Microsoft has officially responded to Google's planned Gmail ActiveSync removal in a statement issued to The Verge today. The company says it has been left "surprised and disappointed" by Google's decision that will affect the syncing of personal Gmail contacts and calendar for new WIndows Phone devices. Microsoft briefly responded to Google's decision late last year, but today's statement appears to indicate that the company has no plans to support Gmail contacts and calendar sync initially.

"Windows Phone users will still be able to sync their Google email via IMAP," says Microsoft. We have asked the company whether it plans to support CardDAV and CalDAV on Windows Phone to rectify the situation. We'll update you accordingly.