Google rolls out Sync for new handsets

Google Sync will soon be available for iPhone and Windows Mobile users

Google announced on Monday that its Sync service will be available as a beta release for the iPhone and Windows Mobile platforms.

The software will allow users to link Google Calendar and Gmail contact lists with the built-in calendar and contact lists on the handsets themselves.

Google said that the new features will be similar to those Google began offering for the BlackBerry last year.

"One advantage of storing information online is being able to access it from anywhere, on any device," wrote Google Mobile product manager Marcus Foster in a blog post.

"This will be particularly handy for people who regularly use Google tools, like corporate employees, university students and busy families."

The company has posted instructions on its site explaining how to enable the service. However, Google warned users to back up data before turning on the Sync feature, as doing so will erase all contact and calendar data from the handset.

For Windows Mobile users, Google's release adds to what has already been an exciting day. The company confirmed reports of new archiving and backup services for the platform on Monday when it unveiled the My Phone service.