SugarSync
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SugarSync for Android gets more offline features, full-resolution media uploads
Cloud storage service SugarSync has updated its Android app with quite a few nifty features. For starters, the application now allows any file to be saved to your device or SD card card -- a feature that will come in handy when you don't have a connection. You can also rename folders/files and export them to other apps, while some optimization on the tablet side will make SugarSync for Android look better on larger screens. Most importantly, perhaps, the new version uploads pictures and videos at their full resolution -- and we know how meaningful this is for some of you.
Avatron Kickstarts Everydisk project for secure personal cloud storage
The remote data field is dominated by powerhouses like Dropbox, iCloud, Google Drive, SugarSync and so on. Whether you're looking for a hardware network-attached storage (NAS) solution or a cloud-storage server, there's probably a vendor or 10 you've already heard of. Now, iOS/Mac development house Avatron is attempting to step into this crowded arena. Avatron's new Everydisk Kickstarter hopes to securely serve your files from your home system to wherever you are. The big selling point behind Everydisk is its unlimited NAS-like storage. You get access to your entire disk, not just a special folder, the way you would with Dropbox and not just a standalone drive, as you would with PogoPlug or Transporter. According to the Avatron team, Everydisk creates its own secure tunnel between your computer and your access point, using Diffie-Hellman key exchange, offering you a way to confidently grab the materials you need. Avatron's hoping its combination of heightened privacy, unlimited storage and full disk access will set it apart from the current crop of competition. It's built around the same Air Connect technology used for Air Login, an app many of us here at TUAW have used and liked. As Avatron founder Dave Howell puts it, "It's basically like Back to My Mac, but it isn't broken. And it's like a VPN except it's easy to use and supports Bonjour and other UDP-based services." Their Kickstarter has about three weeks to go and is currently at about 19 percent pledged. The available pledges offer discounted subscription access to the service once it ships. When we last checked, nearly all the super-discount early bird offers had been claimed, but there are still some excellent values to be had.
SugarSync sends its free cloud storage option out to pasture
Folks looking to squirrel away files in the cloud for free will no longer be able to look towards SugarSync. The outfit's gratis option has been retired, and existing users with freebie accounts will have until February 8th to access what they've stowed on the platform. TechCrunch reports that those who become paying customers can score discounts as hefty as 75 percent off in some instances. According to SugarSync CEO Mike Grossman, the change shores up the company's "solid financial position" and allows it to build out its service. "It's a necessary part of our evolution," the company's VP of Marketing Alan d'Escragnolle told Engadget. "This move will allow us to grow, expand and increase offerings that will help our users for work or play." The entry-level tier now starts at $7.49 per month (or $74.99 a year) for 60GB of space. If you'd still like to sample the cloud backup and syncing, you can try each plan with a free 30-day trial, or claim 5GB of storage at no cost for 90 days. Head to the second source link to peruse the pricing levels and sign up for a trial.
SugarSync adds remote wipe, scrubs cloud data from Macs and PCs
These days, the danger of a stolen PC resides less in local files and more in cloud access -- presumably, no one wants to share their online storage with a thief. SugarSync's paid subscribers won't have to worry, as the company just rolled out a remote wipe option. Customers now just have to sign in through the web to purge a Mac or Windows system of both its shared files and any active logins. A wipe target doesn't have to be online when the purge starts, either. The new failsafe won't help if an evildoer moves data elsewhere, but we'll gladly take what extra security we can get.
SugarSync gets a fresh, new UI and improved search in version 4
SugarSync, which allows you to share your documents, photos, music and other files between computers and mobile devices, has updated its iOS app to version 4.0. The new version features a major redesign which, as you can see above, looks quick slick and functional. In addition to the new app-wide interface, there are two big, new features. Cloud search is a system-wide search that allows you to find files sync'd by SugarSync, no matter which computer or device they happen to be on. And the new "Open In" feature allows you to take photos, videos and other documents from other apps on your mobile device, and open them up inside SugarSync's folders, where you can share them off to anywhere else. SugarSync's a great app that's gotten even better with this update. It's a free download from the App Store, and while you can pay for more storage if you like, everyone using the app gets 5 GB of storage for free. [via Engadget]
SugarSync for iOS gets an all-new design, multi-platform search functionality
It wasn't too long ago that SugarSync overhauled a couple of the apps it serves on different platforms, but for whatever reason the iOS version wasn't included in that round of updates. Today, though, the cloud-based storage service is releasing a new version of its application for Apple devices that brings a fair bit to the table. Chief among the improvements is a completely redesigned UI that, according to the company, aims to provide a more consistent experience across all the apps it currently offers. iPod touch, iPhone and iPad users will also now see a new feature which allows any saved file on SugarSync to be searched from within the app, while "Open In" integrates deeply with the OS to make it easier to open / save docs via other services. SugarSync is also quick to point out that there are many more iOS features in the works (such as labels for folders), but we'll have to wait until a future release for those.
SugarSync 2.0 completed, offers drag-and-drop sharing and a new Android app
SugarSync 2.0 has been in the oven for awhile, having gone into beta last year, but it's now fully baked. The finished version offers the promised extra-simple sharing and syncing, with drag-and-drop transfers to the cloud, contacts and Dropbox-style public links. A virtual drive and cloud search simply things, too. Both desktop and web apps get more of a consistent look, and the Android app has been given its promised overhaul both for the new features as well as to offer uploads and syncing from an SD card. Android, Mac and Windows users can update at their leisure; iOS users will have to wait a few weeks, although both new and old versions can coexist until everyone is on the same page.
SugarSync releases version 2.0 beta with new UI, drag-and-drop sharing and cross-device search
SugarSync's popular cloud sharing app just got a complete web and desktop makeover. Version 2.0 beta is now available in desktop, web and Android app flavors, bringing a handful of new features to subscribers on multiple platforms. Mac and Windows users will have direct file system access to all of their cloud content, letting you transfer documents and other data without launching the app or web interface. You'll be able to store files within individual folders, and you can hop over to the activity feed to see a list of items in the order they were added, making it easy to locate a file transferred recently. A new search tool indexes all of your remote content, while also letting you locate files stored locally on computers and other devices. You can also drag and drop files to specific contacts or to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, without any need to copy and paste a download link. Apps will be available for Android at launch, and while BlackBerry, iOS, Symbian and Windows Phone users will need to hang tight for now, they'll still be able to use previous versions alongside 2.0 in the meantime. As always, you'll be able to sign up for a free 5GB account, with paid monthly plans ranging from $5 for 30 gigs to $40 for a monster 500GB plan. Grab the new version now at the source link below.
SugarSync to ship with many Samsung mobile devices, make Galaxy S III a home away from home
Samsung and SugarSync are already cozy with each other, having struck a deal to put SugarSync's cloud file sharing on Samsung's AllShare Play-equipped TVs. That relationship just got a lot closer: SugarSync will now be a mainstay for Samsung's rather successful mobile devices. Starting with the Galaxy S III, any Samsung phone or tablet that supports AllShare Play will have SugarSync built-in, whether it's for looking at files and media from back home or just to upload the phone's own photos and videos for sharing later on. The service still offers a free 5GB of storage as a baseline and will scale up to 500GB if you're willing to fork over up to $40 a month. Between this and a Dropbox deal for most carriers, Samsung has the cloud largely sewn up on its handhelds -- if you can't access it, it probably doesn't exist.
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i delivers scans to Android or iOS, spreads a little cloud love as well
Fujitsu's original ScanSnap S1300 earned a soft spot in our hearts -- no mean feat for a scanner -- so it's with piqued interest that we catch word of a direct upgrade. The S1300i is all about serving those of us who might never send scan results to a printer. Android and iOS aficionados now only have to send the results to a relevant mobile app, skipping the usual computer-to-phone shuffle. That stack of receipts can also go skip devices entirely and go straight to the cloud, whether it's Dropbox, Evernote, Google Docs, Salesforce Chatter or SugarSync. However that paper gets converted to digital, it'll be accomplished about 50 percent faster, or 12 double-sided, color pages every minute. All the extras lift the price price even higher, though: $295 is a lot to ask for a scanner. Even so, if that stack of bills is high enough to trigger an avalanche, it might be worth the premium to avoid being snowed in.
SugarSync 3.0 hits the iPad with revamped interface
Cloud storage provider SugarSync has already rolled out an updated version of its Android app this month, but it's now already back again with a major new release for iPad users. That comes in the form of the SugarSync 3.0 universal app, but the updates here are all on the iPad side of things, including a completely revamped interface, added gesture support, and generally more effective use of the iPad's added screen real estate. As before, the app itself remains free, but you'll have to pay up if you need more storage than the basic 5GB service provides ($5 a month will buy you 30GB, with plans up to 500GB available).
SugarSync for Android updated, adds enhanced sharing and on-the-go file management
Not long after handing its Android application a video-friendly refresh, SugarSync's back with more updated goodies. Now, the sweet Dropbox adversary is stuffing version 3.5.1 with some productivity and social-driven bits. The rejuvenated app, which won't ask anything of your wallet, is boosting its sharing features by allowing you to handout contacts, files and folders via Zuck's social network and that famed 140-character box. Facebook and Twitter's integration doesn't stop there, SugarSync's letting anyone grab 500MB of extra storage at no cost by referring other humans through the aforementioned sites. Another new feature is the on-the-fly file management, which essentially allows you to copy, move and delete any of your docs while you're on the go. Eager to give it a try? It's up for grabs at the source link below or you can get it directly from your Big G-approved device.
SugarSync updates Android and iOS apps, brings auto sync technology to videos
If you're jonesing to get your photos and movies from your smartphone back to the home computer without futzing around with cables, the folks at SugarSync have a new spoonful of sweetness for Android and iOS devices -- and with its free price, it should be easy to swallow. In the latest version, the company has applied its AutoSync technology to videos, which means that all media files can now be synced to the cloud and pushed to linked computers without user intervention. As this could involve a significant amount of data, AutoSync Videos works only over WiFi, and users may select from three compression qualities based on their desire for picture quality or upload speed. The latest SugarSync apps also feature a redesigned photos tab, which lets users view all their pictures -- not just the recent ones -- and offers quicker navigation along with larger, high-res previews. The company gives all users 5GB of storage absolutely gratis, so if you have a lot of media to unload, it may be worthwhile to hop aboard. You'll find the complete PR announcements just after the break.
SugarSync adds mobile device management, lets you push digital delights directly to iOS (video)
Apple's iOS is great at displaying content already on a device, but transferring documents from your computer to your iPhone or iPad has traditionally been a tedious, inefficient process. SugarSync's new mobile device management sets out to help change that, allowing you to send files directly to your smartphone or tablet using a simple web interface. After selecting a connected device from the sidebar, you can click to upload content, booting it directly to your handheld. A push notification will appear, prompting you to download any or all of the files you uploaded, which will also remain in the cloud -- so you'll be able to access files synched with the SugarSync app from the Web, even when your device is offline. The feature is rolling out for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch this week, and will be available for Android and BlackBerry soon. It looks like the concept of emailing documents to yourself just to access them on the go is about to follow iTunes sync and tethered updates to a permanent group home in the sky.
Win a SugarSync 30 GB account for your new iPad 2
Our friends at SugarSync posted a wonderful blog entry the other day on how to use their signature cloud service to make the iPad 2 a more productive mobile device. As they note, one of the biggest issues with the iPad is that the current file system makes it difficult for users to transfer files or save and access files on your iPad for later use. SugarSync resolves this issue by making it possible to access all of your files on any device, continuously syncing to a "Personal Cloud" accessible from the Web or your brand new iPad 2. Many of the best file viewing and editing apps, including QuickOffice, Documents To Go, GoodReader, and ReaddleDocs, work hand-in-hand with SugarSync. Together with SugarSync, we're giving away three 30 GB annual accounts to celebrate the availability of the iPad 2. You don't have to be an iPad 2 user; SugarSync works with the original iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch as well. To enter, just tell us what important (or trivial) information you'd like to sync to your Personal Cloud. We'll pick three winners and send you your promo code so you can get up and running. Here are the official rules: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, leave a comment telling us what information you want to sync to your SugarSync Personal Cloud. The comment must be left before March 11, 2011 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. Three winners will be selected and will each receive a 30 GB / year SugarSync account valued at $49.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Good luck!
Quickoffice Connect Mobile Suite for iPad gets PowerPoint editing for Christmas
The Quickoffice Connect Mobile Suite for iPad has gained some new features that make it even more useful to business people on the go. Quickoffice, Inc. announced today that its mobile office suite for the iPad now has an editor for Microsoft PowerPoint files in addition to the Excel and Word editors that were available earlier. You can manipulate font type, color, size and style, and you can add, delete or reorder slides in a PowerPoint deck. Graphical editing tools allow object layering changes, insertion and editing of text boxes, and insertion and rotation of common shapes, images and text boxes. Another feature of the PowerPoint editor is that it allows the insertion of images from inside the app or from the iPad's Photo Library. When presenting from Quickoffice, the app supports video output using the Apple Dock Connector to VGA Adapter and provides a built-in "laser pointer" for pointing out highlights on the slides. There's also a filmstrip preview of slides to assist in making presentations on external monitors. While Quickoffice Connect Mobile Suite for iPad now allows round-tripping of animations and transitions between the desktop app and iPad, there is still no way to edit or show custom transitions or animations on the iPad. The Quickoffice developers have noted that this is in consideration for a future update. It's also worth mentioning that the PowerPoint editing feature only supports PPT (Office 2003 format) files; PPTX (Office 2007/2010/2011 native format) presentations can be viewed and shown, but not edited yet. The app now supports additional cloud storage services, including Box.net, Dropbox, Google Docs, Huddle, MobileMe and SugarSync. If you already own the suite, this is a free update for you. To kick off the new update, Quickoffice Connect Mobile Suite for iPad is on sale on the App Store for US$14.99, 40% off of the usual $24.99 price. Thanks for Mike Rose for the gallery screenshots! %Gallery-111932%
Tons of iPad app releases on the App Store now
Embargoes on every app in the iPad's app store broke this morning, and there's almost too many new iPad apps to write about. But worry not, dear readers -- we've sifted through the flood of press releases in the inbox this morning, and we're here to bring you the brightest and best iPad app news we've heard so far. Board game maker Days of Wonder is releasing Small World, a virtual board game for the iPad, for just US$5. Telltale Games craftily dodged telling us about any development for the iPhone or the iPad at Macworld this year, but they've gone ahead and released the latest episode of Sam and Max on the platform anyway, as a $10 app. SugarSync has released a version of their remote data sharing app for free on the iPad. Diner Dash has gone "HD" with Diner Dash: Grilling Green, a new $5 version of the game "designed from the ground up exclusively for the iPad." See Here Studios has a 3D storybook called The Wrong Side of the Bed available for $2.99. You'll need red/cyan glasses, but you can actually order them (with free shipping in the US) inside the app itself. Chillingo has launched a lineup of fourteen different apps (which is probably the most we've seen from any single company so far) including Cogs HD, Minigore HD, and Sword of Fargoal Legends. Impressive launch lineup. Zen Bound 2 has finally arrived as an iPad app -- it features those revamped graphics for $7.99 on the new device. Freeverse has four different apps running, including Flick Fishing HD and their new game CastleCraft, a freemium MMO. Smule has released Magic Piano, a virtual piano/game/musical experience that's launching for $2.99. Lots (and we mean lots) more iPad app releases after the break. What a launch lineup this thing has!
SugarSync client for Mac reaches beta
The cloud storage and sync offering from Sharpcast, SugarSync, has released a public beta of its OS X client today, complementing the existing Windows, web and mobile (WinMo + Blackberry, iPhone coming soon) clients. The Mac client and the Windows client appear pretty much the same, but once you set up your sync you don't have to look at the client UI very often.SugarSync is a for-pay service that extends your local files seamlessly to your other computers, to a secure webpage, and pretty much to anywhere you think they ought to go. CEO Gibu Thomas describes SugarSync as "get my stuff everywhere," a supercharged and cross-platform version of .Mac iDisk synchronization. Our colleagues at Download Squad have checked out the service in detail, and there's a good writeup at webware.com as well. To use SugarSync, you can define a set of folders to sync, photos to share, "Magic Briefcase" files that live in the cloud and sync down on demand, click and go -- then the defined content will be available on all your computers. With both "full sync" and "light sync" modes, you can leave rarely used files on the SugarSync side and only retrieve them as needed (great for those MacBook Air users hungry for storage). You can also selectively share photo galleries or other content via the web UI.Once you get past the 45-day, 10 GB of storage trial period, you can use the discount available through 4/15 to get a half- off data plan (starts at $25/yr for 10 GB, up to 250 GB for $250/yr).The advantages of SugarSync for backup, specificity of synced items, and a supported client may make you give it a look as an alternative to iDisk, or to cloud solutions like OmniDrive, JungleDisk or other clients for Amazon's S3 that require you to roll your own synchronization plan.%Gallery-18835%
