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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.

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.

Android without Google Cloud (or only for Market) - How to?

Hi All,
I did some researches but could not find any detailed answer so I decided to create a new topic.
As mentioned in some other threads, I have been using WinMo for years but since WM6.5 is dead, I am looking for other alternatives. I don't see any future in WM7 and I think that Android OS is the most promising
Unfortunately, I am not very comfortable with the "Google Cloud" for some privacy reasons. I do not want to upload all my contacts and calendar to Google and thus, I would like to keep my private data between my Outlook (both personal and professional) and my Phone (as for WM6).
I know that using Android without Google Cloud will remove a lot of convenient functions but I still prefer going for a longer and slightly less convenient process to sync my contacts and calendar.
I understood from some readings that we can disable the synchronization for Google contacts and Calendar, which sounds good to me! The only function I would keep is Google Market as it seems to be compulsory for a good use of Android.
I am now wondering how I could synchronize my Outlook with Android. I am used to organize my personal and professional data on Outlook with the Contacts, the Calendar, Notes and by using Categories. Do you know any solution that would help me to sync my data from Outlook with an Android phone?
I heard about Android-Sync, is it good? Does it sync the data properly? Does it keep the Categories?
Do you know any other solution to sync Android with Outlook without the use of Google Contacts/Calendar?
Thanks a lot for your expert advices

I agree with you 100%
That is my total turn-off in using android phones.
I do not want and I do not like the "cloud". Firstly for privacy issues and also for roaming charges and/or low internet coverage. I do travel a lot and when I travel my android has 50% functonality working, the other half I cannot use: ridiculous
With android it has to go on the cloud too many of my infos (contacts, calendar, tasks etc) and it seems that almost all good apps want to do the same.
I doubt you will find a good solution with android since all their revenue comes from the cloud, they will sabotage any attempt to put good offline use.
Solution?
Will see what nokia/microsoft are going to do with windows mobile 7. Hope is not cloud based , or at least it has decent offline use

Welcome to life in the clouds! LOL
If you are a VZW customer you can use Backup Assistant to copy all your contacts (not sure if it will copy Facebook or other SocNet sources).
Once you do that go into Settings-Accounts and shut off sync with google.
Now go to GMail, delete all the contacts and then restore from backup assistant.
At that point pretty much all of your information will be on the phone only.
This will allow you to use the Marketplace without issue but by turning off Google Sync none of the phone info will go to Google servers.
You might have to go into Google Cal and delete info there too if you want but do not do that before you shut off the google sync in accounts.
If you are not on verizon, most carriers have another tool that will do the work of backup Assistant. They (and VZW) use those when you ask them to transfer contacts from one phone to another system (that may not be android!) so it is a good way to clear the cloud.
EDIT: I forgot to say that you should then shut off syncing with Background assistant and then go to your verizon account tools and export the contacts to a CSV file. Then delete from there as well.
But I don't consider VZW's server to be as cloud as GMail.

Sync with Mac and Blackberry question

maybe is the same old question
I need to sync my mac with android, and that's simple 'cause you might say: ok setup your account in ical, mail and address book and shut up!
BUT
I also need that all the datas are in synch with a Blackberry Bold 9900 too. And that's a matter because BB doesn't support sync with google. Mac can only write datas on a BB but not sync (one way).
I tried (please read paid and very disappointed) Missing sync and Syncmate.
The first one (missing sync) sync datas with it's own apps... it means is not sync with google and... their own apps are bloatware!!!!.
The second one (sync mate) sync what it wants means you setup for a special calendar and group of contacts and it syncs only a part of the full.
Any suggestions???

On my 9800 I can setup my gmail account and from there select to sync email/agenda/contacts.
And it just works.

Install "Google Sync" on your BB.
http://www.google.com/mobile/sync/
Open using your BB browser.
---------------------------------
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Mini GT-S5570 via xda-dev app
CyanogenMod 7.2.0-RC2-KANG by squadzone

alfa71omega said:
The second one (sync mate) sync what it wants means you setup for a special calendar and group of contacts and it syncs only a part of the full.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you contacted SyncMate Support team at support @ eltima.com for assistance?
BTW, iCal sync is offered at SyncMate Free edition, you do not have to purchase Expert edition (paid) to sync this data or to test SyncMate compatibility with your device. Anyway, SyncMate supports Android phones running Android 1.x, 2.x, 3.x and 4.x. BlackBerry phones support will be added soon.

Moved.
Please don't post in the wrong subtopic.

[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.