drive

13 'drive' stories August 2011 - April 2016

Dropbox Project Infinite will show all your cloud files in the Finder … without taking up any local space

Benjamin Mayo Apr 26 2016 - 5:08 am PT

Dropbox is today announcing a new upcoming feature of its platform, codenamed Project Infinite. When Infinite rolls out, you’ll be able to see all your files and folders stored on Dropbox in the Finder, but they won’t take up any space until they are needed. The company is currently targeting the feature at business users.

This means your Dropbox storage can be far larger in total size than your local disk (as is common with modern setups of 1 TB Dropbox tiers and small SSDs) with on-demand instantaneous access to any file at any time over the Internet …

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Review: SanDisk Dual USB Drive connects with the 12-inch MacBook’s USB-C port & traditional USB

Zac Hall Jun 7 2015 - 5:01 am PT

5 Comments

SanDisk Dual USB Drive 2

Cloud syncing services like Dropbox and iCloud Drive connect most of our devices nowadays, and AirDrop offers fast data transfer between Macs for smaller files… when it works. Physically moving files from one machine to another using a drive in the middle, or sneakernet, remains the most reliable way to quickly move files between Macs for many. Without a proper adapter, Apple’s 12-inch MacBook doesn’t fit into this workflow though. That’s where SanDisk’s Dual USB Drive ($49.99), comes into play.

Dual USB Drive conveniently works with both USB-C MacBooks and traditional USB ports on other Macs or PCs, all in a tiny package with plenty of storage…

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The best iPhone/iPad USB flash drives with Lightning connectors

Jordan Kahn Mar 20 2015 - 12:36 pm PT

48 Comments

SAMSUNG CSC

There are now several companies selling USB thumb drives for iPhone and iPad since the first ones with built-in Lightning connectors debuted late last year. By connecting a small and lightweight thumb drive directly to your iOS device, you can avoid limitations of onboard storage and cloud services and instead store and stream media like music, video, and photos using the drive’s additional storage.

A few things to consider when searching for the right Lightning drive: some have a battery that requires charging, companion apps for managing and streaming content from an iOS device vary in quality, and I found some have designs that make using the drives and your iOS device at the same time easier than others. Lastly, pricing varies quite a bit based on the the options below with drives ranging from 8GB to 256GB and other options offering bring-your-own storage using a micro SD card slot.
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SanDisk announces first thumb drive w/ USB Type-C connector ahead of 12-inch MacBook

Jordan Kahn Mar 1 2015 - 12:46 pm PT

5 Comments

SanDisk-USB-Type-C-Drive

SanDisk today announced a new thumb drive that is one of the first to include an integrated USB Type C connector, the next-generation USB plug that’s expected to arrive as one of the only connectors on an upcoming MacBook laptop.
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Google Drive for iOS adds Touch ID unlocking, video saving, iPhone 6/Plus support, more

Zac Hall Nov 6 2014 - 11:09 am PT

3 Comments

In addition to updating its Maps app with an overhauled design, Google has released a new version of its Drive app for iPhone and iPad users adding support for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus as well as some new iOS 8 features.

The Google Drive file storage app can now be secured using Touch ID so users with supported devices (iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone Plus, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3) can unlock the app using the fingerprint scanner. The new version of Drive also includes an extension to “open form and save to Drive in other apps” for iOS 8 users, and videos can now be saved from Drive to the Photos app (instructions below). Google says the new version of Drive for iPhone and iPad also includes full iOS 8 compatibility, bug fixes, and performance improvements.

Google Drive 3.3 for iPhone and iPad is available for free on the App Store. Full change log below.
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Google Drive now lets you open files in compatible Mac apps w/ new Chrome extension

Jordan Kahn Nov 5 2014 - 9:36 am PT

1 Comment

Google announced today that it’s releasing a new Chrome extension called Application Launcher for Drive that allows users to open files directly from its Google Drive service in compatible apps on a Mac or PC. The extension adds an “Open With” option that will let users launch files in apps like, for example, Mac OS X’s Preview app or third-party editing apps like those from Adobe and Microsoft.
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Microsoft OneDrive now provides unlimited cloud storage for Office 365 subscribers

9to5 Staff Oct 27 2014 - 12:48 pm PT

6 Comments

Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft on Monday announced that it will be eliminating its top-tier cloud storage plan and offering unlimited cloud storage to Office 365 subscribers at no additional cost. The change will begin rolling out today for Office 365 Home, Personal and University customers and will continue over the coming months.
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Review: Hyper’s iStick, the first USB drive w/ integrated Lightning connector

Jordan Kahn Oct 3 2014 - 2:36 pm PT

32 Comments

iStick-Hyper-01

While most of my content goes straight to the cloud these days and is usually easily accessible to move around, download or stream from any of my devices, I still found myself getting a lot of use out of Hyper’s new iStick. It’s one of the first made-for-iPhone USB flash drives that also includes an integrated Lightning connector to easily transfer content to and from the device to others. Hyper’s companion app is what makes the experience more than just storage, however…
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Google Drive for iOS updated w/ syncing speed boost & upload progress

Zac Hall Sep 3 2014 - 11:49 am PT

1 Comment

It’s been a few months since Google released version 3.1 of its Drive app for iOS, and today an update in the form of Google Drive 3.2 is available for users. The changes are slim but something users will likely appreciate.

In the latest version, Google says Drive is now faster at syncing data, and uploading files now shows a progress indicator as well as the destination for the file.

The update follows the recent release of Google Slides for iOS after it shipped Docs and Sheets earlier this year.

Drive users can find the latest version on the App Store for iPhone and iPad.

Logitech debuts Protection+ case for iPhone 5 and 5s, available in August

Mike Beasley Jul 16 2014 - 1:00 am PT

1 Comment

Logitech today revealed its newest line of smartphone cases, including the Protection+ for iPhone 5 and 5s. The cases are designed to absorb shocks and other potential damage to smartphones while maintaining a slim design. The corners of the Protection+ are specially-designed to absorb shocks without breaking and dissipate the energy of the impact across the surface of the case. The case can keep your iPhone safe after drops of up to nearly six feet and goes beyond the U.S. military’s requirements for a “rugged” device.

Logitech also debuted its +trip and +drive car accessories, which allow users to mount nearly an smartphone and case (including the Protection+, of course) to an air vent (+trip) or windshield/dashboard (+drive). The Protection+ case will retail for $34.99, while the +trip mount will cost $29.99, and the +drive mount will run for $49.99. All three products will be available for purchase in August.

Logitech protection+ Case Gives Peace of Mind to On-the-Go Samsung and iPhone Users Slim Case Combines Ultra-Protective Construction and Convenience in One NEWARK, Calif. — July 16, 2014 — Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) today announced the Logitech® protection+ case, bringing extra protection and convenience to Samsung Galaxy S®5 and Apple iPhone® 5 and iPhone® 5s owners. Featuring a slim, yet ultra-protective, outer shell, flex-resistant corners and impact-absorbent channels, this case safeguards your smartphone from whatever the world throws at it. “Our smartphones take quite a beating,” said Ariel Fischer, director of smartphone accessories at Logitech. “We designed the Logitech protection+ to give you peace of mind disguised in a great looking protective case that absorbs the daily shocks your phone experiences.” The protection+ case features a hard polycarbonate body with impact-resistant polymers in each corner that mitigate damage from impacts by absorbing shocks and dissipating them across the surface of your case. Additionally, tucked inside its polycarbonate shell, the case has impact channels and a layer of thermoplastic rubber to further absorb vibrations. For added assurance, Logitech protection+ exceeds the U.S. Military drop-test standard (MIL-STD 810 G) for “rugged” devices, protecting your phone from drops up to 1.8 meters high. The case also features a hidden metal plate that is compatible with all Logitech smartphone mounts, including +drive and the all-new +trip. +trip The +trip quickly clips to any air vent in your vehicle to keep your smartphone secure and in view. A magnet securely holds your smartphone to the +trip mount, so you can keep your audio, navigation and phone calls right where you want them. The small and stylish +trip is designed for use during daily commutes and business trips. The +trip mount includes two universal adapters, so it’s compatible with smartphones of all shapes and sizes. +drive The modern looking +drive mount instantly attaches to your windshield or dashboard thanks to a single twist-activated suction cup while a magnet secures your smartphone in place. The +drive comes with two universal adapters to seamlessly hold any smartphone or case vertically or horizontally. Pricing and Availability The Logitech protection+ case, +trip air vent mount, and +drive windshield/dashboard mount are all expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in August 2014, for suggested retail prices of $34.99, $29.99 and $49.99 respectively. For more information, please visit www.logitech.com. About Logitech Logitech is a world leader in products that connect people to the digital experiences they care about. Spanning multiple computing, communication and entertainment platforms, Logitech’s combined hardware and software enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

Google Drive 3.1 for iOS released with activity stream, sharing enhancements, more

Zac Hall Jun 25 2014 - 12:25 pm PT

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In addition to previewing the next version of Android dubbed “L”, Android Auto, Android TV, new Chromecast features, and more, Google released an updated version of Google Drive for iPhone and iPad. The new version brings enhances to file sharing giving users the ability to allow files or folders to be viewed, commented, or edited by anyone with a link. The update also adds a new incoming view for seeing files that have been shared as well as an activity stream for seeing changes you and others make to files and folders in one place.
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How Google wants to own the iPhone and how Apple is trying to stop it

Jordan Kahn Nov 6 2012 - 11:17 am PT

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A Google Zombie iPhone?

With Android now on 75 percent of all smartphones sold, and Apple and Samsung battling in and out of court for the top vendor position, the smartphone wars usually come down to units sold. Apple vs. Samsung. Android vs. iOS. Less of a focus has been Google’s steady invasion of iOS, providing users with an alternative universe to most of the core features of Apple’s mobile operating system. The importance of Google’s ecosystem of iOS apps has never been more apparent than following the recent controversy over the removal of YouTube and Google Maps as default features of iOS. Apple realized the necessity of controlling key experiences on iOS, such as Maps, but it is running into a backlash from users in the process. It is not just facing competition from Android vendors; it is also now engaged in a struggle to keep Google from creating its own layer on top of iOS.

Google’s iOS apps are not just driving iPhone and iPad users to use Google services instead of Apple’s; they are increasingly an important aspect of the iOS experience for a large amount of users. Sixty-one percent of iOS users in our own polls said they were hesitant to even update to iOS 6 because of Apple’s new Maps app, many of which are still waiting for a standalone Google Maps app that Apple has yet to approve. Some say the Maps fiasco coupled with Siri might have even led to the departure of long-time iOS chief Scott Forstall, which many think could result in a new direction for iOS. What this means for Google’s presence on iOS going forward remains to be seen, but Apple does not appear to be ignoring the control Google’s apps have over its users.

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Samsung updates MacBook Air class SSDs to 6Gbps SATA 3, 500MB/s reads and 350MB/s writes

Jordan Kahn Aug 10 2011 - 8:39 pm PT

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Variant of SSD that could go in future MacBooks Pros and Airs

We told you back in April that Apple was upgrading from Toshiba SSDs to Samsung-built drives in the latest MacBook Air lineup. Today a report from Anandtech notes the Samsung PM810 (a customized variant of the same drive currently ships in the 2011 Air) has received some substantial upgrades in its latest refresh.

Samsung has announced the PM830, the latest generation of the PM810, which is slated to pack a 6Gbps SATA 3 that provides up to 500MB/s reads and 350MB/s writes, according to Samsung. That 150% to double the real world speed of the current Samsung Air SSDs and easily beats Apple’s Pro line options.

The new drive will also be shipping with up to 512GB capacity, a nice bump up from the current 256GB offered in the MacBook Air.

Normally it wouldn’t be much of a stretch to think that Apple might naturally include this upgraded SSD in the next MacBook Air refresh. However, with tension growing between Apple and Samsung due to patent related lawsuits (if you haven’t heard by now), more and more questions are being raised about the sustainability of Samsung being one of their main competitor’s part suppliers.

According to a story from The Economist, Samsung might turn out to be a much more important supplier than you may have thought. While companies like Taiwanese-based Foxconn are known to provide many of the cheaper components that make up Apple devices, the report notes Samsung “provides some of the phone’s (iPhone) most important components” including flash memory, DRAM, and processor components. However, they are also quick to point out Apple is one of “Samsung’s largest customers”.

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