Last year, Google rolled out a way for BlackBerry users to sync Gmail and Google Calendar contacts to their devices, but today Google announced it is rolling out a beta of Google Sync for iPhone and Windows Mobile devices. The application enables users to push their Gmail contacts and Google Calendar items directly to their mobile devices. For iPhones, Windows Mobile devices, and phones that support SyncML (like most Symbian S60 devices and many Sony Ericsson phones), the synchronization is two-way, meaning updates to made either on Google’s services or the phone are automatically matched up "within minutes." Google Sync’s connection is always on, so updates are automatic regardless of users’ locations or activities.
Tag Archive: Sync
Microsoft Makes Ford Car Platform No. 1
As part of his CES keynote, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates confirmed his company’s partnership with automaker Ford. Together, the companies plan to deliver a new software technology called Sync, beginning with 12 models of 2008 Ford, Lincon, and Mercury cars and trucks.
As reported earlier, Sync will offer Bluetooth in-car integration with other digital devices like mobile phones, PDAs, smartphones, storage devices, and even digital media players. As deployed by Ford, Sync will offer hands-free phone dialing, address book synchronization, along with the ability to have incoming text message read aloud via a vehicle’s built-in audio system using text-to-speech technology. Drivers will also be able to manage their digital music players via controls on the steering wheel or using voice commands. (The latter makes one want to create a track with the words Stop! Volume up! Go to playlist Streisand!, then “share” it tactlessly to any future Zune-and-Ford owners.)
Microsoft and Ford Plan to Sync Up
Reports in the Wall Street Journal and other outlets have software giant Microsoft and U.S. automaker Ford teaming up to produce a wireless in-car phone and data system called Sync. Built on Bluetooth wireless capabilities, Sync will reportedly be offered as an option on two or more Ford models in 2007 (the Focus and Five Hundred sedans seem to be the top bets), and expanded out to other elements of Ford’s vehicle line in 2008.

