[kfh227]

Can someone explain:
1) exactly what the problem is with Outlook.
2) Is there a work around
3) bonus: how many purchasers are probably affected by this?

[QWKSNKE]

Can someone explain:
1) exactly what the problem is with Outlook.
2) Is there a work around
3) bonus: how many purchasers are probably affected by this?

1) For me, i can no longer sync my calendar from my work computer to my personal device (if I purchased a Z10) Others have the same issue with contacts
2) supposedly there is a 50.00 (u.s.) app that can resolve
3) i would say a lot (thousands)

[kfh227]

Wow, this is bad.

Has bbry acknowledged this? Are they fixing it?

[joeldf]

Wow, this is bad.

Has bbry acknowledged this? Are they fixing it?

Yes they have. They posted a tweet (or something like that) that someone screen-capped and posted in several of the existing threads about this that they are working on a fix for "later this year".

That gives them a full 10 months to ignore the issue and hope it goes away.

[Rooster99]

Yes they have. They posted a tweet (or something like that) that someone screen-capped and posted in several of the existing threads about this that they are working on a fix for "later this year". ...

Could you provide a link to that screen cap? I've seen lots of messages stating Blackberry was working on this, but have not seen any kind of docummented proof such as you describe. There has been no word from Blackbeery that I have seen, and I have spent hours on this topic here and at blackberry.com. The only official acknowledgement I have seen of this issue is from Blai1e and Kevin, with Bla1ze stating Crackberry is looking into it and Kevin stating he would check with Blackberry themselves.

Thanks - R.

[Rooster99]

1) For me, i can no longer sync my calendar from my work computer to my personal device (if I purchased a Z10) Others have the same issue with contacts
2) supposedly there is a 50.00 (u.s.) app that can resolve
3) i would say a lot (thousands)

Sorry, but not completely true. People can sync, but it seems to be only those with BES/Exchange or those using a cloud service like Google, Outlook.com, etc. as a conduit. That leaves out a lot of smaller businesses, most of the self employed, those using it for personal use, anyone unwilling to store all their PIM data in the cloud (or sync through it) etc. What is missing from BB10 was available with earlier OS versions using Desktop Manager - a full sync from desktop Outlook running POP3 accounts to the Blackbeery using - and this is the key - a USB cable.

Just for clarity in case others read this.If the OP had used the Search function and searched for Outlook they would have found all this quite easily.

- R.

[berryaddictnoza]

The Outlook sync issue is really an BlackBerry Link issue.
BlackBerry Link (desktop software) is currently not capable of local (USB) syncing of mail, contacts, calendar, tasks, or notes (er, with BB10, remember) to the Outlook desktop client like the old BlackBerry Desktop Manager could.
This issue DOES NOT pertain to people using BES/ Corporate servers (They don't rely on BlackBerry Link).
The issue IS NOT transferring data from our old phones to BB10 phones (BlackBery Link does this)
The issue IS NOT backing up data from the BB10 phone (BlackBerry Link does this too)
The issue IS NOT setting up an Outlook email account on the BB10 phone.
You CAN sync your Calendar and Contacts (and maybe Remember?) on a BB10 through an Outlook mail account to your Outlook desktop (you'll need to install the Outlook/ Hotmail connector on your Outlook desktop if it's 2010 or older).
There are a few of us that use Outlook desktop and need to local sync (with USB or Wi-Fi, NOT through the cloud) data between the two.

Known solutions;
-If security is not an issue, syncing the BB10 through an Outlook.com account to your Outlook desktop client.
-supposedly in May, 3rd party app, Companion Link will be fully functional.
-supposedly by the end of the year, BlackBerry Link is going to support syncing to the Outlook desktop client.
-Keep your current legacy BBOS phone, or if you need a new phone buy a pre BB10 legacy BBOS phone and use BlackBerry Desktop Manager instead of BlackBerry Link.

All, please feel free to add to, correct, or let us know anything new.

[kfh227]

... nevermind

[berryaddictnoza]

Hey, Stewartj1 found this, details of how to sync through an Outlook account; How to sync Outlook information with Blackberry Z10 | Geek Squad

[berryaddictnoza]

Another link for a how to sync through an Outlook account from inside BlackBerry; How to set up Outlook to wirelessly synchronize your contacts and calendar with a BlackBerry Z10 smartphone «Inside BlackBerry - The Official BlackBerry Blog

[joeldf]

Could you provide a link to that screen cap? I've seen lots of messages stating Blackberry was working on this, but have not seen any kind of docummented proof such as you describe. There has been no word from Blackbeery that I have seen, and I have spent hours on this topic here and at blackberry.com. The only official acknowledgement I have seen of this issue is from Blai1e and Kevin, with Bla1ze stating Crackberry is looking into it and Kevin stating he would check with Blackberry themselves.

Thanks - R.

I'm on the mobile beta theme version of the site, so I can't see post numbers, but it's in the thread asking Kevin to ask about the outlook thing:

Direct question to Kevin or RIM/Blackberry re Outlook desktop sync

It's the 5th page in (on my phone), a 5:53 pm post by "currentodysseys" on Feb 9.

[berryaddictnoza]

... nevermind

Nothing against you, I was just aggressively defining the issue.
This really is an issue with BlackBerry Link, I'll edit my post above defining this.

[PJD642]

I'm dreaming here, but what I'd really like to see, since BB has work to do on Link anyway, is for them to create an integral calendar/notes/contacts/etc. management system, akin to the old Palm desktop. Remove the necessity of 3rd party software - no outlook or whatever else people are using, give me a BB calendar that I can color code different appointments on, that has the exact same set of categories as contacts so things don't get switched or not copy across, lets me backup and create tasks & notes, and syncs everything via USB or wifi with my phone. THAT is what I'd like to see. I really expected this would have come about by now, considering BB has traditionally been known as a business phone and it seems to follow that BB would support business peoples' need for organization, scheduling & the like. They've had DM for a long time, with the ability to sync to outside resources...so why not add the functionality to DM (and now Link) and remove the need for anything outside?

[ashleegabriel]

Wow, this is bad.

Has bbry acknowledged this? Are they fixing it?

Hoping they get this fixed sooner or later, before we start shifting away from these Blackberry smart phones....

[Rooster99]

I'm on the mobile beta theme version of the site, so I can't see post numbers, but it's in the thread asking Kevin to ask about the outlook thing:

Direct question to Kevin or RIM/Blackberry re Outlook desktop sync

It's the 5th page in (on my phone), a 5:53 pm post by "currentodysseys" on Feb 9.

Much appreciated - somehoe I missed an entire page of that thread, and I'm the OP on it! Would still prefer something a little more official than a single anonymous tweet.

- R.

[katesbb]

Hoping they get this fixed sooner or later, before we start shifting away from these Blackberry smart phones....

Is it a "bug" or an intentional design ommission that isn't coming back?

Ashame, as I wanted to try and get/keep my office coworkers back to BBs, but they all synch with their desktop Outlooks. So unless this is changed, their exodus to iPhones will continue as their BBOS devices wear out.

[WRA]

The Outlook syncing of calendars, contacts etc. is a big issue for me as well and as we use Exchange Server with activesync should be able to solve that problem next week with our IT person.
I have a problem with Blackberry link software connecting properly to my new Dell desktop-discovered it is an Intel USB problem. In trying to find a work around the USB problem decided to connect the Z10 by pairing with Bluetooth. Set up Z10 as a Device in Windows 8 (Printers and Devices) and linked with laptop-screen on laptop gave me 2 options.

1. Send File which works fine to send a file from your laptop/desktop directly to Z10 by BlueTooth-a message comes up on Z10 asking whether you want to receive the file-file transfers worked to the Z10 without problems.

2nd Option is to "Synchroni.ze PIM Data with Phone Book Access" With this service you can synchronize your contacts and other PIM data between PC and a Bluetooth device. Please click the link to start.

When I click the link you get the opportunity to find a file and save as a PIM Backup file. (*.pim) . What is the intent of this 2nd option using a Bluetooth link to the Z10? If we somehow convert the Outlook data files *.pst/*.ost files will they back up and sync to the Z10 as the 2nd option states??

I got another pleasant surprise tonight as I am getting my Outlook Contact list reduced in size to use outlook.com suggestions as a temporary fix-(won't sync and will remove data from cloud once I get it on the Z10) turned my laptop on and the Blackberry Link software automatically linked to the Z10 by Bluetooth-moved files, documents etc. to test it and syncs great. I love the Z10-its an absolutely incredible phone and I won't be giving it up even with the Outlook sync issues. Is there any further work-around with the 2nd option stated above??

[berryaddictnoza]

I'm dreaming here, but what I'd really like to see, since BB has work to do on Link anyway, is for them to create an integral calendar/notes/contacts/etc. management system, akin to the old Palm desktop. Remove the necessity of 3rd party software - no outlook or whatever else people are using, give me a BB calendar that I can color code different appointments on, that has the exact same set of categories as contacts so things don't get switched or not copy across, lets me backup and create tasks & notes, and syncs everything via USB or wifi with my phone. THAT is what I'd like to see. I really expected this would have come about by now, considering BB has traditionally been known as a business phone and it seems to follow that BB would support business peoples' need for organization, scheduling & the like. They've had DM for a long time, with the ability to sync to outside resources...so why not add the functionality to DM (and now Link) and remove the need for anything outside?

I posted a question on Crackberry a few years ago if people wanted a desktop manager like you outline here, the only response I got back was the crickets chirping in the background I was thinking it was good idea! Now that I've got Outlook and BlackBerry Desktop Manager running good (they used to conspire together to routinely freeze and/or crash my last computer running Vista), I'd be happy to just be able to sync to Outlook with BB10. and other than setting up sync in BB link, it's ready to go. It would be nice if BlackBerry Link could sync to Thunderbird too, so people would have some choices.

[berryaddictnoza]

Is it a "bug" or an intentional design ommission that isn't coming back?

Ashame, as I wanted to try and get/keep my office coworkers back to BBs, but they all synch with their desktop Outlooks. So unless this is changed, their exodus to iPhones will continue as their BBOS devices wear out.

iPhones do currently USB sync through iTunes to Outlook desktop client, but a few people here have posted that Apple is dropping that in the newest iTunes update.

[lcjr]

I have Outlook 2010, a laptop, a Playbook, and a Bold 9930. My Playbook syncs the outllok.com email, contacts, and calendar perfectly. it's just the Bold 9930 that won't sync with the outlook.com or hotmail calendar. Very frustrating after trying everything I can think of. The most helpful advice I've gotten so far was to sync using the desktop manager, but that defeats the purpose of having updated information on the go. I'm not happy.

[tbkfan]

The solution is in the cloud. Go on though and keep resisting change. I hope that resisting change serves you "Small Business" users well in other respects too.

There are plenty of cloud solutions at very affordable prices (a lot that are free in fact) for "Small Business" users who can't afford BES and Exchange Servers of their own. I am a "Small Business" owner who uses Office365 and can't say enough good about it.

What's all the worry about security and privacy of cloud services anyways??? What? Like the PC running in your little office is Fort Knox??? I am sure that you have things locked down far better than what Microsoft or Google or BlackBerry would be able to provide for you.

This is not a BlackBerry problem. All providers are moving everything to the cloud. But keep running your business with windows xp and a fax machine. Your competitors are going to leave you in the dust.

Just my take...


Posted using CrackBerry App on BB10

[Rooster99]

The solution is in the cloud. Go on though and keep resisting change. I hope that resisting change serves you "Small Business" users well in other respects too.

There are plenty of cloud solutions at very affordable prices (a lot that are free in fact) for "Small Business" users who can't afford BES and Exchange Servers of their own. I am a "Small Business" owner who uses Office365 and can't say enough good about it.

What's all the worry about security and privacy of cloud services anyways??? What? Like the PC running in your little office is Fort Knox??? I am sure that you have things locked down far better than what Microsoft or Google or BlackBerry would be able to provide for you.

This is not a BlackBerry problem. All providers are moving everything to the cloud. But keep running your business with windows xp and a fax machine. Your competitors are going to leave you in the dust.

Just my take...


Posted using CrackBerry App on BB10

I wasn't going to reply, but ... Every ... Single ... Point you made has been responded to with rational explanations in this and other threads on this issue. If you truly had an open mind you would have read them and then perhaps not wasted your time demonstrating your own rigidity.

For you, the cloud works. Great - I'm happy for you. For me, and the others who have addressed the points you made already, it doesn't. BlackBerry had the USB sync before, and it was removed with no warning, no workaround provided, and except for a single semi-anonymous and unofficial tweet, no response or acknowledgement from RIM. So we're not happy and these threads are our way of protesting. If Blackberry cares about its customers, the threads on this issue could also be its tool for measuring the impact of not continuing to deliver this capability. I believe the technical term is "customer feedback". Google it - you might learn something.

- R.

[tbkfan]

And I have read all of the arguments... and yes I probably did waste my time posting here....

Windows XP and a fax machine... dust...


Posted using CrackBerry App on BB10

[b320]

For you, the cloud works. Great - I'm happy for you. For me, and the others who have addressed the points you made already, it doesn't. BlackBerry had the USB sync before, and it was removed with no warning, no workaround provided, and except for a single semi-anonymous and unofficial tweet, no response or acknowledgement from RIM. So we're not happy and these threads are our way of protesting. If Blackberry cares about its customers, the threads on this issue could also be its tool for measuring the impact of not continuing to deliver this capability. I believe the technical term is "customer feedback". Google it - you might learn something.

This has essentially been discussed to death in other threads and we're really heading into the spreading-FUD territory.

Let me quote from Direct question to Kevin or RIM/Blackberry re Outlook desktop sync (yellow highlight added):

... There IS a fix: wait for BlackBerry to add USB sync. It is not supported right now. BlackBerry has already indicated that it will be supported.* No amount of complaining will make USB sync appear in BlackBerry Link 1.0 as the functionality is simply not there. I would hazard a guess and say that it's also NOT in the BlackBerry 10 launch software.

BlackBerry carefully chose the features that are supported by BlackBerry 10 and its accompanying software for the launch. They needed to launch. (See all the posts about people waiting months, years, decades, centuries and BlackBerry is so horrible to make them wait). BlackBerry decided to launch with as full of a features as possible given the constraints. That appears to have worked. Only time will tell for sure.

I'm going to cut in here and say that BlackBerry did NOT lie nor MISLEAD about this. BlackBerry 10 launched January 30, 2013. Release documentation was posted on or right around January 30, 2013. BlackBerry clearly stated that this feature is not there and did not imply otherwise. This is NOT a case of vaporware that's SO common in the tech industry.

... Whatever *my opinion* is on this right now, this is the current situtation: If you *must* adopt BlackBerry 10 and *must* have USB sync and *must* not use the cloud, then your options are as follows:
- buy your devices now and wait
- use third party software
- change your plan

If you have legitimate security considerations, then you must be accustomed to using a wait-and-see approach frequently. Would you adopt a brand new release of Microsoft Office or let alone Windows? Probably not. You probably not only heard of but follow the "let's wait for Service Pack 1" rule rather than adopt a first release version.

* Not officially though as BlackBerry is wisely choosing not to comment on future features just as Apple does.

Let's bring back the conversation to that thread as it deals with this exact same topic with a lot more substantive discussion. Let's not reinvent the wheel. Feel free to agree, disagree or anything in between with me and others there.

[Rooster99]

... Release documentation was posted on or right around January 30, 2013. BlackBerry clearly stated that this feature is not there ...

I, and many others missed any statement by Blackberry that this feature was missing. It seemed to catch Blai1ze and Kevin by surprise as well. Could you post the documentation or a link to it?

TIA - R.