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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.

Microsoft My Phone Question

Question for those who use Microsoft My Phone.
I currently use My Phone to sync Contacts and Text Messages on my WM 6.5 phone. When I get my WP7 device will I be able to sync those Contacts and Text Messages over? Or will I need to import contacts from my SIM card?

No - Apparently MyPhone is not supported in WP7 and can't be accessed by the phone. They want everything to be done via Windows Live or Exchange
I use MyPhone too for my 6.5 more as just online backup but it's nice to have txts etc saved out, plus I use SPB backup too for which at the moment there is no WP7 alternative.

kin studio like feature will be added later on to the web portal.

powersquad said:
kin studio like feature will be added later on to the web portal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what should a user do?
When we have all the contacts and calendar synced with MyPhone,
how can we port it to WP7??

doministry said:
So what should a user do?
When we have all the contacts and calendar synced with MyPhone,
how can we port it to WP7??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sync phone with an exchange server if one has access to it otherwise install outlook with hotmail connector, sync contacts and calender from phone into hotmail on outlook which will sync the same info with hotmail on the web...
connect wp7 with hotmail via EOAS or pop and that will sync the contacts and calenders...

powersquad said:
sync phone with an exchange server if one has access to it otherwise install outlook with hotmail connector, sync contacts and calender from phone into hotmail on outlook which will sync the same info with hotmail on the web...
connect wp7 with hotmail via EOAS or pop and that will sync the contacts and calenders...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What a disaster. Instead of easy solution like MyPhone
one has to **** around with so many steps!!!!
And this is user friendly??!! This is so freaking complicated.
WP7 is NOT USER FRIENDLY.

doministry said:
What a disaster. Instead of easy solution like MyPhone
one has to **** around with so many steps!!!!
And this is user friendly??!! This is so freaking complicated.
WP7 is NOT USER FRIENDLY.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that was an alternative. like I said earlier, kin studio like features which store contacts, text messages etc on the cloud will be added later to devices.live.com website.
not everyone stores their contacts and text messages on myphone.
ps - you can always import your contacts to your sim card and then export it to wp7's internal memory too...

I'm using MyPhone too as I don't have an exchange account, it's a shame that feature isn't available on day one but hopefully it will come with the January update.

powersquad said:
that was an alternative. like I said earlier, kin studio like features which store contacts, text messages etc on the cloud will be added later to devices.live.com website.
not everyone stores their contacts and text messages on myphone.
ps - you can always import your contacts to your sim card and then export it to wp7's internal memory too...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not alternative. It's the only choice.
I'm talking about transferring data from one MS device to another,
and it's simply screwed, opposed to the solution which was just available.
And don't be silly.
You know that transferring 1500 contacts with multiple data is impossible to transfer
through SIM.
Hello Microsoft, it's 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

doministry said:
It's not alternative. It's the only choice.
I'm talking about transferring data from one MS device to another,
and it's simply screwed, opposed to the solution which was just available.
And don't be silly.
You know that transferring 1500 contacts with multiple data is impossible to transfer
through SIM.
Hello Microsoft, it's 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the same boat fella. I have a possible solution to this problem but to be honest it's not something that many people will be able to do. Plus I haven't implemented it yet and won't get a chance till next week now.
For the moment, what I have done is use the Outlook connector and got the contacts and calender into my live account. I've lost some data (some pretty important) and it doesn't sync categories which I make extensive use of, but it's there for the moment. It will do for a short time when I get my phone from Wed.
Sorry but that is all I can suggest for the moment. IMO they screwed this up royally

I have an exchange account, but I purposely don't sync my personal contacts with my business contacts. This sucks because MyPhone is in the "cloud" and is a M$ product, but it doesn't work with their newest phone? What crap.

Just found this link on Microsoft website about the same issue. Straight from a MS employee, not compatible with WP7

what?
i asked that question a few weeks ago and someone mentioned myphone
now it's not compatible?
how am i going to transfer 500+ contacts and almost 10000 sms messages to the new phone???

WP7 might have My Phone connectivity after all.
Now that T-Mobile USA has posted more details about the device on their site, see this under "Features":
Microsoft My Phone Service
Connect your phone to the Web and simplify your life. With Microsoft My Phone service you can back up and access your contacts and text messages, share photos on your favorite social networking sites, and even locate your phone if it gets lost.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So for you who plan to move to WP7 (I'll stick with 6.5.x personally) there may be hope .

You are all making assumptions based on mis-reported facts. Windows Phone 7 does have "My Phone," however it is now integrated into the OS. You can easily transfer your contacts, calendar, and e-mail by connecting your old Windows Mobile device to sync with Gmail or Hotmail, then connect your new Windows Phone 7 device to sync and it will download everything from one of those services. After that, you're free to disconnect Windows Phone 7 from the service if you don't want it anymore and your contacts and calendar will stay. (For obvious reasons, e-mail requires maintaining an account with somebody.)
As far as text messages, there is no migration path from 6.x to 7, as is the same when upgrading iPhone devices or just about any other platform. However, I think you will all find that Microsoft's implementation of MyPhone on Windows Phone 7 is still better than MobileMe. Not only is it free, but its feature-set (like integrating SkyDrive photos with the locally-stored photos together into the Pictures hub) is much better than the separate app silos Apple has created. Windows Phone 7 isn't perfect, but IMO it's a pretty good version 1 product considering that they've started over from scratch and the competition has had a 2-3 year head start.

steve10 said:
You are all making assumptions based on mis-reported facts. Windows Phone 7 does have "My Phone," however it is now integrated into the OS. You can easily transfer your contacts, calendar, and e-mail by connecting your old Windows Mobile device to sync with Gmail or Hotmail, then connect your new Windows Phone 7 device to sync and it will download everything from one of those services. After that, you're free to disconnect Windows Phone 7 from the service if you don't want it anymore and your contacts and calendar will stay. (For obvious reasons, e-mail requires maintaining an account with somebody.)
As far as text messages, there is no migration path from 6.x to 7, as is the same when upgrading iPhone devices or just about any other platform. However, I think you will all find that Microsoft's implementation of MyPhone on Windows Phone 7 is still better than MobileMe. Not only is it free, but its feature-set (like integrating SkyDrive photos with the locally-stored photos together into the Pictures hub) is much better than the separate app silos Apple has created. Windows Phone 7 isn't perfect, but IMO it's a pretty good version 1 product considering that they've started over from scratch and the competition has had a 2-3 year head start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, wake up.
So WP7 HAS NO MYPHONE.
MyPhone was just launched year ago to TO HELP EASILY BACKUP AND RESTORE
in the cloud all of the data you need. So I could switch my device every week and still have all I need with me with one ****ing click. It was meant to be this way.
And now MS launches new platform and instead of enjoying great solutions,
opposite to all advertised easyness and "it just works"
you have to sync everything through the crappy few steps process!!!!
Plus all the smses are gone, all tasks and notes are gone!!!
That's a DUMBASS implementation. Stupid and completely brainless.
So WP7 looks like a lie?
With this attitude I hope they will not succeed.
Or wake up soon.
No there's no excuse for such things anymore.
It's 2010. They've had 10 years for that.
And I don't care for a second how much time they've spent on it.
Crap is crap.

MyPhone was great and worked well. One of the great ideas MS had recently.
So why this great solution has not been implemented into WP7 ??????
I don't understand.

arturobandini said:
MyPhone was great and worked well. One of the great ideas MS had recently.
So why this great solution has not been implemented into WP7 ??????
I don't understand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because of their stupid policies.

steve10 said:
You are all making assumptions based on mis-reported facts. Windows Phone 7 does have "My Phone," however it is now integrated into the OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not the same "my phone" as we are talking about here. I won't be able to transfer my text messages from the my phone service. I have no issues with transferring contacts, etc as that is easy.

righto.....so from my understanding exchange 2010 supports SMS's.
Is there a way to import the SMS from Microsoft my Phone?
Or is it a case of needing to get the SMS's sync'd from my 6.5 device to my Exchange and then sync them back to the WP7 device?

Any chance of syncing?

Is there a way to sync my WP7 phone like the old WindowsMobile phones?
this phone is not for online purpose (too expensive!!!) so I need to sync it via cable.

Drake008 said:
Is there a way to sync my WP7 phone like the old WindowsMobile phones?
this phone is not for online purpose (too expensive!!!) so I need to sync it via cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you need to install Zune.

deleted

Drake008 said:
Is there a way to sync my WP7 phone like the old WindowsMobile phones?
this phone is not for online purpose (too expensive!!!) so I need to sync it via cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously i don't know what this guy is talking about.

SO I have Outlook 2003 with all my contacts and appointments in it. This was easy to sync with my old MDA.
Now with the new WP7 this function is nowhere to find. All what opens is Zune an this does not sync anything from outlook in any way.

It just doesn't sync with Outlook in a normal way.
Zune doesn't do it (still!). Apparently this simpe task was to difficult to implement it on WP7, or rather MS wanted to force you to use cloud.
The only choice you have to Sync PC/Outlook and WP7 phone
is to get Hotmail plugin in the Office,
this way you can sync Calendar and Contacts, via data plan/wifi.

deleted

For me, the inability to sync directly with a PC is the one and only deal breaker. My calendar, contacts, etc. are all housed in Outlook at work and my company blocks all access to third-party email systems, making syncing the "Windows Phone" way completely impossible.
I tried extracting the calendar and contacts into data files, importing them into Gmail, and then syncing with the Quantum that I picked up on Ebay, and it was an epic fail! Many contacts were missing their contact names and recurring appointments were converted into individual appointments, which would make rescheduling those appointments a *HUGE* P.I.T.A.!!! They never should have removed that ability to sync with a PC completely.
In less than 2 days, I couldn't wait to switch back to using my Rhodium full time. Sure, I miss the coolness factor of the new bells and whistles in Windows Phone, but I am confident that I can trust that my data is always up to date and complete in my Windows Mobile phone.
Debbie

deleted

inteller said:
that's pretty funny because my company "blocks anything but Blackberry" but all I had to do is put in my credentials for the exchange account and autodiscovery grabbed everything and sync'd it to the phone. Did you even try that? Granted your company needs to be in the modern era and not stuck onsomething like Exchange 2003.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My company will not disclose the Exchange server (yes, we're on 2003) credentials to anyone, because they do not want anyone accessing the server with an unauthorized personal device. If they want you to have access to the servers for business purposes, they will only allow it via a company-provided Blackberry or laptop computer. The only thing I am able to do is sync my calendar, contacts, task list, and notes with my Rhodium via ActiveSync. I do not send/receive company email via my Rhodium.

deleted

go android. The conversion from winmo (which I loved) to win phone 7 forced me to android. Which I love now, and you can sync anything (Google or exchange, or whatever else). MS Fd up.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium

scottspa74 said:
go android. The conversion from winmo (which I loved) to win phone 7 forced me to android. Which I love now, and you can sync anything (Google or exchange, or whatever else). MS Fd up.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny that all the sync features you listed here can as well be synced on WP in the exact same way. The OP was asking for a way to sync his desktop Outlook with his device without using any internet services.

scottspa74 said:
go android. The conversion from winmo (which I loved) to win phone 7 forced me to android. Which I love now, and you can sync anything (Google or exchange, or whatever else). MS Fd up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dkp1977 said:
Funny that all the sync features you listed here can as well be synced on WP in the exact same way. The OP was asking for a way to sync his desktop Outlook with his device without using any internet services.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, exactly! It still baffles me as to why MS would remove that option entirely. They rewrote the mobile OS completely to compete with Android and iPhone, but yet they limit you to syncing your data the same way that the competitors do? Why not go the extra step and allow your customers to choose their sync method, so as to not completely alienate your current users?
As it is, my home PC is Vista, while my work PC is XP, so syncing with 2 PCs is impossible. ActiveSync and Device Center conflict with each other so badly, that I can't even sync my data at work, sync it at home, and then sync my home Outlook with the web services, so that I can then sync with a WP7 device. Hell, I'd carry my Rhodium around with me (without the SIM card), just for syncing purposes, if I could do that!
I kind of understand what they were going for, but in doing so they have unwittingly made sure that I have no choice but to continue using my Rhodium... Happily! BTW, did I read correctly that Apollo is rumored to be bringing back PC syncing??? [Psst... Microsoft, if you give consumers more than what the competitors are, you just may gain some additional market share.... Just sayin'. ]
inteller said:
2003...time to upgrade to another company.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easier said than done... In this economy (got laid off in Nov.), I'm just happy to be working at all!
Debbie

deleted

DebbieNY13 said:
I kind of understand what they were going for, but in doing so they have unwittingly made sure that I have no choice but to continue using my Rhodium... Happily! BTW, did I read correctly that Apollo is rumored to be bringing back PC syncing??? [Psst... Microsoft, if you give consumers more than what the competitors are and you just may gain some additional market share.... Just sayin'. ]
Easier said than done... In this economy (got laid off in Nov.), I'm just happy to be working at all!
Debbie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read that somewhere too. But it wasn't really specific. Could mean you can only sync media and probably documents like you used to back in the days of Windows Mobile. But I agree that adding cable sync for Outlook for those who can't use cloud services or Exchange or simply don't want to would set Windows Phone a little more apart from its competitors.

[Q] Google oriented services?

Hi all,
I have been Android user for about 2-3 years and have own Google Apps domain and services.
I am really liking Nokia Lumia 800, one of reasons also is that I am Windows developer and using Windows Phone makes sense for me, as I can support Windows Phone as well.
What I am worried is how to use Google services on WP7.5. How do you sync contacts with Google Apps, IMAP emails, calendar? Most used services right now on my phone.
1. Is there a live contacts update as android? Or just plain CSV import/export?
2. IMAP? Works well with labes as well? I have around 40-50 labels for different companies
3. Calendar sync? Same as #1?
Or is this phone primarily aimed at MS services like exchange, skydrive and others and if I want to keep google apps I should just stick to android.
Thank you for your opinions.

From what I heard, Google users with windows phone don't have any problems with syncing, although the only drawback is that multiple calendars aren't support yet, but can be done by adding multiple Google accounts (seems pointless).
Since you are a windows developer, you can use your primary live ID to windows phone to use microsoft services, and add your google account with the stuff you already have such as contacts, calendar, email. For cloud storage, the default will obviously be skydrive (7GB).
About the first question, if you are talking about Google+, then no, windows phone only shows contact updates from twitter, facebook and linkedin.

Google mail, contacts, and calendar sync seamlessly with wp 7.5. Also govoice works perfect for Google voice. I've had NO issues bringing my Google services over as I develop for windows also. I have an HTC radar I use along with my SGSII. I also have been with Android since Android 1.5 and found using windows phone fun. Good luck with your decision.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Multiple calendars are supported
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1537814

WP7 comes with a built-in template for Google accounts. By default, these sync calendar, mail and contacts, and they all sync automatically in real-time (or on a polling schedule, if you're concerned about the battery usage).
I believe it actually uses Google's implementation of ActiveSync (like Exchange) since that handles the various features under one protocol. You can certainly use IMAP as well, if you want to for some reason. Note that under both IMAP and EAS, Gmail will pretend your labels are folders. You can sync multiple folders just fine, and pin specific folders for one-click access.
That said, Android definitely has better support for Google stuff, unsurprisingly. The hardware search button goes to Bing. The phone offers integration with SkyDrive but not Google Drive, and Sharepoint but not Google Docs (although you may be able to use Google Docs via the browser; I haven't tried). Google+ works in the browser but is completely absent from the integrated social networking features. There are many third-party apps that support Google Talk quite well, but only the Facebook and Live mesaging networks are built into the phone.

Thank you all for responses.
I dont really care for Google+, Google Talk would be good (someone pointed that there is app already for it).
So it means that if I delete contact on WP7.5 it will immediately actualize Google App servers and contacts will be deleted for all other devices as well, right? Same for calendar (I use only one, no problem).
Are there any things I should be aware of? Mass storare is not much problem, what about car navigation? alternative to google my tracks?
Thanks.

The OS has a built-in navigation feature, but it's... limited (some would say crippled). It won't tell you as a turn approaches, or where to go next in general, unless you tap the screen.
There are plenty of navigation apps, though. I am, however, unfamiliar with "my tracks" so I'm not sure cow that compares.

feronovak said:
Thank you all for responses.
I dont really care for Google+, Google Talk would be good (someone pointed that there is app already for it).
So it means that if I delete contact on WP7.5 it will immediately actualize Google App servers and contacts will be deleted for all other devices as well, right? Same for calendar (I use only one, no problem).
Are there any things I should be aware of? Mass storare is not much problem, what about car navigation? alternative to google my tracks?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, WP7 immediately (or atleast within a few minutes) updates your Google calendar and contacts.

Getting setup with Windows Phone

I have just got my Windows phone and I really like the interface I'm very impressed I must say.
I want to get it setup and everything integrated but don't really know what's the best way to start.
I plan on getting Windows 8 and using that as my main OS so would like to keep everything as in sync as possible.
Currently I have everything with Google. That's calendar, contacts and email (Through Google Apps).
I want my email instantaneously on my phone and for the calendar/contacts/email to sync wirelessly and effortlessness across my PC and phone. I will be using the Metro interface on Windows 8 for email/calendar/contacts most likely.
What's the best way to go about this? Do I need to move my services to Microsoft? Can I even get my own email domain with Windows Live?
Thanks for any replies.

WP7 and Win8 will both have the ability to sync with Google services, including Gmail and Google Calendar and such (for WP7, use the built-in Google account template; for Win8 you'll need to enable IMAP access to your Gmail account). However, to get the full value out of WP7, you'll need to have a Windows Live account too, as that's what it'll tie app purchases and such to.
Also, some features of WP7 will only sync properly with Microsoft (Windows Live) services. For example, "cloud" syncing of documents is done over SkyDrive. The phone's browser is moderately capable of handling Google Docs, but there's no built-in support for that service and while you could download the docs to read or edit on the phone, the browser doesn't support file uploading so you couldn't send them back.
I believe it's possible to get your own domain through Windows Live services, but you'll probably have to pay a little for it. I don't think Google gives away domain names for free either though, right?

I only seem to be getting about 12 hours battery life (light use), is there anyway to increase this? (I know I can't physically get more battery life - I was thinking more tips and tricks). My Phone is the Nokia Lumia 710.
It's probably best that I stick with Windows Live if I can then, for the best integration possible.
GoodDayToDie said:
I believe it's possible to get your own domain through Windows Live services, but you'll probably have to pay a little for it. I don't think Google gives away domain names for free either though, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I had to pay for my domain, but Google have Google Apps for free (so they manage my calendar, email, contacts, etc...)

Trust me. you definitely want to get a Windows Live account. They do have the option of making a windows live account out of your existing email, or you can just go ahead and make a new email. Google Docs is good, and all, but its not really supported on Windows phone, so you might want to check out your office hub and skydrive.
As far as your batter goes, if you are not using wifi/bluetooth/etc turn it off. Depending on what phone you have and the screen it has in it, having your background black or white can make a difference. Also set your screen brightness to automatic.