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Hi,
I was just wondering if anyone has got to the bottom of why the HTC Mail App Version 2.00.0037.218634 (as installed via the Android 2.2 OTA update) does not work with Hotmail Exchange ActiveSync.
From what I understand the issue is not with hotmail accounts being activated, as people who have installed the stock Android 2.2 Mail.apk on their devices have been able to setup the account and get a combined email inbox.
From another forum here is the stock Android 2.2 Mail.apk
http://www.4shared.com/file/hP_PfaD8/Email.html
Same here, i thought that it was my hotmail account at first but then i read on Paul Thurrott's blog that ActiveSync was being enabled for everyone on the 30th August. I just downloaded the Android 2.2 stock mail client and it the sync works perfectly - think i prefer this over HTC's so may stick with it... Thanks for the link.
+1 thanks for the Link!
Just a word of warning, I don’t think this application can be uninstalled once installed (please correct me if I am wrong).
Also, you will no longer receive a counter of the number of emails received as there is no homepage widget with this app.
Finally, from what I have heard, Google search does not search emails contained within the Android Mail App.
Ideally I would like to see HTC patch their Mail App. I think the missing functionality is the ability to accept certificates and it is this that is preventing the HTC Mail App from syncing with Hotmail Exchange ActiveSync.
Please correct me if I am wrong on any of these points.
Is the file you linked to valid for all stock 2.2 phones or is it somehow specific to the HTC Desire?
Uninstalls fine on my stock 2.2
audioscience said:
Is the file you linked to valid for all stock 2.2 phones or is it somehow specific to the HTC Desire?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should work on all android phones, it might even work on 2.1 as long as you don't sync the calendar and contacts.
dik23 said:
Uninstalls fine on my stock 2.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes,
Uninstall works fine, apologies for that. No HTML Support
imranbashir_uk said:
From another forum here is the stock Android 2.2 Mail.apk
http://www.4shared.com/file/hP_PfaD8/Email.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this definitely the stock Android 2.2 app?
Because it's identical to "Improved Mail" on the Android Market Place but oddly is labelled as version 2.2 but Improved Mail is v1.75. I'd be surprised if Google would allow an e-mail app on the Nexus One that doesn't support HTML e-mail.
The one on the market place has a couple more option so I'm assuming it's newer (still no HTML or Move mail into new folder support though). It's also more stable. I found the one in the link above made my HTC Desire go very slow and unstable (unless I killed on of it's mail services).
Touchdown is the best alternative I've found. It's pretty powerful but the interface is a bit ropey. It's also 20 bucks!
imranbashir_uk said:
Finally, from what I have heard, Google search does not search emails contained within the Android Mail App.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second that. It's not listed as a Universal Search option.
imranbashir_uk said:
Ideally I would like to see HTC patch their Mail App. I think the missing functionality is the ability to accept certificates and it is this that is preventing the HTC Mail App from syncing with Hotmail Exchange ActiveSync.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've e-mailed HTC Support. I suggest others do the same. They need to send out an OTA fix.
About the only good things about Improved Mail are:
* Hotmail Exchange ActiveSync
* Combined Inbox
Otherwise it's pretty basic.
I've heard back from HTC Support:
"We are sorry you have had to work around, to get something to work, as the software was not compatible.
We are aware of this and I will for record send this information to the appropriate team. We are always working on fixes for our future updates.
but as of now i have not got that information."
I'd like to see this fixed too as downloading a separate basic app at about 3mb or even higher, just means I am wasting space on something that should be there anyway... with things like the flashplayer updates taking up 12mb of my internal storage - I'm only left with 14mb!
Anyhow, I thought I'd email HTC too to see if we can push them along a bit if they see a bit of interest in getting the e-mail application fixed...
Will see if they have the same response.
Have it running on Improved Email for now.
Thanks. I'm sure they could send out an OTA update. Hotmail is only one of the biggest e-mail providers worldwide and HTC said they know about the problem.
The developer of Improved E-Mail has said he'll look into why HTML e-mail support isn't working because he reckons it should. I've only got 20-22Mb free and you can only move so much to SD card.
Thank you for contacting us . In regards to your handset I can help you with that. I am sorry that you have been experiencing problem with your handset
I confirm that it is not supported at the moment on the handset thank you for bringing the issue to out attention
We do not have information available at the moment we advise you to register e-club to receive further updates regarding your handset model
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not any indication of a fix
It's not just the HTC Desire. HTC Incredible and Evo users in the States have reported it too. Given how big Hotmail is and I bet it affects all HTC Android phones (at least since the Hero), I hope HTC are working on it as a matter of urgency.
Hi Guys, new to XDA but thought I'd join as I have a shiny new HTC Desire HD.
Unfortuanately the Desire HD still has Hotmail Activesync issues (i.e. it won't work - comes up with the "please try later" error message). I am using Improved Email until there is (ever?) a fix - but I'm finding it slowing down the entire phone. After a couple of hours of improved email running the phone animations become really choppy. As soon as I force close improved email, everything returns to normal. Very odd.
I have emailed HTC about their Mail app incompatibility with Hotmail, and received the generec response below:
Thank you for contacting us .
We don't have this information available at this time but would recommend that you check back on our website regularly for any further developments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Come on HTC! The Mail app is really letting down an otherwise incredible device.
A Quick update, I emailed HTC back saying that the response provided was not good enough, told them that they needed to fix the issue pronto, and that I am considering getting a refund due to this... Seems drastic but might as well use the fear tactic.
They instantly replied with this:
We are aware of this issue you reported on your e-mail , We thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will pass this information along to our software developers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's hope they actually are working on fixing the issue. I still can't get around why they would remove the original android mail app that does work, and replace it with their own crippled app.
I tried installing the original android mail app posted earlier on in the thread but it says "problem parsing". Anyone have an idea as to why this issue has occured?
Tim
Thanks TimHawker. How can HTC release the Desire HD, knowing it has this bug?
This isn't some 2 bit e-mail service no one has ever heard of. Hotmail is in the top 3 (maybe number 1) of webmail services world-wide.
I've not found my Desire slows down with Improved E-Mail but it's funny you should say that because I did when I tried the Native Google Nexus One Mail App (which I'm confident is an older version of Improved E-Mail, it's identical). Exactly the same symptons. I too had to kill it, to get animations flowing properly.
I've not found that with Improved E-Mail though but didn't try it for as long (so it's certainly possible I would have the same problem). I'm having to use HTC Mail and POP3 because every mail app I've tried doesn't work with HTML e-mail when using Hotmail's Exchange ActiveSync (Hotmail with POP3 is fine). See here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=8882069
TimHawker said:
I tried installing the original android mail app posted earlier on in the thread but it says "problem parsing". Anyone have an idea as to why this issue has occured?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't bother. It worked fine for me but it's identical to Improved E-Mail in every way (likely an older version). Google must've licensed it from the owner of Improved E-Mail, surely?
Thanks for the reply bradavon.
bradavon said:
This isn't some 2 bit e-mail service no one has ever heard of. Hotmail is in the top 3 (maybe number 1) of webmail services world-wide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're 100% correct there, Hotmail is the number 1 worldwide webmail service with over 350 million users. HTC should be questioned as to why they have decided to provide an incompatible app with the most popular webmail service out there. I just can't quite fathom it.
bradavon said:
I wouldn't bother. It worked fine for me but it's identical to Improved E-Mail in every way (likely an older version). Google must've licensed it from the owner of Improved E-Mail, surely?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Perhaps it's the opposite - it's the Google Android defacto mail client, but improved by the author, mwebster
I think I'll send HTC another email informing them just how big Hotmail is - perhaps they have their heads in the sand and think it's used by a few plebs with no smartphone interest.
Anyone else with this problem please bombard HTC's inbox! They may then listen and provide an OTA update.
Tim
TimHawker said:
You're 100% correct there, Hotmail is the number 1 worldwide webmail service with over 350 million users. HTC should be questioned as to why they have decided to provide an incompatible app with the most popular webmail service out there. I just can't quite fathom it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microsoft only finally finished rolling out Hotmail's Exchange ActiveSync on the 30th of August. So that's something at least. Microsoft don't also support Android devices yet too but say Android 2.2 should work (2.1 doesn't due to a bug with it), other versions unknown but I'm guessing unlikely.
But when all other apps I've tried work with it (except for HTML support), it cannot be that difficult to fix and especially on the new Desire HD/Desire Z. Which shipped after the problem was known.
TimHawker said:
Anyone else with this problem please bombard HTC's inbox! They may then listen and provide an OTA update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea.
bradavon said:
Microsoft only finally finished rolling out Hotmail's Exchange ActiveSync on the 30th of August.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ok, thanks for the info - wasn't aware it was such a short time ago. Still, considering the Desire HD has just been released the problem should have been fixed.
I have emailed HTC again, will post whatever they reply here.
Tim
Hello
I want to synchronize my facebook contacts with my galaxy nexus contact app. So I go to "add an account" in the contact app, and "facebook", but nothing ... no window for add my acount appear, I return on the before window and I can't add my facebook account.
Have you an idea please ?
Thank's
Google disabled this option with a previous version of android. Other manufacturers such as HTC are allowed to add workarounds though which is why it will still works on their phones. There's several topics on this already. I agree though, it's a pain.
Rik.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Ive synced my pics with "SyncMyPix" which works ok (not very HD)
Will Google fix this? I mean they still got it in the option menu, doesnt seem like they stoped working on it?!
Oh yeah since Gingerbread on nexus s I think. But it's crazy because Facebook is a choice in "add an account" so ....
So, no alternative ?
I just used FriendCaster instead to sync Facebook with my contacts. It doesn't show their status updates in the People app, but the profile pictures work fine.
Agree
Yeah, I was confused and thought my GN was playing up when I clicked on facebook and nothing happened!
Google trying to force thier crappy google+ circle thing...
Friendcaster worked ok for me as an alternative but unfortunatly it adds ALLLLLL my firends, most of which I never would want to call
marc.tulley said:
Yeah, I was confused and thought my GN was playing up when I clicked on facebook and nothing happened!
Google trying to force thier crappy google+ circle thing...
Friendcaster worked ok for me as an alternative but unfortunatly it adds ALLLLLL my firends, most of which I never would want to call
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has nothing to do with Google. Facebook refuses to comply with Google's terms for portability of data. Google thinks you should be able to export your friends contact info. Facebook does not allow this.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
matt2053 said:
It has nothing to do with Google. Facebook refuses to comply with Google's terms for portability of data. Google thinks you should be able to export your friends contact info. Facebook does not allow this.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hilarious, given that FB doesn't seem to care about its users' privacy or handing out their info in anything else FB does.
But yeah, they're the problem. If you want to see it integrated, complain to Facebook, not Google.
So this issue is directly with the facebook .apk??? or is in the ROM we have in the galaxy Nexus??
I would think the ROM we have, as FaceBook isn't using the new API Google supplied from what I'm reading here.
So, when CM9 came out for our Nexus, with that ROM we should be fine? i think..
We need to find a solution for this, Friendcaster is crap and we should not need to use another app for this, it only consume more ram and battery...
rolear8 said:
We need to find a solution for this, Friendcaster is crap and we should not need to use another app for this, it only consume more ram and battery...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't understand this statement. It's not as if you are entitled for the data to sync. They haven't promised it to sync and it doesn't. Facebook data is Facebook data, if they don't want you to sync it with their app they don't have to.
It hasn't done it on android for a while, and it is hit and miss how well it does it on sense and other work arounds. Facebook can do what Facebook want to do at the end of the day.
GR36 said:
I really don't understand this statement. It's not as if you are entitled for the data to sync. They haven't promised it to sync and it doesn't. Facebook data is Facebook data, if they don't want you to sync it with their app they don't have to.
It hasn't done it on android for a while, and it is hit and miss how well it does it on sense and other work arounds. Facebook can do what Facebook want to do at the end of the day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me but, 1 week before i had a Motorola atrix until i lost it, and with the ROM it came i was able to sync all my contacts from Facebook, then i instaled CM7 and again i was able to sync everything from Facebook, this can be fixed to work in ICS or i hope will work in CM9.
Modaco ROM has fixed this, i will try it and i will let you know.
So, I've really enjoyed the switch from my Evo to the Nexus. I had quit using all of the Sense bloat already and was happy to see it go all together. However, I am finding I do miss one thing: having the integration between Facebook calendar/contact and the calendar/contacts from my email (in my case Exchange/Corporate email). It was nice having all of my Facebook contact avatars show up on my phone contacts and having all of the FB calendar events show up on the phone's calendar. Does anyone know if there's a way to duplicate that functionality? Anyone have any experience with an app that can sync everything? I looked at a few things in the market, but didn't find anything that could sync.
Thanks,
Rob
Google isnt allowing it. There is a rom that does though i guess.
edit - heres the xda thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1361108
I'm wondering though based on the 4.0.3 sdk post if it means facebook might work once again.
TehDuffman said:
http://www.slashgear.com/galaxy-nexus-ics-rom-restores-facebook-contacts-sync-13201934/
Google isnt allowing it. There is a rom that does though i guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google is adding it back in with Android 4.0.3,http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/1...brings-bug-fixes-and-new-apis-for-developers/
"Social Stream API, Applications that use social stream data such as status updates and check-ins can now sync that data with each of the user’s contacts, providing items in a stream along with photos for each. This new API lets apps show users what the people they know are doing or saying, in addition to their photos and contact information."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We just have to wait for Facebook for Android to implement the API.
Here is what I am currently using:
http://market.android.com/search?q=SyncMyPix
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Smokeey said:
Google is adding it back in with Android 4.0.3,http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/1...brings-bug-fixes-and-new-apis-for-developers/
We just have to wait for Facebook for Android to implement the API.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was going to say, Facebook still has to update their API and it seems (or at least I heard) that they aren't actively following Google's API information.
kptkill said:
Here is what I am currently using:
http://market.android.com/search?q=SyncMyPix
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it work well on the gnex and ics?
It seems the FB non sync issue is more than about the API. FB info cannot be exported so google says it can be used
http://www.slashgear.com/nexus-s-lo...sync-as-google-tightens-data-policy-23135396/
I use friendcaster, not that great an app imo but it does the contact sync that the facebook app used to do and it works on ics
I feel a root/new ROM coming on.
Hey all;
I just got my Galexy Nexus 2 days ago and love it so far. I just have 1 problem so far. I can not get my Facebook to sync with my contacts. I logged into Facebook and it doesn't even give me the option to set up sync. I also tried to go into accounts and add it in there. It will not add. I have cleared the cache and data from the Facebook ap and tried again and it still will not work.
Just wondering if it is even possible to sync my Facebook to my contacts. I am on Verizon running stock, non-rooted, 4.0.2.
Thanks in advance!
OMG PLEASE SEARCH
It doesnt work because Facebook isn't following Google's guidelines for syncing.
Download an app like Haxsync or just deal with it.
martonikaj said:
OMG PLEASE SEARCH
It doesnt work because Facebook isn't following Google's guidelines for syncing.
Download an app like Haxsync or just deal with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hrmm... is that something recent or just something with the Nexus? Facebook sync worked in my Incredible 2 just fine.
Also, I did search. I didn't find anything related to facebook sync on these forums. I guess I'm just an idiot/blind.
or Friendcaster
CannibalAngel said:
Hrmm... is that something recent or just something with the Nexus? Facebook sync worked in my Incredible 2 just fine.
Also, I did search. I didn't find anything related to facebook sync on these forums. I guess I'm just an idiot/blind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Facebook sync has not worked since Gingerbread. Companies who put lame skins on top of Android usually add a work around. I highly doubt you searched, or you really do fail at searching.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
martonikaj said:
OMG PLEASE SEARCH
It doesnt work because Facebook isn't following Google's guidelines for syncing.
Download an app like Haxsync or just deal with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually facebook sync does work on some custom roms where the devs have edited some sourcefiles to reactivate it (tutorial on which 2 files need to be edited is somewhere in the forum). However, for Stock Roms, your answer is correct.
Tokolosh said:
Actually facebook sync does work on some custom roms where the devs have edited some sourcefiles to reactivate it (tutorial on which 2 files need to be edited is somewhere in the forum). However, for Stock Roms, your answer is correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! That makes sense. I was using CyanogenMOD 7 on my Incredible 2. They probably edited the files to fix Facebook sync. I guess I will just have to deal with it until Facebook or Google fix it.
well, you could try out Apex 1.0.2 it works there
CannibalAngel said:
Thanks! That makes sense. I was using CyanogenMOD 7 on my Incredible 2. They probably edited the files to fix Facebook sync. I guess I will just have to deal with it until Facebook or Google fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google'll never fix this because they don't want this FB sync feature.
The work around here is using a Custom Rom or installing HaxSync, etc.
+1 for HaxSync!
Its true. Google disabled Facebook Sync on android. Instead they try to shove G+ down your throat. You can install hack sync, or Custom ROMS like AOKP. I have it and it works. But I have disabled facebook Sync because I hate searching my contacts and find 300 contacts with email adresses only.
the ICS contact book doesn't allow us to display only records with phone numbers. I think the emphasis on the people instead of phone contact. As a result, the ICS people app is very difficult to use.
It does, however, just allow you to show your Gmail address book so assuming you have contacts on there with numbers and they're linked to FB it'll just show contacts with numbers
If someone isn't on my Gmail contacts I hide them by only showing Gmail contacts - easy!
martonikaj said:
OMG PLEASE SEARCH
It doesnt work because Facebook isn't following Google's guidelines for syncing.
Download an app like Haxsync or just deal with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't work because GOOGLE dismantled the old social API. The new API is available in Android 4.0.3. Social stream API in Contacts Provider. IF/when your carrier (Verizon, in my case) certifies the update for release is the problem. LinkedIn and Twitter contacts also will not sync because of this problem. It isn't just Facebook. Overall, this is a problem born out of Google looking to own the contacts sync and rid Android of those crapapps that do a piss poor job of synching. But Facebook will need to update the Android app when Android 4.0.3 is certified and released for a commercially available carrier-certified device. At this point. Out-of-the-box social contact synching is a no go on Android ICS except for Google+. How convenient. Otherwise, you'll need an extra app for that social app.
JBundy said:
It doesn't work because GOOGLE dismantled the old social API. The new API is available in Android 4.0.3. Social stream API in Contacts Provider. IF/when your carrier (Verizon, in my case) certifies the update for release is the problem. LinkedIn and Twitter contacts also will not sync because of this problem. It isn't just Facebook. Overall, this is a problem born out of Google looking to own the contacts sync and rid Android of those crapapps that do a piss poor job of synching. But Facebook will need to update the Android app when Android 4.0.3 is certified and released for a commercially available carrier-certified device. At this point. Out-of-the-box social contact synching is a no go on Android ICS except for Google+. How convenient. Otherwise, you'll need an extra app for that social app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember when this facebook issue first happened. I was really more mad at google since they technically broke the sync.
However twitter still syncs just fine with my contacts on stock 4.0.1.
RogerPodacter said:
I remember when this facebook issue first happened. I was really more mad at google since they technically broke the sync.
However twitter still syncs just fine with my contacts on stock 4.0.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically, the onus is still on Facebook and Twitter to update their existing apps for Android 4.0.2 since there is a social API still included. Something didn't translate right with Android 4.0.2 for the current versions of those apps.
Am about to pick up a used GNex and am wondering if the Facebook Home app is of any help towards getting contact pics & syncing on Nexus devices...never mind that it seems to be a crap launcher, etc., has anyone had a look at that possibility?
I don't have an Android phone for a few days to try this out, so if anyone is willing to give it a shot, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!
johnflorin said:
Am about to pick up a used GNex and am wondering if the Facebook Home app is of any help towards getting contact pics & syncing on Nexus devices...never mind that it seems to be a crap launcher, etc., has anyone had a look at that possibility?
I don't have an Android phone for a few days to try this out, so if anyone is willing to give it a shot, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you can use haxsync but is paid
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Facebook home isn't available on the gnex.
I can sideload the apk (with a bit of tinkering) according to here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2232198&page=5
A shame it doesn't work for this purpose, though...I've read about haxsync and it's not a problem that it costs a buck, but it just looks unclean, unofficial, etc. I would like to sync between Facebook and Google via at least Facebook if Google is being a douche, not some 3rd party.
I guess the only way this would be resolved officially is if Facebook came out with a People app replacement...which it might yet do, but so far no go.
Thanks!
I have used haxsync for 2 yrs an recommend it, I only got it to sync Facebook contact photos to native phone app contacts originally.
Most likely I will also use either it or this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.contapps.android - looks very decent as a full People+Dialer replacement app
johnflorin said:
I can sideload the apk (with a bit of tinkering) according to here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2232198&page=5
A shame it doesn't work for this purpose, though...I've read about haxsync and it's not a problem that it costs a buck, but it just looks unclean, unofficial, etc. I would like to sync between Facebook and Google via at least Facebook if Google is being a douche, not some 3rd party.
I guess the only way this would be resolved officially is if Facebook came out with a People app replacement...which it might yet do, but so far no go.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google is not being a douche here, Android has an open API allowing any app developer to sync stuff with contacts. Facebook just never updated their horribly outdated app to take advantage of this.(the API was released 2 Years ago)
So no it would not require facebook to release a people app but simply to update their existing app.
This is exactly what the third party apps does, and they work fine BTW. Since they run entirely in the background it doesn't matter that they look unofficial, I never see the app itself. So there is no need to use a replacement for the people app.
Never did understand why more didn't follow HTC's contact sync set up. So simple, intuitive and seamless.
Hey, we see you have 4 John Smiths.. under FB, Twitter, LinkedIn, and your main contacts.. shall we merge? Voila, done. And you get to use their FB photo as the default.
Why they wouldn't make contact integration easier is beyond me..
DNak206 said:
Never did understand why more didn't follow HTC's contact sync set up. So simple, intuitive and seamless.
Hey, we see you have 4 John Smiths.. under FB, Twitter, LinkedIn, and your main contacts.. shall we merge? Voila, done. And you get to use their FB photo as the default.
Why they wouldn't make contact integration easier is beyond me..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's simple, just because facebook is large doesn't mean they get preferential treatment(like on ios, where only twitter and facebook is integrated). On android any app can do this(facebook included), but it is required for the app itself to do the sync of the contacts.
mortenmhp said:
It's simple, just because facebook is large doesn't mean they get preferential treatment(like on ios, where only twitter and facebook is integrated). On android any app can do this(facebook included), but it is required for the app itself to do the sync of the contacts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But why not allow that as an option at the Android OS level to allow permission is what I don't get. The FB android app also hasn't synced my contacts in forever (to include photo).
DNak206 said:
But why not allow that as an option at the Android OS level to allow permission is what I don't get. The FB android app also hasn't synced my contacts in forever (to include photo).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please read my previous post! It is allowed... Any developer can add sync options(this is exactly what the thirdparties like haxsync does). The reason your facebook app sync doesn't work is, that they hacked in a solution that worked on 2.2 and earlier versions of android, but as the official api was introduced, and facebook was breaking the rules, this exploit was removed, and facebook just hasn't updated to use the official api.
read about the official api here: http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/providers/contacts-provider.html
What HTC and others does is, that they either hack in the old exploit allowing the facebook app to sync again or they simply write their own app which uses the official api to sync fb contacts and pics.(this is identical to downloading an app like haxsync).
I ended up installing Contacts+ and am quite happy with it...