always, ymmv.
Hope that helps you and your dad. It's at least worth giving a look.
Btw, I forgot to mention, it does NOT deal w/ email. Only Contacts, Calendar, Tasks and Notes. I liked that model because email can be easily handled using IMAP or Gmail (which my brother uses) and so no requirement for Exchange.
Conversely, it does not support Exchange iirc, so Exchange users my need a different solution.
hth someone,
J.

[Q] Syncing Outlook contacts and calendar to WP7

Hi, I'm new around here as a new WP7 user, I'm trying to get some advice. I have all of my contacts and calendar entries synced to Outlook. I have Zune software installed. I may just be missing something simple, but how do I get the phone to sync with Outlook and grab these contacts and calendar entries?
Many thanks
Michael.

Bad news. It does not sync with Outlook (only Exchange version) with a pst file.
11 page thread below re this.

What? Windows phone do not sync with outlook? Are they killing each other...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Hi
It is possible - just get the Outlok connector to sync Outlook to Windows Live, and then Windows Live will sync to the WP7 (over the air).
Paul

I'm shocked that it can't just sync directly with Outlook
Anyway, I did put my Windows Live ID onto the phone, but that then synced all of my MSN contacts to the phone book, which I don't want. I couldn't find a way to stop it syncing my MSN contacts, and as you cannot delete the account once entered, I had to format the phone and start over.
So it looks like I'm going to need a whole new Windows Live account just to sync my Outlook contacts and calendar. Looking at the Outlook connector it seems to be saying that it'll transfer your Live contacts and calendar to Outlook, but what I'm wanting is the other way around, my Outlook calendar and contact to transfer to Live. How do you do this?
Many thanks
Michael.

Ok - firstly Windows Live isn't the only way to sync contacts/calendar on to your phone OTA. There is Exchange, gmail etc to do this. You might want to look at the other methods.
I for one didn't want to use Live at all and went for an hosted Exchange option till I can get my own server sorted (overkill I know). However, hosted Exchange costs about £4 pm.If you have your own domain, even sweeter.
So I still use Outlook (I'm lucky I have 2010 so can have 2 excahnge accounts on 1 profile) to keep all my work and home calendar and contacts in sync with my phone and this also translates to home desktops and laptops automatically too. This is as easy as drgging and dropping between accounts.

chubnut said:
Ok - firstly Windows Live isn't the only way to sync contacts/calendar on to your phone OTA. There is Exchange, gmail etc to do this. You might want to look at the other methods.
I for one didn't want to use Live at all and went for an hosted Exchange option till I can get my own server sorted (overkill I know). However, hosted Exchange costs about £4 pm.If you have your own domain, even sweeter.
So I still use Outlook (I'm lucky I have 2010 so can have 2 excahnge accounts on 1 profile) to keep all my work and home calendar and contacts in sync with my phone and this also translates to home desktops and laptops automatically too. This is as easy as drgging and dropping between accounts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I have to sync with Outlook OTA, what I really want is a solution that works the same as MobileMe, i.e., it automatically keeps all the data between the phone and Outlook in sync without the need to perform manual syncs. Is this possible?

the usual send/recieve in outlook will connect to your live account also and onto your phone why pay £4pm when this kinda thing should be included, I'm sure MS will get off their arse soon and do some updates and tweaking.

jedix said:
the usual send/recieve in outlook will connect to your live account also and onto your phone why pay £4pm when this kinda thing should be included, I'm sure MS will get off their arse soon and do some updates and tweaking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right MS need to sort this out but I doubt it's a priority. They consider the whole Outlook thing to be a business solution and by their very own words are a secondary concern for this OS at the moment. They want the simple masses not the business/power users. They want that massive chunk of iPhone and Android drones to come over to WP.
There is no way I want my business and personal contacts and calendar on Live. That **** gets hacked all the time. The hosted exchange solution was the safest and easiest solution for me at present. It's quick and easy to set up, secure as it's a business solution and employs security protocols way above those on Live. In addition the OTA synchronisation between the device and all other machines that use that exchange account (so those at home and my PC at work) is instantaneous, and yes a bit of a pain to do the drag and drop between the exchange accounts but it's EXACTLY the same as you will have to do if you use Live and the Outlook connector. £4pm is in my opinion not a high price to pay for to satisfy my concerns.

Hmmm, so what r the options ?
Desktop synching is critical to me.
I've got a small business, we don't run Exchange server but have invested serious time to standardise on Outlook/Office: contacts, tasks, notes, onenote, email client, word/excel.
Contacts and detailed contact info is our IP; Word/Excel data is client confidential. Placing this on someone else's drive in the cloud isn't an option.
From what I understand so far...
1. Phone 7: data on the cloud; doesn't sync (manual updates)
2. Android: data on the cloud; synchs email and contacts only (?)
3. Apple: data on the desktop, synchs email and contacts only
4. Symbian: ugh !
5. WM6.x: currently trying to get away from the endless problems and snail-like performance
Is this right ?
Does anyone have an alternative (other than implementing Exchange)?
(Waiting doesn’t seem an option either. I'm sceptical MS will introduce desktop synching anytime soon, or at all: social users won't care and Exchange synch takes care of corporates - hence 80% of potential market is catered for. Also, the prospect of selling cloud storage has put a light in way too many eyes. )

mrochester said:
If I have to sync with Outlook OTA, what I really want is a solution that works the same as MobileMe, i.e., it automatically keeps all the data between the phone and Outlook in sync without the need to perform manual syncs. Is this possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Windows Live uses Exchange ActiveSync. That is far superior to MobileMe. Do people still use MobileMe?
Anyways...
Exchange also uses ActiveSync.
Exchange is supported Natively in Outlook. Windows Live is supported via the Connector (Mail, Contacts, Calendar).
Everything stays in Sync.

jedix said:
the usual send/recieve in outlook will connect to your live account also and onto your phone why pay £4pm when this kinda thing should be included, I'm sure MS will get off their arse soon and do some updates and tweaking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Outlook Connector and Hotmail ActiveSync is completely free.
Don't spread lies.

I'm not totally of-fay with Android or iPhone so can't really comment except I think that iPhones also do calendar from Outlook desktop via iTunes (and correct me if I'm wrong OTA with exchange).
Also with Android, some guys at work do use desktop sync to Outlook but I don't know what and how but they do use it.
I just came off the WinMo 6.5 bandwagon so I know what it was capable of not mater how bad.
WP7, my company won't open up the ports to allow Exchange to sync (they like SlackBerries) and with the absence desktop sync I had to implement my own methods for OTA syncing without using Live. None of this is ideal but it seems from other forums that a lot of people are complaining about this and M$ I believe are listening, though when it will be sorted is another matter.
Sorry

dfh said:
what I understand so far...
1. Phone 7: data on the cloud; doesn't sync (manual updates)
2. Android: data on the cloud; synchs email and contacts only (?)
3. Apple: data on the desktop, synchs email and contacts only
4. Symbian: ugh !
5. WM6.x: currently trying to get away from the endless problems and snail-like performance
Is this right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't understand... No, it is not correct.
1. Data on the cloud. Synchs automatically:
Of course your email, calendar, and contact list shows up from Hotmail, powered by Exchange ActiveSync. And because the phone supports multiple ActiveSync connections, you can connect to your Exchange server at work and view all of your mail, both calendars, and your entire contact list on your phone. And similar to Hotmail on the web, it’s really easy to make quick edits to Office documents you receive as email attachments and reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reference: http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_...0/10/11/windows-live-and-windows-phone-7.aspx
2. Android Synchs Calendars from Google Servers. Google on Android has weaker (i.e. less tight) integration than Windows Live on Windows Phone 7, though.
3. MobileMe is inferior to both the WP7/Live and Android/Google integration. It supports ActiveSync, however.
4. Symbian supports ActiveSync. Symbian may not look that great but feature for feature it can match or rival most other smartphone OSes. The UI is what has held Symbian back, not the core platform - which is great.
5. WM6.x Supports ActiveSync and there is Windows Live for Windows Mobile to Sync Winodws Live Mail and Contacts to the phone. It can also merge Live Contacts with already-existing Phone contacts and show Presence information. There is Microsoft Office 2010 Mobile for Windows Mobile 6.5. The only WinMo phone I'd bother using is an HD2 these days, but that device has its own problems (if you get a "good one", then you're good to go, though).
On WinMo 6.5 You can sync your Hotmail Contacts/Mail via Windows Live for Windows Mobile, chat with Windows Live Messenger Mobile, and get your Google Mail, Contacts, and Calendar via ActiveSync by way of Google Sync.
Does anyone have an alternative (other than implementing Exchange)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can get a Blackberry and use BIS/BES.
(Waiting doesn’t seem an option either. I'm sceptical MS will introduce desktop synching anytime soon, or at all: social users won't care and Exchange synch takes care of corporates - hence 80% of potential market is catered for. Also, the prospect of selling cloud storage has put a light in way too many eyes. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Desktop Syncing is a feature being fantastically overstated in these forums, just like stuff like a File manager. If you're a Lemming then just get an Android phone and use Google Services. If you can make your own decisions I think I've cleared up enough of your misconceptions in this reply (or at least given you the capabilities of each platform IRT what info syncs that may pretain to you specific use case).
EDIT: If you're running a business you can do yourself a favor and oursource your Exchange hosting. For example: http://www.apps4rent.com/ has 6-7GB mailboxes for something like $7.99/mo and you can get just 1 mailbox if you want, with no contract or anything. I used them for a couple of years, so I can vouch for them. You get Outlook for free with you Plan (or Entourage/Outlook for Mac) and ActiveSync is a free Add-On. You can access from web browsers using OWA, and use either a sub-domain or your own domain.

See this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=797472

I'm pretty sure anyone reading this thread has seen that trainwreck of a thread. You don't need to crosspost the link here. You're free to bump your thread.

Pretty sure
I'm very sure that you do not use Outlook on a stand alone PC with a pst file and sync every day with a Win Phone or you would understand what we are all talking about. No I qualify, sync every day with Calender, Tasks, & Contacts.[/I]

Just for those who have read this thread and are confused; I have an outlook calendar, contacts, and hotmail all synced up with my WP7 device.
Calendar - I chose to install Google Calendar Sync onto my Outlook PC. It automatically syncs my local outlook calendar with the cloud every 10 mins. Google calendar then pushes any changes to my phone instantly, no wires.
Contacts - I chose to install the hotmail connector for outlook, and dragged all my contacts out of their folder and into the hotmail account. this pushed them onto the phone automatically, no wires. Any changes to contacts are now made either on the phone directly, or in the new contacts folder created by the hotmail connector.
Hotmail - I used to use the POP3 account settings, but decided to change to using the outlook connector instead. Works a treat. Push Email is far superior to clunky old send/receive schedules.
The above may not suit everone, but it works for me and I`m very happy with the results.

@N8ter
No, desktop sync and file manager is not oversized.
It's basics which should be provided

Funny how people were moaning about WM6.5's lack of wireless sync with Outlook. Now that WP7 syncs wirelessly with Outlook, people are moaning that it doesn't sync over wired USB.
Some people will never be happy. *shrug*

Mail App

Anyone else found the stock mail appto be a complete pos?
I understand that the Surface RT is more a "Home" device than a "Work" one but still, a better mail app is needed, hell I've even settle on Outlook Express than this lol...

what specifically are you not liking about it? "pos" isn't very useful feedback.
It seems to handle multiple accounts OK - my suggestions:
unified inbox
message preview on/off
image download on/off

Unified Inbox is the number one feature I would like to have in the Mail app.

Trig0r said:
Anyone else found the stock mail appto be a complete pos?
I understand that the Surface RT is more a "Home" device than a "Work" one but still, a better mail app is needed, hell I've even settle on Outlook Express than this lol...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is junk, especially coming from the people who created Outlook. POP3 support is the biggest issue. I thought by now we would see an update, but no go

guitar1969 said:
It is junk, especially coming from the people who created Outlook. POP3 support is the biggest issue. I thought by now we would see an update, but no go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought by now pop3 would be dead. Horrible protocol for mail

Hello,
i miss a "reading confirmation" for sendet items.
also i think the app has a big failure in syncing imap-directorys.
so on my "surface rt" or my desktop "windows 8 pro 64bit" i have the following issues.
- not all directorys are synct.
(i think there must be a restriction to the count of directorys, becouse new emails in the exist directorys are synct correct.
i have only a overall of 20 root-directory and a 222 down-under-directorys
i missing a count of 14 root-directorys with 71 down-under-directorys
can anyone confirm a restriction of syncing a count of directorys???

For me, the killer lack is the complete inability to send plain text. Too many automated systems, and a few of the people I'm in touch with, can't handle HTML email. Given the simplicity of supporting plain text vs. supporting HTML, it's a very annoying thing to not have.
I also really wish there was some support for user filters. Full integration with Exchange (server-side filters) would be great, but I'd settle for (a lot) less to have anything at all.
The inability to view the compose message window along with any other window at the same time is very annoying. I get that on a low-res display this might be difficult, but while the app is very good at scaling its display as resolution decreases on something like my Surface (right down to being usable while side-snapped!) it's terrible at using the resolution on my desktop.

I'm not experiencing any issues with the mail app. I use Hotmail, so I can set up filters at the Outlook.com website. I have a filter set up to route job-related mails into a specific folder and that's working well. Outlook.com also handles my sender blocking. I have a few folders and they all sync fine. I can view the "compose email" dialogue side-snapped on my surface without difficulty. It's not the most full featured app ever but there's nothing I need to do that I can't. *shrug*.
I think if there's one feature I'd like, it would be to be able to highlight a spam message and select "block future emails from this domain/address" to save me needing to do that on outlook.com
The only thing I now use the Outlook desktop app for is a weekly download & offline backup of my emails.

schettj said:
I thought by now pop3 would be dead. Horrible protocol for mail
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree but unfortunately some big providers still only offer it, like Roadrunner Mail(time warner). I understand the argument to set up a gmail account but MS should be all about flexibility and shouldn't dictate what email service we can use with their devices.

I personally use email pretty much all day every day, for a Microsoft app, it lacks so many features. As a simple start, flagging emails, every email client and their dog can flag emails and show flagged emails, the mail app however can't, its not exactly rocket Science!
Secondly, as mentioned before hand the lack of plain text emails.
The fact it isn't integrated in any way with the calendar, I mean I don't expect a complete replacement for outlook, but even windows phone applications can do these simple things, so why doesn't windows 8 get possibly the worst excuse for a mail app I've ever used?

I only managed to get the built-in Mail app to sync with my Gmail once, after that it throws generic connection errors. It was slow and obnoxious to use, I gave up and just use the web mail interface.

Trig0r said:
Anyone else found the stock mail appto be a complete pos?
I understand that the Surface RT is more a "Home" device than a "Work" one but still, a better mail app is needed, hell I've even settle on Outlook Express than this lol...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I put my gmail accounts on the surface mail app and all I want is the "send mail as" option.

When you open a new email you will find your email adress in the left bottom corner. and there is also the possibility to use an another email adress.

@feygor: I agree in general, but there is actually some calendar integration. You can receive calendar invites via the mail app, and respond to them (yes/tentative/no). It's not perfect but it's no worse than on my phone, so far as I can tell, in terms of *that* feature.
Now, the lack of support for flagging (or, especially, the Importance flags)... that's annoying. You can't even filter the mail list to show only the unread messages! That's an option out of the box on WP7...

feygor said:
I personally use email pretty much all day every day, for a Microsoft app, it lacks so many features. As a simple start, flagging emails, every email client and their dog can flag emails and show flagged emails, the mail app however can't, its not exactly rocket Science!
Secondly, as mentioned before hand the lack of plain text emails.
The fact it isn't integrated in any way with the calendar, I mean I don't expect a complete replacement for outlook, but even windows phone applications can do these simple things, so why doesn't windows 8 get possibly the worst excuse for a mail app I've ever used?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree its not a full featured mail client - it's the first release of the windows 8 store (gag) mail client. There's nothing saying it can't grow into something better, or even that other clients that are better won't show up in the store. As an "adjunct" email client its good enough for now - given I have my phone with me always and it "owns" my calendar, I can manage it there. The calendar sync does work fine with my various calendars, at least
Give it a rev or two. You may not remember the first versions of email and calendar in iOS, but I do. Yeah, they sucked pretty bad too.

Yeah, it's poor enough that I have to use webmail for all my non-Exchange accounts. Kind of sad that my phone is better for email triage than the Surface.
I'm actually tempted to write a new mail app. I have some POP3 and IMAP code sitting around from a few years ago when I was writing a replacement mail client for WM 6.5, so if I get a chance, might see if I can use some of that.

@amb9800: That would be great. It should even be possible to publish it on the store; MS seems willing to let people duplicate the functionality of built-in apps, and the required Capabilities already exist (really, just network access and File Picker, with Share integration if you want to get fancy). Just make sure (especially if it's C/C++ code) that it's reasonably secure...

I only had a problem with the mail app when using it to access my ISP mail account directly. Since setting up Gmail and forwarding my accounts to there I've had no problems with syncing my mails, contacts, calendar entries, chats etc. Strangely my surface is more reliable for chats than my win8 laptop... the laptop is constantly saying it can't connect to various services but the surface is okay.....just my personal experience.

amb9800 said:
I'm actually tempted to write a new mail app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Porting some existing app over should be fairly easy. Let's hope for yours and/or others to arrive

One thing I have noticed people complaining about and I may have an answer.
GMail only allows a certain number of IMAP connections.
If you exceed this, you will get errors. So, if you use Outlook, an iPhone, and a few other devices, you hit the limit.
Additionally, some apps are not following the rules and will open more than one IMAP connection. For example, Thunderbird will use 4 by default!
http://kb.mozillazine.org/IMAP:_advanced_account_configuration
Reducing the number of apps that are hitting your IMAP may help.