Syncing Google calendar and contacts in future?

[gapost]

I know all about Google stopping the syncing of calendar and contacts with Windows phones. However, I thought that this would only affect new devices and it would still work on existing devices and accounts. When I read the article on WPCentral front page, it seemed to say that contacts and calendar would not sync in the future. So, will it still work for existing users after this month?

 

[FinsUpDNC]

it will only work on google apps accounts.

 

[Mizmo]

for existing users, yes. for new devices/accounts, no. but MS is working on CalDAV/CardDAV Support.
Microsoft attempts to work around Google blockades, Windows Phone to support DAV [Updated] | Windows Phone Central

 

[gapost]

Sucks. I'm all for using Microsoft over Google, but it is just not as good. For example, photos can't be added to contacts and can't be synced from Outlook. Also, custom labels for numbers/addresses are in Google, but not Outlook and no categories in Outlook.com. If MS really wants to compete with the big boys, they need to get on the ball.

 

[gapost]

for existing users, yes. for new devices/accounts, no. but MS is working on CalDAV/CardDAV Support.
Microsoft attempts to work around Google blockades, Windows Phone to support DAV [Updated] | Windows Phone Central

Ok, thank you. That's what I thought but just wanted to confirm it. Hope my 822 doesn't need to be replaced before MS gets their act together, haha.

 

[arrowrand]

Sucks. I'm all for using Microsoft over Google, but it is just not as good. For example, photos can't be added to contacts and can't be synced from Outlook. Also, custom labels for numbers/addresses are in Google, but not Outlook and no categories in Outlook.com. If MS really wants to compete with the big boys, they need to get on the ball.

I'm hoping that when MS rolls out DAV support that they'll open up some custom label support and remove the restrictions on the number of addresses and email addresses each contact can have.

I'm also hoping for better event invitation support from Google calendar as well. Accepting is spotty at best, and changes don't always reflect in Outlook.com calendar either.

My Lumia is pretty useless for contacts and calendars right now for me.

 

[Skeeder]

I found a workaround with google. You can change you sync settings. I have all my calendars, all my contacts, and zero issues.
How to set up multiple Google calendars on Windows Phone 8 — Tech News and Analysis

 

[arrowrand]

I found a workaround with google. You can change you sync settings. I have all my calendars, all my contacts, and zero issues.

That doesn't change the fact that if you have in any way customized your Google Contacts, EAS will chop them up.

EDIT: when I say ignore here, I mean that the data isn't synchronized at all. It is missing from your contacts in Outlook.com

1. If you've customized the description for phone, email or snail mail EAS ignores it.
2. If a contact gas more than 2 or 3 email address, the extra are ignored.
3. Same with snail mail. More than 2 or 3, extras are ignored.
4. More than a few phone numbers? Those aren't ignored, they're added as text notes that can't be dialed from the phone.

If MS doesn't add the ability to sync my contacts properly with their DAV implementation I'll probably try a BB 10 device next. I had to manually adjust the 30+ essential contacts of my 400 or so total so that I could do at least something with my Lumia.

 

[trumpet116]

So if one of us has to restore our phone, we're basically screwed?

 

[arrowrand]

So if one of us has to restore our phone, we're basically screwed?

Basically, yes.

 

[trumpet116]

Basically, yes.

That's definitely a problem! How are we supposed to recommend Windows Phone to people on iOS and Android when they can't even sync with Google, let alone use popular services (Instagram, Draw Something - our version doesn't even work, etc...)??

 

[gapost]

Well, it's not Microsoft that is stopping the syncing, but they should have not have relied so much on Google to sync the data. That is probably why they started outlook.com and while it has some nice features and can do basic syncing with Outlook, it is just not at the level of maturity as Google. They should have really focused more on improving it in the last six months, but of course, they were/are focused on Win8 and Surface.