The Verge reports that Microsoft has reached an agreement with Google "to support for new Windows Phone connections to the Google Sync service through December 31st 2013". The original cut off date for new connections to the Google Sync service was January 30th. This was later extended to July 31st, and has now been extended again to the end of the year.
Google Sync, enabled by the Exchange ActiveSync protocol, is currently used by handsets running Windows Phone 7 and Windows Phone 8 (GDR1 and earlier) to sync with Gmail, Google Contacts and Google Calendar. In place of Exchange ActiveSync Google now provides a sync option for these services using the CardDAV and CalDAV protocols.
Without an extension of the deadline for Google Sync support for Windows Phone users, the danger was that there would have been a gap in service provision for some of those using Google services with their Windows Phone device.
Those already using Google services would not have been impact as existing accounts are able to continue using the service. However, "new accounts" as defined by Google would apply both to new Google accounts and those setting up an existing account on a new (or recently reset) device.
The extension of the deadline should minimise disruption for any Windows Phone device owner using Google's email, contact, and calendar services. By the time the December 31st deadline arrives the large majority of Windows Phone 8 devices will be running GDR2.
