Google has confirmed that it will allow Windows Phones to access Google Sync services for an additional six months, ending on July 31st.
Put simply, the company identified its app as redundant, as RIM provides the same contact and calendar sync services to its customers with native software.
ENGADGET: Google Sync for BlackBerry swept away in spring cleaning
Last week's Switched On discussed Lala.com's introduction of free music locker services that sync directly to the iPod (and only the iPod).
Ford has done well to encourage developers to tailor their services for Ford SYNC, courting them by releasing a free API, and maintaining the apps fundamentally just need to run on the iPhone.
SYNC's new suite of services allows customers the ability to integrate with off-board services and provide a personalized infotainment experience to the driver by utilizing the customer's own phone.
ENGADGET: Sync adds turn-by-turn, traffic reports for some 2010 Fords
In the future, finding a way to sync and manage photos among a variety of photo services from iPhoto to Picasa seems a natural next step.
"Ford is unique because we continue to build on the power of the SYNC system that lets customers connect to off-board services through their own mobile devices, " said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford's Connected Services Organization.
ENGADGET: Sync adds turn-by-turn, traffic reports for some 2010 Fords
The heart of it will be a capabilities layer that includes content, services, applications, file sharing, backup, and sync.
Users want services optimized for their mobile phones, not just a PC sync experience.
Also in the spirit of spring cleaning, Google is encouraging users to uninstall the Sync app and properly configure their BlackBerry handsets to take advantage of these services.
ENGADGET: Google Sync for BlackBerry swept away in spring cleaning
First launched in 2010, SYNC AppLink provides industry-leading voice command and control of mobile apps including popular services like Pandora personalized radio, Stitcher smart radio, NPR News, iHeartRadio digital radio and Scout personal navigation.
ENGADGET: Ford opens AppLink developer program, wants more apps with in-car voice control
The sound systems offer wireless streaming via Bluetooth technology, so it is easy to sync the systems to compatible devices and play music from CDs, USBs or streaming audio services.
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Lenovo is already partnering with SugarSync for backup and sync, has a deal with EMC to develop network storage, and expects to offer Google services as well.
With the likes of Google, Nuance and Vlingo now offering mobile speech-recognition services for phones, and the development of entertainment systems and vehicle communication, such as Ford's Sync platform, Parakeet may be flying into a growing market.
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