Category Archives: News

Consolidate business and personal phones

Posted on by Rushang
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Reports show people want to chuck one of their two devices. They want to establish a system that separates business and personal data on their (one) phone. Today’s smartphones are completely capable of mixing email, contact, schedule and task-management  functions with social media, browsing, and multimedia demands. All from one powerful and secure smartphone or tablet.

RIM is in the fight for their life to hang on to their business audience. It was no surprise that they focused their BlackBerry Playbook on business productivity. That’s traditionally been their stomping grounds. However, without the plethora of apps that Android and Apple have for their audience, RIM faces an uphill climb to gain the consumer audience. This poses a problem for people who are looking to consolidate devices.

Sprint launches Samsung Transform and Sanyo Zio; CompanionLink provides Outlook sync

Posted on by Andy Sheragy
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Sync the Sanyo Zio with OutlookYesterday, Sprint launched two new mid-range Android handsets: The Samsung Transform and the Sanyo Zio. The Zio is a lightweight candybar with surprisingly powerful specs at an affordable price point. The Samsung Transform, featuring a slide-out keyboard, is a smaller more modest version of the Epic 4G. Both phones run Android 2.1.

Sync the Samsung Transform with OutlookThe Transform and the Zio feature Sprint ID, a new service from Sprint that allows users to download pre-compiled packs of apps that fit different needs. For example, the Sprint ID Business Pro pack includes many applications suited for business use, such as a business card reader and currency converter app. However, even with the extra apps, these phones do not offer a way to sync contacts, calendar, tasks and notes with Outlook. That’s where CompanionLink comes in.

CompanionLink offers two methods to sync the Samsung Transform and the Sanyo Zio with Outlook – wired USB sync and wireless sync via Google. USB sync works in conjunction with DejaOffice, a powerful suite of calendar, contacts, tasks and notes apps for Android devices. Two way sync is supported in both methods so that changes made on the phone will sync to the PC. For more info on how to sync Android devices with Outlook, and to download a 14-day free trial, visit www.companionlink.com/android

How to sync the T-Mobile G2 with Outlook

Posted on by Andy Sheragy
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The T-Mobile G2 is a new Android slider, released today on (you get one guess) T-Mobile. Many new G2 owners are migrating from older BlackBerrys or Windows Mobile devices, and will be looking for a way to sync the G2 with Outlook. Google provides the free Google Calendar Sync tool to sync the primary Outlook calendar with any Google account. The T-Mobile G2 can automatically sync contacts and calendar with a Google account through its wireless data connection. However, Google provides no support to sync contacts or other data types, such as tasks and notes.

CompanionLink offers two ways to sync the G2 with Outlook – wired USB sync and wireless sync through Google. CompanionLink’s wireless sync via Google supports two-way sync of contacts and calendar, and offers the ability to sync with any Outlook folder. CompanionLink can also sync Outlook tasks to the Google calendar as untimed entries.

CompanionLink’s USB sync with the G2 works in tandem with an Android app called DejaOffice. DejaOffice is an integrated suite of calendar, contacts, tasks and notes apps for Android with support for advanced Outlook features such as color-coded categories and custom fields. Outlook data will sync to the DejaOffice business apps on the G2.

CompanionLink is free for 14 days. For more information and to download the free trial, visit www.companionlink.com/g2

Sync with the BlackBerry Playbook?

Posted on by Andy Sheragy
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Yesterday, RIM announced their foray into tablet computing by introducing the BlackBerry Playbook. RIM’s new tablet will run an entirely new operating system: BlackBerry Tablet OS.

BlackBerry PlayBook

With any new mobile operating system, we here at CompanionLink immediately begin evaluating its sync capabilities. We currently know from RIM’s announcement that the BlackBerry Playbook will sync with a BlackBerry Enterprise Server, much like the current generation of BlackBerry phones. For standalone or small business users without access to a BES server, we can stipulate that the Playbook will sync directly with the PC using the BlackBerry Desktop Software (again, much like the current BlackBerry devices). If this indeed is the case, then CompanionLink may offer two-way sync with the BlackBerry Playbook from day 1, as CompanionLink works as an add-in within the BlackBerry Desktop Software to sync PC data.

It is currently unknown if Google will support sync with BlackBerry Tablet OS, but given Google’s track record of support for most popular mobile platforms, we would be surprised if Google didn’t have an offering for RIM’s tablets. CompanionLink supports sync of contacts and calendar from the PC to any Google, Gmail, or Google Apps account. Pending Google’s support for BlackBerry Tablet OS, CompanionLink will be able to provide an additional sync option for Playbook owners.

For now, this is all speculation. As we get closer to the launch date for the Playbook, more details will certainly emerge. An official announcement regarding CompanionLink’s sync support for the BlackBerry Playbook will be made as soon as we can confirm compatibility. Details on CompanionLink’s support for BlackBerry devices can be found at www.companionlink.com/blackberry

Initial impressions on sync support for Windows Phone 7

Posted on by Andy Sheragy
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Windows Phone 7, expected to release next month, is the next major smartphone platform from Microsoft. Windows Phone 7 is a complete operating system re-design, borrowing more from their Zune media players than their existing Windows Mobile 6.5 platform. The big question that we have here at CompanionLink is how Windows Phone 7 will sync with the PC.

A recent post from pocketnow.com details the current situation for Outlook sync with Windows Phone 7. Unlike the previous Windows Mobile 6.5 platform, Windows Phone 7 will not use Windows Mobile Device Center/Active Sync for direct PC-to-phone sync. Windows Phone 7 will use the Zune PC software to sync media, but for Outlook contacts, calendar and tasks, an Exchange server is required. While this presents no problem to large organizations with dedicated Exchange servers, standalone Outlook users are left out in the cold.

Both Gmail and Hotmail now offer free Exchange Active Sync support for most popular smartphone platforms. Thus, Windows Phone 7 should be compatible with both these services to sync contacts and calendar via Exchange (since Windows Phone 7 has not yet been released, this is educated speculation).

CompanionLink offers a solution that will sync Outlook contacts and calendar with any Gmail, Google, or Google Apps account. Once the data is synced with Google, supported smartphones can easily be configured to sync wirelessly with that Google account using the Exchange protocol. If Windows Phone 7 can sync with Google, as indicated by initial impressions, then CompanionLink will be able to offer support for Windows Phone 7 upon launch.

An official announcement regarding CompanionLink’s support for Windows Phone 7 will be released soon pending our testing of the platform. Look for announcements on our homepage at www.companionlink.com

How will Symbian 3 devices sync with the PC?

Posted on by Rushang
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Nokia announced three more phones based on their new Symbian 3 platform.  The phones cater to both business and social media users.  The big question that remains for business users is, “How will these Symbian 3 phones sync with my PC?”.

Google Sync has supported over-the-air sync with devices running the Symbian S60 operating system.  They sync contacts and calendar data two-ways.  Will Google Sync also support two-way sync with Symbian 3 devices?  If they do, CompanionLink can has a way for people to sync PC contacts and calendar data with Symbian 3 devices.

PC <> CompanionLink <> Google account <> Google Sync <> Symbian 3 device

CompanionLink for Google is a product that will sync PC software like Outlook to any Google or Gmail account.  If Google Sync will support sync with Symbian 3 devices, this data will then transfer over-the-air with the Symbian 3 device.  Any changes made on the device will sync back to the Google account, which will sync back to the PC courtesy of CompanionLink.

Let’s hope Google Sync supports Symbian 3.

How to Sync the Samsung Fascinate with Outlook

Posted on by Andy Sheragy
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The Android-powered Samsung Fascinate is the last of the Galaxy S Series phones to launch in the US, and is available now on Verizon.

Many new owners will be looking for ways to sync the Samsung Fascinate with Outlook and other PC contact-managers. Google provides the free Google Calendar Sync tool to sync the primary Outlook calendar with a Google account. The Fascinate can then be easily configured to automatically keep its calendar in sync with the Google account.

For users looking for a more powerful sync solution for the Samsung Fascinate, CompanionLink offers two options: Direct USB sync and wireless sync through Google.

CompanionLink’s Google sync software can sync Outlook contacts, calendar and tasks to any Google, Gmail, or Google Apps account, which then automatically syncs with the Fascinate. For an even more powerful sync option, CompanionLink’s USB sync with the Fascinate can sync contacts, calendar, tasks and notes from Outlook, Lotus Notes, ACT!, Palm Desktop, and other PC software. USB Sync works in conjunction with DejaOffice, a contact-management app suite that loads on the Samsung Fascinate. DejaOffice provides powerful features such as color-coded categories, advanced search & sort options, and multiple contacts and calendar display types.

CompanionLink’s sync solutions for the Samsung Fascinate start at $49.95. More information, and a 14-day free trial of the software are available at www.companionlink.com/galaxy

CompanionLink Supports Sync with Sage ACT! 2011

Posted on by Andy Sheragy
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Sync with Sage ACT! 2011CompanionLink supports two-way sync of Sage ACT! 2011 contacts, calendar activities, opportunities, to-dos, contact notes and histories with the latest smartphones and tablet devices. For a one-time cost of $69.95, you can a have complete, two-way sync system set up for your ACT! database.

Sage ACT! 2011 introduces a built-in sync feature with Outlook contacts and calendar. We encourage you to try that. If your needs for Outlook sync demand more, CompanionLink has offered a solution for the past 10 years — supporting Outlook 2000 and higher (including Outlook 2010 32- and 64-bit). CompanionLink can handle many fringe cases — recurring appointments, appointments with exceptions, etc.

Plus, CompanionLink offers free technical support. For more information and to download a free 14-day trial, visit www.companionlink.com/act

Sync the Samsung Epic 4G with Outlook

Posted on by Andy Sheragy
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The Samsung Epic 4G, a Galaxy S series phone running Android 2.1, is available today on Sprint. CompanionLink supports two-way sync of Microsoft Outlook calendar, contacts, tasks and notes with the Samsung Epic 4G direct via USB. CompanionLink also supports Samsung Epic 4G sync with other PC applications, such as IBM Lotus Notes, Palm Desktop, and Sage ACT!.

USB Sync with the Epic 4G works in conjunction with DejaOffice, a contact manager apps suite for Android. DejaOffice provides the Epic 4G with robust contacts, calendar, tasks and notes apps to manage appointments and schedules on the go. Changes made on the phone will sync back to the PC with CompanionLink. CompanionLink’s sync software for the Samsung Epic 4G starts at $39.95. More information and a 14-day free trial of the software is available at www.companionlink.com/galaxy.

Sync the Dell Aero with your PC

Posted on by Andy Sheragy
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The latest Android phone to launch in the US is the lightweight Dell Aero. The Aero offers business professionals a compact device that’s easy to carry anywhere. With CompanionLink, users can sync the Dell Aero with Outlook, Palm Desktop, Lotus Notes, ACT!, and other PC contact managers. CompanionLink’s sync with the Aero allows users to sync, view and edit contacts, calendar, tasks and notes right from the device. Changes made on the Aero will sync back to the PC.

CompanionLink offers two methods to sync with the Dell Aero – direct USB sync and wireless sync through Google. USB sync with the Aero works with DejaOffice, CompanionLink’s suite of contacts, calendar, tasks and notes apps for Android. For more info on CompanionLink’s sync solutions for the Dell Aero, and to download a 14-day free trial, visit www.companionlink.com/phones/dell-aero.html

Use CompanionLink with Gmail's new phone call features

Posted on by Rushang
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Gmail now has voice calling functionality. You can call any standard telephone number right within Gmail. If you have your contact information stored in Gmail, calling a contact is as easy as just clicking on their Contact record. Small businesses can save hundreds on their phone bills if they use this feature to place calls to people in their Contact List.

The catch is that managing Contacts in Gmail can be cumbersome. Many small businesses use PC software like Microsoft Outlook to manage their contacts and phone numbers. If only there were a way to continue managing contacts on the PC, while having Gmail automatically receive those changes.

Wait – that’s the whole point of CompanionLink for Google!  It will keep your PC software (like Outlook) in sync with your Gmail Contacts. Update a phone number in Outlook and it will automatically update in Gmail.

This tool allows small businesses to take full advantage of their PC contact management software along with Gmail’s new phone call features. For more info on how it all works, and to try it free for 14 days, visit www.companionlink.com/google

CompanionLink and BlackBerry Desktop Software 6

Posted on by Andy Sheragy
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Last week, RIM released the new Version 6 of their BlackBerry Desktop Software, used to synchronize BlackBerry devices via a USB cable with Compatible PC software. CompanionLink extends support to many other PC applications by functioning as an add-in within the BlackBerry Desktop software. The problem is that upon release of Blackberry Desktop Software 6, all 3rd party add-in support was seemingly non-existent. Many users reported problems with a wide variety of add-ins, not just CompanionLink. The problem was further aggravated by the fact that uninstalling version 6 and reverting back to (stable) version 5 still left add-in support broken.

We have been working tirelessly since the release of the Blackberry Desktop Software 6 find a fix for the many users who depend on CompanionLink to sync their PC data to their BlackBerry devices. Our development team deserves a high-five for their tenacity, as we are proud to announce the immediate availability of the CompanionLink 4 BETA (build 4007) with support for BlackBerry Desktop Software 6.

To learn more and download the beta, visit www.companionlink.com/bb6

The Motorola DROID 2 is here – Sync the DROID 2 with Outlook using CompanionLink

Posted on by Andy Sheragy
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The Motorola DROID 2, available today, is the next big Android phone to land here in the US. It follows on the heels of the original Motorola DROID, one of the top selling Android devices thus far. New owners looking to sync the DROID 2 with their PCs have few options. Google provides the free Google Calendar Sync tool to sync the primary Outlook calendar with any Google account. The Motorola DROID 2 has built-in support to sync contacts and calendar with a Google account through its wireless data connection. However, this solution is limited to only the primary Outlook calendar, and no support for contacts or other data types, such as tasks and notes.

CompanionLink offers two ways to sync the DROID 2 with Outlook – wired USB sync and wireless sync through Google. CompanionLink’s wireless sync via Google supports two-way sync of contacts and calendar, and offers the ability to sync multiple Outlook folders. CompanionLink can also sync Outlook tasks to the Google calendar as untimed entries. CompanionLink’s USB sync with DROID 2 works in conjuction with an Android app called DejaOffice. DejaOffice is a contact manager application suite with modules for contacts, calendar, tasks and notes, with support for advanced features such as categories. Outlook data will sync to the DejaOffice business apps for the DROID 2.

CompanionLink’s sync solutions for the DROID 2 start at $39.95. Free technical support is included. More information, along with a 14-day free trial of the software can be found at www.companionlink.com/droid2

DejaOffice 1.6.2 Released

Posted on by Andy Sheragy
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CompanionLink is proud to announce DejaOffice 1.6.2 for Android. DejaOffice, a suite of contacts, calendar, tasks and notes apps for Android, adds the following new productivity features in version 1.6.2:

  • Create and edit recurring calendar events on the device
  • Full integration with the native Android contacts and calendar apps with specific account selection
  • Tap-and-hold context menus to access on-the-fly search, sort and display options
  • Audible calendar and task alarms using the Android notification system
  • Faster internal sync process
  • Full support for Android 2.2 “Froyo”

Read the full press release here, then get DejaOffice free in the Android Market. Visit www.dejaoffice.com for more info.

CompanionLink 4.0 improves PC to smartphone sync

Posted on by Rushang
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CompanionLink 4.0 is now available. The new version improves on CompanionLink’s best-selling product line by adding:

– new visual interface
– refined de-duplication engine that works with data fields on the latest devices
– Microsoft Outlook 2010 support (both 32-bit and 64-bit)
– new licensing system based on email address; allows easy switching between PCs

CompanionLink for Google 4.0 — $39.95
Allows sync from Outlook or Palm Desktop to any Google, Gmail or Google Apps account. Sync happens over-the-air.

CompanionLink USB 4.0 — $39.95
Allows sync from Outlook or Palm Desktop directly to Android or Palm webOS devices using USB cable. Secure and fast exchange of data without going through Google.

CompanionLink Express 4.0 — $69.95
Allows sync from ACT!, Lotus Notes, GoldMine, and GroupWise to phones or Google.

CompanionLink Pro 4.0 — $129.95
Includes everything the Express version has plus advanced CRM-like features such as Opportunity sync, support for multiple data sources, and an optional wireless sync subscription.

All prices are one-time charges. Technical support by phone and email are included at no extra cost.

BlackBerry Desktop Manager support for Outlook 2010 32/64-bit

Posted on by Rushang
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RIM announced they will support Outlook 2010 32-bit some time in August 2010.  They will release support for Outlook 2010 64-bit in 2011.

BlackBerry owners who need to sync their Outlook contacts, calendar, tasks and notes rely on BlackBerry Desktop Manager to do this.  People looking for an immediate solution can use CompanionLink Express.  It supports both Outlook 2010 32 and 64 bit.  In addition to Outlook, CompanionLink can sync from other PC software like Palm Desktop, Lotus Notes, GroupWise, ACT! by Sage and Goldmine.  CompanionLink Express costs $49.95, one-time, and comes with free phone support.

Alternatively, CompanionLink also develops a $9.99 product called O2g, which will sync Outlook to your Google account.  The Google Sync service (offered by Google) will then sync Google Contacts and Calendar over-the-air with BlackBerry devices.