Sony Ericsson will wind down its Sync service, which enabled consumers to synchronize mobile device data like contacts, calendars, bookmarks and notes with the manufacturer's website over the air.

Sony Ericsson will terminate Sync support on Dec. 29. "We are phasing out Sony Ericsson Sync service since it was meant for old generation phones and our aim is to create a more enhanced and integrated smartphone experience for you," the company states on its website. "As an alternative to Sony Ericsson Sync service, we recommend you to use the Google Sync service for a more integrated experience in line with the favorite range of Google Mobile Services like Google Voice Search, Google Maps and YouTube. Other alternatives are Plaxo and UNYK." For information on moving from Sync to another service, click here.

Last month, Sony Corporation announced it will buy out Ericsson's (NASDAQ:ERIC) 50 percent stake in the decade-old Sony Ericsson joint venture for around $1.47 billion, a move enabling Sony to more tightly integrate smartphones into its broader digital entertainment aspirations. With the deal, Sony Ericsson becomes a wholly owned Sony subsidiary. Sony lands an intellectual property cross-licensing agreement covering all of its products and services, as well as ownership of five wireless handset technology patent families.