Microsoft in the clear to add Google CalDAV support to Windows Phone
Summary: Even though Google is dropping support for the CalDAV sync interface later this year, it looks like Microsoft is among those developers 'whitelisted' to work with it.
Google's surprise announcement on March 13 that it is shutting down support for the CalDAV application programming interface (API) seemingly isn't going to set back Microsoft's plans to incorporate support for Google's calendar syncing protocol.
At the end of January 2013, Microsoft and Google came to a last-minute agreement to extend Google's support of Google Sync, which is built on Microsoft's Exchange ActiveSync, until July 31 -- instead of terminating it by the end of January, 2013, as previously announced. In the interim, Microsoft would build support into the Windows Phone operating system for CalDAV and CardDAV, the Google calendar and contacts sync protocols, the companies announced.
Yesterday, however, Google announced CalDAV API support was being discontinued on September 16, 2013, with the Google Calendar API becoming the CalDAV replacement. However, according to Google's blog post on the topic, some unnamed "whitelisted" developers would be able to continue to use CalDAV.
Google's CalDAV page already lists the API as being "deprecated." A note on the page adds "If you think you have a compelling use case and would like to be whitelisted for the new version of CalDAV API, please fill out this form."
I asked Microsoft officials if the Windows Phone team was among the whitelisted developers. No word back so far.
Google, however, confirmed this will not impact the agreement with Microsoft and that the Softies will still be able to implement CalDav support on Windows Phone.
The Windows team is not going to be adding CardDAV or CalDAV support for users who are trying to connect to a Google account via Mail/Calendar/People after January 30. Here's Microsoft's guidance as to how these users can sync their Google accounts with Windows 8 and Windows RT.
Microsoft officials haven't said how the company will update the Windows Phone 7.x or 8 operating systems to include support for CalDAV. Microsoft is believed to be working on a new minor update to its Windows Phone 8 operating system, known internally as GDR2 -- which may be ready this summer -- which could possibly include the support.
Kick off your day with ZDNet's daily email newsletter. It's the freshest tech news and opinion, served hot. Get it.
Talkback
What the heck
good, there is choice
It's Google's choice to shut down services that don't provide enough data mining for them.
But, what is interesting is Microsoft's position. Are they intending to support CalDAV in their products, or not?
I don't get it
Re: I don't get it
iOS CalDAV
I have problems with where Google is going with this
About face...
So which is it? Are open protocols good or bad? Are proprietary protocols good or bad?
I guess the answer is, as long as it is Google's own proprietary protocol, it is better than an open protocol, but an open protocol is better than a near industry standard, if it comes from Microsoft...
That's why enterprise don't give a sh** about Google.
Exactly
All of Google's services should be considered a beta.
Make up your mind Google?
Make a decision and stuck with it for pete's sake.
So they cut EAS because its proprietary and say go CALDAV its open
Lack of Windows 8/RT support
Furthermore, one of my accounts affected is an Apps account for work. Google said they'd still support EAS for Apps customers. Guess not.
For my personal email, I could switch over to Outlook, but none of this wants me want to run with open arms to Microsoft just because they won't do CalDAV on Windows 8/RT. As for work email, tough luck I guess.
The upside is that the mail and calendar apps are so awful on Windows 8/RT that I don't use them anyway. It's just annoying to be a Microsoft and Google user in this situation, not being able to use the products/services as intended. I feel like I'm a kid stuck in the middle of a messy divorce.