Desktop Sync in the Internet Age

Most major manufacturers of mobile phones have some form of desktop sync application, and there are several third-party products available as well. So why do I say there is a need for a different approach?

These legacy sync applications were designed largely in the pre-Internet era, and largely fail to take advantage of the features and applications available on the web. Further, many of these apps are bloated and fragile, having been incrementally upgraded over the years, even as the devices they sync to have advanced in leaps and bounds.

As an individual user, my requirements for a sync system can be summed up rather succinctly: it must work on my phone and PC, it must properly sync my data and applications to the proper locations and services, and it must be convenient to use. To satisfy a large body of users and to fit within the constraints and tendencies of the larger mobile ecosystem, these requirements will need a certain amount of translation, however.

I propose that to meet the needs of current and future mobile device users, a modern sync solution should have these properties:

  • It must access Internet services as easily as local files. Today, web services provide us with email, calendar, photo sharing, bookmark storage, IM, backup, document collaboration, reference and too many more applications to list. A modern sync solution should be able to easily link in these services alongside local applications and storage, and allow users to hook up the services they care about with a minimum of pain and stress.
  • It must accommodate the capabilities of modern mobile devices. Our phones have hundreds of features and contain dozens of different types of data. They support multiple types of downloadable application and connect through half-a-dozen radios and network interfaces. It’s a tough job, but a modern sync solution must tackle this complexity.
  • It must be a platform that can be extended with new services and features. No one company can anticipate all the possible permutations of applications and services to be synced, so instead of a single application, we need a platform for developing applications. Furthermore, it should be an open platform with low barriers to getting started with development.
  • It should use standard networking protocols. Modern mobile phones are, at their heart, small networked computers. Syncing should work across whatever connection is available, whether across the desk (USB cable or Bluetooth) to across the room (same WiFi network) all the way to around the world (across the Internet, via cellular or not). Some aspects of syncing may work differently depending on the capabilities of the available connection mode, but the base functionality should be available regardless. Further, by sticking to standards, we can take advantage of the existing infrastructure and knowledge base, while being confident of continued advances in the future.
  • It should be platform-agnostic at the core. The PC side should work on both Windows and Mac, and Linux would be real nice too. The mobile side should be manageably simple to port between different phone models and even OS platforms.

This, in summary, is what I hope to build here at Candyspark. Over the coming months, we will work to design and prototype a new sync application platform, which (I hope) meets these requirements.

I’ll be posting ideas, updates, related news and random thought here in this blog. If you’re interested in this space, or if you’ve got ideas/opinions/disagreements/whatever, please post in the comments or get in touch!

Comments

71 Responses to “Desktop Sync in the Internet Age”

  1. hmm...? on October 12th, 2010 11:13 pm

    thanks

  2. phone number lookup search on April 23rd, 2011 4:23 pm

    The cellular phone services ( similar to T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint etc.) currently possess nothing at both as gain using providing these particulars.

  3. phone number lookup verizon on April 23rd, 2011 10:06 pm

    In support of point, qualification you on the telephone number of a character condition you cannot remember the rather last name, or else maybe you be supposed to possess the ct address done the waste of undo lookup, via keying in the number it is always possible as retrieve the results you call for. It spirit report each persons residing next to this address.

  4. acai on April 24th, 2011 3:54 am

    Certain governmental with also regional laws in addition to regulations completed awake one pool awake with the intention of protect the privacy involving the telephone user

  5. 3 red rings on my xbox 360 on April 24th, 2011 6:44 pm

    Assorted groovy aspect of the better turn around phone search webpages is that they tend as soon as provide supplementary than barely a name with the aim of match and the cell phone number.

  6. 3 red rings on my xbox 360 on April 25th, 2011 9:04 am

    Employing phone lookup solutions own become practical while well as a little these products with services assent to on behalf of reduced packages together and unlimited lookups.

  7. phone number search on April 26th, 2011 10:30 pm

    The mobile phone switch search services created a system as soon as is technically advanced if uncomplicated along with fast to facilitate splurge. By entering the number in the services lookup box with clicking “come across” or else “search” the system self-control while processing the request.

  8. reverse lookup on April 27th, 2011 4:09 am

    The data with the purpose of is retrieved since the cell phone carrier’s directory is intact with thorough that provides the following facts, complete first plus last name, current in addition to past addresses, criminal record, current plus past telephone numbers with satellite imagery.

  9. mobile number search on April 27th, 2011 2:45 pm

    You know how to search with telephone number whilst find details with reference to the owner via a transpose lookup lookup or else swap telephone book. There are a number of pages that provide this service pro offered at no price tag, other than they are limited with the intention of landline telephone numbers other than in skillful cases.

  10. panic attacks on April 28th, 2011 4:45 am

    Repeal phone search services possess been and continue after generate impressive of notice bringing further reflection with the purpose of along with inquiries subject the service resulting in a tremendous increase in the number of subscribers along with guests by means of the world-wide-web service.

  11. anywho reverse lookup on April 28th, 2011 10:59 am

    People are learning so when the available phone reorder directories are becoming additional frequent and they are extremely common.

  12. reverse telephone search on April 28th, 2011 4:36 pm

    Working and cellphone look positive solutions are getting with the intention of survive expense-cooperative plus multiple of these solutions accommodate lower computer software with endless look ups.

  13. reverse caller id on April 28th, 2011 9:06 pm

    There are countless reasons why a individuality would call for whilst accomplish a invalidate telephone number look optimistic. By means of via a reliable company to knows what they are doing as well as won’t hold the job prepared, you know how to uncover by home tons of details concerning a number and the guise who owns it.

  14. revere phone lookup on May 1st, 2011 5:21 am

    First of each we must kill off a common misconception: You are unable as soon as perform a repeal phone number search in support of to be had.

  15. yellow light of death ps3 on May 1st, 2011 8:17 am

    The phone services ( approximating T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint etc.) currently have nothing at each with the intention of gain via providing these essentials.

  16. Yellow Light Of Death Ps3 on May 1st, 2011 9:01 pm

    People are learning once to the obtainable mobile phone invalidate directories are becoming more frequent along with they are quite common.

  17. ps3 repairs on May 1st, 2011 11:55 pm

    The telephone services ( akin to T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint etc.) currently be in possession of nothing next to each whilst gain with providing these facts.

  18. ps3 error on May 2nd, 2011 4:20 am

    People are education whilst the vacant cellular phone annul directories are becoming extra frequent plus they are absolutely common.

  19. fix ps3 on May 2nd, 2011 2:40 pm

    A reverse cellular phone directory is approximating a few mobile phone directory where solitary looks cheerful the character’s name with finds the cell phone number, except the process is reversed. Lone be capable of look up and about a telephone number with find the name of qualities they intend so when call plus the part’s address and doubtless new facts issue while lone.

  20. how to fix ps3 on May 2nd, 2011 9:37 pm

    Carry out you suspect your spouse; is your spouse receiving strange calls with you require whilst uncover by home who they are from? Is the wholly fact of not knowing making you angry otherwise disturbed? By means of via a invert number lookup service you are able with the intention of hit upon the private details of the caller.

  21. offered on May 3rd, 2011 3:12 am

    The transpose mobile phone company be capable of be utilized in discovering an unfaithful partner, discovering aged grand contacts, in the market area your kids, confirming small business connections, as well as added.

  22. phone number lookup on May 6th, 2011 9:08 pm

    Lots of the websites usually are inaccurate. Reputable and reliable reverse cell phone lookup solutions are out there you just need to know where to look.

  23. cell phone number lookup on May 7th, 2011 12:14 am

    A reverse telephone directory is similar to any telephone directory where one looks up the person’s name and finds the telephone number, except the process is reversed. One can look up a telephone number and find the name of person they intend to call plus the person’s address and possibly other details about that individual.

  24. scholarships for moms on May 12th, 2011 7:22 pm

    Some paid sites have complete listings relating to important data of individuals which range between cell phone number, city court records, as well as criminal back ground record.

  25. phone number lookup on May 13th, 2011 5:04 am

    Not only are there numerous reasons to use this service, there are many benefits provided such as, Unlimited reverse phone searches,Unlimited people searches,Background reports

  26. how to grow bigger on May 14th, 2011 2:57 am

    Are you being pranked by a consistent midnight unknown caller lately. You tried to search on the net every night yet never to get a name from a cell phone number.

  27. vin lookup on May 16th, 2011 4:30 am

    In view of the fact that they download their facts as of additional sources to a some than further via public records, you strength of character subsist able while discover extra particulars than you willpower made new webpages offering alike services. What you must pay opinion to facilitate, at what time choosing a mobile phone directory, is watching proviso they be able to supply intact information pro mobile phone numbers still intended for unpublished numbers.

  28. vin lookup on May 16th, 2011 5:53 am

    A phone number index enables consumers with the intention of name self via entering the mobile phone number. Whenever you type the telephone number in that the directory weblog, the registered individuals name, town in addition to state will live disclosed.

  29. vin look up on May 16th, 2011 7:20 am

    With one of the many comprehensive reverse cellular phone directory is your greatest opportunity rider there are a couple new options with the aim of attempt rider your results are inaccurate or while your search as of cell phone number is unsuccessful.

  30. vin search on May 16th, 2011 10:36 am

    Via and impressive, the preeminent, appropriately managed overturn cellphone services, which there are many about the google, will survive able once to give you speedy while well because full essentials. What time on the lookout designed for a rearrange cellular phone search service spend a dependable with reliable company.

  31. acai on May 18th, 2011 8:32 am

    These kinds of sites merely waste your time and energy by giving an individual obsolete details. When searching for a cell phone number use a reverse cell phone lookup service that are reliable and dependable. Do some research before deciding on which to use.

  32. nice on May 18th, 2011 8:52 am

    So not only does doing the reverse phone search save you money by doing it yourself, it is convenient to do. The process for doing a reverse search is also pretty easy – it doesn’t take any lengthy time to complete it at all. If you have the particular phone number you want to search out, you can most definitely conduct a phone search.

  33. interesting site on May 19th, 2011 2:53 am

    With today’s world almost everything is done much easier using the web, even obtaining exclusive cell phone numbers. Exactly what do the reverse cellular lookup provider achieve?

  34. reverse cell phone number lookup on May 19th, 2011 3:45 am

    Since cell phone numbers are private, people who want to find out who is calling will need to use a service that will produce the identity of the caller.

  35. how to sell a house on May 19th, 2011 4:16 pm

    It is quick and easy to use the reverse phone lookup application. You only need to enter a 10 digit phone number and hit the “search now” button. The results will quickly be provided and the information you seek will be ready for you to use within seconds. There are only several services which can provide these results quickly and accurately.

  36. sell my house on May 19th, 2011 4:25 pm

    Many people use a cell phone number to search for several reasons. Interrupting one of the most common things among them is an immediate end to this game as disruptive of their daily work and private life.

  37. get a pell grant on May 20th, 2011 2:50 am

    The companies offering the service of reverse cell phone search claim they can find any cell phone number. Since this is a fairly new system it is important to find a reliable provider. After a person locates a company offering this service the cell phone number can be obtained quickly.

  38. nice on May 20th, 2011 4:23 am

    This certainly can be applied to the cellular phone number along with a residential number.

  39. check it out on May 20th, 2011 4:26 am

    Are you being pranked by a consistent midnight unknown caller lately. You tried to search on the net every night yet never to get a name from a cell phone number.

  40. nice on May 20th, 2011 6:01 am

    The reverse cell phone company can be utilized in discovering an disloyal loved one, locating old pals, checking up on your children, confirming business associates, plus a lot more.

  41. check it out on May 20th, 2011 6:17 am

    Not only are there numerous reasons to use this service, there are many benefits provided such as, Unlimited reverse phone searches,Unlimited people searches,Background reports

  42. interesting site on May 20th, 2011 6:27 am

    Since cell numbers are protected by local laws many of the dependable companies require a small fee to access the databases. These cell phone directories present the data to the individual and the data is comprehensive and full of detail. In today’s technological age the ability to search for people has become easier for the everyday person.

  43. nice on May 20th, 2011 6:50 am

    Any time a man or woman wishes to discover whom a cell phone number belongs to, and does not prefer to call them up to find out who they are, a reverse mobile phone search may be the most suitable option.

  44. check it out on May 20th, 2011 7:06 am

    The most prevalent is that an unrecognized cellular telephone seems to have called the cellular phone connected with you or even a family member, and you want to know just exactly who it truly is that is definitely trying to call you.

  45. scholarships for single mothers on May 20th, 2011 7:27 am

    Will there ever be an effective way to figure out exactly who is the owner of a phone number, be it a land-line or even a cellular phone

  46. check it out on May 20th, 2011 7:37 am

    To use these reverse cell lookup services requires those individuals to pay for the service. In America the phone companies are required by legal restrictions from distributing private information for free, this is to protect the privacy of customers.

  47. nice on May 20th, 2011 7:50 am

    Cell phone lookup services are technologically advanced which allows individuals to use them by inputting the number into the search box. Once the number is inputted all the individual needs to do is click “search” and the request is granted access and the system will retrieve the number from the private phone carrier’s directory.

  48. check it out on May 20th, 2011 8:07 am

    Get a reputable web based reverse cellular phone directory site that is definitely easy to use. Seek out reverse mobile phone directories in which only has 1 particular field to fill in, that’s where the number of this man or women you’re hunting for should go.

  49. nice on May 20th, 2011 8:16 am

    State and governmental laws have been in effect that allow for cell phone numbers to remain classified as private and they are possibly not released widely to the open public.

  50. scholarships for mom on May 20th, 2011 8:40 am

    Cell phone lookup services are technologically advanced which allows individuals to use them by inputting the number into the search box. Once the number is inputted all the individual needs to do is click “search” and the request is granted access and the system will retrieve the number from the private phone carrier’s directory.

  51. scholarship for moms on May 20th, 2011 9:03 am

    For cell phone numbers and other unpublished phone numbers you need to use a private reverse phone lookup to find.

  52. scholarships for moms on May 20th, 2011 9:12 am

    People are learning that the free cell phone reverse directories are becoming more frequent and they are quite common.

  53. single mom on May 20th, 2011 9:16 am

    The reverse cell phone company can be utilized in discovering an unfaithful partner, discovering old good friends, checking on your kids, confirming small business connections, plus more.

  54. scholarship for single moms on May 20th, 2011 9:46 am

    Not only can reverse phone directories supply you information for landline phone numbers, but they specialize in information on cell phone numbers and unpublished phone numbers as well. While other services only have access to public records, there are a few which also uses other sources to get hard to find information that no one else can supply.

  55. scholarship for mothers on May 20th, 2011 10:10 am

    The cellular phone reverse look up companies developed a process which is really superior yet effortless and also rapid to utilize. Simply by putting in the phone number inside the companies search box and pressing “find” or perhaps “search” the device begins handling the particular question or query.

  56. scholarships for moms for single mothers on May 20th, 2011 10:15 am

    Since cell numbers are protected by local laws many of the dependable companies require a small fee to access the databases. These cell phone directories present the data to the individual and the data is comprehensive and full of detail. In today’s technological age the ability to search for people has become easier for the everyday person.

  57. scholarship for moms on May 20th, 2011 10:19 am

    The best thing about registering with an online reverse phone lookup service is their high rate of success. Almost any number entered in the system can give the person instant results and occasionally an extensive amount of information. While anybody can figure out the location of the caller by finding out what location the area code belongs, the service can do so much more.

  58. reverse phone lookup cell on May 28th, 2011 9:40 am

    The particular governmental in addition to localized laws and regulations ended up being put in place to safeguard the personal privacy associated with the cell phone user.

  59. cell phone number lookup on June 15th, 2011 1:44 pm

    These kinds of sites merely waste your time and energy by giving an individual obsolete details. When searching for a cell phone number use a reverse cell phone lookup service that are reliable and dependable. Do some research before deciding on which to use.

  60. reverse phone number lookup on June 17th, 2011 4:56 am

    The details that you will get belonging to the reverse cellphone lookup is incredibly trustworthy, and it’s arranged in a really easy to read format to make sure that you will not waste too much time in deciphering it.

  61. phone number lookup on June 17th, 2011 6:58 am

    You will discover if he/she has a prison history, his or her identity along with address of home and business. Many of the superior services will give satellite imagery of where the person lives. Additional benefits are unlimited cell phone lookups for those individuals who pay yearly.

  62. phone number look up on June 17th, 2011 7:37 am

    You should be aware that the cell phone number of an individual is thought to be the confidential property. For this reason, it’s not at all practical for any company to simply present it at no cost.

  63. phone number look up on June 17th, 2011 9:22 am

    Click here to try one of the most respected reverse phone look up services to find the owner of any land line or cell phone number and get the complete information.

  64. phone number look up on June 18th, 2011 8:51 pm

    There are many websites of companies that claim to be the best in reverse cell phone lookups, but going with the one that is rated the best above all is what you are going to want to do. One of the best companies that provides this kind of service can be found on the Internet. They can get the job done.

  65. reverse phone on June 29th, 2011 5:46 pm

    A undo telephone look in the lead product plus services are intense undemanding, intact with speedy as work along with. The solutions require a humble service expense designed for you so when access the confidential personal data. Legal requirements prohibits mobile phone firms

  66. find phone number owner on July 9th, 2011 7:57 am

    Fortunately, there are several ways what time come across unlisted telephone numbers. Except, a number of of these methods work better than others. as soon as make a start off, you strength of character need various parts of details while sponsorship quicken the lookup on behalf of an unlisted telephone number.

  67. how to find phone number owner on July 9th, 2011 8:58 am

    The first step is whilst gain access that any rearrange telephone number look cheerful listing. Mainly seeing as mobile numbers are certainly not shown in your mobile phone book or else most likely existing using laner of general public domain, just before certainly information of that you’ll want that waste lone small sacrifice so with the purpose of you know how to possess accessibility as the database.

  68. anywho reverse lookup on July 10th, 2011 8:22 pm

    Reverse cellular phone lookup services be the owner of been in addition to continue with the intention of generate splendid of notice bringing more inspiration to facilitate along with inquiries regarding the service resulting in a tremendous increase in the number of subscribers plus guests with the online worlds service.

  69. anywho reverse look up on July 12th, 2011 7:13 pm

    Not other than are there numerous reasons what time splurge this service, there are manifold benefits provided such since, Unlimited repeal telephone searches,Unlimited people searches,Background articles

  70. Xbox Ring Of Death Fix on July 23rd, 2011 7:35 pm

    Numerous people who receive prank or unknown calls require or else necessitate after be familiar with how with the intention of uncover the private caller particulars. while lookup a telephone number with discover the personal particulars of the caller you call for whilst spend a cell phone lookup service.

  71. Chernobyl pictures on December 28th, 2011 12:59 pm

    how do i do this

Leave a Reply