Today, our lives are spread across a growing array of digital devices, from smartphones and laptops to tablets and connected TVs. While each device tends to perform certain tasks better than others, as we use tablets to read books and shop, laptops for work-related tasks and smartphones to check the weather, stocks and email, increasingly, our devices are working together in concert and becoming… → Read More
Dropbox is unveiling a brand new API for developers today that should give mobile app makers an excellent new tool to work with. The Dropbox Sync API allows apps for iOS and Android to treat files stored on a user’s Dropbox account as if they were local, managing syncing, caching, offline access and tracking changes easily so that developers only have to worry about building an app, and not the… → Read More
Google likes to make sweeping changes in bulk, getting rid of features that it thinks don’t really matter. Why don’t they matter? Its users tell them so by not using them.
In a “Winter Cleaning”, there were some minor cuts, as well as a somewhat major one — the shutdown of Punchd, its loyalty card app and service. Merchants must not have been getting quite the bang for their bucks by… → Read More
Earlier this month, Ford announced that it had delivered its 5 millionth SYNC-enabled vehicle. Today, the company is announcing an update to its Microsoft-powered in-car entertainment and connectivity platform and MyFord Touch interface, which will make its debut in the 2014 Ford Fiesta. The updated SYNC in the Fiesta will feature a new 6.5-inch LCD touch screen, but more importantly, the system… → Read More
At GigaOm’s Roadmap event today, Microsoft and Ford just announced that they have delivered more than 5 million SYNC-enabled cars. SYNC, Ford’s in-car connectivity system, is powered by Microsoft’s embedded platform and launched about five years ago. While it had its ups and downs, Ford is quite committed to the platform and plans to open it up to more developers over time. Looking ahead, the two… → Read More
Almost a week ago, we kicked off our Hackathon at TechCrunch Disrupt. Before the event started, Ford had already picked a number of teams that would get access to the otherwise closed Ford AppLink API. The winner of this challenge was BeCouply, which developed the Dates.fm app for suggesting interesting dates to Ford’s in-car interface. Date.fm, the team says, “lets you tune in to nearby date… → Read More
MOG, the popular streaming music service, today announced that it is partnering with Ford to bring its service to the car manufacturer’s SYNC AppLink platform. This will allow Ford drivers with compatible cars, including the 2012 Fiesta, Fusion, F-150, Super Duty, E-Series, Mustang and Expedition, to use their voice and in-dash controls to control the MOG app on their USB-connected… → Read More
Keeping your calendars, contacts and tasks in sync between all of your devices is still a bit of a hassle – especially if you use different operating systems and vendors. Germany-based Fruux, which was founded in 2010, offers a simple and elegant solution for keeping your contacts and calendars in sync between all of your phones, tablets, laptops and desktops. Sure, you could use iCloud or… → Read More
YouSendIt, a cloud collaboration company that got its start long before “cloud” was cool, is today launching new mobile applications for the iPhone, iPad and Android devices, plus new Mac (beta) and PC desktop clients. The suite of apps will allow users to securely sync files across devices, while also offering unlimited storage. → Read More
What’s the first thing you think when you hear the word “focus.” You might respond, “camera,” or “cheap car,” or “concentration,” but definitely not, “fun,” “technological,” or “practical.” This will likely change in a second because those are the words I’d use to tentatively describe this year’s Ford Focus, a small, sporty car for just… → Read More
It seems not everyone is able to use the new MyFord Touch system. MyFord Touch is Ford’s new interface, displayed over three screens, that is the next generation of SYNC. While many young people, familiar with tech since birth, find the system generally easy to use, many of the older customers aren’t as tech savvy and have been having difficulty using MyFord. Therefore, Ford dealers are taking it… → Read More
You know when an app company is serious when they send out a press release. I’ve gotten more releases about durfy little apps that I know what to do with, but this one is special. Sent to us by Greg, the author of Wi-Fi Sync, it basically says “This is great and new, but to get it you have to hack your iPhone and give money to the Cydia store.”
As far as I can tell, this is the first formal press… → Read More
Ford’s Sync system is a fantastic application suite capable of a seemingly endless amount of functions. The system currently provides navigation, traffic info, voice commands, Internet radio, and a 911 Assist mode that automatically dials 911 in case of an accident and provides emergency dispatchers with an approximate location from the connected phone’s GPS or through signal triangulation. That’s… → Read More
Want a single valid reason to buy the 2011 Ford Fiesta besides the silky-smooth 6-speed transmition, roomy interior, and confident ride? Sync. It’s that awesome. The Microsoft co-developed system has been in Ford vehicles for a few years, but the Fiesta is the first car to receive the next-gen functions that bring the hands-free control to Android and BlackBerry apps.
This was announced a few… → Read More
Ford keeps rolling out updates to its Sync ecosystem, this time giving drivers hands-free control of select BlackBerry and Android apps with AppLink. The system will first be available for the 2011 Ford Fiesta later this year with the upgrade rolling out to all Sync-equipped vehicles next year. While the voice-activated service only works with certain apps, it’s still a welcomed addition. It’s a… → Read More
Ford is set to announce the next version of SYNC at CES this year, but an interesting feature leaked early. Apparently SYNC 3.0 will play nicely with USB modems and turn the car into a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot. The official announced hasn’t been release just yet so keep in mind a key detail my be missing, but so far we like it. This solution is dramatically more versatile and consumer-friendly than… → Read More
Smartphones are great. Ubiquitous data access is great. Mobile computing is great. Unfortunately, each smartphone represents its own little walled garden of convenience. Apple’s iPhone is tied tightly with iTunes and various other Apple services. Android is tied tightly with Google services. Each manufacturer makes a modicum of effort to allow their smartphone to sync with someone else’s services… → Read More
Ford and Microsoft have found great success partnering together on Sync and the rest of the automotive industry have finally taken notice. We’ve taken Sync for a ride or two and know that it works as advertised. We even took a 2010 Mustang for a spin over the weekend and even without the full-fledged Nav system with touchscreen, Sync worked great. BTW- Ford kicked some ass on the new Mustang. → Read More
Now, I can’t say I feel one way or the other about Ford and Sync in particular, but this is a worthwhile milestone. Cars are changing fast, and although I doubt they’ll look like these F-Zero-wannabes any time soon, the coalescing of all those dash controls into a single unit is a serious advance. Ford’s Sync is the poster child for these systems, what with Microsoft’s backing and all that. Now… → Read More
This ain’t your daddy’s Lincoln Town Car. In fact, it’s completely different than anything you’ve ever seen before. With balls to the wall power and a teeth shattering sound system, the MKS from Lincoln is a whole other beast. And I like it.
Like our other Test Drive features, I won’t get into the gearheadesque details of reviewing a car, but, rather, focus on the technological side of… → Read More
Ford and Microsoft has been hard at work upgrading their lovechild named Sync 3.0. The latest version upgrades simply adds more features but maintains the easy-to-use voice-activated system. Simply press the button on the steering wheel and say one of the pre-recorded commands. That’s it. Simple and easy. Exciting video demo after the break. → Read More
Short Version: Are you an iFamily? Got lots of iDevices between you, your iDo, and maybe some iKids? Is your house sooooo big that it’s just too much trouble to walk to where your computer is to charge said iGadgets? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Griffin PowerDock 4 is 4U. If you are Brady-sized, you will need two of these. → Read More
BlackBerry owners can now download Media Sync for their smartphones. The free download allows for the ability to transfer music from your desktop iTunes collection to most BlackBerry phones. Whole playlists or a random mix of songs can be imported via a USB cable. Changes made in an iTunes playlist will be updated on the BlackBerry the next time they are synched. Supported files include formats… → Read More
These days, new cars have a truly new feature, which those in the industry call telematics. You and I would probably call it an in-dash computer, but what do we know? Right now Microsoft has Sync in Fords and competes with OnStar and Hughes Telematics in GM cars and Mercedes/Chryslers respectively. They’ve been around for a little bit and are becoming standard. What’s the next step? → Read More
Cloud computing (see convoluted diagram above) is slowly warming the hearts of those at Microsoft, especially Ray Ozzie, the man who’s been tasked with filling Bill Gates‘ nerdly shoes. Ozzie came up with an idea for a new Microsoft feature called “Live Mesh,” which will basically allow you to share, synchronize, and access your data from a myriad of internet connected… → Read More
Please see Microsoft’s Surface. via TC → Read More
I’ve found the transition from Sidekick to BlackBerry to be an enjoyable and easy task. RIM devices are just so much better. The Sidekick is still a great device and will have a special place in my heart since it did convert me to QWERTY, but I’ve outgrown it and RIM devices have more features, a better OS, third party software support and better hardware. It does everything I need and… → Read More
Some of the folks at AppleTVSource found some strings pertaining to calendar and contacts syncing for the Apple TV which sounds fairly far-fetched. Maybe you can add your calendar entries on the TV? The Apple TV will inform you when you’re late? Who knows. Rumor and innuendo, friends. Contacts and Calendar syncing coming to the Apple TV? [AppleTVSource] → Read More
Why is this man smiling? Because Verizon today announced it will be selling a service from Plaxo that allows its wireless customers to automagically sync up their contacts between their computers and mobile devices, over the air. The Java BREW application is compatible with most current Verizon handsets and costs $4.49 a month. While we’d rather see this as a one-time fee-for-service charge… → Read More
<img src="http://tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com/2007/01/Space and now, like the Autumn leaves dragged down the storm drain, it is gone. Is it really that unpopular to use a SK3 with a Mac? What's going on here, people? Is it a corollary effect? The more potential Swavorski crystals on a device the less you actually want to use it for something useful? Oh well. Anything else out… → Read More
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