O2's Bluebook

[Aedan]

Those who are using O2 as a mobile/cell service provider in the UK (and possibly other countries?) might know about O2's Bluebook. If not, then it's basically a method to backup contacts and text messages. Text messages are mirrored into Bluebook as they're received, so they appear in the system pretty much instantly.

However, the synchronisation of contact details is done via SyncML, which is a standard designed to make it possible to synchronise details with another server. O2 already support a number of mobile phones, but not every model appears in their list. I happen to be someone with a phone that supports SyncML, but my model (P990i) is not listed.

Having spent some time working on getting the contact sync to work, I thought I'd provide some details in the hope it would aid someone else. You'll need to have signed up for Bluebook before you set your phone up. You'll also need to know your user name and password.

For the P990, you'll need to open Remote Sync (Menu -> Tools -> Remote Sync). You'll also need to set up a new profile (Menu -> New Profile) in Remote Sync.

Under the details tab:
Profile Name: O2 Contacts
Server Address: http://o2contacts.o2.co.uk/syncml
Username: <Whatever username you signed up with>
Password: <Whatever password you signed up with>

Transport Protocol: HTTP
Internet Account: <Whatever gets you access to WAP/GPRS/3G>
Tick "Use transport login"
Username: <Whatever username you signed up with>
Password: <Whatever password you signed up with>

It should like the following:


Under the Settings Tab: (These are less important)
Server Initiated Start: Confirmation
Show: Result

It should look like the following:


Once the profile is set up, we can configure the few settings for synchronising the Contacts database. You'll need to tap the contacts icon, which will open up the "Sync task" dialog.

Sync type: Synchronize
Task name: Contacts
Server database: ./pab

After that, it should like like this:

[BobRoss]

hehe when you said O2 i thought you were talking about the SGI O2.

[ag3nt]

It seems my SyncML works with these settings on SonyEric P1i, but not sure how can i use SyncML as a backup, for example if i delete all my contacts and press Sync, would it delete everything on the other side as well? or if i accidently delete everything from my phone and want to retrieve all the data i have uploaded using SyncML, how would that work please advise!

Regards

[Aedan]

That is a good question! You can export the data from Bluebook using it's export functionality in various different formats.

SyncML allows bidirectional synchronisation, but I'm not sure how O2's implementation would restore contacts if you chose to delete your contacts from your phone. Is this an issue you've had with your P1i?

[ag3nt]

Cheers Mate,

well i have uploaded them, but when i log into my Bluebook, its all empty! it hasn't automatically exported the contacts or anything else.

P1i isn't in the Bluebook automatic compatability as well!

and no i haven't experienced it, i have only uploaded my Contacts through SyncML and i was just wondering after i couldn't see anything on bluebook.

I have also taken a backup in my system and tried to upload the file in bluebook which did not work as well! (took the backup through software came with p1i)

Please Advice!

[Aedan]

If you synchronise with Bluebook using your phone, you should be able to see the contacts in Bluebook. If you can't see them, then something hasn't worked properly.

One thing I did find, was I needed to choose a phone (any model) in order for it to work properly. Don't worry, you don't need to use the settings.

[ag3nt]

Sorry i din't get the last bit!

Can i select anyphone from the menu? even if my phone isn't there?

[Aedan]

It shouldn't matter which phone you select - I chose a Nokia N73.

[ag3nt]

Well that sounds sweet, you meant i can Select any otherphone than p1i and my p1i would work! ammazing!

shall try it later tonight!! will let you know how it goes!

Cheers!

[Aedan]

Let me know how it goes - I don't see any reason why the P1i wouldn't work!

[affu933]

wow it is looking some great stuff to do, i'll definitely try it however thanks for the post.

[cloasters]

Isn't it nice that some tech doesn't change much over time?
Good to see you on the board, affu933!