Failure of contact info to switch seamlessly between a cell working system and a private info administration system is a standard technological subject. This disruption can manifest as an absence of up to date contact particulars on both platform, creating discrepancies in tackle books and hindering efficient communication. As an illustration, a brand new contact added on a cellphone might not seem within the e mail shopper, or vice versa.
The flexibility to synchronize information throughout platforms is essential for sustaining productiveness and guaranteeing constant entry to vital info. Traditionally, the problem of information synchronization has been addressed by way of varied protocols and software program options, every trying to bridge the hole between disparate methods. Environment friendly contact synchronization permits customers to keep away from guide entry of information, reduces errors, and facilitates seamless communication throughout units and platforms.
The next dialogue will delve into the underlying causes of this information switch drawback, discover frequent troubleshooting steps, and current doable options to re-establish synchronization. This may embrace analyzing account settings, verifying utility permissions, and investigating potential community connectivity points.
1. Account Configuration
Incorrect or incomplete account configuration is a main reason behind contact synchronization failures between Android units and Microsoft Outlook. The Android working system should be precisely configured to acknowledge and connect with the Microsoft Change or Outlook account related to the contact information. If the server tackle, username, or password particulars entered through the account setup are incorrect, the synchronization course of will fail. This prevents contacts saved inside the Outlook atmosphere from showing on the Android system, and vice versa.
A standard instance includes customers who’ve lately modified their Microsoft account password. The outdated password saved on the Android system will forestall profitable authentication with the Outlook server, resulting in synchronization errors. Equally, points with the Change ActiveSync protocol configuration on the Android system can impede the stream of information between the 2 methods. Failure to correctly configure the server settings, port numbers, and safety protocols inside the Android’s e mail utility can disrupt synchronization, even when the username and password are appropriate. Moreover, if multi-factor authentication is enabled on the Microsoft account however not appropriately configured on the Android system, synchronization might be blocked.
Resolving synchronization points usually necessitates verifying and updating the account configuration settings on the Android system. Guaranteeing the username, password, server tackle, and safety protocols are precisely entered is essential. Addressing account configuration discrepancies usually restores the contact synchronization performance, permitting for seamless entry to contact info throughout each the Android system and the Outlook atmosphere. Failure to deal with these configuration points will perpetuate the synchronization issues, limiting person productiveness and information accessibility.
2. Permissions Verification
Ample utility permissions are crucial for profitable contact synchronization between an Android system and Microsoft Outlook. With out the required permissions, the Outlook utility on Android is restricted from accessing, modifying, or transferring contact information, leading to synchronization failure. The Android working system employs a permission mannequin that requires functions to request express consent from the person to entry delicate information, together with contact info.
-
Contact Entry Permission
The Android system requires functions to acquire the “Contacts” permission to learn, write, and modify contact information. If the Outlook utility lacks this permission, it can not entry the system’s contact record or synchronize with Outlook’s cloud-based contacts. This could manifest as an lack of ability to show current contacts from Outlook inside the Android app, or forestall new contacts added in Outlook from showing on the system. Granting this permission is key for bidirectional contact synchronization.
-
Account Entry Permission
Past contact-specific permissions, the Outlook utility wants permission to entry the related Microsoft account on the Android system. This permission permits the app to authenticate with the Microsoft server and retrieve contact information related to the logged-in account. With out account entry permission, the applying can not set up a reference to the Outlook servers, successfully blocking any try and synchronize contacts. This could happen if the person initially denies the permission request through the app’s set up or if the permission is subsequently revoked inside the Android settings.
-
Background Information Permission
For steady and automated synchronization, the Outlook utility requires permission to entry information within the background. Android’s battery optimization options might limit background information utilization for apps to preserve energy. If background information entry is restricted, the Outlook utility may solely synchronize contacts when the app is actively in use or when the system is related to an influence supply. This could result in delays in synchronization and inconsistencies between the Android system’s contact record and the Outlook contacts. Guaranteeing background information entry permits the applying to periodically synchronize contacts with out requiring person intervention.
-
Storage Permission (Not directly)
Though much less immediately associated, storage permission can generally affect contact synchronization. Whereas contacts themselves are usually saved in a structured database, the Outlook utility might require storage entry to cache contact info or retailer short-term recordsdata associated to the synchronization course of. If storage permissions are denied or restricted, it may well doubtlessly intervene with the app’s capability to handle and synchronize contact information effectively. Whereas not at all times a direct trigger, inadequate storage permissions can contribute to synchronization points in sure eventualities.
Addressing permission-related points is a vital step in troubleshooting contact synchronization issues between Android and Outlook. Guaranteeing that the Outlook utility has the required contact, account, and background information permissions is usually adequate to revive seamless synchronization. Reviewing and adjusting these permissions inside the Android settings can resolve frequent synchronization errors and make sure that contact info is constantly up to date throughout each platforms.
3. Community Connectivity
Dependable community connectivity is a foundational requirement for the profitable synchronization of contact information between an Android system and Microsoft Outlook. The synchronization course of depends on the power of the Android system to speak with Microsoft’s servers to switch and replace contact info. When community connectivity is unstable, intermittent, or absent, the synchronization course of is disrupted, resulting in incomplete or failed information switch. This manifests as outdated contact info on both the Android system or inside Outlook, or the entire absence of latest contacts added on one platform from showing on the opposite. As an illustration, a person trying to replace a contact element whereas on a weak Wi-Fi sign might discover that the change is just not mirrored in Outlook till a extra steady connection is established. Equally, if an Android system is offline for an prolonged interval, contact adjustments made in Outlook is not going to propagate to the system till community entry is restored.
A number of elements associated to community connectivity can contribute to synchronization points. Weak Wi-Fi alerts, mobile information restrictions, or issues with the system’s community adapter can impede the info switch course of. Moreover, firewalls or proxy servers configured on the community might block communication between the Android system and Microsoft’s servers. In company environments, community safety insurance policies might inadvertently intervene with synchronization protocols, requiring particular exceptions to be configured. For instance, a public Wi-Fi community with stringent safety measures may forestall the Outlook utility from establishing a safe connection, leading to synchronization failure. Moreover, cell community operators might throttle information speeds or impose restrictions on background information utilization, which may hinder the Outlook utility’s capability to synchronize contacts robotically. Commonly checking community connectivity, guaranteeing a steady Wi-Fi or mobile sign, and verifying that the system is just not topic to community restrictions are essential steps in sustaining uninterrupted contact synchronization.
In abstract, steady and dependable community connectivity is important for guaranteeing seamless contact synchronization between Android units and Microsoft Outlook. Addressing network-related points, corresponding to weak alerts, firewall restrictions, or information throttling, is a crucial element of troubleshooting synchronization issues. With no constant and uninhibited community connection, the synchronization course of might be compromised, leading to information inconsistencies and hindering efficient communication. Due to this fact, sustaining optimum community circumstances is a prerequisite for dependable contact synchronization.
4. Storage Limitations
Storage limitations on an Android system can not directly contribute to contact synchronization failures with Microsoft Outlook. Whereas contact information itself sometimes doesn’t eat huge quantities of storage, inadequate cupboard space can impede the working system’s capability to handle short-term recordsdata, cache information, and execute processes associated to synchronization. When the system’s inside storage is nearing capability, the working system might prioritize different important capabilities, resulting in the termination or throttling of background synchronization processes. Consequently, the Outlook utility could also be unable to provoke or full the switch of contact information, leading to discrepancies between the system’s contact record and the Outlook contacts. As an illustration, if a person makes an attempt so as to add a brand new contact in Outlook whereas their Android system is experiencing low storage, the synchronization course of may be delayed or fail fully till adequate cupboard space is freed up. This could result in information inconsistencies and frustration for the person who expects rapid and seamless synchronization. Additionally, the applying’s cache recordsdata additionally want storage. If there may be not sufficient house, the cache can’t be cleaned or new information can’t be written. Each outcomes is failure to sync contacts.
Moreover, restricted storage can have an effect on the efficiency of the Android system as an entire, not directly impacting the Outlook utility’s capability to synchronize contacts effectively. When cupboard space is scarce, the working system might wrestle to allocate sources to background processes, together with synchronization duties. This could manifest as sluggish efficiency, delayed app responses, and an total discount within the system’s capability to deal with a number of duties concurrently. Consequently, the Outlook utility might expertise problem sustaining a steady reference to the Microsoft server, resulting in intermittent synchronization failures. Clearing utility caches and releasing up inside cupboard space can usually enhance the system’s total efficiency and alleviate these oblique results on contact synchronization. It’s also vital to notice that if the Outlook utility tries to retailer the cached recordsdata into exterior storage (SD Card) and the exterior storage is just not working correctly, it may well additionally trigger the issue to sync.
In conclusion, whereas storage limitations usually are not a direct reason behind contact synchronization failures, they will create circumstances that hinder the synchronization course of. Inadequate cupboard space can have an effect on the working system’s capability to handle short-term recordsdata, cache information, and allocate sources to background processes, in the end impacting the Outlook utility’s capability to synchronize contacts successfully. Commonly monitoring and managing the system’s cupboard space is a crucial step in sustaining constant and dependable contact synchronization between an Android system and Microsoft Outlook. It’s a good apply to maintain the system with sufficient cupboard space as doable.
5. Utility Updates
Utility updates function a crucial think about sustaining constant contact synchronization between Android units and Microsoft Outlook. Outdated functions usually lack the required bug fixes, safety patches, and compatibility enhancements required to perform appropriately with evolving working methods and server protocols. Failure to replace the related functions can subsequently result in synchronization failures, leading to discrepancies between contact info saved on the Android system and inside Outlook.
-
Bug Fixes and Stability Enhancements
Utility updates incessantly embrace bug fixes that tackle identified points affecting contact synchronization. These bugs might stem from coding errors, conflicts with particular system configurations, or incompatibilities with sure variations of the Android working system. By putting in the newest updates, customers profit from these fixes, which may resolve current synchronization issues and enhance the general stability of the applying. As an illustration, an older model of the Outlook utility might have a bug that stops it from appropriately decoding contact information acquired from the Microsoft server, resulting in synchronization errors. Making use of the replace containing the bug repair will resolve this subject and restore seamless synchronization.
-
Compatibility with Working System Updates
Android working methods are recurrently up to date to introduce new options, enhance safety, and improve efficiency. Nonetheless, these updates can generally introduce compatibility points with older functions. If the Outlook utility is just not up to date to align with the newest Android model, it could expertise conflicts that disrupt contact synchronization. Utility updates usually embrace compatibility changes that guarantee the applying capabilities appropriately on the up to date working system. Failing to replace the applying can result in synchronization errors, crashes, or different surprising habits.
-
Protocol and Server-Facet Adjustments
Microsoft might implement adjustments to the Change ActiveSync protocol or to its server infrastructure that require corresponding updates to the Outlook utility on Android units. These adjustments might contain safety enhancements, efficiency enhancements, or the introduction of latest options. If the Outlook utility is just not up to date to help these adjustments, it could be unable to speak successfully with the Microsoft server, leading to synchronization failures. Utility updates make sure that the applying stays appropriate with the newest server-side protocols and requirements, enabling seamless contact synchronization.
-
Safety Patches and Vulnerability Resolutions
Utility updates incessantly embrace safety patches that tackle vulnerabilities that might doubtlessly be exploited by malicious actors. These vulnerabilities might expose contact information to unauthorized entry or manipulation. By putting in the newest updates, customers defend their contact info from safety threats and make sure the integrity of the synchronization course of. An outdated utility missing crucial safety patches could also be extra inclined to assaults that might compromise contact information or disrupt synchronization performance.
The constant utility of updates to each the Android working system and the Outlook utility is essential for sustaining dependable contact synchronization. Addressing utility update-related points is a crucial step in troubleshooting contact synchronization issues between Android and Outlook. Common updates usually resolve frequent synchronization errors and make sure that contact info is constantly up to date throughout each platforms. Neglecting these updates can result in persistent synchronization issues and potential safety dangers.
6. Cache Clearing
Accrued cache information inside the Outlook utility on Android units can contribute to contact synchronization failures. Cache contains short-term recordsdata saved by the applying to expedite information retrieval and improve efficiency. Nonetheless, over time, corrupted or outdated cache information can disrupt the applying’s regular functioning, resulting in synchronization errors. For instance, the applying may depend on cached contact info that conflicts with the newest information residing on the Microsoft server, stopping the correct illustration of contacts on the Android system. Equally, outdated cached authentication credentials may impede the applying’s capability to ascertain a safe reference to the server, leading to synchronization failure.
Clearing the applying’s cache successfully removes these corrupted or outdated short-term recordsdata, forcing the applying to retrieve recent information from the Microsoft server through the subsequent synchronization cycle. This course of can resolve synchronization issues attributable to conflicting cached info, outdated credentials, or different cache-related points. A sensible instance includes a person who has lately up to date contact particulars inside Outlook. If the Android system nonetheless depends on the cached model of the contact info, the up to date particulars is not going to be mirrored on the system till the cache is cleared and the applying is pressured to re-synchronize with the server. Clearing the cache basically gives the applying with a clear slate, permitting it to precisely synchronize with the newest contact information obtainable in Outlook. It is without doubt one of the most straightforward methods to resolve contacts not syncing in android units.
In abstract, cache clearing serves as a useful troubleshooting step for resolving contact synchronization points between Android units and Microsoft Outlook. By eradicating doubtlessly corrupted or outdated short-term recordsdata, this course of forces the applying to retrieve recent information from the server, thereby mitigating synchronization errors attributable to conflicting cached info. Whereas not a common resolution, cache clearing can usually restore seamless contact synchronization, guaranteeing that contact info is constantly up to date throughout each platforms. When different strategies fails, this would be the finest various to resolve contacts not syncing.
7. Synchronization Settings
Synchronization settings immediately govern the trade of contact information between an Android system and Microsoft Outlook. Incorrect or disabled settings symbolize a main reason behind synchronization failures. These settings, sometimes discovered inside each the Android system’s account configuration and the Outlook utility itself, dictate the frequency, route, and methodology of information switch. When configured improperly, the seamless stream of contact info ceases, leading to discrepancies between the system’s contact record and the Outlook atmosphere. As an illustration, if the “Contacts” synchronization choice is disabled inside the Android account settings for a Microsoft account, the system is not going to try and synchronize contact information with Outlook, resulting in an outdated contact record on the Android system, no matter adjustments made in Outlook. The significance of appropriate synchronization settings lies of their function because the gatekeeper for contact information trade. They should be appropriately enabled and configured to allow the specified stage of synchronization.
Additional evaluation reveals that synchronization settings embody varied configurable parameters. These parameters embrace the synchronization schedule (guide or automated), the info varieties to be synchronized (contacts, calendar, e mail), and the community circumstances underneath which synchronization is permitted (Wi-Fi solely or mobile information). Misconfiguration of those parameters can result in surprising synchronization habits. For instance, setting the synchronization schedule to “guide” requires the person to provoke synchronization manually, resulting in delays in updating contact info. Conversely, permitting synchronization over mobile information might incur surprising information expenses. One other pertinent instance is expounded to the particular Outlook account. If a number of accounts are configured on the Android system, guaranteeing that the proper Outlook account is chosen for contact synchronization is important. Incorrect choice can lead to no synchronization occurring, or the unintended synchronization of contacts from a unique account.
In abstract, the suitable configuration of synchronization settings is paramount for reaching constant and dependable contact synchronization between Android and Outlook. Incorrect or disabled settings immediately impede the info switch course of, leading to outdated or incomplete contact info. Addressing synchronization-related points necessitates an intensive evaluate and adjustment of those settings, guaranteeing that they align with the person’s desired synchronization habits and information switch preferences. Failure to correctly configure synchronization settings will perpetuate the dearth of synchronization, and can make the person waste time on including contacts on the each finish, android system and the outlook.
8. Conflicting Accounts
The presence of a number of accounts on an Android system, significantly when related to contact synchronization, incessantly contributes to the failure of contacts syncing appropriately with Microsoft Outlook. This subject arises from the potential for interference and ambiguity created when the system makes an attempt to handle contact information from varied sources concurrently. The Android working system, whereas able to dealing with a number of accounts, might encounter challenges in prioritizing and synchronizing contacts when confronted with conflicting directions or overlapping information.
-
Overlapping Contact Storage
Android units usually permit contacts to be saved regionally on the system, inside a Google account, or by way of third-party providers like Microsoft Change. When contacts are inadvertently saved in a number of areas, the synchronization course of with Outlook turns into sophisticated. The system might try and synchronize contacts from the native storage or a Google account as an alternative of the supposed Outlook/Change account. As an illustration, a person may add a contact to their cellphone’s native storage, anticipating it to synchronize with Outlook, solely to seek out that it stays remoted. This overlapping storage creates confusion and prevents correct synchronization with Outlook.
-
Conflicting Synchronization Settings
Every account configured on an Android system has its personal set of synchronization settings, permitting the person to decide on which varieties of information (contacts, calendar, e mail) to synchronize. If a number of accounts are enabled for contact synchronization, the system might encounter conflicts in prioritizing the synchronization schedule or information supply. For instance, a person might have a Google account and an Outlook account each enabled for contact synchronization. The system may try and synchronize contacts from each accounts, resulting in duplicated entries or inconsistent contact info. The synchronization settings for every account must be fastidiously reviewed to make sure that solely the supposed Outlook account is enabled for contact synchronization.
-
Account Prioritization Points
Android units sometimes assign a sure stage of precedence to every account configured on the system. This prioritization can affect the order by which accounts are synchronized and the info sources which are given desire. If the Outlook account is just not correctly prioritized, the system might prioritize different accounts for contact synchronization, resulting in inconsistencies with Outlook. This could happen when a newly added Outlook account is just not acknowledged by the system as the first supply for contact information. Consequently, the system might prioritize the synchronization of contacts from different accounts, leaving the Outlook contact record outdated. Adjusting account prioritization settings, when obtainable, is essential for guaranteeing appropriate synchronization with Outlook.
-
Authentication Conflicts
When a number of accounts are configured on an Android system, authentication conflicts can come up, significantly if the identical e mail tackle is used for various accounts. The system might change into confused about which set of credentials to make use of for contact synchronization, resulting in authentication failures and stopping the synchronization course of from finishing. This could manifest as error messages associated to incorrect usernames or passwords, even when the proper credentials have been entered. Resolving authentication conflicts usually includes eradicating and re-adding the Outlook account to make sure that the system appropriately acknowledges the credentials and establishes a safe reference to the Microsoft server.
In conclusion, the presence of conflicting accounts on an Android system presents a big impediment to seamless contact synchronization with Microsoft Outlook. Overlapping storage, conflicting settings, prioritization points, and authentication conflicts all contribute to the failure of contact information to synchronize appropriately. Addressing these points requires an intensive understanding of the account configuration on the system and cautious administration of synchronization settings to make sure that the supposed Outlook account is given precedence for contact information synchronization. Ignoring these conflicts ensures that Android system and outlook is not going to be in sync.
9. Server Standing
The operational standing of Microsoft’s Change or Outlook servers immediately influences the power of Android units to synchronize contact information. If the server experiences outages, upkeep intervals, or efficiency degradation, the synchronization course of between the Android system and the Outlook account might be disrupted. This could manifest as an lack of ability to replace contact info, obtain new contacts added in Outlook, or expertise intermittent synchronization failures. Server-side points forestall the Android system from establishing a steady reference to the Outlook server, successfully halting the switch of contact information. As an illustration, a scheduled upkeep window on the Change server might quickly forestall Android units from accessing contact info, even when all different configurations are appropriate. A server overload resulting from excessive visitors also can trigger synchronization timeouts and incomplete information transfers.
The sensible significance of understanding server standing lies within the capability to distinguish between native system points and broader systemic issues. When synchronization fails, checking the Microsoft service well being dashboard gives useful perception into whether or not the problem stems from the server-side. If a service outage is reported, troubleshooting efforts will be quickly suspended till the server is restored. Alternatively, if the service dashboard signifies regular operation, consideration can then be directed towards troubleshooting potential issues on the Android system itself. This diagnostic strategy saves time and sources by focusing efforts on the most probably level of failure. It additionally emphasizes the significance of reliance on the service and the way that’s outdoors the management of an everyday android person.
In abstract, the well being and stability of Microsoft’s servers are a crucial element of profitable contact synchronization between Android units and Outlook. Server outages or efficiency points can immediately affect the synchronization course of, resulting in information inconsistencies. Recognizing the hyperlink between server standing and synchronization efficiency permits for a extra environment friendly strategy to troubleshooting, enabling customers to differentiate between device-specific points and broader service disruptions. Monitoring server standing informs customers on whether or not to proceed troubleshooting on the person’s finish, or anticipate the server aspect subject to be resolved.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
The next addresses frequent inquiries concerning contact synchronization points between Android units and Microsoft Outlook.
Query 1: What’s the main reason behind contacts failing to synchronize between an Android system and Outlook?
Probably the most frequent trigger is misconfigured account settings. An incorrect password, server tackle, or safety protocol can forestall the profitable switch of contact information.
Query 2: How do utility permissions have an effect on contact synchronization?
Inadequate utility permissions, significantly contact entry, account entry, and background information permissions, can limit the Outlook utility’s capability to learn, write, and switch contact information.
Query 3: Can community connectivity affect contact synchronization?
Unstable or restricted community connectivity, together with weak Wi-Fi alerts, mobile information restrictions, and firewall interference, can disrupt the synchronization course of.
Query 4: Does cupboard space on the Android system affect contact synchronization?
Whereas not a direct trigger, restricted cupboard space can not directly impede synchronization by hindering the working system’s capability to handle short-term recordsdata and execute background processes.
Query 5: Why are utility updates important for contact synchronization?
Utility updates embrace bug fixes, compatibility enhancements, and safety patches which are mandatory to keep up synchronization performance and stop conflicts with evolving working methods and server protocols.
Query 6: How does clearing the applying cache have an effect on contact synchronization?
Clearing the applying cache removes doubtlessly corrupted or outdated short-term recordsdata, forcing the applying to retrieve recent information from the Microsoft server through the subsequent synchronization cycle.
Appropriate configuration, adequate permissions, steady community connectivity, ample storage, up to date functions, and cleared caches are important to make sure seamless contact synchronization.
The next part gives troubleshooting steps to resolve synchronization issues.
Resolving “android contacts not syncing with outlook” Points
Efficient troubleshooting of contact synchronization issues between Android and Outlook calls for a methodical strategy. Adherence to those ideas maximizes the chance of a swift decision.
Tip 1: Confirm Account Credentials Rigorously: Make sure the Microsoft account username and password entered on the Android system are correct. Double-check for typos and think about resetting the password if unsure.
Tip 2: Verify Contact Synchronization is Enabled: Throughout the Android account settings, confirm that the “Contacts” synchronization choice is activated for the related Microsoft account. The absence of this setting disables all contact synchronization makes an attempt.
Tip 3: Grant Crucial Permissions: Navigate to the Android utility settings for Outlook and make sure that every one required permissions, together with contact entry and account entry, are granted. Revoked permissions forestall correct information switch.
Tip 4: Implement Handbook Synchronization: Throughout the Outlook utility, provoke a guide synchronization course of. This bypasses scheduled synchronization and forces a right away information switch, revealing potential errors or connectivity points.
Tip 5: Clear Outlook’s Cache Information: Cached information can change into corrupted or outdated, hindering synchronization. Clearing the cache inside the Android utility settings removes short-term recordsdata and forces Outlook to retrieve recent information.
Tip 6: Guarantee a Steady Community Connection: Contact synchronization depends on a constant community connection. Change to a dependable Wi-Fi community or confirm mobile information connectivity to rule out network-related issues.
Tip 7: Take away and Re-add the Account: As a final resort, take away the Microsoft account from the Android system after which re-add it. This forces a recent configuration and resolves persistent authentication or setting points.
Persistently making use of the following tips gives a structured methodology for addressing frequent contact synchronization issues. Adhering to those steps vastly enhances the likelihood of profitable decision.
The concluding part will present a abstract of the salient factors, solidifying the understanding of the mentioned matters.
Conclusion
The previous discourse has elucidated the multifaceted nature of the issue referred to as “android contacts not syncing with outlook.” The absence of synchronized contact information between these two platforms stems from a wide range of interconnected elements. These embrace account misconfiguration, permission limitations, community instability, storage constraints, utility obsolescence, cached information corruption, synchronization settings, and server outages. A scientific troubleshooting methodology, encompassing verification of credentials, permissions, community connectivity, and utility standing, is essential for efficient decision. Profitable restoration of synchronization calls for diligent consideration to those components.
The flexibility to keep up seamless contact synchronization is a non-negotiable requirement in a world the place efficient communication is paramount. Constant monitoring of account settings, utility updates, and server standing is important. If these settings usually are not met, there’s a nice likelihood that android contacts not syncing with outlook will occur. The longer term will undoubtedly introduce new complexities and challenges to this area. Vigilance and proactive administration are crucial to stop disruptions and make sure the dependable stream of contact info between Android units and the Microsoft Outlook ecosystem.
