January 31, 2012

iOS 5 Will Support Exchange ActiveSync Tasks

This 2011 WWDC image clearly lists "Wirelessly sync Exchange tasks" among the features of iOS 5 (image courtesy of Engadget)

One of the most common requests from readers of my iPhone and iPad Exchange ActiveSync guides is support for synchronization of tasks. Added in Exchange Server 2003 SP2, wireless synchronization of tasks has not been consistently implemented by mobile devices. Android doesn’t have it, and neither does Windows Phone 7 (yet). But iOS 5 will indeed include wireless, over-the-air synchronization of Exchange tasks using ActiveSync.

My 10 Favorite Hidden iOS 4 Features

Double-click the home button and slide right to reveal audio controls and a screen rotation lock

Apple released version 4 of their iPhone OS iDevice (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad) OS last month after a grand WWDC unveiling. Although there are many changes and new features, not all are as obvious and noteworthy as multitasking, home screen folders, and background audio. After working with iOS 4 on an iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 for a month, I thought I might highlight my favorite hidden features. Did you know these existed?

How To Set Up Multiple Exchange ActiveSync Accounts in iPhone iOS 4

That's right: I now have five Exchange ActiveSync accounts on my iPhone!

Among the many exciting features of Apple’s version-4 iPhone OS is the long-awaited ability to sync to multiple Exchange ActiveSync servers. The new software, now dubbed iOS 4, can synchronize mail, contacts, and calendars between many different services that use Microsoft’s Exchange ActiveSync protocol, including Microsoft Exchange 2003, 2007, and 2010 and Google’s Gmail service.

How To Enable ActiveSync For Google Apps Accounts

You must enable "Google Sync" in the Mobile Settings dashboard before using ActiveSync with a Google Apps account

Here’s a quick tip, but a timely one now that the iPhone supports multiple Exchange ActiveSync servers: Although Google supports the Exchange ActiveSync protocol to synchronize mail, contacts, and calendars between Gmail and mobile devices, it is not active by default for custom Google Apps domains. It’s pretty easy to enable it, though.

How To Sync Your iPad With Your Exchange Server

Add Account

Did your new iPad arrive today? If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering how to set it up with your corporate Exchange server. The good news is that Apple has been working on Microsoft Exchange integration for years, and the iPhone OS used in the iPad sports fairly complete Exchange ActiveSync support.

Is There Anything We Don’t Know About The iPad?

The iPad iPod interface is all new - but where's cover flow?

Although subjected to Apple’s usual silent treatment before the big unveil, Apple has released waves of detail since. Yet, even as pre-orders are shipping, there are still many things we don’t know about the iPad. What surprises are in store?

Yes, the iPad Supports Microsoft Exchange

Yes, the iPad supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync

When Apple announced the iPad, I was puzzled that Microsoft Exchange email support was not listed. Happily, Apple updated the iPad site and Microsoft Exchange support is now included.

Does Apple’s iPad Support Exchange?

Exchange ActiveSync support was conspicuously absent in the Apple iPad introduction

Apple introduced their “magical” iPad today, demonstrating impressive updates to iWork but focusing on home and consumer applications. The company never mentioned business applications beyond Keynote presentations, leaving a question as to whether they support Exchange ActiveSync like the iPhone family.