Setting up an iPhone, Nokia, or Windows Phone to sync with Gmail's services now takes more work, due to Google's "winter cleaning." The search giant, which owns the Android operating system, announced it is discontinuing a number of services, including Google Sync, which allows users to access Gmail, Calendar and Contacts over a number of devices by using the Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync protocol. Google is instead recommending open protocols CalDAV, CardDAV and IMPA for calendar, contacts, and e-mail, respectively. Starting January 30th, consumers won't be able to set up new devices using Google Sync, although it will still work for users who have already set it up.
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Overall, this feels like Apple ditching Google data from iOS 6 Maps, but at an even more problematic level: Microsoft can't just release an app of their own to fix it- Rene Ritchie, iMore
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Google dropping consumer ActiveSync Exchange support for Gmail, calendar, and contacts
Using the Exchange ActiveSync protocol to connect smartphones to Google's services was a very convenient way to get contacts, calendars, and especially push email set up.
- 9to5 Mac
- Google shutting down Google Sync Exchange ActiveSync support for new consumer activations Jan. 30
- iMore
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Google dropping ActiveSync support for Gmail, forcing new connection to go through their shoddy IMAP service
I love the new Gmail app, but I prefer having all my email in one, unified app. I want to see everything in my inbox all at once. And as a user, I shouldn't have to care which pipe my communications are coming through, they should just show up in my interface. Having to go to separate app just for Gmail breaks that experience as well.
- iPhone Hacks
- Google Shutting Down Google Sync and ActiveSync for Gmail: Looks Like an IMAP World After All
- Fone Arena
- Google pulls support for Exchange ActiveSync as part of winter cleaning
- WM Power User
- Google withdraws more services from Windows – now will no longer support ActiveSync
- WMExperts
- Google drops Exchange ActiveSync. What does it mean for Windows Phone?
- Pocketnow
- Google Dropping Exchange ActiveSync Support Means You Should Switch to Outlook.com
- ZDNet
- Google discontinuing support for Exchange ActiveSync, affecting Windows Phone and iPhone users