Announced back in January and subsequently thrown into private alpha, BitTorrent Sync (Windows, Mac, Linux) rolled out its first version, available to the general public today. Rather than using a central online repository for your synced files, BitTorrent Sync uses the BitTorrent file-sharing protocol to transfer files between your various devices, using your rules and custom settings.

The latest version, 1.0.116, adds a few new features like one-way and one-time syncing as well as the ability to exclude specific files or subdirectories from syncing.

BitTorrent Sync's Shared Folders tab.

After spending a few hours today syncing various files across different Windows and Mac devices, I was mostly impressed by BitTorrent Sync. The installed application is lightweight and the interface, straightforward and logical. Transfer speeds were blazing fast, and the syncing system seems to be both easy to use and secure. Each "Shared Folder" in BitTorrent Sync receives a 21-character ... [Read more]

If you do not trust online storage drives for file syncing across your devices or are frustrated with storage limits, there is another player in town. BitTorrent has released a new alpha version of its Sync software, which supports syncing folders across the Internet without going through an intermediary like Dropbox, Cloud Drive, or iCloud.

The Sync software uses the standard BitTorrent decentralized file-sharing technology to establish a secure file-synchronizing routine between your various devices. It does so by use of local peer discovery, peer exchange, and static known hosts as well as DHT and classic BitTorrent trackers to establish links between your systems, and then uses standard P2P BitTorrent protocols to transfer and reassemble files in chunks.

Right-click a shared folder to copy the folder's shared secret encryption key for transfer to another system.

Files are sent directly between your computers if possible, but if not then relay servers are used. All traffic is encrypted with 256-bit AES encryption, and the use of an encryption "secret" prevents data from being read by anything but your authorized devices.

Afte... [Read more]

Is your Android phone looking a little stale? Fortunately, there are dozens of great customization tools and launchers available for Android to give your handset a fresh new coat of paint. Download these top free launchers and give your Android device an almost unrecognizable makeover with minimal work involved.

GO Launcher EX

GO Launcher has been around since the Froyo days and has its fair share of features that still keep it an old favorite among Android users. It's a robust launcher that transforms your Android experience, allowing you to customize your icons, grid, and dock dimensions; transition animations; and perform simple gesture actions. Although it comes with a lot of heavy promotion for some of its more premium add-ons, like custom lockers and themes, GO Launcher boasts some of the largest collection of downloadable themes and icon packs for free.

Vire Launcher

Sometimes you don't want to have to customize every itty-bitty pixel, but rather just perform a simple, clean, one-step makeover. Vire Launcher brings a futuristic, glossy coat of paint to your home screen. Not only do your icons become large and easily visible, but Vire Launcher applies a universal filter that creates a sketch-like outline effect over glassy panels that's sure to impress your friends. V... [Read more]