Exactly one month ago, to the day, we reported on a major bug in Windows Phone 8 that had to do with Google IMAP syncing. One solution to the problem was to use Exchange ActiveSync, in fact we even posted a step-by-step guide for setting it up. Unfortunately Google has announced they are getting rid of this feature in their “winter cleaning” session. So what does this mean for Windows Phone users?
First of all, if you already have ActiveSync set up you won’t be affected by the change. The only people who will really be victims to this is anyone who wants to start using ActiveSync after January 30th. When you initially set up a Google account you have the option for “Email only” or “Email, contacts, and calendar.” The former uses IMAP, while the latter uses ActiveSync. So yeah, this is a kick in the butt. New users will no longer be able to set up their accounts the second way. Meaning no contacts or calendar syncing.
This move is likely Google’s way of saying “use our stuff or we don’t want you.” The ecosystem war could be about to really heat up. If Google continues to make it difficult to use their services on other platforms you will either have to buy in or switch to something like Outlook. Speaking of Outlook, it has never looked so good. Now is a perfect time to make the switch over to Microsoft’s very nice email service. Clearly Google does not want you.
Update info via WPCentral
