[NewsPoster]

Hangouts, Google's messaging app, has received an update for iOS devices. Hangouts allows users to send and receive messages, photos and more, and make video and voice calls with a group or one-on-one. Hangouts v2.5.0 features new sticker packs, and improved video call experience alongside miscellaneous bug fixes.

Finding friends and family on Hangouts is easier when searching by phone number, and status messages are now available. The user's location can be shared in one click with new "smart sharing suggestions," suitable for responding to friends who ask where one is at that moment. Free to download, Hangouts requires iOS 7.0 or later.

Other World Computing releases Envoy Pro Ex USB 3.0 SSD in 1TB capacity

Other World Computing (OWC) has announced the immediate availability of a new 1TB model of its Envoy Pro Ex USB 3.0 SSD. Prioritizing portability, the Envoy Pro Ex offers sustained read and write speeds of up to 436MB per second and 429MB per second, respectively. Capacity options start at 240GB for $250, with the new 1TB capacity available for $600. OWC will be showcasing the 1TB Envoy Pro Ex at their booth at CES in Las Vegas.

[powerbooks]

No internal SSD upgrade for any new MacBook Retina? Does this mean all SSD upgrades are impossible for new MacBooks since 2013?

[Mike Wuerthele]

How to Upgrade Retina MacBook Pro SSD Storage: 13-Inch @ EveryMac.com

Tl;DR They're working on it. A Mac Pro SSD is a drop-in for the 2014 MBP with Retina.

[powerbooks]

"OWC is hard at work on a PCIe 2.0-based SSD that will be compatible with these systems and plans to release it this year (2014)"

Unless I guess it is distracted by those external Sticks or portable Envoy!