Google Says Goodbye to Sync

27 Dec 2012

January 2013 will mark the beginning of the end for a number of Google consumer services including Sync. Google Sync enables users to access contacts, calendar and mail through Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync. Although existing customers will be able to continue to use existing Sync connections, consumers will be unable to set up new account using Sync after January 30, 2013. Thereafter, the same service will be offered via CardDAV and IMAP protocols. The changes will not affect users of its Apps for Business, Government and Education platform, which will continue to support Sync.

The move, described as "winter cleaning," was announced on the company's official blog. "Last January, we renewed our resolution to focus on creating beautiful, useful products that improve millions of people's lives every day. To make the most impact, we need to make some difficult decisions," the blog post explained.

Google is also making other changes including the phasing out of "add gadget by URL," and smart rescheduler. American-based features permitting calendar scheduling and checking via SMS have also been discontinued. Google will terminate the loyalty card service Punchd Android and iOS for on June 7, 2012, after which time merchants will no longer accept the cards. The Tracker API service will be phased out on June 14.

How the Phase-out Will Affect Users

If you are currently using Exchange ActiveSync and you are an iOS user, you may not even notice the transition because you will be able to continue to use calendars, contacts and email via the Web interface. If your iOS device is already set up to use Google Sync alongside Contacts, Mail and Calendar or a third-party app, they will all carry on working without you having to make any changes. Even after the discontinuation of Google Sync, you will be able to access your full data on any new device, using your preferred iOS apps. The only difference will be that you'll have to go through a different configuration process which uses different protocols. On the downside, if you are currently using a free Google account, after January 30, non- iOS devices that don't already use Exchange ActiveSync to connect to your Google data can't be added.

Some industry experts believe that the phase-out is a risky move on Google's part as Microsoft is introducing its software-as-a-service model with Office 365. The updated Office includes SkyDrive and Exchange Online accounts that compete with Google's features. (CU) Link

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