Google drops Exchange ActiveSync for Gmail
Google has announced that starting January 30 2013, they are dropping support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync. This means that Gmail users will not be able to add their Gmail account to new devices via Exchange after this date, but will still be able to use the IMAP, CardDAV and CalDAV standards.
What BlackBerry users nned to know is that this means BlackBerry 7 and older devices will no longer be able to use the Google Sync app that was discontinued in September. They will continue to be able to use the BIS Google Calendar and Contacts sync just like Google recommends.
Most affected by the change is likely to be the Windows Phone platform as Windows Phone 8 doesn’t support the CardDAV or CalDAV standards. iOS users will have to use the default Google option which syncs Gmail, Calendar and Notes and use an additional method to sync Contacts.
The change will not be affecting users of Google Apps for Business. Government or Education – as these are a paid service, part of the fee can be used to license Exchange ActiveSync from Microsoft. Android users will be unaffected by this (depending on whether you prefer to use the Email or the Gmail app) and the decision to drop this is unsurprising given the ongoing rivalry between the two companies.
