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Question

Best Android app to sync Outlook Calendar with Google Calndr

Jul 20, 2014 11:33PM PDT

Now that Google is discontinuing their Google Calendar Sync, what is the best Android app to use? I live and die by Outlook (calendar, contacts, etc.) and need my phone to sync with my computer. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Where did you read that?
Jul 21, 2014 12:44PM PDT

"Google Sync was designed to allow access to Google Mail, Calendar and Contacts via the Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync® protocol. With the recent launch of CardDAV, Google now offers similar access via IMAP, CalDAV and CardDAV, making it possible to build a seamless sync experience using open protocols. Starting January 30, 2013, consumers won't be able to set up new devices using Google Sync; however, existing Google Sync connections will continue to function. Google Sync will continue to be fully supported for Google Apps for Business, Government and Education. Users of those products are unaffected by this announcement."

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Google Calendar Sync will no longer function after August 1
Jul 21, 2014 2:21PM PDT

I was notified by Google (and you can read it several places on their web site -- like https://support.google.com/calendar/answer/6054804?hl=en . Yes, you can sync through Exchange... except I am not on Exchange. Yes, Google will still have a sync software, but you will have to pay monthly/annually for it. I am looking for an Android app (preferably less than $20) that will sync Outlook calendar and possibly contacts as well. I am not looking for a stand alone separate calendar that syncs with Outlook (although I may end up with that); I would prefer to use the native Android (Google) calendar. However, I am open to any and all suggestions (other than ditching Outlook). Thanks!

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I read it again
Jul 23, 2014 1:00AM PDT

And if you are up and running it will keep working to give you time to find apps. I suggest you stay inside the Google Play store unless you know the author.
Bob

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PS. Sorry forgot to add this.
Jul 23, 2014 1:02AM PDT

Since it will work for a time, your search begins. This also means that new apps may show up to fill the void.
Bob

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Recommend AkrutoSync to sync Outlook calendar, contacts, etc
Jul 23, 2014 1:46AM PDT

I recommend AkrutoSync (http://www.akruto.com). It is very accurate and reliable, which is great for Outlook power users, because it syncs all the details of your contacts, appointments, tasks and notes. You can sync Outlook with all your devices.

A great feature for me is that it does not use a separate calendar or separate contacts app on your device; it works with your phone's built-in apps, which means that contacts appear in the dialer, calendar events generate notifications and all other standard Android functionality just works. And it is not cloud-based. You install it on your own computer and do not need to worry about anyone changing or discontinuing the service, like Google just discontinued their calendar sync.

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Answer
I've looked into this
Jul 22, 2014 12:39PM PDT

I've looked into this and the long and short of it is that if you want bi-directional support the best solution I can find involves using Microsoft's online calendar that you can access if you have a Live email account. With a little work you can get the Microsoft calendar and the Google calendar to sync against each other. Outlook can read/write to the Live calendar, Android can read/write to a Google calendar, so you have a convoluted, but effective, solution.

If you only care about being able to read your Android calendar, you can just import the ICS version of the calendar from Google into Outlook. You have to specifically go to the Calendar section, nothing will show up on Outlook's calendar so the sidebar will be useless, but that's free and doesn't require any additional software.

Unfortunately this is just one of those situations where you either have to break down and pay a few bucks, stop using Outlook, or just live without. Thunderbird can do bi-directional syncing with Google Calendar with an extension. Problem is Mozilla is no longer developing new features for Thunderbird, just keeping it on life support so it continues running. With extensions you can still add new features and as far as email clients go, it probably had reached the pinnacle of development before scope creep set in, but it's still something of a pity there seems to be so little in the way of desktop email client development these days for those of us who aren't as enamored with webmail interfaces as we apparently should be.

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There are programs out there...
Jul 22, 2014 2:17PM PDT

There are programs out there, but I'm not sure which ones are good (or not). People seem to like gsyncit. then there's CompanionLink, Sync2, Syncmycal, etc. There are at least a dozen programs/apps out there and they are anywhere from free to $80. I was just wondering if anyone had used any of them and if they could give pros and cons. It seemed like that would be easier than the Outlook live route.

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Third party apps
Jul 23, 2014 12:32AM PDT
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Anyone else?
Jul 23, 2014 3:28AM PDT

Thank you so much for that info! Anyone else know anything about these programs? gSyncit seems to be very popular. I tried the free version and it caused nothing but problems; HOWEVER, their support said it was because I still have Google Calendar Sync and apparently they work against each other a little... I will now investigate those other two. Thanks again!

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I agree.
Jul 23, 2014 3:46AM PDT

Try it the way they intended. A clean install.
Bob

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Edit option?
Jul 23, 2014 4:21AM PDT

Is there a way to edit a post? The iframe stuff shouldn't be there ... don't want to confuse folks!

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The Edit option shows when you Preview your post.
Jul 23, 2014 4:24AM PDT

This gives you a chance to see what you are posting when you are getting fancy with HTML or BBS coding.

After you post you have to use the yellow triangle with the ! mark to alert you want your post removed. Moderators can only delete a post. I know of only 2 superusers that can edit.
Bob

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Tried different apps
Jan 14, 2015 7:06AM PST

I'm very late to this party, but I was in the same boat and tried a few apps to sync Outlook calendar with Android. It all started with Samsung Kies and that was a disaster. I spent too much time fixing the damage it did. I also tried one or two not mentioned here before I settled on Akruto. It's been working as advertised.

Then I got an email from them a couple of months ago saying they now cover iPhone and iPad. I have an iPad that I had been wanting to sync with Outlook. Now it does. HTH.

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Answer
Syncing Outlook TASKS
Jul 30, 2014 2:15PM PDT

Forget Kies Happy

I rely on Outlook TASKS.
CompanionLink as well as Android-Syc are good, reliable and easy-to-use applications for this purpose - based on lengthy research for personal use. Neither comes cheap. Good luck

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My app...
Sep 1, 2014 2:54AM PDT

I like using AkrutoSync to sync Outlook with my Android. 411

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Best Android app to sync Outlook Calendar with Google Calndr
Oct 13, 2014 1:42PM PDT

The best app to do this is " Myphonexplorer" by FJ. Its free and very simple and easy to use. I have tried dozen of apps and either they are difficult or chargeable.

You can sync your phone with outlook and take back up of your phone... Its very easy and effective and most important is it is free.....

This one is very easy and is Free.

If you like the app do not forget to donate....

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Answer
Best Android app to use, need my phone to sync with PC
Oct 20, 2014 12:30AM PDT