Category Archives: News

How to sync the Nokia Lumia 800 with Outlook

Posted on by Andy Sheragy
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Nokia’s recent shift toward the Windows Phone platform had many wondering if the iconic manufacturer would be able to continue its track record of success. Early reports are indicating that sales of the Lumia 800, Nokia’s flagship Windows Phone device, have been overwhelmingly positive. This is good news for Nokia fans and Windows Phone fans alike. Nokia has always had delivered excellent hardware design, and the Windows Phone platform gets backing from a major hardware manufacturer.

One of the big questions users have when they pick up the device is how to sync the Nokia Lumia 800 with Outlook. Out of the box, the Lumia can sync with Exchange, but standalone Outlook users must look for another solution. CompanionLink offers two methods to sync Outlook contacts, calendar and tasks with the Lumia 800 – syncing through Google or via Window Live Hotmail.

CompanionLink works by syncing Outlook data to a Google account or Windows Live Hotmail account. From there, the Lumia can be configured to automatically sync with either account over its wireless data connection (note: Google does not sync tasks with Windows Phone devices – CompanionLink recommends syncing via Windows Live Hotmail).

For more information on how CompanionLink syncs Windows Phone devices like the Lumia 800, visit www.companionlink.com/windowsphone/. We’re excited to see what Nokia has in store for us next!

Give the Kindle Fire a Productivity Boost with DejaOffice!

Posted on by David Z
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Image credit: AmazonWe just finished putting the Kindle Fire through its paces, testing both CompanionLink and DejaOffice on the affordable new tablet from Amazon. The results? DejaOffice runs well, and sync with the Kindle Fire works perfectly!

In fact, everything is working as we expected, with the exception of USB sync, which requires a small, but simple workaround. The Kindle Fire automatically mounts its SD card. You must Disconnect from USB Storage, then open DejaOffice and hit sync. We’re looking into a fix to eliminate this step, however.

After testing the Kindle Fire, I think it is important to remember that it’s first and foremost a Kindle – great for consuming media. But with a few easily downloaded apps like DejaOffice, you’ll have transformed your Kindle Fire into a business machine, filled with your contacts, calendars, tasks, memos, and more.

Syncing the HTC Rezound

Posted on by David Z
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It’s a great time to be in the market for a new smartphone, especially for Verizon customers. With the DROID RAZR now available and the Nexus Galaxy around the corner, the carrier has quite the holiday line-up. But they’re not done yet. The HTC Rezound, released today, completes the trio of powerful Android phones available from Verizon this season.

The folks over at The Verge have an impressive review of the Rezound available, and I’d encourage you to check it out if you’re interested in learning more about the phone. If you’re interested in learning more about syncing the Rezound, however, you’re in the right place.

As with most any Android device, you’re able to sync contacts, calendars, tasks, and memos from a whole host of CRM software to the HTC Rezound. Learn more about your options at https://www.companionlink.com/phones/htc-rezound.html or head over to our downloads page to get your 14-day free trial and start syncing today!

USB Sync Comes to All webOS Devices

Posted on by David Z
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webOS USB Sync

If there’s one feature request we’ve received by webOS users more than any other, it’s expanded support for USB sync. We’ve heard you, and we’ve been working on a way to bring it to you. Today, I’m happy to report we’ve done just that!

With the latest version of CompanionLink 5, available for download today, Direct USB sync is supported for all devices running webOS up to the current version (3.0.4)! You can now sync contacts, calendars, tasks, & memos via USB directly to your webOS device!

Getting started is easy – just make sure you’re running the latest version of CompanionLink, then download the updated version of our “CL USB Sync” app on your HP webOS device. Grab it today from the webOS App Catalog. Then, follow the steps in our Setup Guide to sync with your CRM database!

We know this feature has been a long-time coming. We’re thrilled to be able to release it to you today and we’d love to hear what you think! Let us know in the comments.

DejaOffice for Android 1.12.2 Now Available

Posted on by David Z
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If all the hype surrounding today’s iOS 5 release isn’t your thing, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. DejaOffice 1.12.2 for Android has just landed in the Android Market and will be in the Amazon Appstore soon. If you’ve been following along with our beta builds, this is an official release. For those who haven’t, this update brings a host of new features. I’ve mentioned some on the blog already, but I think a few of them are worth highlighting again.

Time Zone Shifting

For the world travelers our there, this feature should prove to be indispensible. The next time you change time zones, DejaOffice will ask you if you’d like to enable time zone shifting. There are three options: Yes, No, and Not Decided.

Selecting “Yes” adjusts your tasks and calendar events to the current, local time zone. This means an event at 4pm PST will be display as 7pm EST, for example. Choosing “No” ignores your current time zone. This means an event at 4pm PST will display as 4pm EST. Opting for “Not Decided” simply allows you to choose yes or no every time you enter a new time zone.

DejaToday Widget Enhancements

The DejaToday widget is now able to displays events beyond the current day. This is great for those who like to have an idea of what’s on the agenda tomorrow. To enable this feature, head into the DejaOffice Settings, choose DejaTasks, then select the number of Future Days you’d like to show. It’s that easy.

Performance & Stability Improvements

Of course, with an update this big, there’s a large number of performance and stability improvements, as well as bug fixes. We’ve worked hard to make DejaOffice 1.12.2 a great update. It’s available now in the Android Market and Amazon Appstore, so update today and start taking advantage of the new features!

For the full list of release notes, head over to the DejaOffice website. And be sure to let us know what you think in the comments below!

How To Use Siri To Set Up Business Meetings In Outlook, ACT!, & More

Posted on by David Z
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Just the other day, Apple revealed their latest iteration of the iPhone – the iPhone 4S. One of the biggest new features comes in the form of Siri, Apple’s self-described “humble personal assistant.” Using voice recognition technology, Siri is able to take verbal commands and act on them, allowing you to check and compose messages, emails, calendar appointments, and much more.

Image Credit: TUAW

Currently, Siri is designed to work with Apple’s built in apps – it’s not clear if or when the technology will be opened up to third party developers. However, DejaOffice has the unique ability to connect with Apple’s built in apps. As such, DejaOffice is able to harness the full power of Siri and sync new or updated data back to your existing CRM solution.

Doing so is simple. First, you’ll need to ensure that DejaOffice is set to sync with the native databases. To do this, just launch DejaOffice on your iPhone 4S, tap “Settings,” then “Sync.” From there, select “Sync with Apple’s Calendar” and “Sync with Apple’s Contacts” to enable syncing with the native databases.

Once that’s enabled, press and hold the home button on your iPhone 4S to activate Siri. Say something like “Schedule lunch with John Smith at noon on Friday” and Siri will comply. The next time you sync DejaOffice via CompanionLink, that appointment will be transferred into Outlook, ACT!, Salesforce, or whatever CRM solution you’re using. It’s that easy!

The iPhone 4S

Posted on by David Z
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Apple just wrapped up another keynote presentation unveiling their latest products. As always, there’s a lot of news to sift through. Let us save you time by highlighting the important details here!

Improved Specs

The iPhone 4S features the standard “spec” boost that we’ve come to expect – faster processer, better battery, more storage, and an improved camera. These are all welcome additions and should serve to keep you running the latest and greatest apps.

More Choices

The iPhone 4S is a “World Phone,” meaning it contains both GSM and CDMA radios. It’s also available on AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint in the US, and even more carriers abroad as well. Check out Apple’s iPhone4S page for the full details.

Near-4G Speeds

Apple touted an improved antenna design that, in a nutshell, allows them to nearly double your download speeds. The result is near-4G, though they aren’t calling it that. The iPhone 4S is still a 3G phone, though one of the fastest 3G phones around.

Voice Control

This is the biggest news from Apple’s iPhone 4S announcement. Using advance voice recognition technology, dubbed “Siri,” you will be able to listen to (and reply to) text messages, check your calendar and schedule appointments, send emails, check stocks and weather, search the web, and much more. Time will tell how well this works in the “real world,” but it has the potential to drastically enhance productivity on the go.

Final Thoughts

For now, voice control is limited to the built-in apps. Imagine, however, the potential that lies in this technology when it’s opened up to 3rd party developers, like ourselves!

Of course, we’ll need to get our hands on an iPhone 4S to test DejaOffice, but we’re confident that DejaOffice will be fully supported at, or shortly after, the iPhone 4S launch on October 14th. Stay tuned for more on that!

Sync Outlook on Windows 8 Developer Preview

Posted on by David Z
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Image Credit: PCAuthority

I know – Windows 8 won’t actually be released until sometime next year. That hasn’t stopped us from working with the Windows 8 Developer Preview, however. After some initial testing, I’m happy to inform you CompanionLink works great with Windows 8! That’s right – we can sync Outlook from Windows 8 to your mobile device. CompanionLink works with both 32- and 64-bit versions of Outlook. We can also sync ACT!, Salesforce, Lotus Notes, Palm Desktop, Zoho, and more, all from Windows 8!

You’ll want to ensure you’re running the latest version of CompanionLink, but other than that there are no special steps required to get up and running in Windows 8. So, if you enjoy working with the latest technology and software (like I do!), rest assured CompanionLink is there to support your synchronization of contacts, calendar, tasks and notes.

The Samsung Galaxy S II Is Now Available In The US

Posted on by David Z
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Sprint has officially begun selling the Galaxy S II, which marks the beginning of the phone’s entry into the US. It has been wildly popular in Europe over the past few months, and with the specs that it has it’s no real surprise! While Sprint has been the first major carrier to carry the device in the US, AT&T and T-Mobile are set to follow shortly, though the exact dates are unknown.

Take a look at our video below to learn a bit about each of the unique variants of the Galaxy S II and hear our thoughts on whether this phone is worth the upgrade!

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzwLnAiJGI8&hd=1]

The DROID BIONIC Has Landed – Now Sync It With Outlook & More

Posted on by David Z
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It’s been 9 months in the making, but the DROID BIONIC is finally here. It was first seen back in January, but delays, rumors of cancellation, and more delays have caused the BIONIC to become one of the most hyped phones this year. And based on its specs, Motorola is hoping to deliver on that hype.

It is no doubt a powerhouse, something the specs, and the price, reflect. The BIONIC features a 4.3” qHD touchscreen display, dual-core 1GHz processor, 1GB RAM, 16GB internal storage with a 16GB microSD card preinstalled, 8 megapixel camera, and much more. Running on Verizon’s 4G network, the BIONIC is listed at $299 with a new 2-year contract.

It’s place among the top Android phones is without question, but does it live up to the hype? Hear our thoughts in the video below:

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFzTb6nEOOY]
As you can see, we got our hands on the BIONIC and are happy to report that CompanionLink will allow you to sync the BIONIC with Outlook, ACT!, Salesforce, and more! Contacts, calendars, tasks, memos and more all sync seamlessly. Try it for yourself with our 14-day free trial or grab a copy of CompanionLink today. Prices start at just $49.95.

What do you think of the BIONIC? Do you have questions about syncing? Leave a comment below!

CompanionLink 5 Beta Available Now

Posted on by David Z
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We’re pleased to announce the CompanionLink 5 beta is now available to download! We have been hard at work on CompanionLink 5, and we think you’re going to love this update. So, let’s jump in to what’s new!

An Entirely Rebuilt Experience

CompanionLink 5 brings a brand new user interface. We wanted to make the process of setting up and maintaining your sync easier than ever. As you walk through the setup, you’ll notice new wizards along the way. These are designed to guide you through the basic configuration – how the majority of people use CompanionLink.  If you have advanced needs, you’ll be able to customize your sync using the Advanced Settings button.

Support For The Latest and Greatest

CompanionLink 5 is built to support the latest hardware and software. Support for ACT! 2012, a product that was just released this morning, is already included in the first beta. When iOS 5 and Android “Ice Cream Sandwich” land in the near future, CompanionLink 5 will be ready to support them. And as new devices are released, CompanionLink 5 will be continually updated to ensure compatibility.

Multiple Profiles In Express

Until now, if you wanted to sync more than one device, you needed to upgrade to CompanionLink Professional and use our “Profiles” feature. Profiles allow you to sync multiple devices to one or more databases. You can even customize what data syncs to each device. It’s a great feature, and one that we want to make more accessible.

So, we are.

We’re adding support for two profiles in CompanionLink Express 5. CompanionLink Professional will support up to five profiles. Now, I should note that this feature isn’t in the beta just yet, but it will be making its way to the official CompanionLink 5 release!

Everything Else

By now, you’re probably wondering when the official CompanionLink 5 release will be. Starting today, we’ll gather feedback on the CompanionLink 5 beta and make any adjustments as needed. Once we’re satisfied with the feedback and performance, we’ll drop the beta tag and officially release CompanionLink 5. We expect that process to take a few weeks.

Here’s the best news: CompanionLink 5 will be a free upgrade for anyone who’s purchased CompanionLink on or after July 1, 2010. For everyone else, our upgrade pricing is coming soon.

Head over to our downloads page to try out CompanionLink 5 today! And please be sure to send us your feedback at marketing@companionlink.com or leave a comment below. We look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Note: We’ve been testing CompanionLink 5 extensively. However, as with any beta release, I’d like to remind you that you may encounter unexpected behavior. Please keep that in mind if you opt to try out the beta.

webOS Lives On At CompanionLink [Updated]

Posted on by David Z
31

Image Credit: HP

Update: USB sync is now live for all webOS devices! Read about it here.

The past week has been a bit of a roller coaster for webOS fans. We feel you – in fact, we’re right there with you. CompanionLink has worked with webOS since long before it was ever webOS. Back in 1997, CompanionLink was in the room at Palm’s first developer conference. Since then, we’ve worked closely with Palm, Palm OS, and webOS. Our software has allowed people to get their PIM and CRM information to Palm devices for years.

With the advent of webOS 2.x, we ran into a hurdle – as did many developers. The communication lines with the webOS team became blurred.  First, it was the HP acquisition. Then, the bombshell announcement by HP last week.

While CompanionLink was able to provide syncing options via Google, we could not find a way to connect via USB as we had in the past. I’m happy to announce that we plan to bring USB sync to webOS 2.x and 3.x in the coming weeks. This is a tribute to those people who have hung on to their webOS devices through thick and thin. It’s a shout out to those bloggers who have spent more than two years evangelizing the webOS platform.

We’ve had a long history with the Palm platform. While the future of webOS may be filled with uncertainty, there is one thing you can count on: we will continue to support webOS for as long as we are able!

Look for an update on USB sync for webOS 2.x and 3.x in the coming weeks!

 

My HP Prediction: HP Moves to Selling Android Devices Now That They Are Killing webOS

Posted on by Rushang
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This could (really) mark the end of the road for Palm’s long and fragmented legacy. Today, HP announced they would kill development of webOS tablets and phones in the near future. Palm’s long legacy from PalmOS to webOS – spanning the past 15 years – may now finally rest in peace.

So, is HP still interested in mobile technology?

In their press release, HP said they plan to “continue to explore options to optimize the value of webOS software going forward.” I think this means more than discussing it over a few meetings. I think they are implying something more sinister like, “We’re going to play the Android OS game now.”

HP paid $1.2 billion to acquire Palm webOS and Palm’s patents. They obviously planned for this day when webOS would die on its own. I believe that HP will take the UI from webOS and enter the Android OS manufacturing game. They bought Palm for the patents and their UI. HP will land running with a webOS UI that works rather well from a consumer standpoint. People never had issues with the UI and experience. In fact, they actually liked it. It was the most fluid mobile experience next to iOS. Instead, the lack of a meaningful app store with development partners vested into their ecosystem is what led what to Palm’s demise.

Look for HP to announce that they are entering the Android OS circus by 2012. Footnote: I’ve wrong before.

Study Shows Computers Are Here To Stay – But Are They Really?

Posted on by David Z
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Tablets won’t be replacing computers any time soon.

At least according to a recent study by Robert W. Baird & Co. 83% of consumers surveyed said that they could not do without a computer for the foreseeable future. According to consumers, tablets are cool. They’re fun. They’re wildly popular. But, for the majority of users, they simply cannot replace a computer. Not in their current form, anyways.

When compared to a tablet or smartphone, what is it that makes the PC so indispensable to the vast majority of the population? It’s not a keyboard or mouse – tablets can accommodate traditional input devices such as these already. It’s not power. Well, not for most users anyways. Today’s tablets and smartphones can easily handle the average users’ needs. For those that need more, it’s only a matter of time before mobile devices catch up to traditional PCs in terms of processing power, RAM, graphics, and storage. So if it isn’t these things, what is it?

In my opinion, it comes down to the form factor and operating system. Tablets and smartphones are great on the go, but it’s hard to beat a 24” screen with a “desktop-optimized” operating system when you’re at the office or at home. If that’s the case, why can’t tablets and smartphones offer these features as well? They can.

We’ve said it before – computers as we know them are going extinct. Devices like the Motorola Atrix and the Asus Transformer already offer tools for attaining the “desktop experience” from your mobile. Soon, many more mobile devices will offer the ability to dock to the traditional monitor, keyboard, and mouse setup. Your “computer” will actually be just a shell powered by your mobile device.

So 83% of consumers are in luck – they won’t have to go without a computer in the foreseeable future. What they may not realize, however, is that their computer will, in fact, be a tablet or smartphone.

Infographic: A History of Mobile Productivity

Posted on by David Z
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From the pager to the iPad, mobile devices have been enhancing our mobile productivity in one way or another for decades. In their early days, mobile devices were largely business-focused. Since then, they have become sleeker, more powerful, and even more appealing to consumers and business users alike.  On today’s mobile devices, you can run your business, use your phone camera for professional photoshoots or play Angry Birds – or all of them!

Read through the infographic below and take a walk through a history of mobile productivity. Discover the first portable handset. Learn how the groundwork for today’s app stores was laid in the 1990s. Reminisce over the earliest smartphones and tablets. Then, share with us where you think mobile productivity is headed next!

A History of Mobile Productivity

The United States of Mobile

Posted on by David Z
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Image Credit: JumptapWe regularly see reports that show Android is leading the mobile market, but this is the first time I’ve seen a state-by-state breakdown of popularity. Jumptap, a mobile ad network, released a report today showing Android, iOS, and BlackBerry popularity at the U.S. state level. The data is based on activity on Jumptap’s network, a network that reaches 83 million users.

Check out the image above to see where your state’s allegiance lies. Most interesting to us – in our home state of Oregon, BlackBerry reigns supreme. At least according to Jumptap’s data…

[via TechCrunch]