Google Sync for BlackBerry gets into your contacts
By Laura June 
posted Nov 20th 2008 11:43AM
posted Nov 20th 2008 11:43AM
If you're a BlackBerry user or a prospective user, and also happen to be a Gmail enthusiast, you're going to be a lot happier than you were yesterday, because Google's just added over-the-air contact syncing to its Google Sync application. Previously, the app was only able to sync up calendars between the cloud and RIM devices every two hours. Now you can get your names and numbers in the mix, so it looks like the nightmare days of having one list of contacts in Gmail and another, totally different one in your 'Berry are apparently at an end. Sure, Google's timing on this seems a little convenient to us, coming as it does just before the BlackBerry Storm launch, but we're not going to complain about something that makes ours lives easier, okay?
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Google's Contacts were crap before phone sync. It's crap with iPhone sync. It'll be crap with BlackBerry sync.
Why? Google Contacts are crap. Crap in, crap out.
Official Crap Count: 6
sorry, i was busy staring at that chick in the purple dress banner ad over there -->
Our spyware is sending extremely different geo-targeting demographics. My ads are Yoda on a Netflix banner.... though I've never even seen all the Star Wars...
Mine is for the People's Choice Awards
ours lives?
The nightmare on this was over well before Google Sync entered the picture. I've been using CompanionLink for Google for over 8 months, allowing me to sync calendar + contacts with MULTIPLE Google calendars.
Forgot to add the link:
http://www.companionlink.com/google
Speaking of Gmail, would you tell them to turn on my Themes already?
Why does Google hate WM so much? Those phones are everywhere, yet they hardly put any work into them at all. I've got a G1 in the mail, but I'm still wondering...
I've written programs for the WM platform, and I can vouch for Google's excellent decision not to develop for that platform...
@Alex: So have I, and it isn't that bad at all. The GUI may not be the hottest in the world, but it's hardly the worst API in the world, even in C++, and there are easier options nowadays. However, I think their motivations are much more strategic than technological.
I've only used their CF, and like you said, the limitations on the GUI is what kills it for me.
keeping everything synchronized is a pretty big feature... People always complain about losing their phone AND contacts. Now, if they lose their phone, they'll still have their contacts.
My view is Google wants to support all (or nearly all) other platforms to take market share away from MS... Having (FREE) wireless sync'ing is a pretty big advantage that was either a) hard to do before or b) cost of exchange server/monthly access...
I'm not a big fan of Window Mobile. From what I remember, I would constantly need to reboot due to it being buggy. I know some of it could be contributed to 3rd party programs, but I have 3rd party apps on my Blackberry and never have to reboot unless uninstalling the occasional program
this service does not support the BOLD.
It was a very bold move.
That's a bold move on their part...
But seriously, the "Storm" is the one mentioned as not being supported.
http://www.google.com/support/mobile/bin/answer.py?answer=97850&topic=14767
Maybe the Google Mobile App isn't supported but Google doesn't say anything about Snyc not being supported. They are two different apps...
@Alan,
I stand corrected, I got there by clicking away links, and didn't notice where I ended up.
Where else are your contacts being copied to? How can people trust this so much?
because it's google.... and i will gladly let them call any of my contacts.
I've been using Google sync for the calendar on my Bold since September and it's awesome. This is great news.
Just a correction on the article; Google sync automatically updates every two hours but if you add/change an entry on your blackberry device's calendar it then syncs with Google right away.
cue bob sakamano: "you look nice today, Laura."
creeper.
It doesn't support the Storm yet because the Storm uses a new version of the BB operating system - version 4.7.
I am now putting all my numbers in my gmail contacts for my impeding purchase of the storm tommorow
Dustin, why bother. When you go to Verizon tomorrow, they will transfer all your numbers from your old phone to the Storm. Then once you sync to Google, I'm assuming your contacts from the phone will go to Google as well. I'm getting the Storm tomorrow too and I'm hoping this is the way it works. I want my phone to be synced with my Outlook Calendar and Contacts as well as Google Calendar and Contacts. Let me know if my assumption is incorrect.
~ Slim ~
what is nice about google is that they are developing applications for different platforms, like my nokia n95 8GB with calendar sync and GMail application, along with many other google applications. but doesnt anybody think or feel that google is collecting so many of our information.
(i dont know where i've heard this, but i guess by this info they can tailor ads as per user according to his data "keep in mind that here they are collecting more detailed data that anyother company,bank,..etc")
just a thought :-$
Telling me my 8330 is not supported...
I'm with Telus in Canada. Is it US only right now or something?
I'm with TELUS and it's working on my 8130 Pearl...
@ Title of the post
As long as it doesn't get all up in my grill, we're OK.
the only catch, that I see, is it will only sync to "my contacts" not other categories. This is a problem if you don't want all of your contacts, in your phone. IE< say you have 3000 total contacts, but have subcategory called Mobile, you cannot seem to sync to just that catagory. Does anyone know a way around this?
Is there a way to import my Outlook Contacts to google contacts and then sync them to my blackberry? My company is to cheap to buy a BEZ server.
You can just use Blackberry Desktop to sync between BB and Outlook.
http://na.blackberry.com/eng/services/desktop/
Ofcourse... Plaxo.com !
It erased the phone numbers from all my contacts! nice...
installed the update, ran the sync, worked great on my big olde ugly 7250. next step... convince the boss to buy me a storm when they are released on bell next week.
The blackberry Storm looks really fantastic. The clicking buttons are key - especially if you intend on texting while driving
Communication Topics
hey sorry to hijack this thread a little, but I've been unable to find answers elsewhere. Does anyone know if Verizon will be offering a protection plan for the storm? If so, how much additional monthly $ is it likely to cost? The clickable screen makes me nervous.
The plan is the same as the other Asurion Plans for Smartphones with the V. As for the Cloud Syncing with Google Contacts (in the thread)-As Jay says in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back-"I just filled the cup!". THIS IS AWESOME! And so is the storm-trust me, after adapting to the clicking screen, it is a great Blackberry for sure...Great functionality for the consumer VZ Blackberry user
And if you aren't a Blackberry users, then there is always https://www.goosync.com/
Ok, not contacts but it does play nice with the Calendar...
Google Contacts doesn't delineate between First Name and Last Name. This is crap for anyone accustomed to looking for contacts for Last Name, First Name.
crap crap crap.
I think just to clarify what Spence is saying is that after a "clean" sync you can only search for Last Name. You cannot find a first name. I have to say, I'm thrilled to see that Google Sync does contacts, however Google Contacts needs a LOT of work. Obviously this is annoying, also how Google adds everyone that you reply to in your address book...
This program is causing me to have so many duplicates! GAK. I've sinced move to thinkpost.net and it works so much better!