The Hidden Costs of "Free" Apps

Most Smartphone users know that free apps are often filled with advertising to make-up for the potential revenue lost from a user not paying for the application. While these ads allow free apps to exist they are also rather annoying and distract from any actual content. However, it is not well know that they could also pose a risk to your beloved Smartphone and possible even yourself.

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Mac App Menu

I’m thrilled to share with you the announcement of Mac App Menu, a website dedicated to the publishing of news and reviews regarding the newly announced Mac App Store. News and reviews are the main topics they cover, but noteworthy Mac app sale alerts, comparisons, roundups, and tips are written about, too. It's one of the first websites centered around the Mac App Store, so you should definitely check it out!

http://macappmenu.squarespace.com

Cinch for Mac

Cinch, developed by Irradiated Software, is an elegant, mouse-driven solution to window management. Inspired by Microsoft's Windows Explorer, Cinch is based off the idea of "hot-zones". Once you drag a window into one of the zones (either left, right, menubar), an outline of your resized window will appear on the screen. Just drop the window into the hot-zone and the application window will be resized. Cinching to the right or left side of the screen will resize the window to exactly half the screen's resolution. The top hot-zone resizes to will the entire screen. Dragging a window away from its cinched position will restore the window to its original size.

Drag a window to a "hot-zone" to see a preview of the resize.

Cinch automatically resizes your window to the desired length (determined by "hot-zone").

You can download the free version (occasional pop-up), or purchase a license for yourself over at the Irradiated Software store. I will be posting a video review of Cinch on my YouTube channel, which can be found here.

SyncMate

Syncing and backing up your contacts, calendars, music, photos, videos, and other data between multiple devices can be challenging. Of course, you can copy each item manually between multiple computers, phones, and MP3 players, but that can be a real headache and cost you time… time that you can save.

With SyncMate, developed by Eltima Software, you can easily sync your data between multiple Macs, PCs, Google accounts, flash drives, and even online storage systems! SyncMate is offered in two editions: Free and Expert. With the free download provides options for syncing your iCal and Address Book data with other Macs and/or Google services.

Those looking for more advanced features should look towards the Expert version, which is available for $39.95 at the Eltima online store. Such a license adds support for syncing iTunes and iPhoto libraries, bookmarks, emails, and even specified folders on your computer. SyncMate even supports the automatic real-time synchronization of files and folders throughout your devices (via AutoSync options).

As you can tell, I am quite a fan of SyncMate myself. Not only does it eliminate the need for Dropbox and other syncing services, but it provides a simple solution to keeping all of my devices up-to-date. You can download the free version and/or purchase an Expert license for yourself here.

Also, be sure to check out the ReviewLocker blog, where I will soon be hosting a giveaway of an Expert license for SyncMate! Subscribe to the RSS feed to be notified when the giveaway article is posted!

Turn Your Mac Into a Phone

I am someone who spends a good deal of time in front of my computer, but I also spend a fair amount of time on the phone. At some point last week I thought to myself, "It would be great if I could use my phone through my Mac... like Skype." After a Google search or two, I found Blue Phone Elite 2. Unfortunately, I won't be able to post any screenshots of the application for privacy reasons, but I will do the best that I can to describe it to you. 

The idea behind the application is simple. It enables your Mac to pair with your mobile phone, and allows you to use a mic on your Mac to make and receive calls. One of my favorite things about the application is that I can dial directly from Address Book. The application has also proved useful when searching for a phone number on the web, but you still have to copy and paste the number into the "call box."

Receiving call is also pretty straightforward. If the application is on and your phone is within range, you will see a large display of information pop up on your screen (along with a rather annoying flash.) From there, you have the option to accept or reject the call, as you would on any phone. On the phone itself (an iPhone in my case) your Mac will show up as a source, which lets you easily switch between your phone, your phone's speakerphone, or your Mac.

As far as complaints go, I don't have very many on my side, but everyone I have called using Blue Phone Elite has complained about hearing a pretty significant "speakerphone" effect, so you might want to take that into consideration. Thankfully though, you don't have to take my word for it. You can download a free two week trial here. After the trial period, it will cost you $25 if you wish to continue using the application. It is important to note that Blue Phone Elite 2 is Mac only.

It may not be for everyone, but overall, I am happy with the application. However, because of the call quality, I would not suggest it for longer phone calls, but it is perfect for making brief calls at your desk, while not interrupting your workflow.

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