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SMS Audio is back with more 'Star Wars' special edition headphones
Last year, when 50 Cent's SMS Audio released a line of Star Wars-themed headphones, it was something for the fans. This year, 50's riding on some good timing. With the movie trailer for The Force Awakens still lingering in many people's retinas, SMS Audio is launching a second line of on-ear cans inspired by the franchise. This year it's R2D2, Chewbacca, Darth Vader and the TIE Fighter that get immortalized as headphones (joining Rebel Alliance, Stormtrooper, Galactic Empire and Boba Fett models from 2014). There's mention of passive noise canceling, as well as 40mm drivers to deliver the sound. Each pair costs $200 and will available sometime in Q2 this year -- much less of a wait than for the next movie installment, at least.
AMD's answer to NVIDIA G-Sync arrives on Samsung monitors in 2015
Looking for a new computer monitor? If you're rocking an AMD-sourced graphics card, you may want to wait a few months. Samsung just announced the UD590 and UE850, the first two monitors with support for FreeSync -- AMD's open-source answer to NVIDIA G-Sync. Both technologies sync GPU output to the monitor's refresh rate, a trick that eliminates visual stutters and tearing. Samsung hasn't announced pricing yet, but says the monitors will be available in 23.6, 27 and 31.5-inch variants.
Apple gives PCs access to iCloud Drive before Macs
iOS 8 might working its way to iPhones and iPads, but Apple's long-awaited desktop refresh, Yosemite, is still receiving the final tweaks before it launches to the public. One element that features prominently between both platforms is iCloud Drive, Apple's own version of Dropbox. It's now available to mobile users, but Mac users can't enjoy its file-syncing features if they're using older versions of OS X. However, and this doesn't happen often, Windows users can get in on the action before their Mac-toting counterparts. In an updated version of the iCloud for Windows, Apple has added full support for iCloud Drive, letting PC owners interact with their files and documents from the comfort of their desktop. Mac users, of course, will enjoy additional iCloud features when Yosemite launches in the coming weeks, but for now, Windows users with iPhones and iPads can enjoy a very rare period of privileged access.
Menote is yet another diary app
Your iPhone or iPad can make remarkably handy devices to chronicle your life with. Diary and note taking apps can make the process easier and perhaps even fun. But not all diary apps are equal. Menote is YADA-Yet Another Diary App. It's free, relatively good looking, but awkward to use and has limited features. Menote requires iOS 7.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The app is free with In-app purchase for premium features for $2.99. I am a strong advocate of keeping a journal or diary. It's a very useful exercise, and not just for writers. I have the 100 year old line-a-day journal that one of my great uncles kept and it's a fascinating piece of family history. I keep my own on my desk and write in it every day. There are lots of options for keeping a diary using iOS devices, including the built-in Notes app. You can use heavy-duty apps like Evernote, or purpose-built diary apps like the award-winning Day One. The promise of these apps it to make it easier to keep a diary because your device is with you and you can also capture images, location information, and more. As I gave Menote a trial run I found that it didn't offer special features or a significantly different or better experience than using other apps. In fact there were more than a few frustrations with using Menote. The app looks nice on the iPhone, but on the iPad it's just blown up for the bigger screen. That's disappointing. The app doesn't allow a switch to landscape in the main view and when creating or editing an entry and you switch to landscape the app removes the menus and controls. You are required to turn your device back to portrait orientation to save, add pics, or return to the main view. Syncing in Menote is not automatic or easy. I created an entry, with photos, using my iPhone and then checked my iPad. Nothing there. I opened and closed both apps repeatedly and eventually the entry sync'd over. There is an option for manual syncing and it's more reliable, but that's a poor substitute for reliable automatic syncing. On top of all that I am also not sure just how "free" the app is. Menote uses proprietary storage, limited to 50 MB. You'll need to purchase the premium option at $2.99 to gain an extra 1 GB. I am uncertain how many entries and photos the initial 50 MB represents. Purchasing the premium features will gain you that 1 GB extra storage, password protection for individual notes, notifications, and a night mode theme. I did not test the premium features. If you are committed to keeping a diary or journal I'd recommend Day One. The app is $4.99 for the iOS app and $9.99 for the Mac OS app. I find it to be really well thought out apps for both iOS and Mac. Day One also syncs with iCloud, not proprietary storage. Menote might be worth a try if you don't require a Mac version and use only a single iOS device and you're looking for a free option.
BitTorrent Sync lets you share folders on your PC using web links
Yes, cloud services like Dropbox make it easy to share folders through public directories and links, but you still have to put those folders in the cloud in the first place. Wouldn't you rather share them straight from your PC? BitTorrent hopes to make things that direct with its big Sync 1.4 update. Now, you can share folders with others just by giving them web links; you don't have to wait for the files to reach a remote server, or rely on Sync's slightly more obtuse Key system. You don't have to sign up for an account, either, and you can still limit access to prevent others from messing with precious documents. About the only headache is that your recipient needs Sync, although BitTorrent promises that it will walk first-timers through the process.
Watching 'Sharknado' with Syfy Sync and Philips Hue
When I open my mailbox, I often find Amazon packages that I don't remember ordering. But today's surprise was a DVD of Sharknado, a movie I absolutely did not purchase. My first instinct was to contact Amazon and change my password, but then I found a note inside: "For you to test out the new Syfy Sync app with your Philips Hue lights." Wait, what? A quick web search cleared things up pretty quickly -- the latest Syfy Sync app enables full control of a Hue bridge (and connected lights) on the same network. The movie, app and lights work together, in theory, to bring you a more immersive entertainment experience.
50 Cent's new sports headphones aren't subtle, and that's OK
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson was kind enough to give us an early look at his line of sport-friendly headphones on stage back at CES. Today, you get to see them out in the wild. As a refresher, there are on-ear and in-ear models and you can choose wired (Street) or wireless (Sync) varieties depending on how you roll. The on-ears come with a sweat-proof inner chamber and a rubberized coating to keep them looking box-fresh no matter how many laps you put them through, and there's even a sports "towel" (it's more of a cloth) included to mop your brow! The in-ears won't come with such luxuries, but they do come in the same striking blue, pink or yellow color options. The Bluetooth variants all support aptX, which is more than can be said for the other rapper-backed sports buds we saw recently. Prices are $80/$150 for the in-ears (wired/wireless) and $180/230 for the on-ears -- and we got an early look at some.
Ford's 2015 Focus brings touchscreen Sync technology to Europe
Europe regularly gets Ford's latest cars, but it hasn't been so lucky with Sync -- the continent typically has to make do with the basic version rather than MyFord Touch. Locals won't have to settle when the 2015 Focus rolls out in the second half of the year, though. The redesigned car will bring Sync 2, which is effectively MyFord Touch under a new name; drivers get a similar 8-inch touchscreen interface with sophisticated control over the climate system, media playback, navigation and AppLink support. The 2015 refresh should bring a few welcome tech upgrades no matter where you live, including a now-standard rearview camera as well as optional blind-spot detection and lane warnings. Ford isn't giving out prices at this stage, although we wouldn't expect this newest Focus to cost much more than the outgoing model.
Ford reportedly dropping Windows in favor of QNX for next-gen Sync software
Forget the fact that Ford CEO Alan Mulally was reportedly a contender for the Microsoft CEO job: the two companies have long had a cozy relationship, with Ford using Windows to power its in-car Sync software. That could change, though, if this story from Bloomberg is correct. The news agency is reporting that Ford plans to ditch Windows for its next-gen Sync system and base it on BlackBerry's QNX instead. In particular, Bloomberg's sources claim that a move to QNX would be more cost-effective, and also lead to potential improvements in "speed and flexibility." Indeed, the performance could be the deciding factor here: Ford has rated the quality of its vehicles "mixed" for the last three years, according to Bloomberg, with customers complaining about tech malfunctions in customer satisfaction surveys by J.D. Power & Associates and Consumer Reports. For now, Ford, BlackBerry and Microsoft have all declined comment. If the report is true, though, Ford would find itself in good company: luxury brands like Audi and BMW already use QNX in their in-car systems.
MightyText Android app goes Pro, adds extra features for monthly cost
Three years ago, MightyText started out as a clever app that, when paired with a Chrome extension, could sync your texts and incoming call alerts to your computer. Since then, it's blossomed into a web app in which you can access your SMS/MMS, calls, contact list and photos/videos from any browser. Next up in the app's progression: a Pro version. It's technically been in a limited beta for the past few weeks, but the developers of MightyText have wiggled most of the bugs out and are ready to open Pro account access to any and all who are willing to pay a monthly or annual fee. The Pro account, which is launching at an early bird price of $2.50 per month (or a flat annual rate of $30, if you know you'll hang onto it for a while), comes with a rather large list of additional features. A Pro's arsenal of software weaponry will include eternal message storage, number blocking, mass-group messaging (up to 25 people), themes, the ability to sync older texts from your phone to the app, message templates, 50GB storage space for photo and video uploading and a scheduler. If Pro isn't your thing, the free version will continue to be available -- MightyText plans to always have one.
Mozilla makes it a lot easier to sync Firefox bookmarks and passwords
Firefox users keen to keep their browsing data up-to-date across devices will soon have one less headache to worry about. Mozilla, makers of the popular open-source browser, has decided to do away with synchronization keys for its Firefox Sync service, opting instead to utilize a simple email and password combo similar to Google Chrome accounts. The change comes after users were forced to store an auto-generated authorization code, which, if lost, would render their bookmarks, passwords and browsing history inaccessible. While it means Sync accounts are a little more traceable, in that Sync data will be directly linked with a user's email address, the new process will enable Firefox users to quickly restore their browsing data in the event of a catastrophe like a hard drive failure. Mozilla is currently testing the new version of Firefox Sync in Nightly browser builds, meaning you'll need to install a beta version of Firefox to try it, but we expect it to make its way to a public release in the not-too-distant future.
Evernote now syncs your documents four times faster
Syncing Evernote content was quick when most users had just a handful of notes, but times have changed -- many people are now transferring pictures, presentations and web clips. The company may keep up with that seemingly insatiable demand, though, as it just launched a brand new sync engine. The improved infrastructure syncs data roughly four times faster than before. You may not notice a difference if you're a casual user, but veterans and Business customers should see the impact right away. This isn't the end of the story, either. Evernote is updating its native apps to make better use of the engine, and developers will get to take advantage of the upgrade in the future.
Ford Sync will soon let you order pizza while on the road
Ever wish you could (safely) order pizza while driving home? You'll have that chance soon. Ford has just announced Sync AppLink support in five apps that could prove handy for many commuters, including Domino's Pizza. An upcoming version of the eatery's software will let you dictate orders without taking your hands off the wheel. New editions of Parkopedia and Parkmobile, meanwhile, will respectively help you find and pay for parking. ADT's Pulse app will verify that your house is safe and sound, and an update to HABU later this month will send mood-setting tunes to the car stereo. It's not clear just when all of the new apps will be AppLink-ready, but it shouldn't be long before you're asking for an extra-large Pacific Veggie while you're stuck in traffic.
SMS Audio reveals three sport-friendly Carmelo Anthony signature headphones
Like to soak up some beats while out on the court? Or prefer a sonic boost to your run? Then SMS Audio's new Audio Sport, Carmelo Anthony signature collection is looking squarely at you. There are three models in the line: the Sync Wireless Sport in-ear, and Street Wired Sport in- and on-ear editions. All three come with sweat-proof protection and tangle-free cables (on the wired ones, of course). The Street on-ears even come with an SMS Audio sports towel in the box, and all models come in three color variations (as you see above). If you fancy picking up a set of the wireless Syncs, then it'll cost you $160. The on-ear Streets are $20 more, but if you're more into the in-ear, wired version, you can snag 'em for a much lower $80. All will be ready for your workout sometime in spring.
Ford to offer free SYNC AppLink upgrade to current owners this year
Ford certainly isn't waiting until hordes of tech journos land in the Nevada desert to start breaking its CES news. The auto maker will offer SYNC AppLink as a free upgrade this year to owners of 2010 and newer vehicles. The system allows drivers (and their passengers) to use iOS and Android apps like Spotify, NPR, TuneIn and many more via voice control, keeping more attention on the highway. Ford's in-car tech is currently installed in over one million vehicles already on the road and those offered the update will add another 3.4 million to that tally. Unfortunately, the company didn't offer a detailed list of eligible autos, leaving owners in suspense until SYNC AppLink download arrives in the coming months.
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.
Transporter Sync turns your external hard drive into a personal, secure cloud locker
The folks at Connected Data made a splash back in May with Transporter v2.0, and they've just announced their second foray into the wonderful world of cloud storage with the Transporter Sync. Like its slightly larger predecessor, Sync offers Dropbox-like functionality without users having to shackle themselves to costly subscription fees. However, unlike its elder, which has a 2.5-inch drive inside, the Sync lets you use whatever external HDD you like, as long as it's no larger than 4TB and connects via USB. This new Transporter option comes courtesy of consumer feedback: folks wanted to pay less, have more storage and be able to use their existing HDDs in their Transporter network. So, Connected Data set to work, swapping in a new chipset to facilitate connecting drives via USB, lopping off all the extraneous bits formerly needed to mount a drive in the device, and making the necessary firmware tweaks to make it work As its name indicates, this compact storage unit synchronizes with a variety of devices, so you can transition between working on your computer, smartphone or tablet with the aid of the Transporter iOS and Android apps. What makes Transporter, old and new, stand out is an emphasis on privacy, a word that's become all the rage in an increasingly wary consumer market. All of your data is saved locally, and by circumventing the need for a public cloud, the company claims that your precious files are as safe as houses. Sync will be available for $99 in the US or £89 in the UK in the next few weeks.
BitTorrent Sync coming to iOS this week (update: available now!)
BitTorrent promised that its Sync Beta service would get an iOS client, and the company is making good on its word with plans to launch the app this week. As with the Android release, iOS users will get to sync files of any size, send content to other mobile devices and back up photos. And if you're not carrying an Apple device, BitTorrent still has a small treat in store: it's rolling out a localization update that supports 10 major Asian and European languages. Whatever your platform of choice, you'll find more details at the source link. Update: And it's live. The download resides at second source link!
BusyCal adds long-anticipated Exchange compatibility
It's a big day for Exchange users; one of the best Mac calendar applications, BusyCal, has just been updated to support Microsoft's enterprise collaboration technology. Version 2.5 is available in the Mac App Store now, as a free upgrade for existing users or US$29.99 for new licensees. The new version supports Office 365, full sharing privileges, public calendars, free / busy time, tasks and more. Of course, the new build is still compatible with both iCloud and Google Calendar hosted scheduling. Mac users who work with Microsoft Exchange calendars may sometimes feel like they just have to make the best of a challenging situation. Microsoft's own Office client, Outlook 2011, works well, but doesn't necessarily deliver that "born on Mac" experience we crave; Apple's Calendar (formerly iCal) may feel right, but compatibility hiccups can drag down your calendar productivity. Even the popular Fantastical app relies on one of those full-featured calendars for syncing. Back in the day, the original BusyCal application (up through version 1.6) worked with Sync Services and iCal / Calendar to deliver Exchange functionality to happy users. Unfortunately, as Apple's underlying synchronization technology was deprecated (not to mention being creaky and buggy for quite a while), BusyMac founders John Chaffee and Dave Riggle made the tough choice in BusyCal 2 to abandon Sync Services and restructure the app around the supportable cloud calendaring technologies. A number of features had to be left on the editing floor in that change, including publishing calendars local-to-Google and crossover LAN sync with cloud calendars. (I was personally irked about that shift, as I was apparently one of a small number of BusyCal 1.x customers successfully using the product to replicate my work Exchange calendar to a Google calendar so that my spouse would be able to track my comings and goings.) Chaffee and Riggle have been working on Mac calendar apps for a long time; they were behind the remarkably capable Now Up-to-Date networked scheduling app that debuted on Mac OS 7 in the early 1990s. It's great to see their current product still evolving and responding to the needs of the Mac community. You can read more about BusyCal, and get a full rundown of using the app for sharing and collaboration, in the free BusyCal Take Control e-book by Joe Kissel.
Evernote starts rate-limiting third-party apps, hopes for minimal impact
With over 50 million note-taking users, Evernote has a lot of traffic on its hands -- enough so that the company is now rate-limiting third-party software that relies on its API. As of today, new apps can only sync a certain amount of information with Evernote in a given hour. While the caps aren't clearly defined and are likely to change, Evernote will start throttling all existing apps on November 1st. This isn't necessarily the prelude to a Twitter-style crackdown on third-party clients, however. As many apps sync their data sparingly, Evernote doesn't foresee many companies running into the API limit. It primarily anticipates problems with apps that sync everything, and it's offering to chat with affected developers to minimize trouble. Evernote's promises aren't guaranteed to reassure app designers, but they suggest that end users might not notice the difference.