Ford to connect your smartphone navigation apps to Sync 3

Ford’s connected car system is getting an upgrade, even though it hasn’t hit the market yet. The car company announced at the North American International Auto Show that the third version of AppLink will come to Sync 3 and it will let users bring their smartphone navigation apps to the car’s screen. Ford isn’t relying on the likes of CarPlay and Android Auto. Instead, they will use their own system to have phones interface with their cars. AppLink 3.0 won’t ship until after Sync 3 rolls out. Hopefully, Ford works out compatibility with the likes of Google, Apple, and Waze by then.

Ford’s first partner for the project is Chinese company Alibaba. They will develop the AutoNavi software to be compatible with the SmartDeviceLink open source standard that Ford is pushing for their suppliers and other automakers.

Source: Ford | Via: Engadget

Lumia 1020 not getting the upcoming 'Denim' update, new camera features

Some bad news for Lumia 1020 owners hoping to keep their 41-megapixel Windows Phone current. It seems Microsoft will not be providing an update to the latest 'Denim' firmware update which means these older photo-centric Lumias will not be able to enjoy the latest camera features that are part and parcel of the Denim update.

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Ultimaker offers personal 3D printers in three sizes

If there was any doubt that the personal 3D printing revolution is already happening, Dutch 3D printer pioneer Ultimaker launched Ultimaker² Go and Ultimaker² Extended, two cutting-edge desktop 3D printers that are available for pre-order from March 2015 and available in April 2015.

The new Ultimaker² Go and Ultimaker² Extended follow the success of the top-rated Ultimaker², which was awarded best in shootout 2015 from Make Magazine and best consumer product at the 3D Printshow global awards 2014. The Ultimaker² Go is a compact printer that is easy to use as a starting 3D printer while the Ultimaker² Extended has added a ten centimeter larger build volume for users who want to create larger and more complex projects.

“After receiving recognition and awards from the leaders in the industry, we were inspired to make these new versions of the ground breaking Ultimaker², supporting our vision to aim for the ultimate 3D printing experience,” says Siert Wijnia, CEO of Ultimaker, “The Ultimaker² Go is a compact printer that is easy to use as a starting printer while the Ultimaker² Extended has added a ten centimeter larger build volume for users who want to create larger and more complex projects.”

Google Now Launcher brings Material Design to Jelly Bean, KitKat

If you want to try out Android Lollipop’s Material Design but still have a Jelly Bean or KitKat machine, you can get a taste of Google’s new mobile UI via Google Now Launcher. It can bring you the almost exact home screen experience without the stock icons though. But other than that, when Google rolls out improvements to the launcher, you get access to those, too. You just have to be running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean or above.

The Now Launcher has new animations, white Google Search bar, app drawer button, and new folder design. You can now also swipe right to customize the digital assistant, add reminders, and switch between your Google accounts.

Source: Cult of Android | Download: Google Play Store (Free)