Google rolls out Sync for new handsets

The company on Monday announced that the service would be available as a beta release for both devices.

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

The company said that the new Sync 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.

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

The company has posted instructions on its site which explain how to enable the service.

However, Google is warning 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 a new archiving and backup services for the platform on Monday when it announced the "My Phone" service.