Europe has an electric bike problem. Direct-to-consumer e-bikes from inexpensive Chinese brands like Engwe and countless others can be easily purchased online despite openly flouting EU restrictions. They feature throttles and powerful motors that can be easily unlocked to far exceed the 25km/h (16mph) legal speed limit — no pedaling required.
Technology
The best free sites for sharing photos and videos with your family
In a world where every moment is captured, the question isn’t just about taking photos and videos. It’s about sharing them with those who matter most. Kim from Tinton Falls, New Jersey, echoes a common concern: How can a family share digital memories, both past gatherings and present moments, in a way that’s secure, private and shareable? Here’s her question to us:
“My extended family wants to find a way to share lots of photos and videos (from days of older and also when we gather). We are hoping to find a free site, and a site that won’t be pervasive or have dangerous privacy policies. We would like everyone in our family to have access to upload into their own folders that they can name, and everyone in the family to download them.” — Kim, Tinton Falls, New Jersey
Kim’s dilemma is one many families face. They seek a platform that’s free, non-invasive and respectful of privacy. A virtual space where each family member can contribute to their personalized folders, with the freedom to download cherished memories at will. Ideally, this platform would empower users to set expiration dates on their shared content, ensuring their digital footprints don’t linger indefinitely in the cloud.
Here are some recommended solutions that meet Kim’s criteria for privacy, security and ease of use for family photo sharing.
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A family photo (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Private and free photo-sharing platforms
1. Google Photos
- Free Storage: 15 GB shared across Google services.
- Features: Automatic organization, shared albums and smart search.
- Privacy: Google has robust privacy policies, but users should review and adjust their privacy settings as needed.
- How to Use: Create a shared album and invite family members to contribute. Each member can upload photos and videos to their own folders within the album.
- Note: There have been concerns about Google’s data collection practices and privacy policies. If you are concerned about data privacy, you should consider alternative storage solutions.
How to set up Google Photos
- Install the Google Photos app from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS).
- Open the app and sign in with your Google Account.
How to create a shared Google Photos album
- Navigate to the “Photos” tab.
- Tap on the “Library” tab, then “New album.”
- Select the photos and videos you want to include in the album.
- Tap on the “Share” button, then select “Create shared album”.
- Enter the email addresses of the family members you want to invite. They will receive an invitation to join the album.
Google photos app (Google)
2. Dropbox
- Free Storage: 2 GB.
- Features: File syncing, easy sharing and a mobile app.
- Privacy: Strong security features, including two-factor authentication.
- How to Use: Create a shared folder and invite family members. Members can upload and organize their photos and videos in personal subfolders.
How to set up Dropbox
- Install the Dropbox app from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS), or download the desktop application from the Dropbox website.
- Open the app and sign in with your Dropbox account or create a new account if you don’t have one.
How to upload files
- Launch the Dropbox app or desktop application.
- Click on the “Upload” button. Select the photos or videos you want to upload from your device.
How to create a shared folder
- In the Dropbox app or desktop application, click on “New folder”.
- Give the folder a name that is easily recognizable for all family members.
- Right-click on the folder and select “Share” or use the share icon.
- Enter the email addresses of the family members you want to invite. They will receive an invitation to join the folder.
How to organize files
- Within the shared folder, create subfolders for each family member. This helps in organizing the photos and videos.
- Each family member can upload their photos and videos to their respective subfolders.
Dropbox website and app (Dropbox)
3. Box
- Free Storage: 10 GB.
- Features: Collaboration tools and secure sharing options.
- Privacy: High-level security and compliance with various privacy regulations.
- How to Use: Set up a shared folder for the family. Each member can create and manage their own subfolders.
How to set up Box
- Go to the Box website and sign up for a free account if you don’t already have one.
- Install the Box app from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS), or download the desktop application from the Box website.
How to upload files
- Launch the Box app or desktop application.
- Click on the “Upload” button. Select the photos or videos you want to upload from your device.
How to create a shared folder
- In the Box app or desktop application, click on “New” and then “Folder.”
- Give the folder a name that is easily recognizable for all family members.
- Right-click (or click the ellipsis (…)) on the folder and select “Share” from the More Options menu.
- Enter the email addresses of the family members you want to invite. They will receive an invitation to join the folder.
How to organize files
- Within the shared folder, create subfolders for each family member. This helps in organizing the photos and videos.
- Each family member can upload their photos and videos to their respective subfolders.
Box website and app (Box)
While these solutions directly address Kim’s needs for family photo sharing, it’s also worth considering device-specific options and additional cloud storage services. These can complement your chosen family-sharing platform or provide alternative solutions depending on your devices and preferences. Also, with the solutions of sharing with family members, you should be aware of the need to increase storage space if needed.
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Device-specific and cloud storage options
The solution you choose may also depend on the devices your family uses. Whether you’re an Apple owner, have an Android device or use a mix of both, there are options tailored to your needs. Let’s explore some device-specific and cloud-storage solutions:
Photo logos (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Photography tools
Apple iCloud offers a free tier with 5 GB of storage, featuring seamless integration, automatic backup and shared albums. Paid tiers include 50 GB for $0.99 per month, 200 GB for $2.99 per month, and 2 TB for $9.99 per month.
Google Photos provides an unlimited free tier at limited resolution, with smart search, automatic organization and shared albums. Google One plans offer 15 GB for free with various paid pricing options.
Amazon Prime Photos is included with an Amazon Prime subscription and offers unlimited full-resolution storage and family sharing. For a fee, Amazon Photos provides additional storage options.
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Maximize your mobile storage on iOS/iPhone
With iCloud Photos, you can make more space available on your device and still have access to your entire full-resolution collection wherever you go. To get started with iCloud Photos:
- Tap Settings
- Click your name
- Then click iCloud
- Next, tap Photos
- Tap Sync this iPhone. In iOS 15 or earlier, tap to turn on iCloud Photos.
- Select Optimize iPhone Storage to save space on your device.
When Optimize Storage is turned on, full-resolution photos and videos are stored in iCloud, and space-saving copies are stored on your device when needed. As long as you have enough space in iCloud, you can store as many photos and videos as you want.
If you need more storage
- When you sign up for iCloud, you automatically get 5 GB of free storage. If you need more, you can upgrade to iCloud+.
- If you need more storage on your device, you can transfer the photos and videos that you don’t want to store in iCloud to your computer.
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IPad and iphone using iCloud (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
Maximize your mobile storage on Android
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos app
- Sign in to your Google Account
- At the top right, tap your Profile picture or Initial
- Tap Photos settings
- Then click Backup
- Under “Settings,” tap Back up device folders.
- Select the folders you want to back up.
Cloud storage
Dropbox offers 2 GB of free storage with features like file syncing, easy sharing and a mobile app. It also has paid plans such as Plus, which provides 2 TB for $9.99 per month, and a family plan that offers a shared 2 TB for $16.99 per month.
Box provides 10 GB of free storage and includes collaboration tools and secure sharing options. It offers business plans that come with more storage and additional features.
IDrive gives you 5 GB for free and is designed for backing up multiple devices, along with file versioning. Its personal plans include 2 TB of storage for $69.50 per year.
Photo services
Flickr allows users to store up to 1,000 photos or videos for free and is known for its community and photo organization features. It offers a pro subscription with unlimited storage for $7.99 per month.
500px permits only limited uploads for free users but is a platform dedicated to the photography community and includes portfolio features. Its Awesome plan is priced at $6.49 per month, and the Pro plan is available for $12.99 per month.
SAY IT WITH PHOTOS: THE BEST DIGITAL PHOTO FRAMES
Kurt’s key takeaways
These days, sharing family memories securely is both a challenge and a necessity. For Kim and families like hers, platforms such as Google Photos, Dropbox and Box offer free, secure solutions that balance privacy with ease of use. While device-specific options provide seamless integration, cloud services ensure cross-platform accessibility. Remember to regularly review privacy settings, use strong passwords and consider the 3-2-1 backup rule for your precious memories. By choosing the right platform and following best practices, you can create a private, shared digital space to cherish your moments together, both past and present.
What challenges or benefits have you experienced in trying to balance convenience, privacy and meaningful connection when sharing photos and videos with loved ones? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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Here in Amsterdam, cheap Super73-knockoffs ridden at almost twice the legal speed have made the city’s renowned bicycle lanes increasingly chaotic and dangerous. Across the Netherlands, over 10,000 of these electric “fat bikes” were seized in 2024.
Engwe’s new Mapfour lineup is the company’s attempt at going legit by expanding from souped-up electric fat bikes and foldables into “premium commuter” e-bikes. And because they’re the first e-bikes that Engwe has designed exclusively for European roads, the company swears they can’t be unlocked for more speed.
I’ve been riding the new Mapfour N1 Pro model for the last few weeks. It lists for €1,899 (almost $2,000), or €1,799 during the initial launch — a price that brings heightened expectations.
The N1 Pro is slathered in premium capabilities like GPS/GSM tracking for which some bike makers charge subscriptions. The monocoque frame and fork are made from carbon fiber supplied by Toray — “the same high-quality carbon fiber as Trek and Specialized,” claims Engwe. There’s even turn-by-turn navigation built into the full-featured app, a large colorful display integrated into the handlebars, and a built-in mechanical lock in the rear wheel hub that automatically engages when the bike is turned off and stationary.
My review bike was missing a fender bolt, occasionally flashed a strange error code, and the solar-powered rear light won’t turn on. Still, it’s likely the highest quality electric bike Engwe has ever made.
$1714
The Good
- Looks and rides sporty
- Long list of features for price
- Removable battery
- Can’t be speed hacked
The Bad
- Strange error messages
- Servicing parts likely an issue
- Doesn’t support height range claimed
- Can’t be speed hacked
I have lots of experience with assembling direct-to-consumer e-bikes and the N1 Pro was ready to ride in about an hour, which is typical. Even with a carbon-fiber frame it weighs 20.1kg (44lbs) fully assembled according to my scale, which is heavy for an e-bike — just not Veloretti-heavy.
In the box you’ll find a basic toolset that includes everything needed for assembly and instructions written in stellar English unlike some previous Engwe tutorials I’ve read. I had to assemble the pedals, front wheel, kickstand, handlebar, and fenders, and fish out a replacement fender bolt from some spare bicycle parts I had lying around. I then went to adjust the saddle to my height only to discover that I was too tall for the N1 Pro.
The saddle stem has a marked safety line that stops well before the height needed for my 6 foot (183cm) frame, despite being sold in the Netherlands where I’m considered a short king. Nevertheless, exceeding the line by about 2.5cm (one inch) hasn’t made the saddle feel insecure, even when riding over rough cobblestones. Engwe claims the N1 Pro supports riders from 165–190cm, and is considering offering the option for a longer saddle stem at checkout based upon my feedback.
The N1 Pro’s geometry puts the rider into what’s essentially a mountain bike stance: a moderate forward lean with hands spread wide out in front of the body. That wrist and body angle combined with a rather stiff saddle are not ideal for riding long distances, especially in combination with a backpack that’ll put even more weight on the hands and derrière. I do like that fun, sporty posture over short distances, but if you’re looking for a more relaxed ride then Engwe has the upright €1,399 MapFour N1 Air available in both step-over and step-through frames.
The 250W mid-drive Ananda motor on the N1 Pro is nearly silent under the din of road noise, and the integrated torque sensor provides an intuitive pedal-assist at all speeds. It produces up to 80Nm of torque that lets me easily start from a dead stop in fourth gear (of seven) on flat roads, but testing on a hill with a gradient of about 15 percent required a start from first gear. Typically, I only needed to shift to a high gear when I wanted to use my leg power to propel the bike at speeds above the 25km/h motor cutoff.
Despite claiming a range of up to 100km from its modest 360Wh battery, my first test performed over a few weeks yielded just 23km off a full charge in near-freezing conditions. I usually rode in power setting three of five on mostly flat roads. The second test performed on a single warmer day improved the range to 27km with 28 percent charge remaining — or an estimated 36km if I had time to run the battery dry for a below average 10Wh consumed per kilometer travelled. The bike battery seems to suffer from idle battery drain of about 1-2 percent per day when parked inside my house.
Worrisome for a “premium” e-bike: on two occasions I saw an “09” error message flash on the display which Engwe is still diagnosing. Once, while starting the bike after it had been sitting outside in the rain for a few hours. Another time after riding home on a rain-soaked street while switching between the N1 Pro’s regular and high-beam lights. In the first case, a simple reboot cleared it and I was able to ride away fine, but the other time required riding home under my own power before it inexplicably cleared the next morning.
- The bike’s integrated display is readable in all lighting, and shows the remaining battery level, speed, power level, and even distance and direction of next turn if using the navigation built into the useful but overwrought Engwe app.
- I didn’t find Engwe’s turn-by-turn navigation very useful as the guidance presented on the display wasn’t informative or urgent enough for me to make confident decisions when traversing the dense network of crossroads in Amsterdam.
- It has a very loud alarm that can ward off thieves and help locate the e-bike in large parking garages.
- The daytime running lights are fun and help with visibility, but also dorky if you choose the animated options.
- The solar-powered rear light never worked on my review unit.
- Engwe provides a chain guard on shipping units.
- The hydraulic disc brakes from an unspecified vendor provide good controlled stops.
- Includes a 1-year warranty on electrical components, chassis, and battery.
1/19
There was a time when premium e-bikes had list prices around €2,000 / $2,000. Those days are as gone as the free venture capital propping up e-bike startups, pushing premium prices up to a starting price closer to €3,000 / $3,000. The Engwe N1 Pro is therefore priced about right. It’s not a bad e-bike, but it’s also not great despite checking off lots of features on a marketing sheet.
Just remember, servicing a direct-to-consumer e-bike can be a problem as it requires the ready availability of spare parts and the knowledge to replace them. As with any electric bike exposed to the elements and regular road use, the N1 Pro’s motor and any proprietary electronics like the controller, display, battery, lights, buttons, and integrated lock will eventually need servicing. So you’d better be on very good terms with your local bike shop or be handy with a wrench and oscilloscope to prevent your mail-order e-bike from quickly turning into e-waste.
Photography by Thomas Ricker / The Verge
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is preparing to launch the eighth flight test of Starship from Boca Chica, Texas, which could blast off as soon as this Friday as long as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gives its approval.
“Starship Flight 8 flies Friday,” Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, said in a post on X Sunday.
For the first time, the upcoming flight has a planned payload deployment and multiple experiments on re-entry geared toward returning the upper stage booster to the launch site to be caught.
The launch will also include the return and catch of the Super Heavy booster that will blast the rocket off the launchpad.
STARSHIP UPPER STAGE LOST ON SEVENTH TEST FLIGHT, DEBRIS SEEN SPEWING IN SKY
Starship Flight 7 launches from Starbase, Texas, before its upper stage was lost. (Associated Press)
During the flight test, Starship will deploy four Starlink simulators, which are about the same size as next-generation Starlink satellites, SpaceX said.
The Starlink simulators will be deployed in the same sub orbit as Starship and are expected to burn up upon re-entry.
While Starship is in space, SpaceX also plans to relight a single Raptor engine.
POWERFUL WEBB TELESCOPE SPIES SPECTACULAR STAR BIRTH CLUSTER BEYOND THE MILKY WAY
Starship Flight 7 launches from Starbase, Texas. (Associated Press)
If all goes as planned, the launch window will open at 6:30 p.m. ET.
The launch comes more than a month after SpaceX launched Starship Flight 7 from the Starbase test site in Boca Chica, which resulted in Starship experiencing a “rapid unscheduled disassembly” nearly 12 minutes into the flight.
The Super Heavy booster descended back to Earth, where it maneuvered to the launch and catch tower arms at Starbase, resulting in the second ever successful catch of Super Heavy.
Starship, however, was not as successful.
MERGER OF MASSIVE BLACK HOLES FROM EARLY UNIVERSE UNCOVERED BY WEBB TELESCOPE, SCIENTISTS SAY
“Starship experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly during its ascent burn,” SpaceX said in a statement Jan. 16. “Teams will continue to review data from today’s flight test to better understand root cause. With a test like this, success comes from what we learn, and today’s flight will help us improve Starship’s reliability.”
SpaceX has investigated what caused Starship to break apart, though the investigation remains open.
For Starship Flight 8 to blast off, the FAA must give its approval, which could come in a few ways.
In 2023, the FAA issued a five-year license to SpaceX for launches from Texas, which is revisited for every launch in case modifications need to be made for things like the trajectory of the rocket. The FAA could grant approval once mission specifics and license modifications are made, the FAA told Fox News Digital.
But also lingering is the open investigation into the Starship Flight 7 mishap. To fly again, the investigation needs to be closed, and the FAA must accept the findings. Specifically, the FAA weighs whether the incident put public safety at risk.
At the time of this writing, the investigation had not been closed, and the FAA had not given approval. Still, it is common for the approval to be issued a day or two before launch, the FAA noted.
SpaceX did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the matter.
Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
The goal, Patel says, is to continuously cycle through all of Framework’s actively supported laptops, updating each of them one at a time before looping back around and starting the process over again. Functionality-breaking problems and security fixes will take precedence, while additional features and user requests will be lower-priority.
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