Standalone Outlook Sync - No debate, just solutions

[clcto]

I was very upset that Google Calendar Sync did NOT sync tasks...and there was really no app that did.
My best friend from High School is a VP of market development at Google, and he was on the East Coast last week, and I met him at the Google offices in NYC.

Every developer knows exactly why there is no task sync with Google. It's because there is no Task API. Google supplies data APIs for Docs, Calendar and Contacts. Just not for Tasks.

Look at this list of all developer issues for Google. You can clearly see the request for a Task API is currently being ignored by Google. Click on the request for task API (2nd item on the list) Once open, click on the "star" or make a comment if you want to "vote". You can read the comments to understand the full extent that Google is ignoring the developer community on this issue.

Issues - gdata-issues - Project Hosting on Google Code

Any day Google could release an API so developers can make apps that synchronize with Google Tasks. I hope your voice can make that day sooner.

 

[alkaholic]

I'm just curious what people have been finding using the various 3rd party apps. I went with the Missing Sync, and it was a complete bust. Although tech support was pretty responsive, they were just unable to solve the problem--and shrugging the shoulders is really not what I was looking for. Has anyone else actually made the Missing Sync work?

In desperation I went to CompanionLink, and so far so good--the only complaint I have is the fact that you use their app for the calendar on the Droid, not the Droid Calendar app...and I wouldn't mind using that, but I suppose I can't complain, my stuff is all there.

The one thing I haven't messed with yet is e-mail. I'm happy with K-9 as a mail client on the Droid, but I would certainly like to be able to sync my Inbox and folders in Outlook with an app on the Droid...has anyone had any luck finding and using an app with that kind of functionality?

 

[Booch_21]

I'm just curious what people have been finding using the various 3rd party apps.

I am using CompanionLink, but I am using Google Calendar with Outlook and the Droid. CL's calendar is weak, but I do sync it to see how the updates improve things.

I like using CL for contacts as it puts them in alpha order by last name, first name. As for e-mail, I am not syncing any Outlook messages, but am using IMAP on my accounts to get and see messages that need attention. I do not use the phone to respond, just to read them. I am ok not having messages stored on the phone like Outlook has them in the Inbox or in folders. I want to see the immediate messages and will deal with others when I get to my Outlook on the computer. I will use GMail if its really urgent to get something out, but that is the exception rather than the norm for my use.

Overall, I'm pleased with CL, if for nothing more than having the contacts in the Droid flawlessly. My calendar is not as huge an issue, and I do like the instant sync between the phone, Google and Outlook. Hope that helps answer your question a bit.

 

[Remmos]

Is google cal sync compatible with windows 7 and outlook 2007?
The info page says xp and vista.

Thanks, Jeff

 

[Booch_21]

Is google cal sync compatible with windows 7 and outlook 2007?

I'm using Windows 7 but Outlook 2003. Sorry, I don't know.

 

[rufusaz]

I'm tying to cable sync to my works Outlook Calendar like i did with my old Palm. My company has things locked down tight so I cannot remote sync.

I tried the Companionlink USB and was able to sync my calendar but I could not open reccuring appointments to view any of the appointment details. I know editing recurring events was still in the works but was wondering if I just did something wrong or others are having this issue as well. Sometimes people will put the dial in information for appts in the body of the appt, so it's vital that I at least be able to open it.

I've written Companionlink but havent heard back yet.

 

[BayouFlyFisher]

Is google cal sync compatible with windows 7 and outlook 2007?
The info page says xp and vista.

Thanks, Jeff

Yes on my laptop and my Droid the calendar sync operates perfectly. It syncs well going in either direction. And I get an email each morning with calendar events for that day listed.

 

[rufusaz]

I'm tying to cable sync to my works Outlook Calendar like i did with my old Palm. My company has things locked down tight so I cannot remote sync.

I tried the Companionlink USB and was able to sync my calendar but I could not open reccuring appointments to view any of the appointment details. I know editing recurring events was still in the works but was wondering if I just did something wrong or others are having this issue as well. Sometimes people will put the dial in information for appts in the body of the appt, so it's vital that I at least be able to open it.

I've written Companionlink but havent heard back yet.

OK, they wrote me back and said this:

"This issue is currently being worked on and will soon be released as a free update on our website.

Email Support Team
CompanionLink Technical Support Specialist"

 

[Booch_21]

Thanks for that update!

 

[clcto]

Rufaz - update expected on Monday, March 1, 2010. May be a day or two late as we are going through QA on it now. You will get a notification in the App store, download, and that will do it.

Part of the update will be major changes to Calendar, including a view mode for both recurring and also non-recuring appointments. This will show the details, including the note. Non-recurrings can then be edited. This update will still NOT allow you to edit or add recurrings. Full recurring Add/Edit will be added within 30-45 days.

Wayland Bruns. CTO
CompanionLink Software, Inc.

 

[rufusaz]

Ah, i guess you can ignore the post I made on the Companionlink thread then. I'll wait for the beginning of March then.

Can you clarify what you said about recurring appts though. I understand I wont be able to edit/add them, but will i be able to open them on the phone?

 

[clcto]

Rufusaz, Recurring events view mode will be in the next release. I.e. on any event, including recurrings there is a "view" screen that shows the event details including the note. For Non-Recurring events there is a further option to "edit" the event.

 

[knotbeerdan]

I use google docs for my notes. Just download gdocs from the market and install on your phone. Unfortunately it wont sync with outlook but you will have them on the net at least