Don't want to sync your personal data directly over the internet? Learn how to sync a smartphone with a PC. Written by: Bogdan Bele
The practical value of syncing between mobile, smartphone and PC is obvious. Contacts and deadlines are easier to edit on a PC, but when you're on the go, you usually only have a smartphone. And if you get to change your phone, which happens on average every two years, you want to have the data transferred to the new device as soon as possible. And if you lose a phone or it breaks down, the issue of personal data security is very important. That's why we can only marvel that synchronization still creates so many problems. Even stranger: new problems arose. But one thing is clear: contacts, deadlines or notes are personal data that are not allowed to fall into foreign hands. That's why many users refuse to send this data over the Internet to synchronize it with a suitable program such as Google Calendar.
The solution is direct synchronization between smartphone and PC, via Bluetooth or USB, thus maintaining complete control over the data. But this option is being ruled out by more and more smartphone platforms. Synchronizing data over the internet is the only option available. connect presents you in detail the most common platforms, plus information about direct and indirect synchronization between PC and smartphone.
Apple iOSApple is a specialist in closed systems and original solutions. If before the iPhone it was customary for additional programs to be downloaded to the smartphone from various sources, Apple limited this operation to the App Store. Anyone who wants a specific program should look for it in the App Store, and those who want to offer iPhone applications must be checked by Apple. On the sync side, Apple was a little more open from the start: the iTunes music player syncs between iPhone and PC, and the operation works. You don't need a Mac for this, because you can also use a Windows computer with Outlook to synchronize contacts and terms. Outlook notes or bookmarks in the browser can also be synchronized locally. Email mailboxes can also be used for synchronization. However, Apple is offering an online data management service through MobileMe. But synchronization should be done via USB cable, not Bluetooth.
SymbianPlatform, which has grown over the years, is now spread in several variants. In addition to the N8, C7-00 and C6-01 models working with the new Symbian 3 version optimized for the touchscreen, Nokia is offering more and more models with the so-called S60 interface. But even the new version is part of the old school: syncing data between PC and smartphone works with either a USB cable or Bluetooth. The administration of the function is performed by Ovi Suite which claims Windows 7 or Windows Vista. Those who still use a Windows XP computer must rely on the old version of PC Suite, which is provided for download by Nokia. With this, contacts, deadlines, notes, tasks and special signs can be synchronized directly from the browser. Contacts can also be synchronized with Outlook Express. Nokia also offers a solution for those who use a Mac OS X computer. There are plugins on the website that make Apple iSync sync compatible. Through SyncML and Microsoft Exchange, Symbian smartphones also support data synchronization via Internet services; through Ovi, Nokia has a similar service.
Windows Mobile 6.5Microsoft currently uses two versions of the platform. In addition to the brand new Windows Phone 7, there are also models with Windows Mobile 6.5. But the situation is different here: while Windows Phone 7 is a "problem child", Windows Mobile 6.5 is a "brilliant student". ActiveSync is used for local synchronization and data exchange through an exchange server. With this feature, you can transfer more data between your smartphone and Microsoft Outlook in a more reliable way. But here's a limitation: you have to use a Windows PC, because direct synchronization with an Apple computer doesn't work.
AndroidGoogle, the company that made a free operating system available to developers and earns money from ads, doesn't like syncing data between a PC and a smartphone, or at least doesn't actually support it. However, this does not mean that you can only sync contacts or deadlines through Google services. Because some manufacturers offer the right software in this regard, and on the other hand there are independent software developers who have discovered this niche market. What is crucial is the manufacturer of the smartphone. HTC Sync offers software for Windows computers through HTC Sync. Through Kies Samsung has a solution for direct synchronization - and through Kies Mini a mini-solution for Mac users. Other manufacturers, such as Motorola, offer no solution. That's why you need a program from an independent developer that can cost up to 30 euros. The best solutions, as well as HTC applications, are listed on the next page.
Windows Phone 7 The fact that Windows Phone 7 creates more problems than Android has already been mentioned in this article. Because we can't really understand why no one thought about syncing between a Windows phone and a Windows PC. Especially since the previous version of Windows Mobile 6.5 accomplished this task so exemplary. But Microsoft has dropped this feature for its new platform. We can only hope that there will be an update that will provide local synchronization. However, it is not certain that Microsoft wants to give the new platform a modern look - and the exchange of data with Facebook or through the Exchange server is better suited to this vision than the ordinary cable connection between PC and smartphone. However, there are also alternative solutions from Companion Link that are very helpful.
Web OSDa, Americans are the ones who rely entirely on the "cloud" - the way the old internet is more recently called. The Palm Web OS operating system, which has since fallen into the hands of HP, is completely disinterested in computers. Google, Facebook, Microsoft Exchange: with great pleasure! But sharing data directly with a PC? No way! That's why alternative solutions like Companion Link or Missing Sync should be used.
BlackBerry Finally a positive example. BlackBerry is a server solution, and in business circles, contacts and deadlines are usually maintained through the BlackBerry server. But in the meantime, RIM is offering BlackBerry Desktop Manager, which comes with Outlook as well as Lotus Notes. There is even a free version for Apple computers.
HTC SyncThe Korean company offers its own synchronization software for Android smartphones. HTC Sync is offered for free on the website, where there is always the latest version, which at 70 MB is easy and fast to download via broadband connection. The website also provides detailed installation instructions, but requires knowledge of English. It doesn't matter if you're using Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP. However, Mac OS X or Linux are not supported. The application synchronizes contacts and terms with Outlook and bookmarks in the browser. HTC Sync also works with Outlook Express, but the free version of Outlook does not have a calendar. The notes are not synchronized. The connection between the smartphone and the PC is made by USB cable, and for some solutions with Android only the WLAN connection is possible. If the device is not recognized by the PC, HTC offers some practical tips for solving it. The application "speaks" only English, but has a well-systematized and intuitive structure. Thus for deadlines you can set the distance by which synchronization goes back in time - for example only deadlines up to 2 weeks ago. In addition, you can determine who has priority over the newest data set: PC or smartphone. Synchronization between PC and smartphone can be done for contacts, deadlines and bookmarks, but also for music and pictures. Music can also be downloaded from iTunes. The software currently available in version 3 is a program that deserves to be recommended due to its clear structure and simple operation. For Windows Phone 7 models, also offered by HTC, there is no solution.
Samsung KiesLike Nokia with Ovi Suite, Samsung has been offering its own synchronization software for its mobile phones and smartphones since last summer. Unlike HTC Sync, this software is included in the package of these models, not only as a free web application. The file is about 100 MB, so the HTC solution is a bit smaller. In addition to data synchronization, Kies also offers additional features such as image processing or burning. In addition, the Samsung shop can be accessed through Kies. Version 2 is a bit more limited, but even here the program reacts a bit more inert, which diminishes a little from the comfort in operation. But the HTC solution is even better systematized, because you get to get acquainted with the interface quickly. Kies supports not only models that use the Samsung Bada operating system, but also Windows Mobile 6.5 or Samsung Android devices, as well as the much-appreciated Galaxy S. Kies can manage up to four devices simultaneously, the connection with a smartphone is via Bluetooth or USB cable. There were a few problems with the test, and only the contacts can be changed at this time. Samsung's attempt to develop synchronization software for different platforms is an ambitious task - but still unsatisfactory. Something has changed since it was launched last summer, but the software is not entirely convincing. That's why you can choose an alternative program from other developers, such as Companion Link or Missign Sync. Instead, Samsung seems to be sensitive to the demands of those who use a Mac: in addition to the firmware update, the Kies Mini smartphone also allows the synchronization of data and contacts with Mac and iCal phonebook. Requirements: Mac OS X version 10.5 or a computer with an Intel processor.
The shortcomings that the producers do not solve are taken over by independent developers, who live from their own programs
Missing SyncMark Space has a successful program for synchronizing between PC and smartphone. And with this program it doesn't matter if you use a PC with Windows 7, Vista or XP or a Mac with Mac OS X. On the contrary: Missing Sync even solves some of the problems of Mac users. Personal data can be synchronized on a Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphone with a Mac OS X, and contacts and deadlines with Outlook Entourage or your own Mac programs. If you want to sync tasks and notes, you need Entourage on an Apple computer. Missing Sync also offers a solution for BlackBerry or Symbian smartphones, and even Android and Palm Web OS are supported. Missing Sync should also be compatible with Microsoft Windows Phone 7. In addition to syncing contacts, terms, notes, or tasks (not yet valid for Android), music or video collections and photo albums may also be used. In addition, Missing Sync also handles the list of calls and SMS messages. Installing the software is easy thanks to the efficient wizard: you are guided step by step through the process while you have to enter a code on your smartphone to connect your mobile device with the computer. In the end, wireless data exchange should be seamless. If Web-OS smartphones are synced via USB cable, Android devices must be on the same WLAN as your computer or be Bluetooth-enabled. Unfortunately, there is no trial or reduced shareware. In addition, the program costs $ 39.95 (about 30 euros). Which isn't exactly cheap, but the efficiency of the program justifies the price. And the Companion Link alternative is not cheap either. The version that can be installed on a smartphone is offered free of charge on the Android Market or in the Web OS App Catalog.
Companion Link The Companion Link program is a multi-talent program if you work with a Windows computer and Outlook. The smartphone version no longer plays a role, as the program handles any of them, supports Microsoft Outlook, but is not limited to that - because users of Lotus Notes, ACT !, Palm Desktop or Novelis GroupWise software will find a partner. In addition to Android, the program supports Palm software via Web OS, BlackBerry, Apple iPhone or iPad, as well as models with Windows Phone 7. The only limitation is that the program only works on Windows computers. Then everything costs $ 39.95 (about 30 euros). Additionally, the two synchronization partners must be established, ie the PC database and the smartphone platform used. The software is ready for download at www.companionlink.com, and the appropriate application in the respective online store - ie App Catalog for Web OS or Android Market devices. The application has its own PIM administration, the synchronized data can also be found in the corresponding Android applications. for Outlook tasks and notes, keeping the categories used in Outlook. Additionally, specific Outlook directories can be selected for synchronization. Added to all this are options that allow synchronization in one direction only. So Companion Link offers good value for money, especially since web pages are very well systematized.
SPB migrates to Android A reliable sync feature is the basic discipline for anyone who wants to secure their own data. Because if you lose your smartphone, you will find a version of this information on your computer at home. In addition, there are situations where data needs to be transferred from the old smartphone to the new one. If the new device is an Android model and the old one is Windows Mobile or Nokia Symbian, there is a practical and intuitive solution for synchronization. You can find it on the internet at www.migratetoandroid.com and it comes from SPB, a smartphone software specialist. The tool takes over the installation of the right application on the old smartphone, and the necessary Android application can be found in the Android Market for 7 euros. Contacts, SMS, call lists and bookmarks in the web browser are synchronized. Data is password protected when transferred over the internet. The SPB Migration Tool is a data transfer rather than a synchronization solution - for example, when a computer is missing for local data exchange. This data migration is currently limited to Symbian and Windows Mobile. But the list of devices that will be supported in the future shows that SPB has big thoughts. A solution for easily switching from mobile to smartphone, for example with Android, is not yet offered.
Avamboo If MarkSpace and Companion Link seem too expensive, you can choose an alternative to Avamboo for local smartphone syncing. The solution can only sync contacts between Outlook and Android smartphones. PC software for Outlook 2003 and 2007 can be downloaded free of charge for testing at avamboo.de/softwarestore. However, the test version only synchronizes 15 contacts. But if you are convinced of its value you have to pay 2 euros. The mobile client required for the smartphone is offered free of charge on the Android Market. The first commissioning is somewhat worse: after installation, users search in vain for a suitable entry for the program. PC components are an invisible plug-in that is invisible in Outlook and must be activated via the "View" and "Symbol Bar" commands. OutlookSyncBar then becomes visible and provides two buttons for activating the sync server and for settings, which involves entering a password and setting the sync method. After that, the mobile client requesting the entered password and the IP address of the Outlook PC must be started, if the synchronization takes place through the WLAN interface. Your Android computer and smartphone must be on the same WLAN; but the PC firewall and too restrictive router settings can cause problems. So wireless data exchange requires some technical know-how.
Conclusion Internet data synchronization may offer some benefits, as we know from experience. But we can all understand that no one wants to transfer their personal data over the Internet. In addition to security issues, there are costs for data synchronization. That's why platform developers should take a closer look at these criticisms if they want long-term success. However, there are manufacturers that offer their own solutions such as HTC or Samsung for syncing data to Android smartphones. They can be downloaded free of charge from the manufacturer's website. But we liked Mark Space and Companion Link a lot more. The latter is also compatible with Windows Phone 7, but as for the computer used, it must be a Windows one. Missing Sync is just as flexible, but not compatible with Windows Phone 7. Instead, it runs on a Mac if needed.