What is Google Sync?

What is Google Sync?

Google Sync was designed to allow access to Google Mail, Calendar and Contacts via the Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync® protocol. With the recent launch of CardDAV, Google now offers similar access via IMAP, CalDAV and CardDAV, making it possible to build a seamless sync experience using open protocols. For that reason Google has decided to stop offering Google Sync and forcing new users to use the open protocols to sync their information.

If you want to setup CardDAV instead of using Google Sync for your contacts you can learn how to do so clicking the previous link. .

Personally Google Sync was a great feature as it offered what is known as “Push technology” instead of the standard “check my email every x minutes” which consumes a lot of power/bandwidth and you have to wait until the next sync to get your information on your device… very old school. Also, Google Sync offered to sync your mail, calendar and contacts on one go versus now having to set up 3 different accounts to get your email (IMAP), Calendars (CalDAV) and Contacts (CardDAV). From my experience IMAP has the issues of having to sync to get your email, CalDAV I hear is still poorly implemented and some users have struggled vs Google Sync but with time they’ll iron that out, and the CardDAV implementation seems to work fine but still lacks the ability to get those contact groups over to your device.

Whatever you chose to do, I would recommend setting up your Google sync on all your devices before the end of January when they stop letting people do that. That way you can use Google sync or an alternative method later on but you still have the choice of ActiveSync. Remember, you can turn off any of the 3 sync types on ActiveSync and use an alternative account to sync your Contacts for example.

To read more about Google Sync end of Life you can visit Google.com or read the following article I found on their site:

Google Sync End of Life

Google Sync was designed to allow access to Gmail, Google Calendar, and Contacts via the Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync® protocol. With the recent launch of CardDAV, Google now offers similar access via IMAP, CalDAV, and CardDAV, making it possible to build a seamless sync experience using open protocols. Starting January 30, 2013, consumers won’t be able to set up new devices using Google Sync, however, existing Google Sync connections will continue to function. Google Sync will continue to be fully supported for Google Apps for Business, Government and Education users who are unaffected by this announcement.

What do I need to do if I’m already using Google Sync?

Nothing! Existing users can continue to use Google Sync on their current devices.
Starting January 30, 2013, users, other than paid Google Apps users, won’t be able to set up new devices using Google Sync and should see our sync site for instructions. You can also consult with your device carrier or manufacturer for how they recommend to sync with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Contacts. Google Apps for Business, Education, and Government customers can continue to set up new devices with Google Sync after this date.
Additionally, three other legacy syncing services are also reaching their end of life, and will no longer be supported by Google for any users: Google Calendar Sync, Google Sync for Nokia S60, and SyncML. See below for more details.

How do I know if I’m affected by this announcement?

  • Google Calendar Sync: The Google Calendar Sync download link will be removed on December 14, 2012. Existing users can continue to use it to sync with Microsoft Outlook Calendar, but it will no longer be supported by Google as of December 14, 2012. Google Apps for Business, Education, and Government customers can still use Google Apps Sync for Microsoft Outlook®.
  • Google Sync for Nokia S60: Google Sync for Nokia S60 will no longer be supported by Google on January 30, 2013. If you have an older Nokia device, check to see if you are syncing with Google via Mail for Exchange on your device. If so, we recommend you consult Nokia’s Support Site for how to sync with Google on your device.
  • SyncML: SyncML, which is used to sync contacts with a small number of older Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices, will no longer be supported and stop syncing on January 30, 2013. This service is used to sync contacts between your device with your Google account. We recommend you to download your contacts and uninstall SyncML.
What will happen if I keep using Google Sync after January 30, 2013?
The service will continue to work for existing Google Sync devices. Google Sync will continue to work, be supported, and take new sign-ups for Google Apps for Business, Education, and Government customers.
What will happen to Google Calendar Sync after December 14, 2012?
The service will continue to work for existing Google Sync devices. Google Sync will continue to work, be supported, and take new sign-ups for Google Apps for Business, Education, and Government customers.
What will happen to Google Sync for Nokia S60 and SyncML after January 30, 2013?
Google Sync for Nokia S60 and SyncML will no longer be supported by Google starting January 30, 2013. Please consult Nokia’s Support site for the best alternative for your phone.
Who does this affect?
We’re ending support for Google Sync for all users, other than paid Google Apps users. Google Apps for Business, Education, and Government customers are not affected by this announcement. We’re ending support for Google Calendar Sync for all users on December 14, 2012. And we’re ending support for Google Sync for Nokia S60, and SyncML for all users, starting January 30, 2013.
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