Google Sync Comes to iPhone, Windows Mobile, SyncML Phones

Google Sync works two ways, so you can make changes on your mobile device or desktop and have it sync to the other device wirelessly. Interestingly, Google licensed Microsoft's ActiveSync protocol in order to create this product. Strange bedfellows, eh?

SyncML phones can only sync contacts, but it's still a two-way sync. A few caveats:

• Google Sync will replace all existing contacts and calendar information on your phone, so you should back up any important data before you get started.

• If you're a Google Apps user, Google Sync must be enabled for your domain by your administrator.

Although currently only syncing contacts and calendar, this places MobileMe into the uncomfortable position of competing with Google Sync and Microsoft's My Phone, both of which are free, though not offering as much as MobileMe when compared to the $99 / year service.

Still, contacts and calendar are probably the most important things to sync to a mobile device; we'll see what Apple's response is to this (if any).