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I am one of those guys that uses Google services for almost everything. One of the most valuable services, for me, is the Calendar. However, keeping it in sync with my Touch Pro is not very easy and although there are some applications to handle the synchronization of calendars, I've not been very happy with them. Also, I have Linux on my laptop, which makes Outlook a little bit hard to use . I believe many people may have the same problems that I have. Having this in mind, I've started the development of a little application that shows the google calendar on the Touch Pro. I've included some screenshots of it.
What I would like to ask you is if this application would interest anyone or if I am already reinventing the wheel and there are better applications already done for the same purpose.
I've also attached the application. Remember that it is in the starting phase and right now only shows the events of the default calendar (except All-day events). If the response is favorable I will add the ability to view multiple calendars, to edit, add and remove events and to notify the user as the "reminder" settings of the events specify (right now I let Google send me a SMS, so it is not that important to me). I have not made an installer yet, so to try the application just unzip it to someplace in your raphael and run the executable (with File Explorer, for instance).
As it is, the application will not store or modify any data in your phone, except storing your username (and optionally your password) in the registry (key HKCU\Software\GooMobiCal).
So, what do you think? Should I continue to develop it? Do you have any other (better) option?
Marco
This looks great. Although I'd like to just see Google Calendar work with the calendar built into the phone. Like it did on my blackberry.
i'm with cladeus101. i would love for gCal to work with the existing calendar on the phone.
but then, i also think that the existing WinMo calendar looks ugly. i like the gCal look more. heh
This app is pretty awesome though! I would love to see the new features you mentioned.
cladeus101 said:
This looks great. Although I'd like to just see Google Calendar work with the calendar built into the phone. Like it did on my blackberry.
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You can use Google .net API to this this. There are some interessting opensource sync tools out there, but the developer stopped developing them Oh and there is no need for a PC to sync!
Yes I use google calendar but I've just been opening it in Opera. Which is fine but if there was something better...
Hi !
Nice application, that is promising.
Maybe that using Mobile Outlook with Google Calendar API will be also a great interesting alternative. (I am using a Mac). Online Google Calendar Synchronization with Mobile Outlook can be so great.
However, If it is too difficult, your application is in the good way. Please continue .
faeArai said:
You can use Google .net API to this this. There are some interessting opensource sync tools out there, but the developer stopped developing them Oh and there is no need for a PC to sync!
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Click to collapse
I would like to have a tool like the org. "Google Calendar Sync"4Outook but then for the build in Calendar. I'm using Oggsync now and that works more-or-less. It's a paid programm and the licence you pay for, is only valid for one year. (So i use the freeware version)
In de freeware function, the tool does not sync automatically every X-minutes. (And it supports only one calendar, but thats not a big problem to me)
So what i would like for Christmas is a automatic-calendar-sync-tool that syncs all fields in the calendar (and, if possible, syncs more than one calendar. And² if possible syncs the contacts aswell) Djeez, thats a big question for Santa
I'm with the general consensus .. I would really like to see an app that allows me to sync Pocket Outlook calendar with Google calendar, on an automated scheduled occurrence. As already stated, OggSync kind of works, which means I wont pay to purchase it.
The Google calendar is already available on mobiles (http://www.google.com/calendar/m), which I use occasionally, so I'd see little use in this app for myself.
If there is a possability to add appointments and share the agenda I would like to try it.
Also, it would be nice if the password is stored encrypted.
Hope you will develop it, I'm willing to test if you're looking for testers.
I just found this service that might be everything you already want: http://www.goosync.com/
I found something that is free!
This site is in beta, www.nuevasync.com ...let me sync google Calendar AND contacts for free w/activesync on Windows mobile. It's free for now, but it says "beta" so hopefully it won't change.
bosskoffee said:
This site is in beta, www.nuevasync.com ...let me sync google Calendar AND contacts for free w/activesync on Windows mobile. It's free for now, but it says "beta" so hopefully it won't change.
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I'm impressed... That's exactly what my ActiveSync/Mobilitycentre does. I can even select more items to synchonize there, but wait, i won't!
If i am on the road, i cannot synchronize with my laptop So i would like to synchonize the phone just by using a tool (like the Google Calendar Sync) and my UMTS/HSDPA internetconnection.
Not sure what you mean Daneels. That site does let you sync with only your phone and 3G/data connection, no need for a laptop.
Basically you set up the active sync on your phone to sync with their server settings (that mimic an exchange server) and you can config active sync to do that at intervals of 5 min to 4 hours.
So contacts and calendar, from just the phone, using software already on the phone. Seems to work okay for me, though like I said the web page says "beta" so I'm a little nervous about how long it will last.
bosskoffee said:
...let me sync google Calendar AND contacts for free w/activesync on Windows mobile.
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...With activesync... Activesync runs on both the phone and computer. By this i mean, very local even without internet, over bluetooth/usb. So i tought someone has re-invented activesync (is also free for Windows-users). If it is syncing over internet, than it's something different . If it enables the use of activesync over internet, than it is extra interesting!
So perhaps we we're having some miscommunication
Yeah, that's what I'm trying to say, it let me sync Google calendar/contacts over the internet with the phone...no PC/local connection involved! check it out I just hope it's free forever
These are both subscription services... I do not think that we need subscriptions, just a app that does the synchronization directly with Google. Without anybody in the middle.
I would be glad to start something like that... but I was amazed that there is no cheap way to develop for WinMo. Yes, the SDK is free, but you need Visual Studio, which is far far from free...
EnOleEikka said:
These are both subscription services... I do not think that we need subscriptions, just a app that does the synchronization directly with Google. Without anybody in the middle.
I would be glad to start something like that... but I was amazed that there is no cheap way to develop for WinMo. Yes, the SDK is free, but you need Visual Studio, which is far far from free...
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I'd love to see a talented developer coming up with this as well!
please work on this. Taking winmo into a cloud arena is the right direction. Google currently has the best cloud suite out there. This is great. I can not wait to be able to add events. until then those who are interested should use www.jott.com to add events. there is a google calendar plugin.
Version 0.2
Thank you all for your replies. I already knew GooSync, but not the other services, like nuevosync. However, they are either not free or require a third-party to forward my calendar to my ppc. I see no reason to give a third-party access to my own calendar data (Google already knowing my private calendar is enough for me). I was looking for something more direct.
Having not found anything free, I continued to develop my little application and arrived to version 0.2, which now allows viewing multiple calendars simultaneously (including the Outlook calendar) and allows to add new events to those calendars. Synchronization between Google and Outlook is in my to do list, but I prefer to get more familiar with both Outlook and Google APIs before diving into it. Also, there are a lot of little things to do before, such as:
- Remove events;
- Support All-Day events (they are not displayed yet);
- Support Multi-Day events (they are incorrectly displayed so far);
- Allow "Quick Add" events (easy on google calendar, not so easy on Outlook);
- Store the preferences (such as selected calendars) of the application;
- Store locally the google calendar events to access them offline;
- Encrypt the password on the Registry;
- and probably a lot more features and bug corrections.
Anyway, for those who want to check out how it is going, here are some screenshots and the application. As before, you only need to unzip the file to a folder on your PPC and run the GooMobiCal.exe file.
If you try it, please give some feedback on how to improve it and which features you consider more urgent keeping in mind that synchronization will take a while. Also, I'm doing this on my free time, which really isn't much, so the development is not as fast as I'd wish.
Now I'm already betting I know the answer to this, having tried to do it for so many years on WM, but I thought it's worth trying again now I'm with Android!!
Anyway, what I want to do is be able to sync with two different Exchange servers (my work and home servers, that is). I thought I might be able to do this by using two separate Activesync clients, so I set up the HTC Mail client to sync with my personal email on my own server and then downloaded Touchdown to handle my work account. It's nearly perfect, in that it works and I have two separate Exchange accounts pushing updates to one device. Take that Windows Mobile!
But, whilst I am more than happy having two separate inboxes for my email. what I really want is both calendars appearing in the HTC calandar. I don't want to check for appointments in multiple places, after all. Seeing as HTC's calendar already checks across several different calendar sources, I'm guessing this is, at least technically, possible.
So does anyone know of any other Exchange Activesync applications for Android that would do what I want - or am I still hoping for too much from Exchange?
(On a separate - but related - note, I nearly fainted when I discovered Outlook 2010 could have multiple, active Exchange accounts in the SAME PROFILE! I've only been waiting for that feature since Outlok 2000!)
I've posted a Touchdown feature request about being able to have two different Exchange accounts. I also mentioned that it would be great to sync between the accounts as well.
Please join and post your thoughts at http://groups.google.com/group/nitrodesk/browse_thread/thread/68c0e38c899934d9. The more we are that are requesting this feature the quicker it may be implemented.
Helbore said:
what I really want is both calendars appearing in the HTC calandar.
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Sync your Touchdown account's calendar with your phone through Gmail. Downside is it needs a pc online with Outlook+Google Calendar sync running
Outlook->Google Cal sync -> Gmail calendar -> phone's calendar
Slow response from me, but thanks for the suggestions.
However, as it seems the Hero will be getting Android 2.0 and that supports multiple Exchange accounts, I think I'll just wait for that to come out. Seems the simpler option and I've been waiting for a phone to have this functionality since WM2003 - so I think I can wait a little bit longer!
is there a way to Sync Outlook (Contacts, events, calender) but without the need of Sync first to Google ?
thanks
at the moment no!
maybe on rooted phones with a app..
ariebk said:
is there a way to Sync Outlook (Contacts, events, calender) but without the need of Sync first to Google ?
thanks
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Click to collapse
That depends on if you have use exchange server or if your outlook is used stand alone.
Stand alone, you sync to Gmail from the PC, and your phone should automatically sync to Gmail. Not everything syncs, that way either.
If you can connect to an exchange server, then check out Touchdown. It's a mini suite that has a nice mail program, calendar, contacts & tasts than all work with activesync, and the mail program is a huge step forward from the one supplied by default. It's $20.00 to register after a 30 day trial, but that's beats monthly blackberry charges for BES services all day long. If this is for an activesync capable setup, check it out.
audino said:
at the moment no!
maybe on rooted phones with a app..
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Click to collapse
You don't need a rooted phone to use activesync and install Touchdown.
Based on what I read on the touchdown site it will not sync with desktop outlook? I couldnt see where they came out and said it but since its not mentioned Im guessing its out. Kind of a weird deal but I need to snyc tethered directly to outlook (no exchange) sans cloud as a work requirement. I saw an application called mylink that purportes to do this but there is little feedback and what there is is contradictory.
What options I know of...
I am also searching for something to link with the stand alone version of Outlook.
Here are the two best options I have found, and neither are great:
www_markspace_com/products/android/missing-sync-android.html
www_companionlink_com/androidusb/ol-android-usb.html
Right now it is sort of a deal breaker that I can't sync fully with Outlook.
P.S. I had to alter the URL's because it won't let me post them as I am a new user.
Thanks for the answers...
looks like missing-sync-android.html and Outlook to Android USB sync will do the job, anybody tried it?
40 bucks? Sheesh, thats a lotta ching for a sync applications. I may try that waveguide mylink. It was 9.99 lbs, about a third of the price.
krabman said:
40 bucks? Sheesh, thats a lotta ching for a sync applications. I may try that waveguide mylink. It was 9.99 lbs, about a third of the price.
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waveguide mylink?
MyLink http://www.wavestore.co.uk/index.php/products/mylink-desktop.html
None of these apps have great ratings and this one seems to have little activity so far but such as it is here is a cut and paste....
MyLink Desktop enables the following features:
Wireless OTA Push Mail Synchronization
Emails:
• Sending, receiving, replying and forwarding of emails
• Organization of emails in folders
• Sorting emails by date, size and sender
• Receiving attachments
• Creating email signature
Calendar:
• Adding, editing and deleting of calendar entries
• Sending, accepting and declining meeting invitations
• Sorting by date
Contacts:
• Calling contacts directly
• Adding, editing and deleting of contacts
• Copying contacts to address book on the phone
• Sorting by name or category
Tasks:
• Adding, editing and deleting of tasks
• Sorting by date
Notes:
• Reading and writing of notes
• Sorting by date
Synchronization without the need of a server
POP3 Email supported
No ActiveSync needed
Point-to-Point synchronization without going through Google
MyLink Desktop supports
Mail Clients: Outlook 2003/2007, Lotus Notes 6.xx, 7.xx, 8.xx
Servers: Exchange 2003/2007/2010, Lotus Domino 6.xx, 7.xx, 8.xx and Lotus Live
Operating Systems: Windows XP, XP Professional, Vista, Windows 7, 32 bit and 64 bit
Android phones running on firmware 1.1, 1.5, 1.6, 2.0 and 2.1
krabman said:
MyLink http://www.wavestore.co.uk/index.php/products/mylink-desktop.html
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it's looking good, with less price, thanks!
I use an app called syncmycal been using it for a couple of years. Been very reliable.
There is a basic free one to make sure you are happy and then it is time to hand over cash.
I use it for:
Personal outlook to personal google calendar SYNC
Work outlook calendar (exchange) to work google calendar SYNC
Work outlook contacts to google contacts EXPORT ONLY
Personal outlook contacts to google contacts SYNC
The export only for work contacts stops my personal stuff ending up on work servers (paranoid about that).
I guess being on Google servers is ok
Zuber
Sent from my Nexus One using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Sorry, in bed and half asleep. Missed the without Google bit...
Zuber
Sent from my Nexus One using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Same here, I have just cancelled my order with Amazon for the Nexus One when I found out today that it does not have the inccluded software to sync my standalone version of outlook with the phone. Not everyone who buys Android will want to use gmail. I , for one don't. Just give me a great phone and allow it to sync with my current set up please
I really liked the form factor, the 3.7" screen (IMHO just the right size) and AMOLEd as well with 1GHz processor. Hope HTC brings out Win Phone 7 with the exact same hardware!!
It's true that there isn't a built-in app to sync Outlook that comes with the Nexus One. However, I've been using DejaOffice to sync my contacts and calendar to Outlook without using the Google "cloud". I am also using Splash ID to sync sensitive encrypted data between my Nexus and my laptop. There is a standalone app for the laptop which makes data entry much easier.
Thanks for that . I did have a look but I still feel Google should have supplied their own software to allow for the syncing of data between outlook and their phone. I prefer not to use a third party on the phone to give me contacts and calendar info; looks like the contacts magagement that comes in the phone is not used. I guess this is because it is so tightly linked to gmail. I will continue with my trusty Blackstone for now with latest NRG updates and wait for Windows Phone 7 which will hopefully come out with a 3.7/8" AMOLED screen and other goodies. Pity though I'm sure google could sell a lot more phones had they made this easier for consumers.
I received, despite my best efforts, a system update this weekend.
AFAIK, before the update I was able to individually turn off sync services. For example, I disable sync to google contacts and calendar.
I have a syncml server at my office, and I set up my users with smartphones to sync to that using synthesis. I have found that when both google and syncml services are active my users (and me) get duplicate contact and calendar entries.
I am pretty sure that I had that turned off on my droid 3 before the update.
So I was surprised to find that the little toggles in the individual services under my google account were no longer there, and google services were happily syncing away. I suddenly found myself with three times the contacts I had on Friday night.
Has anyone else seen this change?
Running fresh install 2.2 on captivate - I've spent the last several hours trying to find a way to sync the captivate with outlook... and nothing is coming up as a reliable & cheap way. I would have never thought that a modern(ish) phone would have issues syncing with outlook. Never had a problem from the old 8125 up to iphone 3gs... but thought I would check with y'all to see if anything less than $50 has come up that would do the trick. I've tried Kies/MyPhoneExplorer(didn't see outlook calendar data except holidays and recurring events). I don't want to mess with google calendars and I live by the calendars for scheduling business! Any recent developments I should look in to?
Android and Outlook have generally never been close friends. There are a few paid apps you can find that do a very good job of keeping your information in sync.
If your business uses exchange you can set up your exchange account in the e-mail app on your phone and it will allow you to sync you mail, calendar and contacts.
Boumbles said:
Android and Outlook have generally never been close friends. There are a few paid apps you can find that do a very good job of keeping your information in sync.
If your business uses exchange you can set up your exchange account in the e-mail app on your phone and it will allow you to sync you mail, calendar and contacts.
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Click to collapse
Unfortunately my work is my business of me, myself, and I - so I haven't popped for an exchange server, but the frustration is almost close enough to just look into getting one done - and I've had a hard time finding an ap that syncs outlook and respective contact fields properly with the phone. I understand it's a google vs. MS deal and so they don't want to make it an easy one.... but it's a stupid idea since it will just push people to use iPhone, IMO. For now, I've relented to having to clumsily use google sync and the google calendar program to sync between to two. I just hate having middlemen to have to do it.
I use Kies 1.5.3.10093_80. I hear the newer versions are blocked from working with the captivate, but the older version works find for syncing w/outlook on my home system.
Ozark_8125 said:
Running fresh install 2.2 on captivate - I've spent the last several hours trying to find a way to sync the captivate with outlook... and nothing is coming up as a reliable & cheap way. I would have never thought that a modern(ish) phone would have issues syncing with outlook. Never had a problem from the old 8125 up to iphone 3gs... but thought I would check with y'all to see if anything less than $50 has come up that would do the trick. I've tried Kies/MyPhoneExplorer(didn't see outlook calendar data except holidays and recurring events). I don't want to mess with google calendars and I live by the calendars for scheduling business! Any recent developments I should look in to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Google Calendar Sync and GO Contact Sync Mod. My ISP uses Google Apps for email etc... They were both free and work well.
Skramblr said:
I use Kies 1.5.3.10093_80. I hear the newer versions are blocked from working with the captivate, but the older version works find for syncing w/outlook on my home system.
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Any leads on where to find the old version? I can't find it on Dr. Google...
blutruck said:
I use Google Calendar Sync and GO Contact Sync Mod. My ISP uses Google Apps for email etc... They were both free and work well.
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I use the same apps, to keep contacts and calendar sync. For the E-Mail I just configure in Outlook the Gmail account as IMAP. The only drawback is with the custome field in google that Outlook can't handle.